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Beaches

Although many Albanian beaches are considered good to excellent by the European Environment Agency (EEA), Durrës beaches have unfortunately recently fallen below this standard. While beaches from Rashkull up to Cap Rodon are highly rated, many along the stretch from Plazh to Golem and Kavaje are now rated poor.

State of bathing waters in 2024

The EEA publishes its yearly figures in May of the preceding year, meaning that their current data is for 2024. On their interactive map, many beaches along the Plazh stretch have been given a poor rating.

The problems at these beaches primarily stem from anthropogenic activities exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and rapid urbanisation. Key contributors include untreated wastewater, port operations, and riverine inputs, leading to elevated levels of bacteria, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and organic pollutants.

From the EEa's Bathing water quality 2024 Country factsheet, "The quality of bathing waters is classified according to two microbiological parameters (Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci), considering the minimum quality standards defined in the Bathing Water Directive. 77.3% of all reported bathing waters (including those bathing waters whose quality could not be classified due to lack of samples) are in line with the minimum quality standards, thus classified as “sufficient” or better."

Note: the data displayed here is sourced from 2024 figures, so the situation may have either improved or deteriorated. The 2025 data will be published in May 2026. The markers on the map don't represent every point along the coast where samples were taken, but indicate a general summary of the surrounding area.

Insight takeaways:

  • The EEA considers many beaches aroubf Durrës to be of 'poor' to 'sufficient' condition due to port runoff and untreated sewage/urban wastewater.
  • Beaches on the northern coast, from Rashkull to Cape of Rodon, are in better condition due to their distance from urban centres and industrial activity.
Topic Locations Map:

Locations relevant to this topic. Click markers for more information. The 'Find Me' marker, top right, only works for mobile users.

Dark Blue = Excellent. Light Blue = Good, Green = Sufficient, Red = Poor

The markers don't indicate every point where samples were taken, but give a general overview of the sample results in those areas.