A top vacation destination often referred to as the ‘Maldives of Europe’ has been identified as the country with the most polluted seas in the region. A recent study by Which? examined 22,289 reports from the European Environment Agency (EEA) regarding the quality of bathing waters and the proportion of beaches in each nation rated as either ‘excellent’ or ‘poor’.
Despite the majority of European Union (EU) beaches meeting minimum quality standards, one country stood out with only 16% of its bathing waters classified as ‘excellent’. Despite being likened to the Maldives and experiencing a surge in popularity due to its beautiful white sand beaches, this country performed poorly compared to others.
Albania ranked at the bottom of the list, with 23% of its beaches failing to meet water quality standards, indicating the presence of significant levels of fecal bacteria. In contrast, the UK only had 7% of its beaches rated as poor.
Pollution in the sea can result from sewage overflows or runoff from agriculture, leading to the contamination of water with e. coli and intestinal enterococci. These pollutants can cause various illnesses, ranging from skin, ear, and eye infections to gastrointestinal issues, with vulnerable groups like children and the elderly being particularly at risk.
Many tourists visiting Albania have shared their experiences on social media, highlighting issues with the country’s beaches. Reports of litter on the sand, deteriorating buildings, and substandard infrastructure have been circulated online.
A TripAdvisor review of a beach area in Albania described it as unkempt, with garbage scattered around and inadequate maintenance. Another video showcased the disparity between expectations and reality at a famous beach location, revealing broken amenities and unsightly conditions.
Some areas in Albania, including Dhërmi and Vlorë, have been recognized for their excellent water quality despite the country’s overall poor performance. On the other hand, Cyprus and Greece emerged as top performers in beach water quality, with all of Cyprus’s beaches rated excellent and Greece achieving a 97.1% excellence rating.
To ensure a safe swimming experience in Europe, travelers are advised to consult the EEA’s interactive map or utilize apps like the Safer Seas & Rivers Service, which provide updates on water quality alerts for over 450 locations. For those looking to share their travel experiences, email submissions can be sent to webtravel@reachplc.com.