The expansion covers the country’s coastal, river and lake areas and is aimed at giving residents and tourists greater access to beaches and more affordable services, Gonxhja said.

For the first time, beaches managed by municipalities are also offering services such as umbrellas and sun loungers at rates approved by municipal councils, a measure intended to help curb excessive pricing during the tourist season, he said.

Sarandë and several other municipalities in southern Albania have emerged as examples of the new management model, Gonxhja said, adding that efforts to improve the management of public coastal areas would continue.

“The atmosphere in Sarandë this year is the clearest indication of the tangible results in terms of beach access and public space,” Gonxhja said.

He said the authorities were also working to formalise the management of beaches in protected and rural areas, with the aim of ensuring that tourism revenues generate broader public benefits.

“We will continue our commitment to public beaches and to citizens’ right to affordable beach access, with affordable prices in every respect,” Gonxhja said.

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The footage showed music, entertainment and crowds of young people enjoying the festival during the peak tourist season.

The Solar Music Festival is part of a series of cultural and music events held across Albania’s tourist destinations during the summer, attracting visitors and music fans.

Saranda, one of the Albanian Riviera’s most popular destinations, remains a major hub for summer events combining tourism, culture and entertainment.

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At the Port of Vlore, around 2,700 passengers were expected to arrive on three ferries operating on the Brindisi-Vlore route, along with about 700 vehicles.

A significant number of Italian tourists were among those arriving in Vlore, with some staying in the coastal city while others continued towards destinations in southern Albania.

Heavy traffic was also reported at the Port of Durres. Four ferries arrived during the morning carrying 5,359 passengers and 1,564 vehicles, while two more ferries were expected to arrive in the evening.

At the Morine border crossing with Kosovo, more than 19,000 passengers and around 4,000 vehicles were recorded in the early morning hours alone.

The Kakavije crossing with Greece also saw heavy traffic, with 12,273 crossings recorded over the previous 24 hours – 8,523 arrivals and 3,750 departures – along with 3,735 vehicles.

Increased traffic into Albania from Greece caused long queues on the Greek side of the border, with the average waiting time at Kakavije reaching about two hours.

At Kapshtice, authorities recorded 8,630 arrivals and 3,769 departures, while at Qafe Thane there were 6,174 arrivals and 5,070 departures.

Together, Kapshtice and Qafe Thane recorded 23,643 passenger movements in both directions.

Border authorities have increased staffing and the number of control counters at the busiest crossings to speed up processing and ease traffic during the peak tourism season.

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In a post on social media, Lamallari warned bar and club owners that extreme noise is not entertainment when it disturbs locals and tourists, particularly in coastal areas during the summer.

“State Police will increase inspections across the country to identify cases of noise pollution and sanction anyone who disregards the law and the rights of others,” Lamallari said.

He urged the public to report cases of loud music and excessive noise directly to the police hotline, warning that businesses violating the rules would face police action.

The increased inspections are part of measures introduced for the summer tourism season to ensure a quieter and safer environment for both residents and visitors.

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Speaking in the coastal city of Durrës alongside senior State Police officials, Lamallari said the State Police, Border Police and Maritime Police Unit would operate with additional personnel, modern equipment and enhanced readiness throughout the summer.

“Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our economy, and its growth brings greater responsibility. When tourists choose Albania, they choose a safe destination,” Lamallari said.

He said the State Police had implemented a dedicated operational plan to manage the expected increase in visitor numbers and ensure public order and safety.

Lamallari said the Maritime Police Unit, established in 2023, would play a key role in beach safety and preventing incidents involving recreational vessels.

According to the Interior Ministry, the Maritime Police Unit and Border Police assisted 231 people and 80 vessels in distress at sea in 2025. Authorities also inspected more than 5,600 vessels and sanctioned violations that endangered beachgoers’ safety.

For the 2026 tourist season, the Maritime Police Unit will patrol Albania’s coastline with 35 jet skis, trained personnel, intensified patrols and aerial surveillance using drones, Lamallari said.

He added that Border Police would also use integrated technology linked to the TIMS border management system to speed up entry procedures for yachts, sailing boats and other vessels visiting Albania.

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Held at Cherry Park (Parku i Qershive), the festival brought together around 54 businesses promoting local gastronomy, agrotourism, handicrafts and tourism services.

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, who attended the event, said the region has growing investment potential, supported by Albania’s “Mountain Package” development scheme and infrastructure projects linked to Corridor VIII.

“There is increasing interest in investing in this area. Librazhd is emerging as an important destination, while institutions are working to support private investment and simplify procedures for agrotourism businesses,” Salla said.

Librazhd Mayor Mariglen Disha said the municipality welcomed around 192,000 domestic and foreign visitors last year, including tourists visiting Fushë Studen and sections of the historic Via Egnatia route.

He added that the municipality is continuing to invest in infrastructure and mountain tourism, with a target of exceeding 300,000 visitors by the end of the year.

The festival aimed to highlight Librazhd’s tourism and economic potential and is expected to become an annual event supporting local development during the summer season.

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The competition will feature three disciplines: swimming, cycling and running. It will begin with the swimming segment at Potam Beach, followed by a cycling route from Himarë to Qeparo and back, and conclude with a running race along the town’s promenade and coastal ring road.

Organisers say the event aims to promote active lifestyles and sports tourism, while showcasing the natural beauty and tourism potential of the Albanian Riviera.

They added that the Himara Triathlon is intended to become an annual tradition, helping position Albania’s southern coastline as a growing destination for international sporting events as well as leisure tourism.

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Organized by the Municipality of Himara from May 1 to 3, the opening events were designed as a broad tourist showcase combining outdoor activities, live performances, cultural exhibitions, and local traditions.

The festivities began with the “Himara Run Fest,” a mini-marathon involving local school students in a scenic coastal race through the area’s natural landscape. Beach sports activities, including volleyball and kayak races, also took place along the shoreline, creating a lively summer atmosphere. Children participated through a variety of games and recreational programs.

The Armed Forces Symphony Orchestra contributed to the celebrations with live musical performances from the early hours of the morning.

Meanwhile, the National Historical Museum organized a three-day public program in the town square featuring photography exhibitions, educational games, and interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

A handicrafts and culinary fair showcased local artisan products and traditional cuisine, highlighting the flavors and cultural identity of the Himara region.

Located along the Albanian Riviera in southern Albania, Himara has become one of the country’s most sought-after seaside destinations, known for its turquoise Ionian waters, Mediterranean landscape, and historical heritage. Situated in the Vlorë region, approximately 220 kilometers south of Tirana and 70 kilometers from Sarandë, the coastal town is a key stop for travelers exploring southern Albania.

The area is known for beaches such as Livadhi Beach, Spile Beach, Llamani Beach, Potami Beach, and Filikuri Beach, offering crystal-clear waters and access to secluded coves surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean vegetation.

Overlooking the town from a hilltop is Himara Castle, a historic fortress dating back to antiquity. The old town surrounding the castle features stone alleys, traditional houses, and panoramic views of the Ionian Sea, making it one of the area’s main cultural attractions.

With its Mediterranean climate, local hospitality, and cuisine centered on seafood and regional products, Himara continues to strengthen its position as one of Albania’s leading tourism destinations.

Mayor Vangjel Tavo invited visitors to experience the town’s history, culture, and entertainment during the May 1-3 opening celebrations.

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Although the beach season has yet to officially open, local and foreign visitors are already flocking to the southern Albanian city to enjoy the sunshine, with some venturing into the water.

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Tuesday shared a photo on social media from the balcony of an apartment in the coastal city, describing it as a “peaceful view of Vlora among flowers.”

Vlora is one of Albania’s main tourist destinations, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, offering a wide range of cultural and natural attractions.

Beyond the beaches of the Bay of Vlora, Sazan Island and the Karaburun Peninsula are also popular destinations for both local and foreign tourists, who depart from the city’s port on boat excursions.

Often described as a jewel of the Albanian Riviera, Vlora has seen a surge in visitors this season, drawn by its rocky coastline and clear waters.

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Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaci said during an inspection visit on Monday that the road is a key entry point to Shkodër and an important link with neighbouring Montenegro.

The project includes road widening, upgrades to category D standards, and the construction of a parallel bridge to ease traffic congestion.

“We are expanding the road and improving its standards, as well as building a parallel bridge to facilitate circulation,” Karakaci said.

The Head of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, said physical works have reached 65% completion, including road widening and sidewalk upgrades, with works ongoing without disrupting local businesses.

A revised design also includes a new roundabout near Bahçallëk Bridge to improve traffic flow and access to nearby neighbourhoods.

Authorities said asphalt works in the area are expected to be completed by May 7, with a traffic management plan to be implemented ahead of the summer season.

The new bridge, currently under construction, is expected to further ease traffic towards Tirana once completed.

Officials have called for accelerated works to manage increased seasonal traffic, while expropriation procedures continue to clear the remaining sections of the corridor.

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