A Day in Ksamil: Lifestyle Spending & Why Investors Should Pay Attention

When you’ve lived in Saranda as long as I have, you start noticing little patterns. The way the sun lights up the Ionian Sea at 7:30 in the morning. The first wave of tourists walking down Butrinti Street with beach towels in hand. The smell of fresh byrek coming out of the bakery across the road.

But most of all, you notice how people spend their money.

And in Ksamil, it’s fascinating. Because every summer, I see the same story repeat itself: tourists arrive thinking they’ll just spend on food and sunbeds. But within a few days, they’re suddenly looking at Ksamil in a different light — as a lifestyle worth investing in.

Morning in Ksamil – Coffee, Croissants, and Curiosity

The day in Ksamil almost always starts with coffee. Albanians don’t skip it, and neither do the foreigners who quickly adapt to the local rhythm. The small cafés near the main square are full by 9 a.m. I often sit there too, usually before a property tour, and I hear conversations in Italian, Polish, German.

And here’s what’s interesting: people don’t just talk about the sea or the beaches. They talk about the villas on the hillside, or that new block of seaview apartments that looks “so modern, like in Greece but cheaper.”

Just last week, I had a client from Belgium who ordered his macchiato in perfect Albanian (that always impresses me). He leaned in and said: “You know, Ksamil doesn’t feel like a budget destination anymore. It feels premium.” And he’s right.

Where the Money Goes

Spend a day walking around Ksamil and you’ll see where tourist money flows.

• Sunbeds and umbrellas. Yes, they’re everywhere, but the high-end beach clubs fill up first. Tourists happily pay €25–40 a day for a spot if it comes with cocktails and soft towels.

• Seafood lunches. A plate of fresh mussels or grilled fish in Ksamil costs more than in Saranda. And yet, the restaurants with better views are always packed. People will pay for the experience, not just the food.

• Day trips. A speedboat to the islands is around €100–150 for a couple of hours. Families don’t even hesitate.

But here’s the bigger story: tourists spend more when the environment feels more luxurious. And that spills into real estate. A beachfront property here doesn’t just rent — it thrives.

Luxury Over Simplicity

Foreign tourists rarely ask me about the cheapest studios. They want lifestyle. They want facilities. They want quiet luxury.

A few years ago, a one-bedroom with a balcony was enough. Now, people ask me about residences with pools, secure parking, private gardens. That’s why projects like White Residence in Ksamil are so important. Brand-new, just completed in 2025, in a calm new neighborhood, only 7 minutes from the beach — and with its own private pool for residents. That’s the kind of detail that gets people’s attention.

And I see it every summer: the moment a client hears “private pool”, their body language changes. They lean forward. They picture themselves sipping coffee on the veranda while their kids swim downstairs. That picture is worth more than a dozen brochures.

Afternoon Tangent – A Drive and a Memory

Sometimes, between showings, I take the long road to Butrint. The olive groves stretch forever, and you catch little glimpses of the sea through the trees. It always reminds me of my grandfather, who used to tell me that in Albania, the land is never just land — it’s memory.

Funny thing is, I often tell that to clients, and they smile politely. But later, when they see an apartment with a view of the Butrint lagoon, they suddenly get it. It’s not just ROI. It’s connection.

Back to the Main Point: ROI

But let’s talk numbers.

Rental income in Ksamil has jumped massively. A two-bedroom apartment with sea view rents on Airbnb for €150–€250 per night in July and August. That’s not a guess — I’ve seen the calendars fill up myself. Do the math: one month of high season can cover half your annual mortgage payment.

Tourists aren’t chasing “cheap Albania” anymore. They’re chasing a lifestyle. Which means investors who offer properties with those little luxuries — pool, secure entry, modern finishes — see the best returns.

This is why I truly believe Ksamil (and Saranda right behind it) offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

Evening in Ksamil – Where the Real Spending Happens

Evenings are when Ksamil comes alive. People dress up a little. Families go for dinner by the beach, couples take sunset photos with the islands behind them.

And this is when they notice the new developments glowing on the hillsides. Apartments with big glass balconies. Villas with lit-up pools. They look at them the way kids look at toy shops.

I’ve had people stop me after a tour and say: “You know, we were just here for holiday, but maybe we should look at something for ourselves.” That’s how it starts.

If you’ve ever wondered why investors are so keen on Ksamil, that’s the reason. Tourists don’t just spend money on dinner — they end up spending money on property.

Insider Detail – The “Unwritten Rule”

Here’s something most people don’t realize: in Ksamil, locals often rent their apartments only for the two strongest months — July and August. Then they close for the year. Why? Because those two months alone bring in enough to make it worthwhile.

For an investor, that’s gold. Imagine having a seaview apartment rented solid for 60 days at €200 a night. That’s €12,000 in two months. The rest of the year is optional.

That’s not theory. I know owners who do exactly that.

Beyond Ksamil – Why the Riviera Matters

Of course, Ksamil is just one part of the bigger picture. Saranda’s apartments for sale are still a bargain compared to Montenegro. And places like Borsh are only starting their journey.

Take the White Residence Villas in Borsh for example. Private pools, gated residence, huge verandas. It’s a different vibe from Ksamil — more wild, more authentic. I once took a client there and we ended the viewing in a tiny taverna by the beach that doesn’t even have a sign outside. That’s the kind of detail you can’t put on a brochure, but it makes people fall in love.

And if you’re curious about future developments, projects like this one show just how fast the landscape is changing.

Final Thoughts

A day in Ksamil is simple on the surface: coffee, beach, dinner, repeat. But under that surface is an entire economy shaped by how people choose to spend.

And they’re choosing luxury. They’re choosing experiences. They’re choosing properties that make life easy and beautiful at the same time.

That’s why investors should pay attention. Because what starts with a €3 espresso in the morning can end with a €300,000 property purchase by evening.

And honestly? I can’t blame them. If I didn’t already live here, I’d be doing the same.