Beyond the Coast: Top 5 Seaside Towns in Albania to Buy Property Right Now

When people ask me why I decided to stay in Saranda and work in real estate here, I usually pause for a second. Because how do you put into words a coastline where the mountains dive into the sea, where villages still guard their old stone houses, and where opportunities for investment seem to appear around every corner?

The Albanian Riviera isn’t just another stretch of the Mediterranean. It’s a place where culture, history, and modern living meet. And right now, it’s also one of the most promising real estate markets in Europe. Affordable properties, a booming tourism sector, and untouched natural beauty — that combination is hard to find elsewhere.

So, if you’ve ever thought about buying a place by the sea, let me take you through five towns that I think deserve your attention. Some you may know, others you might not. And I’ll share not just the “brochure details,” but also the little things only a local notices.

1. Saranda – The Beating Heart of the Riviera

I’ll start with home. Saranda isn’t perfect — summers can feel crowded, traffic is sometimes chaotic — but it’s alive. The energy here in July and August is unlike anywhere else in Albania. Restaurants are full, ferries arrive from Corfu every hour, and the waterfront promenade glitters with lights.

For investors, Saranda apartments for sale are among the most reliable options in the country. Why? Because the demand never stops. Tourists come for a few days, others stay for weeks, and many return year after year. An apartment with a seaview here can easily be rented out on Airbnb from May to October, sometimes even later.

But it’s not just about numbers. Saranda has small surprises too. There’s a tiny café tucked behind the old synagogue ruins where I often meet clients before viewings. It’s not in any guidebook, but it’s those little corners that make living here feel real.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Yes, prices are rising, but compared to Italy or Greece across the water, it still feels affordable.

2. Ksamil – The Jewel of the South

Ksamil has become famous in recent years. Crystal-clear waters, those little islands you can swim to, and beaches that look like they belong in the Caribbean. Some say it’s already “discovered,” but I don’t agree. The potential is still huge.

Last month, I showed a family a modern two-bedroom apartment just five minutes from the beach. When they stepped onto the balcony and saw the islands glowing in the afternoon light, they didn’t say anything for a while. That silence said it all. Moments like that remind me why I love this job.

Ksamil is also unique because it blends holiday energy with community life. In the evenings, after the day-trippers leave, you’ll see locals gathering at the small bakery near the church, buying byrek or bread for dinner. That mix of authenticity and growth is why Ksamil real estate is booming.

If you’re curious, you can even see one of our current projects here: White Residence Ksamil . It’s the kind of place where lifestyle and investment potential come together naturally.

3. Borsh – The Sleeping Giant

If Saranda is alive and Ksamil is polished, Borsh is still raw. Seven kilometers of beach, olive groves stretching across the valley, and a feeling that you’ve stepped back in time. Most tourists drive past without stopping. Big mistake.

I often bring clients to a small taverna near the beach where the owner grills fresh fish straight from his boat. It’s simple — plastic chairs, cold beer, nothing fancy. But after a meal there, people begin to understand what makes Borsh special.

For real estate? Borsh is the future. Villas with private pools, large plots of land, seaview apartments — all at prices that would be unthinkable in Western Europe. And the truth is, Borsh will not stay like this forever. Once the infrastructure improves (and it’s already happening), values here will rise fast.

We’re currently developing White Residence Villas in Borsh . To me, it’s one of the most exciting opportunities on the Albanian Riviera. Not because it’s flashy, but because it feels rooted in the land — olive trees, mountain views, the sea always in front of you.

4. Himara – A Blend of Cultures

Himara is different. Walk its promenade and you’ll hear Greek, Albanian, and English within a few steps. This is a town with strong ties across the sea, and you can feel it in the food, the music, even the rhythm of daily life.

Property here is slightly more expensive than Borsh or Saranda, but the character of Himara is worth it. Many of the houses are built into the hillsides, with terraced gardens full of citrus and pomegranates. Some even have Byzantine churches hidden nearby — places where locals still light candles in the evenings.

And just a short drive away are villages like Qeparo or Vuno, where stone houses are being carefully restored. For those who love authenticity, this area is a treasure.

I sometimes joke that if you want both seaview apartments and a slice of mountain village life, Himara is where you should look.

5. Vlora – The Gateway

Vlora isn’t as small or quiet as the others. It’s a city, with all the noise and construction that comes with it. But it’s also where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, and that gives it a special importance.

The new marina project, the growing number of international visitors, the direct road connections — all of this makes Vlora a practical choice. If Saranda is about lifestyle, Vlora is about scale. Investors looking for larger developments or long-term growth often start here.

Still, the city has softer sides too. A friend of mine owns a small apartment overlooking the Lungomare. In the mornings, he walks to the old market for fresh figs and cheese. That mix of urban and traditional is what makes Vlora appealing for a different kind of buyer.

A Quick Tangent

Before I wrap up, let me say this: Albania isn’t just about the sea. Drive 30 minutes inland from Saranda and you’ll find small mountain villages where life moves slowly, or lakes where no tourist buses arrive. I’ve taken clients to see properties in these hidden corners too, and sometimes they end up falling in love with the silence rather than the sea.

It reminds me that real estate here is about more than just profit. It’s about finding a place that feels alive to you.

Final Thoughts

The Albanian Riviera is changing fast, but it hasn’t lost its soul. Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh, Himara, and Vlora each offer something different — from bustling energy to raw beauty to cultural depth.

If you’re looking for beachfront property, seaview apartments, or simply affordable properties that still hold long-term value, now is the time to explore.

And if you want to see what’s possible, I invite you to casually browse some of our projects:

• White Residence Villas in Borsh
• White Residence in Ksamil

Whether you’re an investor, a dreamer, or someone simply curious about life on the Albanian Riviera — there’s a place here waiting for you.

And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll meet in that little café in Saranda before heading out for a property tour.