Free beach access now guaranteed in Albania’s 2025 summer season
For the first time in decades, during the summer of 2025, beachgoers across Albania can access designated public beach areas free of charge—thanks to a new regulation by the Council of Ministers that mandates 30% of every 1,000-meter coastal stretch be open to the public.
Why is this important: The move ends years of complaints over shrinking public beach space and rising private charges. Now, all Albanian beaches must offer free, accessible areas equipped with minimum infrastructure: restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and changing cabins.
Context: The regulation, effective from October 2024, also enforces clear spatial standards.
· Umbrellas and sunbeds must be placed at least 10 meters from the shoreline.
· A 2.5-meter buffer zone in front of the first row must remain free for public use.
· Umbrellas must be spaced 3 meters apart horizontally and 2.5 meters vertically relative to the shoreline.
· Each station must also include at least one shower, gender-separated toilets, and changing rooms covering at least 1% of the total beach plot.
Where is it working best: So far, Lezha leads in implementation, with 268 designated public zones along its coast and over 94,000 m² available for free use. The municipal company “Lezha Invest” manages additional services at regulated prices (300–500 ALL per umbrella set), complete with signage, lifeguards, and waste services.
Velipoja has expanded public access with 34 zones, while Durrës features 128 public beach segments along its 42 km coastline. However, full compliance with infrastructure standards varies by location.
Challenges: In Vlora, Himara, Saranda, and Ksamil, public areas have opened but issues remain: missing showers, insufficient restrooms, or unclean spaces. Yet, for many, the return of free beach access is a reminder of a simpler time, before commercialization took over the coastline.
What’s next: Local task forces continue monitoring for illegal occupation and ensuring compliance. The initiative marks a shift toward balancing tourism growth with equal public access—welcoming both locals and foreign visitors to enjoy Albania’s shores freely.
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