Living in the South Of the Albanian Riviera

There’s a certain hour in the south of Albania — usually around 6:30 p.m. — when the air cools down just enough, the olive trees cast long shadows over the hills, and the Ionian Sea turns that glassy shade of blue that looks like someone quietly poured silver into it.  

That’s the moment I think about when someone asks me why so many people are moving here. It’s not just about the prices, or the views, or the investment potential — though, let’s be honest, those help. It’s about the feeling . And living in the south, especially in places like Saranda, Ksamil, or Borsh, offers a feeling you rarely find anymore in the Mediterranean.  

The Charm That’s Hard to Translate  

There’s this Albanian word we use — “rehati.” It’s not just comfort. It’s deeper than that. It’s a kind of peace that settles into your bones. A stillness.  

You’ll find it in the early mornings in Lukova when the cafes open before the sun has fully stretched over the mountains. You’ll find it in the afternoon silence in Qeparo, when the only sound is the hum of bees near the lemon trees.  

A few weeks ago, I met a French couple who were looking at a seaview apartment near Mango Beach in Saranda. They weren’t looking for anything fancy — just a quiet place where they could drink coffee on a balcony with a view. We ended up spending an hour talking about tomatoes. Yes, tomatoes. They couldn’t believe how rich and sweet the local ones were. That’s what living here does. It slows you down enough to appreciate things like that.  

A Slower, Sunnier Life — With Surprising Practical Benefits  

You might think this lifestyle comes with compromises. But honestly? Many of the clients I work with are surprised by how much value you get here.  

Saranda apartments for sale often come with sea views, balconies, and access to private pools — and yet still cost a fraction of what you’d pay for similar properties in Greece or Italy. Even beachfront property in Ksamil is still accessible, especially if you’re early enough in the buying cycle.  

Here’s one of the villas we’ve recently listed in Borsh:  

👉 Villa 1 & 2 – White Villas by VivaView  

Three floors, private pool, Mediterranean-inspired architecture, and just a 5-minute drive from the beach. The kind of place that blends into the hillside, quietly elegant.  

And if you’re more drawn to apartment living, with a mix of comfort and modern amenities, take a look at the White Residence — full sea view apartments just a short walk from the Saranda promenade. I’ve been inside those units during golden hour… the light through those windows? Unreal.  

Real Life, Real People  

I know sometimes the blogs or agencies online make it all sound too perfect. But this is still a real place. You’ll see goats cross the road on your way to the beach. The post office might close a little early on a hot day. And your neighbor might invite you in for raki and insist you eat two slices of baklava, even if you’re full.  

That’s the trade-off — and personally, I think it’s a beautiful one.  

There’s an old man in the upper village of Borsh who sits outside his stone house every afternoon and says hello to every single person who passes. He doesn’t speak English, but he’ll offer you a plum or a smile — or both. It’s the kind of thing you don’t really get in the cities anymore. Here, people still wave. They still remember your name.   


A Different Kind of Investment 

Let’s talk numbers for a second. Not everyone who comes here is just looking for a lifestyle change. Some want a solid return on investment. And I get it — this place is still at the beginning of its curve. 

There are affordable properties with serious rental potential, especially in Ksamil and Saranda. In peak season (June to September), a well-placed seaview apartment can go for €150–€250 per night on Airbnb. Multiply that by a summer’s worth of bookings, and you’ve got an income stream that can rival cities far more expensive to buy into. 

Our project Residenca 12 is a good example — walking distance to the beach, built with quality materials, and perfect for short-term rentals. It’s in the kind of location that tourists love but locals know is quiet enough to enjoy year-round living. 

And if you’re browsing more opportunities, I always recommend clients check out our latest project listings here — especially when new units go live at lower prices during pre-construction phases. That’s often where the smartest investments happen. 

Culture, Coffee, and (Yes) Community 

There’s a rhythm to life down here. Morning coffee. A walk by the water. Long lunches. Siestas that aren’t just suggestions — they’re sacred. 

You’ll learn the names of the waiters at your favorite café in under a week. You’ll start recognizing the same faces at the fruit market. And before long, you’ll feel like you belong here — even if your Albanian is still just “faleminderit” and a smile. 

For those with kids, you’ll be happy to know the beaches are family-friendly, the locals love children, and the air is cleaner than almost anywhere else on the coast. Some expats even choose to homeschool their kids here or enroll them in nearby private schools in Saranda or Gjirokastër. 

And speaking of Gjirokastër — take a weekend and go. The cobbled streets, the castle views, the traditional stone houses… It’s less than an hour from Saranda, but it feels like a step back in time. 

The Takeaway 

I truly believe the Albanian Riviera offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast — not just in terms of property, but lifestyle. 

It’s for people who want to feel the sun on their face, who want to hear the sea at night from their balcony, who don’t mind the odd power outage if it means they get to eat freshly caught fish with their feet in the sand. 

Whether you’re thinking about a beachfront property , a peaceful apartment with a seaview , or just browsing Saranda apartments for sale , I invite you to experience what “jetesa në jug” really means. 

Because here, life doesn’t rush. It rolls — like the waves, like the sunsets, like time itself when you finally decide to slow down. 


Ready to explore your place in the south? I’m always happy to chat. No pressure, no sales pitch. Just a local who loves where he lives — and wants to share it with others.

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