What Is Albania Known For? (Through the Eyes of a Local Real Estate Agent)

If you’d asked me ten years ago what Albania was known for, I probably would’ve rattled off the usual—bunkers, history, and maybe Mother Teresa if I wanted to sound smart. But after living in Saranda for years and showing countless properties along this stunning coastline, I can tell you: Albania is known for so much more.

It’s not just the warm weather or the turquoise beaches (although, let’s be honest, those are pretty spectacular). It’s the feeling you get when you’re walking along the promenade in Saranda at sunset, the breeze carrying the scent of grilled fish from a family-owned taverna. Or when a client steps onto the balcony of a seaview apartment and goes quiet for a moment—completely taken in by the view.

A place that surprises you

Albania is known for catching people off guard—in the best way possible. A lot of my clients come here expecting something “undiscovered” or “up-and-coming.” And yes, it is that. But then they realize it’s also full of charm, character, and soul.

Last week, I showed a client a stunning property in Ksamil (just a short drive from Saranda) and their reaction reminded me why I love this job. They stepped onto the terrace, saw the Ionian Sea stretching endlessly in front of them, and just said: “Why didn’t I know this existed?”

I smiled. That’s the magic of Albania—it still feels like a secret, even as word is getting out.

Beaches that compete with the best

Let’s talk about the coast for a second. The Albanian Riviera—especially around Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh—has beaches that honestly rival Greece or Italy. But you don’t have to pay €2 million for a seaview villa here. That’s the beauty.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. You can find beachfront property and high-quality apartments at prices that are unthinkable just across the border in Corfu.

(And yes, Corfu is only a 30-minute ferry ride away. So you really can pop over for a day trip to Greece and be back in time for dinner in Saranda.)

If you’re curious what beachfront living might cost here, you can explore some of the options in our developments or check out this luxury villa with panoramic sea views—it’s one of my personal favorites.

But Albania isn’t just the sea.

Now here’s where most people are surprised: Albania isn’t just beautiful beaches. It’s also ancient ruins, wild mountains, Ottoman architecture, and a deep sense of hospitality.

Ever been to Gjirokastër? It’s about an hour from Saranda, nestled in the mountains. Cobbled streets, old stone houses, and a castle that looks like something out of a movie. One of my clients from Belgium told me it felt like “time traveling”—and she wasn’t wrong.

But it’s also the little things that stick with you. Like how every meal comes with raki (whether you asked for it or not). Or how Albanians greet you like you’re already family. I still remember the first time I went to a village near Borsh to meet a local builder. His mother insisted I stay for lunch, and before I knew it, I was eating stuffed peppers and homemade bread while she scolded me for not having a husband yet.