Must-See Hidden Gems in Albania: Escape the Tourist Crowds

When most people think about Albania these days, they picture crowded beaches in Ksamil, sunbeds lined up shoulder to shoulder, and lively promenades in Saranda. And yes, that’s part of the story. But it’s not the whole one. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Where can I see the real Albania, away from the selfie sticks and noisy beach bars?”—you’re not alone.

I’ve lived and worked in the south of Albania for years, showing properties, walking clients through old stone villages, even grabbing a late lunch in tiny tavernas where no English menu exists. And believe me, there’s a side to the Albanian Riviera that even many Albanians don’t know about.

Beyond the Famous Beaches

Let me start with something simple. Everyone’s heard of Ksamil by now. It’s beautiful, no question, but when August comes, you’ll be lucky if you can find space to put down a towel. Just fifteen minutes away, however, there are coves and tiny stretches of coast where the water is just as turquoise, but you may only share it with a fisherman or two.

One of my favorite spots sits between Pasqyra Beach and Manastiri. The road down is rough—don’t even try it in heels—but that’s the point. Last summer, I brought a client there after viewing a seaview apartment in Saranda, and she just stood silently, listening to the waves. She looked at me and said, “This feels like Greece thirty years ago.” And she was right.

This is the side of Albania that still feels untouched.

Villages That Time Forgot

If you’ve only seen the coast, you’re missing half the magic. Drive ten minutes inland, and suddenly you’re in villages where the pace of life hasn’t changed in decades. I sometimes stop in Pilur, a hilltop village above Himara, just for the view. From there, you can see the whole curve of the Ionian.

But what stays with you isn’t just the view—it’s the small moments. Once, after a long morning showing villas in Borsh, I stopped in Pilur for a coffee. The café owner refused to let me pay. He simply said, “You bring foreigners here, you bring life.” That’s Albania in one sentence. Hospitality without calculation.

And speaking of Borsh, let me make a small tangent here: we’re currently building four White Villas right in the main street of Borsh. They’re surrounded only by olive trees and sea views, each with a private pool, big veranda, and parking. It’s the definition of quiet luxury, and yet still feels authentically Albanian. If you’ve ever imagined a holiday home that doubles as a smart investment, this is it—check them out here: White Villas in Borsh .

Nature Off the Map

Of course, not everything is about villages and beaches. The interior of the Riviera holds its own treasures. There’s a natural spring near Finiq where the water is so clear you can see every stone on the bottom. It’s not famous like the Blue Eye, and that’s the beauty of it. When I take friends there, they always say the same thing: “Why doesn’t anyone talk about this?”

Maybe it’s better they don’t.

Another spot I love is the walking path from Lukova down to the sea. No signs, no official trail. Just a narrow path between fig trees, leading to a rocky shore where you can jump straight into deep blue water. I once had a client from Germany who bought a Saranda apartment mainly because of that path—he said it reminded him of his childhood summers in Spain before the crowds arrived.

Food, Culture, and Small Surprises

Now, let’s talk about food, because you can’t separate Albania from its tables. There’s a small taverna near Qeparo that serves grilled fish caught that same morning, paired with homemade raki that will knock you off your feet if you’re not careful. Don’t expect polished service or fancy wine lists—it’s raw, it’s simple, and it’s perfect.

These are the moments I tell clients about when they’re considering buying property here. It’s not just square meters or sea views. It’s the lifestyle. And I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Where else can you buy a first-line seaview apartment with a private pool and private beach access at a fraction of Italian or Greek prices? That’s exactly what’s on offer at Gold Residence in Saranda . It’s not just an apartment; it’s the opportunity to live the Mediterranean dream without breaking the bank.

Hidden Gems Meet Hidden Opportunities

Here’s the funny thing: the same places that tourists overlook are often the smartest investment choices. Affordable properties in the villages above the coast, or beachfront property in less-developed stretches like Borsh, tend to appreciate the fastest once the crowds discover them.

Take Ksamil again. Five years ago, people were saying, “It’s too quiet, there’s nothing there.” Today, it’s one of the most searched areas for seaview apartments for sale in Albania. And if you want a taste of quiet luxury in Ksamil right now, you should really look at White Residence Ksamil . These are brand-new, 2025-finished apartments with a private swimming pool for residents, in a quiet neighborhood just 7 minutes from the beach. I visited last month when the first units were completed, and I remember thinking: this is exactly what people are looking for—modern, calm, and close to the sea without the chaos.

A Personal Note

Sometimes people ask me if I ever get tired of showing properties. The truth is, not really. Just last week, after walking through a half-renovated stone house in Qeparo, I found myself sitting with the owners drinking Turkish coffee in tiny glasses. The house wasn’t even for sale—we were just talking. That’s how things go here. One minute you’re discussing building permits, the next you’re learning about someone’s grandfather who built boats in Himara.

It’s these digressions, these unexpected connections, that make me love my job. And I think it’s also what makes Albania so special for investors and visitors alike. Here, you’re not just buying an apartment or villa—you’re buying into a way of life.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Albania and want to escape the tourist crowds, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems: secluded beaches, mountain villages, tavernas where nobody speaks English but everybody greets you like family. And if you’re thinking of investing here, remember this: the hidden spots often become tomorrow’s hotspots.

That’s why I encourage you not just to look at Saranda apartments for sale or beachfront properties in Ksamil—but to explore. Drive down the coast, take a detour inland, get lost a little. That’s where the real opportunities hide.

And if along the way you fall in love with the sea, the food, or just the feeling of belonging—that’s when you know you’ve found your place on the Albanian Riviera.

(This picture has been taken at Gjipe Beach, Albania.)