Could Albania Be Your Second Home After Retirement?

I’ve met a lot of people over the years who tell me the same thing, especially after spending a few days here in the south: “Why didn’t I discover Albania sooner?” It usually comes with a laugh, a glass of raki, and the realization that this small country—tucked between Greece and Montenegro—offers something very few places in Europe still do: beauty, simplicity, and affordability… all in one package.  

If you’re dreaming of retiring somewhere that actually feels alive—without draining your savings—then yes, Albania might just be your second home after retirement . And if I had to choose a spot to settle down, it would be right here, in Saranda , where the mountains hug the sea and the pace of life slows to something human again.  

Let’s explore why more and more retirees are calling this corner of the world their own.  

The Albanian Riviera – Where Time Slows Down  

There’s something about the Albanian Riviera that’s hard to explain until you feel it. It’s not just the weather (though that helps—300 sunny days a year!), or the food (fresh fish and homemade olive oil), or even the prices (which are shockingly low compared to Italy or Greece).  

It’s the fact that here, life happens outside.  

People sip coffee for hours without checking their phones. Kids still play in the streets. The butcher remembers your name after the second visit. And there’s a kind of warmth— jo vetëm nga dielli , but from people—that makes you feel part of something.  

If you’re picturing long walks by the sea, lazy afternoons on your balcony, and spontaneous invites from neighbors for homemade fig jam, you’re not far off.  

Why Retirees Are Looking at Saranda  

Let me tell you, Saranda isn’t just a summer town anymore. While it used to be mainly a July–August escape for Albanians and Kosovars, things have changed.  

Today, we’re seeing a growing number of foreign retirees from Italy, Poland, Germany, the UK, and even Canada. Some come for the investment. Others for the sunsets. Most stay for the lifestyle.  

And I get it. Just last month, I had coffee with a retired couple from the Netherlands who bought a 1-bedroom apartment with a sea view right here on Rruga Panorama . They told me they were paying €900 a month for a one-bedroom in Spain without any views—and here they got full ownership, a big balcony, and actual peace and quiet for a fraction of the cost.  

That street, by the way, is one of my personal favorites. It’s elevated just enough for panoramic views, but still walking distance from the beach and markets. The kind of place you hear roosters in the morning and waves in the evening.   

 

Cost of Living – Surprisingly Low 

Let’s talk numbers for a second. 

A nice espresso? 70 cents. A full meal of fresh grilled fish, salad, bread, and wine? Maybe €10–12. Property taxes? Minimal. And healthcare? While not perfect, private clinics are growing fast, and prices are incredibly reasonable (I paid less than €40 for a full cardiology checkup last year). 

Utilities and groceries are similarly affordable—many retirees say they live here comfortably on €1,200–€1,500/month. 

Compare that to Italy, France, or even parts of Greece, and you’re saving thousands every year , while living in a place that feels like the Mediterranean used to feel before mass tourism. 

What About Property? 

If you’re thinking long-term, owning a home here makes sense . Prices are still low— but they’re rising , especially in seafront zones. And the best part? Most new builds come fully titled, with zero ownership tax for foreigners and no commission if you buy directly from the developer (like many of our listings at VivaView). 

We’ve seen growing interest in penthouses with seaview terraces , like this 203m² luxury unit in Saranda with access to a private beach. It’s not just the view—it’s the lifestyle that comes with it. Big, open terraces. Morning coffee in your bathrobe. A place your grandkids will want to visit. 

And if you’re looking for something more resort-style, we have listings like Ionian Bay Residence with pool access, underground parking, beachfront living —everything ready for comfortable retirement or even Airbnb income when you’re away. 

Can Foreigners Retire Here? 

Short answer? Yes. 

Albania doesn’t yet have a formal “retirement visa,” but many expats stay on a 1-year residence permit that can be renewed yearly. Some even apply for longer-term permits through property ownership. And trust me, the process is a lot easier than in most EU countries. 

In fact, I’ve helped several clients navigate the process—paperwork, notary, translation, even utility setup. It’s part of what we do at VivaView because we know retiring abroad is a big leap . 

A Lifestyle Built for Slowness 

There’s a small taverna just outside Borsh Beach—no sign, no menu, just grilled octopus and cold beer. The owner, Kosta, has been serving the same three dishes for twenty years. But when you sit at that wooden table under the olive tree, and the sea sparkles just a few steps away, you understand why people don’t need variety here. 

Because simplicity is the luxury. 

I know I’m going off on a tangent, but I mention it because it’s the kind of moment you don’t get in tourist-heavy cities. Here, in these southern villages—Lukova, Qeparo, Borsh—you don’t just buy a property. You buy a way of living. 

If you’re curious about these areas, we recently launched White Residence Villas in Borsh —designed specifically for people looking for quiet, coastal living with panoramic views and private pools. And yes, they’re selling quickly. 

 

But What If You Change Your Mind?

That’s the beauty of it: properties here hold value. With tourism growing 20–30% every year, Saranda apartments for sale have become a smart backup plan—even if you only live here part of the year.

Many retirees live 6 months here and 6 months in their home country. Others rent out their apartment during the high season and come back in the fall, when things are calm and the sea is still warm enough to swim.

Either way, you’re not locked in—you’re flexible, and your investment works for you.

So… Could Albania Be Your Next Chapter?

Look, retiring in Albania isn’t for everyone. It’s slower. Simpler. Sometimes frustratingly so. Not everything is perfect, and the infrastructure still has a way to go in some areas.

But if you’re the kind of person who values authenticity over perfection, who wants views instead of bills, and who’s ready to live a little differently—then yes, this might be the place.

If you’re curious, even just a little, send me a message. No pressure, no sales talk. Just a local who genuinely believes this place has something special—and is happy to share what I’ve learned after years in the business.

You can also take a look at what’s available on our site—start with this page of listings and follow your curiosity from there.

I’ll leave you with this:

The Mediterranean is full of beautiful coastlines. But only in Albania can you still find beauty, peace, and affordability—together. And that, in my opinion, is the ultimate luxury after a lifetime of work.

- Anastasia 

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