On Albania’s Adriatic Coast, Tourism Ambitions Put at Risk by Pollution

Violeta was unimpressed by the rubbish blighting her summer holiday. “It’s awful, isn’t it?” the 24-year-old said of the litter and construction waste strewn along beachfront at Golem Beach, a sandy stretch of Adriatic coast just south of the Albanian port city of Durres. Golem is one of the most affordable holiday destinations in Albania, just 30 kilometres west of the capital, Tirana, and a relatively quick trip from neighbouring Kosovo. It is often packed with visitors, but Violeta said one week was enough. “We’re going somewhere cleaner because of the pollution, like Ksamil,” she told BIRN, referring to a beach at the southern end of Albania. Pointing at rubbish, she said: “It bothers me because animals eat it and there are kids running around.” Subscribe to Balkan Insight Premium to read the full article. Please login to your account below if you are already a Premium Subscriber. Buy Premium Subscription Our Premium Service gives you full access to all content published on BalkanInsight.com, including analyses, investigations, comments, interviews and more. Choose your subscription today and get unparalleled in-depth coverage of the Southern and Eastern Europe. Buy Premium Subscription If you have trouble logging in or any other questions regarding you account, please contact us