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NINE of the ten bluest seas in the world can be found in Europe, beating tropical destinations like the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

A new study has revealed where the world's bluest waters can be discovered and it turns out that Brits don't need to travel far to find them.

Paralia Mpouka beach in Greece has the second bluest waters in the world
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Paralia Mpouka beach in Greece has the second bluest waters in the worldCredit: Beachseeker.com
Kassiopi Beach was another Greek favourite to make the list
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Kassiopi Beach was another Greek favourite to make the listCredit: Getty
France's Plage de la Vernette came third on the list overall
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France's Plage de la Vernette came third on the list overallCredit: littoral-seynois.fr

The research was put together by travel experts at CV Villas, who wanted to finally settle the argument and reveal where in the world actually has the bluest sea. 

To discover this, they took Google map screenshots of 200 beaches around the globe and used a colour dropper tool to compare the colour of the water to the world’s bluest shade of blue (YInMn Blue).

The shade was officially declared the bluest by Oregon State University back in 2016.

Using this unusual method, they were able to compile a top 30 list.

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The research revealed that Pasqyra Beach in Albania has water which most closely resembles the YInMn Blue shade.

The beach is known around the world as Mirror Beach because of the reflective effect that can be seen on the water when the sunlight hits the surface.

It is considered to be a highlight of the Albanian coastline, which is quickly becoming more and more popular with tourists.

The beach is found in Saranda, on the south coast of the country, and known as the capital of the Albanian Riviera.

It's fairly simple to get to Albania, with Ryanair offering direct return flights.

A night for two in Saranda can be booked from around £15.

It's not only CV Villas who have been amazed by Mirror Beach, with some saying it's much quieter than more popular spots like Ksmail.

Albania Tour Guide wrote: "Mirror beach remains quiet even in the summer months. It gives you the chance to relax and feel free.

"Moreover, the seashore is stunning. You will not believe your eyes, when you see the bright blue water.

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"The bay is surrounded by white cliffs. The rocky background makes the bay feel like a secret spot."

While Albania claimed top spot, there was another European country that featured in the overall top 30 more than any other, with five locations in the top 10 alone.

In second and third place were Paralia Mpouka and Kassiopi Beach, both of which are found on the Greek mainland.

Greek holiday locations feature in the top 30 seven times , with the pair in the top three showcasing the country's bluest waters, according to the research.

The beaches with the bluest water in the world

A new study has revealed where the world's bluest waters can be discovered - here are the top 30

  1. Pasqyra Beach, Albania
  2. Paralia Mpouka, Greece
  3. Kassiopi, Greece
  4. Plage de la Vernette, France
  5. Kaputas Beach, Turkey
  6. Voulisma Beach, Greece
  7. Foki Beach, Greece
  8. Praia do Carvalho, Portugal
  9. Omprogialos, Greece
  10. Los Lances Beach, Spain
  11. Troon Beach, Scotland
  12. Zlatni Rat, Croatia
  13. Ploce Beach, Montenegro
  14. Marina del Cantone, Italy
  15. Cannon Beach, USA
  16. Cala Saona, Spain
  17. Keem Bay, Ireland
  18. Antisamos, Greece
  19. Plaza Kutlesa, Croatia
  20. Štikovica, Croatia
  21. Platja es Tancats, Spain
  22. Platja des Coll Baix, Spain
  23. Dafnoudi Beach, Greece
  24. Paloma Beach, France
  25. Praia de Boneca, Portugal
  26. Cala Figuera, Spain
  27. Milocher Beach, Montenegro
  28. Matira Beach, French Polynesia
  29. Cape Kaliakra, Bulgaria
  30. Playa El Doradillo, Argentina

In fourth spot, Plage de la Vernette Beach in the south of France impressed with its waters making it one of only two French entrants in the overall list.

The globally renowned Paloma Beach on the French Riviera ranked 24th in the blue water rankings. 

Rounding off the top five is Kaputas Beach in Turkey, the only one outside of Europe, with the shoreline found in the Asian part of the country.

The small beach is found between Kaş and Kalkan in southwestern Turkey and can only be accessed by parking up in the mountains above and walking down 180 steps.

There are only three other beaches outside of Europe in the top 30, including Cannon Beach in Oregon, USA, which came in 15th place.

It has views of Haystack Rock, a 235-foot sea stack that rises from the middle of the incredibly blue ocean.

Meanwhile, Matira Beach in Bora Bora is 28th in the world for its blue shores and Argentina's Playa El Doradillo completes the top 30. 

One of UK beach was unfortunate not to have made the top 10, with Troon Beach on the west coast of Scotland coming in 11th.

The long sweeping stretch of sand is home to a popular esplanade and boasts views across to the Isle of Arran.

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Meanwhile, these beaches have the calmest waters in the world.

And this stunning island has been nicknamed the "Greek Caribbean" because of its amazing beaches.

Kaputas Beach in Turkey was the only beach outside of Europe in the top five
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Kaputas Beach in Turkey was the only beach outside of Europe in the top fiveCredit: Getty
Albania's Pasqyra Beach, known as Mirror Beach, is said to have the world's bluest waters
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Albania's Pasqyra Beach, known as Mirror Beach, is said to have the world's bluest watersCredit: Getty
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