The Secret Season: Why Locals Prefer September in Ksamil and Himarë

There’s something about September. 

Maybe it’s the still-warm sea. Or the way the light hits the mountains in the late afternoon—softer, slower. Maybe it’s just the peace that returns when the crowds thin out and the villages start breathing normally again. 

Whatever it is, ask anyone who lives in the south of Albania —we’ll all tell you the same thing: 

September is our favorite month. 

When the Season Shifts 

Don’t get me wrong. July and August are a thrill. Ksamil turns into this vibrant, almost chaotic mix of languages, beach umbrellas, and last-minute reservations. Himarë fills with cars from every corner of Europe. And as someone who works in real estate, I love that buzz. 

But once September hits… everything changes. 

Last week, I showed a client a stunning apartment in Ksamil —right near the beach, perfect for short-term rentals. They asked me, “Is it always this calm?” I smiled. 

“This,” I told them, “is the secret season.” 

We walked down to the shore. The sea was like glass. The restaurants weren’t rushed. Prices? Lower. And the view? Just as beautiful. 

This apartment is still one of my favorites on the market—great for a peaceful vacation base and smart investment. 

The Water Is Warmer. The Air Is Kinder. 

In September, the sea holds all the heat it’s been collecting all summer. It’s warmer than in June, even. Perfect for long swims without the shouting of jet skis or packed beach bars. 

And the air—finally! After months of heavy heat and traffic, the breeze in Ksamil and Himarë gets fresher. Mornings are crisp, not cold. You can actually sit outside at noon without melting. 

It’s also the best time for viewings. I can walk you through a property without rushing, without parking wars, without the honking chaos of August. And honestly? The properties even feel different this time of year. More serene. You get to imagine them as they really are. 

Prices Drop. Quality Rises. 

Here’s a little-known fact: in September, you get more for your money . 

Hotel prices drop. Airbnbs open up. Restaurants go back to serving locals instead of tourist menus. And the same goes for real estate. While summer is peak selling season, September is the moment when smart buyers start negotiating. Sellers who didn’t close in August become more flexible. 

And since I work closely with developers, I see it all. Some of our best opportunities get listed or unlocked after summer—like this upcoming project in Saranda, White Residence , where the pre-construction prices are still low, but the location is top-tier. 

The Villages Breathe Again

One of my favorite things to do in September is to drive down from Saranda to Himarë with no real plan. Just stop wherever the road calls me.

Qeparo. Pilur. Vuno. You can walk these places in silence again. The older women start drying herbs in front of their stone houses. The smell of roasted peppers lingers in the air. It’s not just beautiful—it feels true.

In Himarë, I like stopping at this small café behind the old Orthodox church. No name on the sign. Just plastic chairs and the best kafe turke you’ll drink in your life. The owner always remembers my face—even if I show up once a year.

That’s the vibe of September.

Tangent: The Beach Taverna Nobody Talks About

Let me go off-track for a second. If you ever find yourself in Borsh this time of year, skip the big restaurants on the main strip. Walk about 300 meters south, past the last sunbed area. There’s a small taverna under olive trees—no website, no TripAdvisor page. The kind of place where they grill the fish that was caught that morning and the wine comes in recycled glass bottles.

That’s where I took a couple from the Netherlands last year. We had just seen a piece of land they were considering building on. They weren’t sure. But after a quiet lunch there, they looked at me and said,

“We’re in. We can feel it.”

It’s not always about square meters. Sometimes it’s about moments.

You Can See the Real South

What I love about September is that the south of Albania finally shows its real face. No filters, no influencers, no cruise ship groups.

You see the children heading back to school. You see the farmers picking grapes. You hear Albanian in the air again—not just English, Polish, or Italian. And if you’re here to truly understand what it feels like to own a home on the Albanian Riviera, this is the time to come.

That’s why I always suggest viewings in this period. Whether you’re looking at Saranda apartments for sale, or beachfront property in Ksamil, or something more peaceful like Residenca 12, it’s simply easier to make good decisions when you’re not rushed.

Final Thoughts: Come Quiet, Leave Connected

I’ve lived in Saranda most of my life. Seen it grow, change, evolve. I’ve worked through every summer since 2007, and trust me—September is for locals.

It’s when we sit. Breathe. Reflect. Reconnect.

It’s also when smart buyers and future expats start asking the right questions. Not just “How close is it to the beach?” but

• “What’s the light like in the morning here?”

• “Can I walk to the bakery?”

• “How quiet is it at night?”

Those are the questions that matter when you’re planning your future here.

So if you’re thinking about coming down to explore real estate—do yourself a favor:

Come in September.

And if you’re already here, let me know.

I’ll meet you by the sea, espresso in hand.