5 Coastal Villages That Could Become Europe’s Next Tourist Hotspots

I’ve lived and worked in the south of Albania for years now, and I’ve seen the coastline change in ways that still surprise me. Ten years ago, you could drive down the Ionian road and find entire beaches almost empty, even in August. Today, people are waking up to what we locals have always known: the Albanian Riviera is one of the most extraordinary stretches of coast in the Mediterranean. And some of its villages are only just beginning to step into the spotlight.

I’m not talking about the big, established destinations like Saranda. I mean the smaller, authentic places where time still moves slowly, but you can already sense what’s coming next. Investors, travelers, curious wanderers—they’re all starting to notice. Let me take you through five of these villages, places I know well and where I’ve walked the streets, met the families, and even shown clients the hidden opportunities waiting behind whitewashed walls.

1. Borsh – The Sleeping Giant

Borsh is the kind of place that leaves people speechless. The beach stretches for more than seven kilometers, making it the longest on the Ionian coast. I often joke with clients that in Borsh, you can pick a different spot to swim every day of the week and still not cover the whole shoreline.

What makes Borsh special isn’t just the sheer size of the beach. It’s the feeling of space. Even in peak season, you can walk a little further down and find calm waters all to yourself. There’s a small family-run taverna near the old olive groves where I like to take people after property viewings. They serve fresh grilled sardines and homemade raki. It’s simple, but that’s the charm.

The truth is, Borsh is still under the radar for international buyers. That won’t last. The mix of untouched coastline and growing interest in villa-style developments is a recipe I’ve seen before in Greece and Croatia years ago. It usually ends the same way: prices rise quickly once the word gets out.

We’re already part of this transformation. Our White Residence Villas in Borsh are designed with private pools, sea views, and that quiet Mediterranean luxury people dream of. I’ve walked the plots myself—it’s not just about selling. It’s about knowing you’re offering something timeless.

2. Qeparo – A Village That Tells Stories

Qeparo is a personal favorite of mine. There are two parts to it: the “new” Qeparo down by the beach, and the “old” village perched on the hill with stone houses, cobbled streets, and the kind of silence that makes you whisper without even realizing.

I once showed a couple from Italy around old Qeparo. They weren’t looking to buy; they just wanted to see what life felt like there. Halfway up the path, we stopped because a local man invited us into his courtyard to taste his homemade wine. That sort of hospitality—you can’t plan it, and you can’t fake it. It’s what makes this region different.

From an investment point of view, Qeparo is still affordable compared to Ksamil or Himara. And yet, its combination of authentic character and a sandy beach makes it a place with long-term potential. If you want seaview apartments that hold their value, this is the kind of setting to watch.

3. Lukova – Quiet, Raw, and Full of Promise

Drive north of Saranda for about 20 minutes and you’ll come to Lukova. Most tourists pass through without stopping, which is why it’s still so peaceful. The coastline here is rugged, with hidden coves you can only reach by foot or boat.

When I bring clients here, I often see that same spark of realization in their eyes: this is what the Mediterranean used to look like before it was commercialized. I truly believe Lukova has the potential to attract the kind of traveler who’s tired of crowded resorts. And when that type of tourism comes, property values follow.

There’s also something about Lukova at sunset. The light hits the cliffs in a way that feels cinematic. It’s moments like that when I’m reminded why I love this job—it’s not just about selling Saranda apartments for sale or beachfront property. It’s about sharing places that I know will matter in the future.

4. Ksamil – Already Shining, Still Growing

Ksamil is no longer a secret. But even so, it’s still evolving. The beaches are famous now, with their turquoise waters and tiny islands you can swim to. What many people don’t realize is that the village itself is changing too. Infrastructure is improving, new neighborhoods are being built, and the quality of developments is rising fast.

Just last month, I walked a client through our White Residence in Ksamil. It’s brand new—2025 construction—with private swimming pool access for residents, a quiet neighborhood, and just a 7-minute walk to the beach. What struck me wasn’t only the modern design, but how different it feels compared to older buildings in Ksamil. Clean lines, quiet luxury, and the kind of environment that makes you want to stay longer.

Ksamil properties are no longer “cheap,” but they’re still affordable compared to Greek islands just across the water. And the rental yields during summer are incredible. Seaview apartments here can bring in a full year’s worth of mortgage payments in just three months of Airbnb rentals. I’ve seen it happen.

5. Himara’s Neighboring Villages – The Slow-Burn Growth

While Himara itself has been growing steadily, the smaller villages around it—like Pilur and Porto Palermo—are starting to attract attention. These aren’t places where you’ll see big hotels (at least not yet). Instead, they’re drawing people who want something raw, natural, and deeply Albanian.

I remember once driving with a client up to Pilur. On the way, we stopped because goats were crossing the road. He laughed and said, “This is exactly the kind of authenticity missing in Italy now.” That little moment told me everything about why people are drawn here.

The key with these villages is patience. They’re not going to explode overnight. But for anyone looking at affordable properties with long-term appreciation potential, this is the kind of quiet bet that pays off.

Final Thoughts

As someone who’s spent years helping people find seaview apartments, beachfront property, and investments across the Albanian Riviera, I can tell you this: the opportunity is now. Borsh, Qeparo, Lukova, Ksamil, and the villages near Himara are still on the edge of discovery.

Tourists are coming, investors are looking, and the coastline isn’t getting any longer. Every time I walk these places, I feel the same mix of excitement and responsibility. Excitement, because I know how special this region is. Responsibility, because I want to make sure the people who invest here truly understand what they’re becoming part of.

I truly believe Saranda and its surrounding villages offer the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. And once you’ve stood on a balcony in Borsh at sunset, or walked the narrow alleys of old Qeparo, you’ll understand why.