Is Southern Albania the ‘Next Portugal’? Foreign Buyers Are Starting to Catch On

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda long enough to remember when most foreigners couldn’t find Albania on a map. Back then, people would pause after I said “I’m from Saranda” and ask, “Is that near Greece?”  

Now? They pause for a different reason—usually to pull out their phones and show me a villa listing they saw on Instagram.  

And I get why. The word is slowly getting out.  

Southern Albania—especially Saranda, Ksamil, and the surrounding Riviera—is starting to remind people of what Portugal was 15 or 20 years ago: beautiful coastlines, laid-back Mediterranean life, low cost of living, and property prices that feel like a secret.  

But let me give you the local version of the story, the one you won’t find in glossy articles or big-name travel blogs.  

The Comparison That Makes Sense  

When people say “Albania is the new Portugal,” I know what they mean.  

Portugal has become a favorite for retirees, digital nomads, and property investors. It offers good weather, access to the EU, and relatively affordable real estate—though less and less every year.  

But here’s the thing: Portugal got expensive. Fast.  

Southern Albania today still offers everything people love about Portugal— beachfront property , mountain-meets-sea landscapes, locally grown food, simple pleasures—but at a fraction of the cost.  

I’m not saying Albania will follow the exact same trajectory. We’re not part of the EU (yet), and our infrastructure still has catching up to do. But that’s part of what makes it special.  

It’s raw , in the best sense. And investors who come now are getting in early.  

What Foreigners Are Starting to See  

Just last month, I had a couple from the Netherlands visit. They were in their 50s, tired of the crowded coastlines in Spain, and wanted somewhere new—somewhere still authentic.  

We walked through a new 1+1 apartment in Saranda with a wide sea view and a quiet street just behind the promenade. Not even two minutes in, the woman turned to her husband and said, “This reminds me of Lagos in 2003.”  

I smiled. That’s exactly it.  

There’s this sense of possibility here. You walk through the markets and everyone still says “mirëdita.” A neighbor will wave you into their garden to try a fig straight from the tree. You order grilled fish at a seaside taverna and the waiter brings you homemade raki before the meal, not even asking.  

It’s not curated. It’s just… real.  

And yet, these places aren’t far off from becoming investment hotspots. Properties like the ones at White Residence are already seeing strong demand from foreigners looking for affordable properties with rental potential. And yes, they’re still affordable. But I don’t think that will last much longer.   

 

What Makes the South of Albania So Appealing? 

Let’s break it down. 

1. Seaview Apartments Are Still Within Reach 

You can still find Saranda apartments for sale under €100,000 with balconies overlooking the Ionian. That’s unheard of in most of Europe. Even better, the cost of furnishing and maintaining them is relatively low. 

2. The Coastline Is Untouched in Many Areas 

From Lukova to Borsh to Qeparo, entire stretches of the Albanian Riviera still feel like undiscovered territory. And yet—there’s interest. One of the villas we’re offering in Borsh sits on the hillside, overlooking olive groves and the sea, with construction that meets European standards. 

There’s something about Borsh, by the way. The long beach, the quiet, the sense of space. It reminds me of the Algarve before mass tourism. 

3. Community, Not Commercialization 

Albania still operates on community values. People greet each other in the streets. You’ll find multi-generational families having dinner together in the evenings, especially on Sundays. Property buyers who come here for the views often end up staying for the people. 

That Dutch couple? They came looking for an investment. They’re moving in permanently this fall. 

But Let’s Be Honest… 

Albania isn’t perfect. 

Sometimes the electricity cuts out for a bit. Occasionally, the water pressure drops during August when everyone’s here. Bureaucracy can be frustrating, and don’t expect every beach bar to take credit cards. 

But that’s what makes this place this place . 

People still pay in cash. They still ask where you’re from with genuine curiosity. And somehow, even in high season, there are spots—especially if you drive a little—where you can have an entire cove to yourself. 

The little roadside bakery just before you enter Himara? Best cheese byrek I’ve had in my life. And I’ve tried them all. 

So, Are Foreigners Ready to Discover It? 

I think they’re beginning to be. 

We’ve seen growing interest from buyers in Germany, the UK, Poland, and Italy. Many are looking for seaview apartments they can use for part of the year and rent out the rest. Some are retirees. Some are remote workers. A few are just adventurous souls who want to be ahead of the curve. 

They come here, they see the coastline, they have a glass of wine on a terrace at sunset… and something shifts. 

One thing I’ve learned from working in this business is that you can’t sell someone on Albania. You can only show them. The country does the rest. 


Final Thoughts

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now.

And I’m not saying that as a real estate agent—I’m saying it as someone who has lived here for years, who’s watched this city grow and change, and who still feels a little lucky every time I walk along the sea in the early morning.

Is Southern Albania the next Portugal? Maybe.

But in many ways, I hope it stays just a little bit Albania—raw, warm, surprising.

If you’re curious, take a look at some of our listings like White Residence or this modern villa in Borsh.

Or better yet—come see it for yourself.