Low Pensions Put Vacations Out of Reach for Vlora Residents

Financial difficulties are preventing many Vlora residents, particularly pensioners, from taking the vacations they would like. Although the city has no shortage of beaches, places to visit or opportunities to spend time by the sea, insufficient incomes are limiting their ability to do so, according to residents themselves.

Low wages and pensions have turned vacations into a luxury for many of them. They say they cannot afford the 700-lek fee for umbrellas and sun loungers, so they opt for public areas, where they set up umbrellas brought from home and spend time by the sea. According to beachgoers, more free public spaces should be created, as most beaches have been taken over by private operators. They are also calling for government intervention to improve the economic situation, beginning with higher wages and pensions.

One resident said the price of 7,000 lek for an umbrella was unaffordable, forcing them to stay on the sand. She said they had no other option and could not make it all the way to the water, even though the free area was located there and the water might be cold. In her view, the fee for that beach should be reduced to 2,000 or 3,000 lek for this category of residents. She added that well-being should be guaranteed for everyone and that hope is the last thing to die.

Another pensioner said she was happy with the sea but objected to sun loungers being placed right up to the steps. She said her financial means allowed her to stay only in that section, while her pension made it impossible for her to use the paid area. According to her, there was no way she could afford such expenses. Emphasizing that everyone wants more, she also used the expression, “Doesn’t a blind man want eyes?” and stressed that current pensions were not enough to cover the prices.

Another man complained that pensioners had been completely overlooked and sent to the lower section of the beach simply to move them out of the way. He said the costs were unaffordable on their current pensions. Questioning the 7,000-lek fee for an umbrella, he said the money was not enough to cover even five days of daily expenses, let alone an entire month. For this reason, he called for pensions to be increased.

Vlora residents, particularly those of retirement age, remain the most regular visitors to the coast in every season. Despite their limited incomes, they try to find alternative ways to relax: some sit on stones or rocks, others stay on the steps, while many opt for public beaches and use their own umbrellas.