Balconies, BBQs & Beach Views: How Outdoor Spaces Shape Albanian Social Life

I’ve lived in Saranda most of my life, and I can tell you this with full confidence: here in the south of Albania, life happens outside . 

Whether it’s morning coffee with a sea breeze, a mid-day siesta under a terrace umbrella, or a late-night BBQ with rakia and loud laughter echoing through the hills—our outdoor spaces are not just for decoration. They’re part of our culture, our families, and even our investments. 

Let me tell you a bit more about it, not just as someone who sells properties for a living—but as someone who grew up here, walked these beaches, and knows the way locals live and breathe this coastal life. 

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The Balcony Is Where Life Happens 

Last week, I showed a client a stunning apartment in Ksamil— this one actually . As soon as she stepped onto the balcony, she gasped and said, “This view feels like a postcard.” 

And she was right. 

Balconies here aren’t just “nice extras.” They’re where you have your morning espresso, dry oregano from the village, chat with your neighbor two floors up, or simply stare out at the Ionian Sea in complete silence. Especially in places like Saranda, Ksamil, or Borsh, a balcony isn’t just a structure—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. 

And if you ask me? A seaview apartment with a wide balcony is one of the smartest ways to experience and invest in the Albanian Riviera . 

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Evenings Are for BBQs and Talking About Everything (and Nothing) 

There’s this unspoken ritual here. When the sun dips low, and the golden hour hits just right, families start preparing the BBQ. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a modern duplex or a traditional stone house—if you’ve got a terrace, you’re probably using it. 

The best BBQ I had recently? It was on the rooftop of a newly finished duplex in Ksamil. 

You can check it out here —trust me, the terrace is worth it alone. We grilled fresh shrimp from the local fish market, and at one point, the view was so beautiful, someone just stopped mid-conversation and said, “Are we really in Albania?” 

Yes. Yes, we are. And this is why people are starting to realize the south offers not only affordable properties but also an unmatched quality of life. 

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How Outdoor Space Affects Property Value (More Than You Think) 

Here’s something most buyers don’t expect: two apartments with the same interior can differ in price by 20-30% —just because one has a full sea-facing balcony. 

And it makes sense. In places like Saranda or Borsh, the weather allows for outdoor living at least 8–9 months a year. So a large veranda, a backyard with a pool, or even just a shaded porch becomes part of your usable home. 

Buyers looking for Saranda apartments for sale often start with interior specs… but once they step outside and feel the breeze, the decision shifts. They’re not just buying space—they’re buying experience . 

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Local Tip: Know the View, Know the Life

There’s a tiny taverna just off the beach road in Borsh—most tourists miss it. But if you’re viewing one of our luxurious villas in Borsh, I always recommend stopping by. Grab a cold beer or a plate of grilled cheese with honey. Sit on their patio. Watch the waves crash. Then think about what life would feel like living just a few minutes away.

This is what I mean when I talk about buying into a lifestyle, not just a property. If your balcony overlooks a road, your days feel rushed. If it overlooks olive groves or a calm sea, your pace of lifeslows down.

And that’s priceless.

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Why Albanians Love Their Outdoor Corners

We’re a social people. Whether it’s the neighborhood women shelling beans on the steps or uncles debating politics over wine, Albanians naturally gather just outside the front door.

Even newer generations crave this connection. That’s why you’ll see young couples buying apartments with rooftop access or families prioritizing villas with yards. And that’s why properties like this panoramic villa in Saranda sell so well—people want to feel space around them.

Let’s be honest. The interior will eventually fade from memory. But the feeling of watching a summer sunset from your balcony while the kids splash in the pool below?

That stays with you.

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A Little Tangent About the Cats…

Side note: If you move to Saranda, be prepared to share your outdoor space with a few neighborhood cats. They seem to know which balconies get the best sun and aren’t shy about adopting you as their new landlord. I had one sit in on a property tour once—refused to move, even when we offered him tuna.

Anyway, back to balconies.

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Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Walked These Streets

I’ve helped clients from all over the world—Italians, Germans, Brits, and lately, more and more Indians—find the right home here. And one thing they always say is:

“I didn’t expect outdoor space to matter this much… until I saw it.”

And that’s my job—to show you what you didn’t know you were missing.

So whether you’re searching for a beachfront property, a villa for your family, or just want to dip your toes into this amazing market, start by asking yourself:

Where do I want to drink my morning coffee?

If the answer is “with a sea breeze and a view of Corfu,” well… I might already have the perfect listing for you.

Feel free to browse some of our latest seaview apartments and villas on VivaView or just send me a message. I’m always happy to chat—even if it’s just about the best balconies in town.

See you by the grill.

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