The Riviera Renaissance: How Albania Is Attracting Big International Investors

I’ve been living and working in Saranda long enough to notice the quiet shifts that eventually turn into waves. And right now, the Albanian Riviera is in the middle of one of those waves. You can feel it in the air—between the cranes working on new resorts, the government projects along the coastline, and the increasing number of international investors who are suddenly flying in to “just take a look.”

I often joke with clients that Saranda feels like what the Amalfi Coast must have been before it was the Amalfi Coast. Affordable properties, untouched stretches of beach, and a kind of local hospitality that hasn’t yet been swallowed up by mass tourism. But this isn’t just nostalgia talking—the numbers back it up too.

Hotels, Resorts, and Big Infrastructure Moves

Over the past five years, we’ve seen hotels popping up at a speed that even locals sometimes struggle to follow. What’s different now is the scale. It’s not just family-run guesthouses anymore—major international groups are circling, and some are already building.

The government is also putting its weight behind infrastructure. New roads connecting Saranda with the rest of the Ionian coast, an expanding port that’s hosting more cruise ships each summer, and even talk about upgrading local airports. These things don’t just happen in isolation; they create ripples that turn into long-term investment opportunities.

Every time I drive along the road between Saranda and Borsh, I notice little changes: new lighting, improved paving, better signage. Small things, but they add up. And when you combine them with luxury resorts under construction, it starts to look less like a hidden gem and more like the next big Mediterranean destination.

Private Investors Riding the Wave

Here’s where things get interesting for private investors. When big developers and governments start reshaping a region, there’s usually a window of time where individuals can still get in before prices peak. I believe that’s exactly where Albania is right now.

I’ve seen it happen already in Ksamil. Just a few years ago, beachfront property was relatively easy to find at prices that felt too good to be true. Today? Prices have doubled in some cases, and the demand is still growing. And honestly, I don’t see it slowing down.

Last week, I was showing an apartment in Ksamil to a couple from Germany. Their eyes lit up the second they stepped onto the balcony overlooking the pool and the turquoise sea beyond. They couldn’t believe that such luxury was still affordable compared to Spain or Italy. That’s when I was reminded—this is why I love this job. Moments like that make it clear: Albania is still undervalued, but not for long.

If you want a taste of what I mean, take a look at the White Residence in Ksamil. Only six apartments left, fully furnished, with a shared pool and everything designed for high ROI. The building is fresh—just one month finished—and it already feels like a case study in what international buyers are chasing.

The Lifestyle Investors Don’t Always See on Paper

When you live here, you notice things the brochures don’t capture. Like the tiny bakery tucked behind Saranda’s promenade that still makes bread in a wood oven. Or the little cafe on Panorama Road where you can sip an espresso while watching ferries slide across the horizon to Corfu.

These are small details, but they matter. Because when people invest in beachfront property or seaview apartments here, they’re not just buying square meters. They’re buying into a lifestyle. A lifestyle that blends Mediterranean charm with a certain Albanian warmth that hasn’t been diluted yet.

That’s why seaview apartments in Saranda aren’t just an investment on paper—they’re an emotional purchase too. I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. You get sunsets that rival Santorini, but without the crushing crowds and million-euro price tags.

Speaking of Panorama Road, that’s where one of our newest projects is rising. A luxury villa with total sea view, currently under construction. Every floor faces the Ionian. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and imagine evenings with the windows open, listening to the waves and cicadas. It’s hard to explain in numbers, but anyone who visits knows exactly what I mean.

Tangent: A Quick Story in Borsh

I’ll admit something—I have a soft spot for Borsh. It’s not as famous as Ksamil or Saranda, but that’s exactly why I love it. There’s a small family-run taverna just off the main beach road that most tourists overlook. I sometimes bring clients there after viewings. It’s a quiet place, with homemade raki and grilled fish that tastes like it was pulled from the sea minutes ago.

Why mention this? Because it ties into something bigger. Investors often ask me where the “next Ksamil” will be. My answer is simple: Borsh. It’s still early, but the ingredients are there—endless beach, growing tourism, new infrastructure. And the villas going up now will look like bargains in just a few years.

If you want proof, look at White Residence Villas in Borsh. Four luxury villas, each with a pool, private parking, verandas, and sea views. They’re right on the main street that connects Borsh with Saranda and the rest of the Riviera. I don’t say this lightly, but projects like this are exactly what turn sleepy towns into prime investment zones.

Culture and Community Still Matter

One of the things I try to explain to foreign investors is that Albania isn’t just selling real estate—it’s sharing a way of life. The tradition of sitting down with neighbors for a coffee, the way local families welcome you into their homes, the Sunday lunches that stretch into evenings. These aren’t marketing lines. They’re the fabric of daily life here, and they add to the appeal of owning property in the south.

When investors ask me why they should choose Albania over Montenegro or Greece, this is one of my answers. It’s not only about seaview apartments or affordable properties. It’s about a connection to something genuine. And once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why so many people are now calling this coast their second home.

Why Now, Not Later

Markets shift quickly. Right now, the Albanian Riviera still offers a sweet spot: prices that are affordable compared to the rest of the Mediterranean, combined with rapid development in tourism and infrastructure.

In a few years, once the big hotel chains are fully operational and more resorts are finished, I expect property prices to reflect that new reality. Which is why, if you’re thinking about it, now is the time.

I sometimes remind clients of one simple truth: you don’t make the best returns when everything is obvious. You make them when you see the potential just before everyone else does. And right now, Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh are exactly at that stage.

Final Thoughts

The Riviera Renaissance isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s happening, right in front of us. From luxury villas under construction in Saranda, to new developments in Ksamil, to the untapped beauty of Borsh, the momentum is undeniable.

And for those who know how to read the signs—government-backed infrastructure, international hotel groups, and rising demand—this is more than just a beautiful coastline. It’s a once-in-a-generation investment window.

So whether you’re browsing Saranda apartments for sale, eyeing a beachfront property, or simply curious about seaview apartments on the Albanian Riviera, my advice is the same: take a closer look now. Because in a few years, people will be saying, I wish I had bought when prices were still affordable.