I’ve noticed something interesting over the last few years.
More and more of my conversations don’t start with “How much can I make from rentals?” but with “Can I see myself living here long-term?”
That question usually comes from people thinking about retirement.
And honestly, I understand them completely.
I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years. I’ve watched seasons come and go, neighborhoods mature, cafés open and quietly disappear, and properties that once felt overlooked become some of the most comfortable places to live. Retirement property in Albania isn’t a trend anymore. It’s becoming a very intentional choice.
Let me explain why.
Why Albania Makes Sense for Retirement (Especially the South)
When people imagine retirement abroad, they often think of Spain, Portugal, southern Italy. Beautiful places, yes. But also expensive, crowded, and increasingly complicated.
Here on the Albanian Riviera, life moves at a different pace.
You wake up with the sea in front of you.
You walk to buy fresh bread while greeting neighbors by name.
You drink coffee slowly. Not because you have time — but because that’s how people live here.
I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Not just in price, but in quality of daily life.
Healthcare is accessible. Living costs are reasonable. Fresh food is part of everyday life, not a luxury. And most importantly, you’re not treated like a tourist once you settle in. You become part of the rhythm.
A Small Moment That Says a Lot
Not long ago, I was showing a property in Ksamil to a couple who had spent years traveling before deciding where to retire. They had seen plenty of places. But when we stepped onto the balcony and they heard nothing but cicadas and distant waves, they stopped talking.
That pause said everything.
Moments like that remind me why retirement buyers are different. They don’t rush. They observe. They imagine mornings, not just views.
Saranda Apartments for Sale: Comfort Without Compromise
Saranda is ideal for retirees who want balance. You’re close to hospitals, shops, cafés, and the promenade — but you can still choose quiet neighborhoods where evenings are peaceful even in August.
One property I often think of in this context is a seaview 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street.
It’s in a calm, safe area, inside a new residence, finished with high-end details. There’s a private swimming pool, and the sea view is completely open — no buildings in front, no future surprises.
It’s the kind of place where you can live comfortably year-round, but also rent out when you travel. Many retirees like that flexibility.
If you’re curious, this is the apartment I mean:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-saranda-skenderbeu-street-fully-furnished
It doesn’t feel flashy. It feels right.
Ksamil: Quiet Living, Just Steps From the Sea
Ksamil isn’t just a summer destination anymore. Outside the peak season, it becomes calm, almost village-like. Locals return to their routines, and life slows down in a good way.
For retirement, that’s a big advantage.
There’s a brand-new 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil, finished in summer 2025, in a quiet and new neighborhood. A modern building, shared private pool for residents, and just a seven-minute walk to the beach.
This is the kind of place retirees often choose because it’s easy. Easy to maintain. Easy to enjoy. Easy to lock up and leave if you travel.
I usually mention it casually during viewings because it speaks for itself:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-ksamil-65m2
Simple. Elegant. Quiet luxury.
A Short Tangent About Food (Because It Matters)
Retirement isn’t just about property. It’s about daily rituals.
There’s a small family-run spot just outside Saranda where the owner still brings olives from his own land. It’s not on Instagram. No menu in English. But if you sit there long enough, someone will offer you a glass of homemade raki.
This kind of everyday hospitality is part of life here.
And it’s something many retirees don’t realize they’re missing until they experience it.
Anyway — back to property.
For Those Wanting More Space: Duplexes and Villas
Some buyers want more than an apartment. Especially families planning long stays or retirees who host children and grandchildren.
In Ksamil, there’s a new 2025 luxury duplex, located on the main road, just 300 meters from the beach and the center. It has two swimming pools — one private for the duplex and one shared — underground parking included, and security designed for only a few residents.
It works beautifully as a family home. It also performs extremely well as an investment, with ROI reaching up to 16% per year.
I don’t pitch it loudly. People who understand value usually recognize it instantly.
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/luxury-duplex-for-sale-in-ksamil-new-building-pool-near-beach-139m2
Private Villas: When Retirement Means Privacy
Then there are those who want something rarer.
A garden.
Silence.
Space to breathe.
There’s a private villa development in Saranda, located in a very quiet and private neighborhood. Spacious layout, private swimming pool, and a sense of separation from the city — while still being close enough for everyday needs.
For retirees who value privacy and comfort, this is a rare opportunity in Saranda. Villas like this don’t come often, and when they do, they’re usually gone before being widely advertised.
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/private-villa-for-sale-in-saranda-albania-with-swimming-pool-surra
Building Your Own Vision: Land by the Sea
Some people dream even bigger.
They don’t want to buy a finished property. They want to create one.
For those thinking long-term — perhaps a small hotel, a few villas, or a custom retirement home — there are still exceptional land opportunities.
In Porto Palermo, there’s a first-line land property just 10 meters from the beach. Rare. Almost impossible to find now. Perfect for a boutique hotel or private villas.
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-land-property-for-sale-in-porto-palermo-albania
And in Borsh, land with sea views offers a quieter, greener alternative, surrounded by nature and long beaches that remain uncrowded even in summer.
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-land-property-for-sale-in-borsh-albania
These aren’t rushed decisions. They’re legacy decisions.
Another Small Detour: Winter in Saranda
People often ask me, “But what about winter?”
Winter in Saranda is gentle. Sunny days. Calm streets. Locals everywhere.
It’s when you truly feel the city. Not the postcard version — the real one.
And for retirees, that’s often the deciding factor.
Affordable Properties, Long-Term Comfort
One of the strongest reasons people choose Albania for retirement is affordability — without sacrificing quality.
You can still find affordable properties with sea views, modern construction, and excellent locations. You’re not paying for a brand name country. You’re paying for actual value.
That window won’t stay open forever.
Final Thoughts
Retirement property in Albania isn’t about escaping life.
It’s about choosing a better version of it.
A slower morning.
A familiar face at the café.
A home where the sea is part of your everyday view, not just a vacation memory.
If you’re considering retiring on the Albanian Riviera, take your time. Visit in different seasons. Walk the neighborhoods. Sit quietly and listen.
That’s usually when people know.
And when they do, I’m here — not to sell loudly, but to guide honestly.
