A popular vacation destination often referred to as the ‘Maldives of Europe’ has been identified as having the most polluted seas in Europe. A recent study conducted by Which? analyzed 22,289 reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) regarding bathing water quality and the proportion of beaches in each country graded as either ‘excellent’ or ‘poor.’
While the overall outlook was positive, with 96% of beaches in the European Union (EU) meeting the minimum quality requirements, one particular country stood out with only 16% of its bathing waters achieving an ‘excellent’ rating. Despite being likened to the Maldives and experiencing a surge in popularity due to its picturesque white sandy beaches, this country performed significantly worse compared to its counterparts.
Albania ranked at the bottom of the list, with 23% of its beaches exhibiting poor water quality, indicating the presence of high levels of faecal bacteria, as highlighted by Which?. In contrast, the UK only had 7% of its beaches classified as poor in terms of water quality.
The contamination of the sea can stem from sewage overflows or agricultural run-off, leading to the introduction of harmful bacteria like e. coli and intestinal enterococci into the water. These pollutants can result in various health issues ranging from skin, ear, and eye infections to gastrointestinal problems, with vulnerable individuals such as children and the elderly being at higher risk.
Numerous tourists visiting Albania have shared their experiences on social media platforms regarding the condition of the country’s beaches. For instance, TikTok user @paveltrips labeled Durres as the “worst beach in Europe,” showcasing images of litter on the shore, deteriorating buildings, and crumbling houses.
A review on TripAdvisor also criticized the beach area, describing it as unkempt with litter scattered everywhere and lacking proper maintenance services. Additionally, a video depicted the stark contrast between expectations and reality at Ksamil, renowned for its Instagram-worthy beaches with hammocks and swings over the water. However, the footage from 2024 depicted damaged hammocks, broken furniture, and overflowing trash bins.
Ksamil Beach received a low rating of 2.7 stars on TripAdvisor, with one review from September 2025 cautioning visitors about the privatization of the beach and overcrowding issues, urging people to avoid the location despite its social media hype.
Holidaymakers are advised to consult the EEA’s interactive map before swimming in European waters to ensure compliance with EU cleanliness standards. In the UK, the Safer Seas & Rivers Service app covers more than 450 locations, allowing users to check for any water quality alerts.
Some areas in Albania that have been recognized for their excellent water quality include the village of Dhërmi, which boasts two beaches, and Vlorë, the country’s third-largest city and a popular beach spot.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Cyprus emerged as the top performer in the rankings by Which?, with all its beaches meeting the excellent water quality criteria, followed closely by Greece at 97.1%.
The National Tourism Agency (NTA) of Albania has been approached for comments on the matter.
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