Lesser-Known Villages in the South of Albania with Huge Investment Potential

When most people think about investing in the south of Albania, places like Saranda, Ksamil, or maybe Himara usually come to mind. And don’t get me wrong—they’re amazing. Saranda especially has my heart. But sometimes, the best opportunities aren’t in the places that everyone already knows. Sometimes, they’re just a little further down the road, tucked behind an olive grove or past a sleepy taverna. That’s where things get interesting.

I've lived in Saranda most of my life, and while I love watching it grow, I’ve also developed a kind of radar for what’s next. I’ve seen sleepy villages become thriving destinations. I’ve watched the price of beachfront property double in places most people hadn’t even heard of five years ago. So today, I want to share with you a few villages that, in my opinion, deserve a spot on your radar—especially if you’re thinking long-term.

Borsh: The Quiet Giant

Okay, maybe Borsh isn’t completely unknown anymore, but trust me—it’s still undervalued. Its beach is the longest on the Ionian coast, wide and calm, with none of the clutter you see in more crowded places. No tall buildings blocking the view. Just olive trees, sea breeze, and the sound of waves hitting the pebbles.

Just last week, I took a Belgian client up to a hillside plot overlooking the bay. The look on his face when he saw that view? That’s why I do this. He’d never even heard of Borsh before, and now he’s considering building a boutique villa project.

We’re actually developing a few villas in that same area—LU.UB.3.1201 if you want to get specific. Private pools, stunning panoramic views, and architecture that blends into the hillside. You can check out some early previews here: Vila 1 & 2

It’s the kind of place that feels untouched, but that won’t last forever.

Lukova: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea

Lukova isn’t trying to be the next Ksamil. It’s quiet. Authentic. The kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to notice how blue the sea really is. From the main road, you might miss it entirely. But if you take a short turn down a small winding path (watch out for the goats), you’ll discover terraced olive groves, traditional stone homes, and secluded little beaches that locals like to keep to themselves.

This place still feels like a secret. That’s why prices haven’t skyrocketed yet. But give it time. All the signs are there: new interest from foreign buyers, boutique guesthouses popping up, families restoring old homes into beautiful hideaways.

And for those looking to build or buy early—this is your window. We’re working on several listings that fit this exact vibe: laid-back luxury, integrated into nature. One that’s already generating buzz is White Residence. It’s worth a look.

Piqeras: The Place Time Forgot (In the Best Way)

If Lukova is a poem, then Piqeras is an old novel. A little worn on the edges, but full of character. This village sits high above the sea, with views that are so good it almost feels like cheating. The houses are simple, the air is crisp, and every corner tells a story.

And here’s the thing: tourists barely touch it. That means space. Peace. Authenticity. Some of my favorite clients—the ones looking for more than just ROI—end up here. They don’t want flashy. They want meaning. A few have even transformed old stone homes into stunning agritourism spots. One couple from the Netherlands opened a rustic guesthouse that’s now fully booked every summer.

Of course, infrastructure isn’t perfect. But that’s where visionaries come in. With the right touch, a property here could become something magical.

Quick Detour: Olive Oil and First Impressions

I know this might sound unrelated, but trust me—it matters. Every time I take someone through villages like Lukova or Piqeras, I make a point of stopping by a local family that presses their own olive oil. There’s something about that first taste—fresh, peppery, golden—that makes people stop thinking about square meters and start imagining their life here.

One German client told me, "This is the first place in years that actually feels real." That stuck with me.

Qeparo: The Hidden Heart of History

Qeparo is divided into two parts—the newer section near the sea, and the old village, perched higher up the hill. The old village? It’s magic. Narrow stone alleys, crumbling facades, jasmine in the air. It reminds me of those hilltop towns in Tuscany, only without the crowds. Or the price tag.

I once brought a Swedish architect up there, and she literally stopped in her tracks. "It’s like stepping into a painting," she said. And it’s true.

There are opportunities here for restoration projects—historic homes that can be brought back to life. It’s not for everyone. But for someone with an eye for design and a heart for heritage, Qeparo is a treasure.

What I Truly Believe

People ask me all the time: "Where should I invest?" And my answer isn’t always what they expect. I tell them to look past the obvious. Saranda apartments for sale? Absolutely. Still a great move. Beachfront property in Ksamil? It sells itself. But the real gems? The ones that make your heart beat a little faster? They’re hiding in places like Lukova, Piqeras, and old Qeparo.

These aren’t just affordable properties. They’re stories waiting to be written.

And honestly? I believe the Albanian Riviera still offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. You just have to know where to look.

If you're curious, check out what we’re working on: VivaView Projects

Or better yet—come visit. Let’s grab a coffee by the castle in Lëkurës. I’ll take you to that taverna near Borsh Beach that doesn’t even have a sign, but serves the best byrek and tomato salad in the south. We’ll talk real estate. Or maybe just life. Either way, you’ll leave with a clearer picture of why this corner of the world is so special.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find your place in it.