TIRANA, August 11 – The number of public beach plots and stations has increased significantly this summer. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said 1,689 public plots are available in 2026. Last year, the figure stood at 1,014.
According to data from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the increase amounts to 67%, or 675 additional public plots. The total public beach area has also expanded to 3.18 million square metres from 2.88 million in 2025. That represents an increase of about 303,000 square metres, or 10.5%.
Municipalities have also taken responsibility for managing public beaches this year. They manage 124 plots across the country. These areas cover about 475,000 square metres. They offer umbrellas and sun loungers at approved and more affordable rates. Lezha has the largest number with 49 plots. Durrës follows with 38, Shkodra with 16, Himara with 11 and Vlora with 10. Durrës also has the largest area at about 316,000 square metres. Lezha follows with 75,000, Himara with 51,000, Vlora with 21,000 and Shkodra with 13,000 square metres.
The return of 665 plots to public management has also expanded public beach space. Private operators previously managed these plots. Authorities rejected or received no applications for them. Their return added about 768,000 square metres to the public beach area. Meanwhile, authorities formalised 22 exclusive-use beaches in 2026, compared with 2 in 2025. The increase amounts to 20 stations, or about 11 times more. They include 570 plots and about 1.42 million square metres of managed and formalised beach area.
Gonxhja said the expansion provides an alternative to excessive prices and improves public access to beaches. He highlighted municipal management, approved local tariffs, beach formalisation and payment fiscalisation. He also stressed stronger safety measures and public awareness. However, he said authorities still need to address legality on lake and river beaches, protected areas and islands. Hygiene, safety and affordable access also remain key challenges.
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