The Future of Albania’s Infrastructure: Airports, Marinas, and Roads That Will Change Property Values

When I walk along Saranda’s promenade in the evenings, watching the ferries glide in from Corfu, I sometimes think about how much this little corner of the Mediterranean has changed in just the last ten years. And honestly? We’re only at the beginning.

Big projects — airports, marinas, new roads — are about to reshape the entire Albanian Riviera. And if you care about real estate, about where property values are heading, this matters more than anything else.

Vlora International Airport: A Game Changer

Let’s start with the big one: Vlora International Airport.

For years, travelers had two options — fly to Tirana and drive four or five hours south, or land in Corfu and take the ferry. I’ve lost count of how many clients looked at a seaview apartment here in Saranda, fell in love, but hesitated because “the airport is too far.”

That excuse is disappearing. The new airport in Vlora is not a dream anymore; it’s being built. And when it opens, the Riviera suddenly becomes accessible in a way it never was before. Imagine stepping off a plane and being on the beach in Himara or Saranda in less than two hours. That will push prices up — I can guarantee it.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. But with Vlora airport, “value” might not last long.

Marinas: The Rise of Yachting in Albania

If airports open the sky, marinas open the sea. And this is where things get really exciting.

Saranda is finally getting its own marina designed for yachts. Picture hundreds of luxury vessels docked just a short walk from the old town. I already imagine the atmosphere: restaurants buzzing, new boutiques opening, people from all over Europe stepping off their boats and strolling the boulevard.

It’s not just Saranda. Vlora has its marina project too, and in Durrës they’re planning a massive investment — luxury residences and a yacht marina that could rival Croatia’s coast. When you add it all up, Albania is positioning itself not just as a beach destination, but as part of the Mediterranean’s high-end yachting map.

Last week, when I was showing a property in Ksamil, the client asked if Albania really has the infrastructure for the kind of growth they’ve seen in Montenegro. And I smiled — because a few years ago, that question was valid. Today, with these marinas underway, the answer is simple: yes.

Roads That Finally Connect the Riviera

Airports and marinas make headlines, but roads are the quiet heroes of real estate.

I still remember when driving from Saranda to Borsh felt like an expedition. Tight curves, narrow lanes, trucks slowing everything down. Now, each year the roads improve, piece by piece. And soon, we’ll have faster connections from Vlora all the way to Saranda.

Why does this matter? Because easier access means more tourists, more investors, and more rental demand. A beachfront property in Ksamil or a seaview apartment in Saranda isn’t just a holiday home anymore — it’s a serious investment with growing returns.

And let me tell you, when I drive to Borsh now, I often stop at that small taverna near the old olive groves. Most tourists fly past it. But it’s places like that which make me think: if the infrastructure is finally catching up to the natural beauty, then property values will have no ceiling.

Resorts and Big Projects Shaping the Coast

We’re not just talking about roads and marinas. Whole resorts are being built. Mixed-use developments with hotels, apartments, and retail. The scale is something Albania hasn’t seen before.

Durrës is already in transformation, with billions in investment. Vlora will follow, especially with the airport. And in the south, places like Borsh — where I’ve been personally involved with new villa developments — are starting to attract serious international attention.

I sometimes joke that Albania is like Greece 30 years ago. Untouched, affordable properties, incredible coastline. The difference is that our growth might happen much faster.

Local Insider Perspective

Now, let me take a step back. You’ve probably read plenty of articles about Albania’s “potential.” But living here, working every day in real estate, I can tell you — the change is already visible.

When I walk with clients through Ksamil’s quieter neighborhoods, they often can’t believe they’re just seven minutes from the beach. There’s one new residence I’m particularly excited about — modern, luxurious, with a private pool for residents. It just finished a month ago, in 2025. If you’re curious, you can see it here: White Residence Ksamil.

And then there’s Borsh. Three kilometers of uninterrupted beach, still one of the least developed stretches of the Riviera. I’ve been working on a villa project there that combines Mediterranean style with modern comfort, each with a private pool. You can take a look: White Residence Villas Borsh. It’s not hype when I say Borsh could be the “next big thing” on the Riviera.

A Tangent on Culture (Because This is Albania)

I should mention — infrastructure is not just about concrete. It’s about culture too.

Here, when a road gets built, suddenly a village café that was once half-empty becomes a stop for travelers. You’ll hear music playing, smell grilled fish, maybe even see a local wedding spilling into the street. It’s these small things that make the south unique. And it’s why I always tell my clients: you’re not just buying an apartment or villa, you’re buying into a lifestyle.

Looking Ahead

The future of Albania’s infrastructure isn’t a maybe. It’s already happening.

• Vlora airport is on the way.

• Marinas in Saranda, Vlora, and Durrës are being developed.

• Roads are improving every year.

• Resorts and big projects are reshaping the skyline.

What does it mean for real estate? Property values will grow. Beachfront property in Ksamil won’t stay “affordable” forever. Seaview apartments in Saranda are still priced below Croatia or Greece, but the gap will close.

I’ve lived here long enough to see how fast things move once the first big investors arrive. And they’re already here.

So if you’ve ever thought about buying on the Albanian Riviera — maybe an apartment in Saranda, maybe a villa in Borsh — now might be the time. Because the future is coming quickly, and it’s bringing property growth with it.

And if you ever want to see these places through the eyes of someone who walks the streets every day, just reach out. I’ll show you the Albania that doesn’t always make it into the brochures.