Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options.
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season.
Meanwhile, authorities expanded the total public beach area by more than 10% across Albania’s coastal, river, and lakeside areas.
According to Gonxhja, the expansion aims to give residents and tourists better access to beaches. It also seeks to provide quality services at affordable prices.
“For the first time, municipality-managed beaches also offer services such as umbrellas and sun loungers,” Gonxhja said. Municipal councils approve the fees for these services.
The measure also aims to curb price abuse during the tourist season. By setting official fees, municipalities can regulate the market and offer visitors clearer and more affordable options.
Gonxhja highlighted Saranda and several other municipalities as examples of this management model.
He said Saranda has shown clear results in improving access to beaches and public spaces. The city has also introduced a new model of municipality-managed beaches with officially approved fees for umbrellas and sun loungers.
Furthermore, authorities continue to improve the management of public beaches in protected and rural areas.
“We are moving toward greater formalization because we want tourism revenues to generate benefits for the public,” Gonxhja said.
The minister also stressed that authorities will continue expanding public beach access. As a result, the government aims to guarantee citizens’ right to enjoy beaches while keeping prices affordable.
“We will continue our commitment to public beaches and to citizens’ right to affordable beaches, with affordable prices in every respect,” Gonxhja said.
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