July 20, 2026, 11:12 am | Read time: 2 minutes
What began as a puzzling theft turned into a cross-border vacation mystery. Hundreds of sun loungers vanished without a trace from an Italian outdoor pool. It was only the chance discovery by a vacationer that got the case moving again–yet despite the surprising tip, the problem remains unsolved to this day.
Trail Leads from Italy to Albania
In June 2024, 350 high-quality sun loungers were stolen overnight from the “Onde Chiare” swimming pool in Reggio Emilia, Italy. The damage amounts to around 45,000 euros. Despite extensive investigations, the whereabouts of the loungers initially remained unclear, reports “OE24.”
The breakthrough came from a tourist. During her vacation in Capo Rodoni, Albania, near Durrës, she noticed sun loungers on the beach with the distinctive logo of the Italian bathing club. Recognizing them from a previous trip to Italy, she informed the operators of the outdoor pool.
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Recovery Efforts Unsuccessful So Far
The managers of “Onde Chiare” immediately identified the loungers as their property and hired a lawyer operating in Albania. However, they have not yet succeeded in retrieving the stolen sun loungers.
Enrico Cavazzoni, owner of “Onde Chiare,” described the difficult situation to “Tg Reggio”: “We know where the sun loungers are, but after two years, we can’t find a way to get them back.”
Current reports on social media show that the loungers are still on the beach in Albania. Vacationers continue to use them there, without any intervention from the authorities.
Albania Gaining Popularity as a Travel Destination
Albania is located in the western Balkans on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Durrës is considered the country’s most famous seaside resort, offering more than ten kilometers of sandy beach, a palm-lined promenade, and numerous cafés.
The country is increasingly becoming a popular vacation spot. Many travelers particularly appreciate the lower prices compared to other Mediterranean regions, while Albania remains an attractive insider tip for many culture enthusiasts.