What was once hailed as Albania’s coastal crown jewel is now drawing criticism for pollution, overcrowding, and a loss of charm. The Albanian seaside village of Ksamil, often dubbed “Europe’s Maldives” for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, is facing a wave of backlash from disillusioned tourists who say the once-idyllic paradise has been overwhelmed by rubbish and mass tourism.
Recent reviews on travel forums paint a picture far removed from the turquoise dream promoted on social media. Instead, visitors describe beaches strewn with litter, poor-quality facilities, and a landscape increasingly shaped by unchecked development.
One reviewer, who had spent two weeks exploring the country, wrote: “Albania is a beautiful country with incredibly nice people... But in Ksamil, while snorkelling just 20 metres from the beach, we came across underwater dumps. Trash in the countryside and active construction sites everywhere, it was heartbreaking.”
The reviewer added that rubbish wasn’t just confined to the shore, but visible even beneath the surface of the Ionian Sea.
Another traveler lamented that the area has become a "tourist trap", they said: “The sea is beautiful, sure, but you’re surrounded by low-quality hotels, poor service, and private beaches where you must pay for every patch of sand. A few years ago, maybe this place was magical. Now? Not so much.”
While Albania is still emerging as a tourist hotspot, Ksamil’s rapid growth has outpaced local infrastructure. Visitors frequently complain about lack of proper waste disposal, especially during the high season, when thousands descend on the village daily.
One more critical review summed up the growing sentiment: “We travel to several countries every year... Ksamil was the biggest disappointment. Garbage everywhere, locals seemed indifferent, and there was no sense of care for nature. We paid for beach access only to sit next to floating plastic bottles.”
In response to the mounting challenges of overtourism, particularly in hotspots like Ksamil, Albania has launched a comprehensive National Tourism Strategy for 2024–2030.
This initiative aims to redistribute tourist activity more evenly throughout the year and across various regions, thereby alleviating pressure on overburdened coastal areas.
Specifically addressing issues in Ksamil, Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro has highlighted waste management and noise pollution as significant concerns.
Efforts are underway to improve the aesthetic organisation of private spaces, enforce waste disposal regulations, and manage noise levels during peak tourist seasons.
