A new study has named the beaches in Spain with the clearest blue waters, and once again the Balearic Islands have come out on top. The analysis, carried out by car hire company Sixt, looked at 100 different spots across Europe using high-resolution photos to measure the intensity of their colours. Two well-known beaches in Ibiza and Formentera made it into Spain’s top ten, highlighting once more that the Balearic Sea is something special.

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Cape Villano, Bay of Biscay

Cape Villano, on Spain’s northern Atlantic coast, took first place in the ranking. The area is known for its steep cliffs, wide sea views, and strong blue tones that stood out more than anywhere else in the country. It’s a place where people go hiking along the coast, surfing, or even watching dolphins and whales out at sea. Unlike the calm Mediterranean beaches, Cape Villano has a wilder, more natural feel, which gives it a different kind of appeal.

Ses Illetes, Formentera

Formentera’s Ses Illetes beach was ranked third in the whole country. Found inside the Ses Salines Natural Park, it’s often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its white sand and shallow, turquoise water make it look like a postcard.

Because it sits in a protected area, the surroundings are fragile. The seagrass meadows, known as posidonia, play a key role in keeping the water so clear. They are also under constant pressure from the large number of people who head there each summer. Formentera is working hard to balance its popularity with protecting the environment.

Cala Comte, Ibiza

Ibiza also made the list with Cala Comte, which came in at number ten. The beach is famous for its bright turquoise waters and views across to small nearby islands like s’Illa des Bosc and sa Conillera. It’s also a favourite spot to watch the sunset, drawing crowds in the evenings as well as during the day.

Despite the heavy footfall, Cala Comte still stands out as one of the island’s most natural treasures, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters showing exactly why it earned a place in the ranking.

Where Else Made the List

The study found the bluest waters in Spain at Cape Villano in the Bay of Biscay, on the country’s northern coast. It was followed by the Bay of Vigo in Galicia and then Ses Illetes in Formentera. Other spots in the top ten included the Bay of Cádiz, La Concha beach in San Sebastián, the Covadonga Lakes in Asturias, Málaga’s Fuente de Piedra Lagoon, La Palma’s Charco Azul, and Cala Comte in Ibiza.

Each of these places is known for something different, from dolphin and whale sightings in the Bay of Biscay, to flamingos at Fuente de Piedra, or the volcanic pools of La Palma.

How the Study Worked

To create the ranking, experts used photos taken in May and analysed the colours using what’s known as the LAB colour model. This allowed them to measure the depth of the blue tones in each location and compare them fairly. While it sounds technical, the end result confirms what most people see for themselves, some beaches really do shine brighter and bluer than others.

The Challenge of Tourism

Being named among the best is great for the economy, but it also raises concerns. Ses Illetes, in particular, has struggled with overcrowding during peak season, and environmental groups warn that too many visitors can damage the delicate seagrass meadows. Cala Comte faces similar pressures.

Local authorities are trying to put measures in place to protect these natural areas while still letting people enjoy them. The long-term health of these beaches depends on striking that balance.

Why Blue Matters

The growing interest in crystal-clear waters is not just a trend. Sixt reported that internet searches for “clear waters” have gone up by 44% in the past year, showing that travellers are actively looking for destinations with clean, unspoiled seas.

Spain, with its long coastline and variety of landscapes, is well placed to meet that demand. From the wild Atlantic in the north to the calm Mediterranean in the Balearics, the country has no shortage of beaches where the sea is the main attraction.

Main image: Shutterstock/Alexandre.ROSA