Albania’s Riviera ROI Map: Best Investment Hotspots

I’ve been living and working in Saranda for years now, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: property on the Albanian Riviera doesn’t just sit pretty—it works for you. Investors often ask me, “Where should I put my money today so it grows fastest?” The answer isn’t the same for everyone, but if you look closely, you start to see a heatmap emerging across Albania.

Some places glow brighter than others.

The ROI Heatmap at a Glance

Let’s start with the numbers (because numbers don’t lie, but stories give them meaning):

• Borsh – 12% ROI

• Ksamil – 10% ROI

• Saranda – 8% ROI

• Tirana – 6% ROI

On paper, Borsh wins. Ksamil follows close behind. Saranda stays steady, reliable. Tirana—well, the capital city has its own rhythm, and its ROI can’t compete with the south’s raw potential.

But let’s step off the spreadsheets for a moment. ROI here is more than a percentage. It’s a feeling, a view, a glass of homemade raki shared with a neighbor who insists you take a second one “për qejf.”

Borsh – The Untouched Giant (12%)

Borsh is a place that still feels raw, almost untouched. The beach stretches endlessly—7 kilometers of pebbled coastline—and yet it’s not overcrowded, not yet. I’ve walked clients down that main road, where olive groves kiss the mountains, and you can hear nothing but cicadas and waves. One of them stopped mid-step and whispered, “This feels like Greece thirty years ago.” He was right.

That’s why ROI here peaks at 12%. It’s frontier territory, but not in a risky way—more like in a “catch it before everyone else does” way. The villas we’re finishing here are a good example: White Residence Villas in Borsh. Each has its own pool, private parking, and panoramic views that make you forget time. I always say—Borsh isn’t just an investment; it’s a long play on authenticity.

And a small tangent: there’s a little family-run taverna just off the beach road. No English menu, just grilled fish that came from the sea an hour earlier. I sometimes bring clients there after a viewing, and the smile it puts on their face is worth more than a percentage chart.

Ksamil – The Polished Gem (10%)

Ksamil is different. Buzzing, polished, and yes, busier every summer. The beaches here look like postcards—white sand, turquoise lagoons, the three little islands just offshore. Everyone wants a piece of it. And that’s why ROI stays strong, hovering around 10%.

What makes Ksamil especially interesting is the new builds. Just last month, I was walking a couple through our White Residence apartments. They’re brand new, 2025 construction, tucked in a quiet neighborhood only seven minutes from the beach. The pool is private to the residence, and the whole area feels balanced—close to the action, but not overwhelmed by it. The couple kept saying, “This feels like a secret we shouldn’t be telling anyone else.”

And honestly, that’s Ksamil. A place where you can live quietly while still being part of Albania’s fastest-growing holiday destination.

Saranda – The Reliable Heartbeat (8%)

I’ll admit it. I’m biased when it comes to Saranda. I live here, I know its rhythms, and I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Yes, ROI is “only” 8% compared to Borsh and Ksamil, but that’s still strong—especially when you remember how stable Saranda’s market has been.

This city is Albania’s southern capital of tourism. It has everything: the nightlife, the ferries to Corfu, the beaches stretching from Mango to Mirror, and the historic pull of Butrint just a short drive away. I often remind clients that apartments here are not just “investments”—they’re assets that can work year-round.

There’s one spot I always point out: the promenade at sunset. The cafés fill with families, older men playing dominoes, young couples strolling slowly. It’s this mix of tradition and new energy that makes Saranda more than a place—it’s a lifestyle. And when you see listings for Saranda apartments for sale, remember, you’re not just buying square meters. You’re buying into that rhythm.

Tirana – The Safe Capital Bet (6%)

And then there’s Tirana. ROI here is around 6%. Not bad, not spectacular. But safe. The capital attracts a different type of investor—the one who prefers stability over seaside thrill. With the airport expansion and growing expat community, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Still, every time I return from Tirana to Saranda, I feel a weight lift. The traffic, the noise, the concrete blocks—it’s a different world. Good for business, maybe. But not where I’d personally put my money if I wanted both growth and quality of life.

Why Timing Matters More Than Ever

One thing I keep repeating to clients: Albania is still early in its story. The Riviera is only beginning to get international attention. I remember ten years ago, nobody outside the Balkans could even point to Saranda on a map. Now? I get calls weekly from investors in Italy, France, the Netherlands, even the US.

That’s why ROI numbers matter—but so does timing. Waiting two or three years might mean paying double for the same property. And that’s not sales talk; it’s the pattern we’ve already seen.

So, Where Does €1 Multiply the Most?

If you want raw growth potential—Borsh.
If you want the sweet spot between lifestyle and investment—Ksamil.
If you want stability with a Mediterranean vibe—Saranda.
If you want capital-city security—Tirana.

I’ll leave you with this: real estate is never just about the building. It’s about the view when you open the window in the morning. It’s about whether your tenant can walk to the beach in seven minutes or sip wine on a private veranda by the pool. That’s what ROI really means here—it’s not just returns, it’s experiences multiplied.

And if you’re curious, take a look at some of the homes we’ve been working on. Quiet luxury, effortless detail, and the kind of projects that make me proud to be part of this market:

• White Residence Ksamil – brand-new apartments with a private pool, 2025 build, 7 minutes from the beach.

• White Residence Villas Borsh – private villas with pools, parking, and that rare 12% ROI edge.

• Another Riviera Project – quietly placed, quietly powerful.

Invest smart, but also invest where life feels good. Because on the Albanian Riviera, the two go hand in hand.