Best Coastal Towns in Albania to Buy a Holiday Home

Why Albania’s Coast Is Booming

If you’ve been to the Albanian Riviera recently, you’ve probably noticed it — that quiet buzz in the air. New cafés opening by the sea. Cranes rising behind whitewashed villas. Foreign plates parked along Saranda’s promenade. Albania’s coast has become one of Europe’s fastest-growing coastal destinations, and for good reason.

Here, the turquoise water still feels wild and untouched, but the property prices haven’t caught up with the rest of the Mediterranean. Not yet.

I often tell my clients that Albania today feels like Greece 20 years ago — a mix of authentic charm, affordable properties, and a tourism industry that’s growing faster every year. Whether you’re thinking about a holiday home, a retirement escape, or an investment property to rent out on Airbnb or Booking, this corner of the Mediterranean is quietly becoming a goldmine.

Key Benefits of Buying a Coastal Property in Albania

The first thing that surprises most foreign buyers is the price.
You can still find seaview apartments in Saranda for a fraction of what you’d pay just across the water in Corfu or in Dubrovnik. Even newly built homes — modern, high-quality, and located steps from the sea — often start under €2,000 per square meter.

And beyond the price tag, there are other reasons the market is booming:

• High ROI potential: In coastal towns like Ksamil and Saranda, well-managed properties can bring a 6–12% annual return, especially if you rent seasonally.
• Long summer season: From May to October, the Riviera stays alive with tourists, giving owners a longer rental window than in most European beach towns.
• Ease of ownership: Foreigners can buy apartments in Albania without restrictions, and the process is straightforward once you’ve found the right agent or developer.

It’s one of the few Mediterranean markets where owning a beachfront property still feels attainable — and profitable.

Best Coastal Towns to Consider

1. Saranda – Where Energy Meets Elegance

Saranda has always been the heart of the Albanian Riviera — lively, walkable, and framed by the Ionian Sea. On summer evenings, the promenade fills with people strolling past restaurants, gelato shops, and sunset bars. It’s not just for tourists anymore; more expats are settling here year-round, drawn by the city’s mix of comfort and connection.

Rental demand stays high thanks to constant ferry traffic from Corfu and regular cruise ship visits. If you’re looking for Saranda apartments for sale, focus on properties near the port or along Rruga Butrinti — the area that perfectly balances access and peace.

Just last month, I visited a fully furnished 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street with a client — this one here . The residence is new, the neighborhood quiet and safe, and the view... well, there’s nothing between you and the horizon. It’s the kind of home that works both as a permanent residence and a high-yield Airbnb investment. I’ve seen similar listings double in value within five years.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast — it’s where affordability and lifestyle still meet naturally.

2. Ksamil – The “Maldives of Albania”

Every time I drive from Saranda to Ksamil, I find myself slowing down just to take in that impossible turquoise color of the water. Ksamil has become Albania’s superstar — small, elegant, and irresistibly beautiful.

It’s also one of the most exclusive markets right now. Villas and luxury duplexes dominate new developments, attracting investors who want both rental potential and personal comfort. During July and August, rental rates here often match Italian resort towns — €350–€550 per night for the right property.

A few weeks ago, I showed a couple from Norway a new 2025 duplex just 300 meters from the main beach — you can see it here . The building is small and private, with two swimming pools (one exclusively for the duplex, another shared among residents) and underground parking included. What struck them most wasn’t just the design — it was the sense of calm despite being so close to the center.

For something more intimate, there’s also this modern 1-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood of Ksamil — a 2025 build with a shared pool and just a 7-minute walk to the beach. It’s what I call “quiet luxury” — clean lines, sunlight, and an understated sense of exclusivity.

Ksamil is where I expect 10–12% ROI annually, and I wouldn’t be surprised if prices here double again by the end of the decade.

3. Borsh – The Next Big Discovery

Borsh is different.
It’s not flashy like Ksamil or built up like Saranda — and that’s exactly why I love it.

Stretching over seven kilometers, Borsh Beach is the longest in Albania, yet you can still find undeveloped plots surrounded only by olive trees and the sound of waves. There’s something raw and honest about it — the kind of place where you can still stop for lunch at a small family-run taverna, where the owner insists you try his homemade olive oil before you leave.

From an investment perspective, this is early-stage paradise. Land is still affordable, and there’s room to build sustainably. We recently launched a limited collection of villas on the main road of Borsh, known as White Residence Villas . These are built by our own construction company — over 15 years of experience, 150+ professionals, and the craftsmanship really shows. Each villa has three floors, a private swimming pool, sea views, and a large veranda surrounded by nature.

It’s only a 7-minute drive from the beach, but you feel like you’re in a different world. Total privacy, total calm. This is what I mean when I talk about “quiet luxury.” And yes — these villas are for sale with 0% commission.

In my opinion, Borsh will be the next big destination for those who value nature, space, and long-term appreciation.

4. Himara – Tradition with a Touch of Class

If Saranda is lively and Ksamil glamorous, Himara is soulful. The rhythm is slower here. Stone houses climb up the hill toward the old town, while below, the beach glows at sunset with a golden calm you rarely find anymore.

Many of my clients who fall in love with Himara are artists, retirees, or people escaping the noise. They don’t just want an investment — they want a place to breathe.

The real estate market here is smaller, and construction is limited, which means steady growth in property value. Boutique villas and restored family homes dominate the listings. And when the road from Himara to Dhermi finally gets its full upgrade (locals say soon — we’ve heard that for years), the value will rise even more.

Infrastructure and Accessibility

One of the strongest signals for the future of Albania’s coast is what’s happening behind the scenes: infrastructure.

The Riviera Road — from Vlora down to Saranda — has been gradually improved, cutting travel time dramatically. A few years ago, it could take nearly five hours to reach Saranda from Tirana. Now, you can do it comfortably in about three and a half, and once the new Vlora International Airport opens, direct international access will change everything.

Imagine this: landing in Vlora, driving two hours along the coast, and checking into your seaview apartment the same afternoon. Add to that the ferry connections from Corfu and future marina projects, and you’ve got a coastline that’s becoming more connected — and more valuable — every year.

ROI and Market Outlook

Let’s talk numbers — because behind every beautiful view, there’s a smart investment story.

Across the Riviera, average ROI sits between 6–12%, depending on location and property type. Premium villas in Ksamil or Borsh can exceed that, especially when professionally managed.

Property values are rising 5–10% per year, even faster in Saranda and Ksamil where demand already exceeds supply. Add the new airport, steady tourism growth, and Albania’s increasing exposure on international travel platforms, and it’s clear: the upward trend is just beginning.

I often remind buyers that five years from now, we’ll look back at today’s prices and realize how affordable they truly were.

Final Thoughts

Albania’s coast is still that rare mix of Mediterranean beauty and affordability — a combination that won’t last forever. The water is as clear as in Greece, the food as flavorful as in Italy, and the investment potential even stronger.

Whether it’s a modern apartment in Saranda, a luxury duplex in Ksamil, or a private villa in Borsh, the choices now are exceptional — but the window for “early” investors is closing.

I’ve lived and worked here long enough to see entire neighborhoods transform, and I can say with confidence: those who buy now, especially in places like Ksamil or Borsh, stand to gain the most as this market matures.

Maybe you’ll come see it yourself one day. And when you do, don’t be surprised if the view — and the opportunity — stays with you long after you’ve left.

(The photo on this blog is captured in Saranda, Albania)