Seaview Therapy: Does Living Near the Ionian Coast Improve Mental Health?

Let me tell you something that might sound a little strange at first, but if you’ve ever sat on a balcony in Saranda as the sun sets over the Ionian, you’ll understand. 

There’s something about the sea here. The way the light dances on the water in the morning. The softness of the breeze around 6PM when things finally cool down. The smell of grilled fish from a neighbor’s patio. All these little things… they calm you. They change you. 

And I’ve seen it happen — not just to tourists, but to clients, friends, even myself. 

It’s Not Just a View — It’s a State of Mind 

Last week, I showed a young couple from Germany an apartment in Ksamil. A small 1+1, cozy, nothing too fancy — but when the wife stepped onto the balcony and saw the water, she froze. “This is it,” she said. No negotiation, no questions. She just knew. 

That moment reminded me why I love this job. 

Living near the sea, especially somewhere as peaceful and slow-paced as the Albanian Riviera , has a way of resetting people. You can feel it in your chest — like your heart rate just dropped a few beats. I’m not a doctor, but I’ve watched enough stressed-out city folks transform here to know there’s something real going on. 

There’s even a growing term for this: Seaview Therapy . Not medical, not official… but locals here have been living by it for generations without needing to name it. 

Why the Ionian? 

We’re lucky here in the south. The Ionian coast is different from other parts of Albania — more rugged, more dramatic, more alive. The sound of the waves is louder, the colors deeper. When you’re in Saranda, or Borsh, or even up in Lukova, it doesn’t feel like you’re just by the sea — it feels like you’re part of it. 

And the views? They’re ridiculous. Even after all these years, I still pause when I walk up to certain rooftops and see the horizon meet Corfu in the distance. You don’t get used to it — that’s the magic. 

Take a look at Saranda Terraces — the way those apartments are designed, every unit gives you a front-row seat to that natural calm. It’s not just about property — it’s about creating space to breathe. 

The Science Backs It Up (Sort Of) 

Alright, I’ll throw in a fact or two , just so you know I’m not being overly romantic. 

Multiple studies (mostly from the UK, Australia, and Scandinavia) have shown that people who live close to the sea report better mood, less anxiety, and deeper sleep . One study from Exeter even called proximity to the coast “a natural antidepressant.” Sounds dramatic, but honestly? That tracks. 

I’ve had clients who planned to rent out their apartment part-time, then ended up moving here full-time after just one visit. It happens more often than you’d think. 

And we’ve all seen how much more relaxed people become after a week here. They start walking slower. Smiling more. Drinking espresso in the middle of the day like the locals. Even the kids get quieter (okay, sometimes ). 

Little Things That Change You

There’s a small taverna near Borsh beach , no name, just a few plastic chairs and some grilled sardines that taste better than any restaurant in Tirana. I always take clients there after a property tour. Not to impress them. Just to show them the real vibe.

Because that’s what people are buying when they choose a beachfront property or a seaview apartment — it’s not just square meters. It’s a way of living that doesn’t rush you. That doesn’t demand you to be somewhere all the time. Where even doing “nothing” feels full.

Sometimes I catch myself explaining the square meters and features and finishes of a place like Rezidenca 12 in Ksamil, and then I just stop and say: “Honestly, you just need to stand on the balcony for five minutes. You’ll get it.”

Because they always do.

A Tangent About Tomatoes (Yes, Really)

One of my neighbors here grows these fat, ugly tomatoes in her backyard. Nothing like the supermarket ones. Every August she leaves a basket at my doorstep and refuses to take a single lek. Says it’s her way of “sharing the summer.”

And I swear — biting into one of those sun-warmed tomatoes, while sitting barefoot on a shaded terrace, hearing nothing but the cicadas and the sea — that is therapy. It’s just not the kind your insurance covers.

Affordable Properties, Real Quality of Life

Let’s be honest, compared to the rest of the Mediterranean, the Albanian coast is still incredibly affordable. People are shocked when I tell them the prices. You can find seaview apartments in Saranda for under €150,000. In places like Borsh or Qeparo, even less if you know where to look.

That’s changing, of course. Word is spreading. But for now, there’s still time to invest smart before prices catch up to our neighbors across the water.

If you’re curious, here’s a mix of current listings we’ve got, all with proper views:

• Saranda Terraces – modern design, panoramic views, premium finishes

• Rezidenca 12 in Ksamil – ideal for rental income, walking distance to beach

• Beachside projects in progress – something new always brewing in the south

(No pressure, really — just have a browse.)

Final Thoughts (Before I Head to the Beach)

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now. Not just for investors, but for people looking for a lifestyle shift.

Seaview therapy isn’t a sales pitch. It’s something I live every day and so do my clients. The real estate is just the door. What’s on the other side is a slower, brighter, calmer version of life.

If you ever want to come see it for yourself, let’s grab a coffee down by the promenade, my treat. Just don’t be surprised if you leave thinking, “I could actually live here.”

Because you probably could.