Italy has some of the best bathing spots in Europe

Italy is one of the leading countries in the world regarding the number of tourist it receives a year and this is due to its sea side. The Mediterranean offers a unique experience and is part of its waters.

Italy has more than 7,500 kilometers of coastline and the Tourism Ministry can brag about its bathing water. According to a report released yesterday by the European Environment Agency, Italy outmatches its main European rivals, France and Spain.

The report revealed that more than 87 percent of Italy's beaches, lakes and rivers have water of excellent quality. “We must continue to ensure that our bathing and drinking water as well as our aquatic ecosystems are fully protected,” said Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik, The country was closely followed by Spain with 83 percent and France with 72.5 percent.

More than 5,500 bathing spots in Italy ere analyzed and that represents just shy above 20 percent of all bathing spots in Europe. Italy receives about 45 million tourist per year which sends the country into Europe's top five. However, the best bathing places in Europe were found in Cyprus, Malta and Croatia, according to EEA.

At the other end of the rankings were found Estonia, Belgium, Netherlands and Ireland with the poorest bathing spots.