Tourists Don’t Know About These Beaches — But Investors Should

I’ve been living in Saranda for over a decade now. I’ve watched it grow from a sleepy coastal town where goats still wandered down the road near Mango Beach — to what is now a buzzing Mediterranean gem. And yet… there are still places here that most tourists have never heard of.  

Funny thing is, those are the exact places smart investors are quietly buying into.  

Let me tell you why.  

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The Beaches Beyond the Postcards  

When you search “Albanian Riviera” on Google, you’ll see Ksamil, Dhërmi, maybe a touch of Jale. Gorgeous places, don’t get me wrong. I’ve sold dozens of beachfront properties there. But if you drive just a bit further or ask a local, there’s an entirely different coastline. Quieter. Wilder. And—importantly—still affordable.  

Last week, I drove a client from Germany down to Borsh. We stopped at a roadside café just before the descent — the kind where they still make Turkish coffee in the sand and serve fresh figs if you’re lucky. She looked out at the bay and said, “Why is nobody talking about this place?”  

That’s what I mean. These hidden corners of the Albanian Riviera? They’re not just scenic—they’re strategic.  

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Borsh, Qeparo, Lukovë – The Trifecta You Shouldn’t Ignore  

Let’s start with Borsh .  

It has one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted beach in the country. No massive resorts. No noisy clubs. Just raw coastline, olive groves, and villas slowly being built into the landscape.  

I truly believe Borsh is where Ksamil was 10 years ago. There’s a peacefulness here you don’t get in the busier hotspots. And when it comes to seaview apartments or plots for villas — the prices are still incredibly reasonable compared to anywhere else on the Mediterranean. That won’t last.  

Now take Qeparo . Perched on the hillside with ancient stone homes and a panoramic view of the Ionian. People go there for a day trip and forget that it’s actually one of the best locations for airbnb-style rentals . Especially the newer part closer to the shore.  

And then there’s Lukovë . Often overlooked, but it’s got this charm—half rural, half Riviera. There’s this tiny cove just before you enter the village—locals call it “Shpella e Peshkatarit.” No signs, no umbrellas, just crystal water and the occasional fishing boat passing by. I’ve taken potential buyers there after showings. It’s hard to beat.  

The Investor’s Advantage: Buying Before the Buzz  

Here’s something I say a lot: by the time the influencers arrive, the prices have already doubled.  

These lesser-known beach zones are where the value still lives. You can still get beachfront property or land for development at prices that feel unreal — €100–150/m² in some spots, compared to €600–900/m² in Ksamil.  

And buyers are starting to notice. Quietly. Especially foreign ones.  

Just last month, I helped a Belgian client reserve two duplex units in a hillside project with full sea views — one for rental income, one for long-term value. His reasoning? “Everyone’s going to Ksamil. I want to be where they’re going next.”   

What Kind of Property Works Here? 

If you’re someone who wants to: 

• build a modern villa with a pool and rent it out 6 months a year 

• grab an affordable apartment while prices are low 

• or buy land and develop in stages with partners 

… these areas are perfect. 

Take a look at this new project we’re involved in just 8 minutes from the beach in Ksamil: 

👉 White Residence 

Or this one in a quieter neighborhood, ideal for year-round living: 

👉 Residenca 12 

They’re just examples, but they show the contrast: some buyers want the energy of a touristic hotspot, others want the hidden beach experience. Both can be smart investments if you get in early enough. 

But What About Access, Roads, Services? 

Good question. 

Here’s where being a local helps. A lot of these areas may seem remote, but infrastructure is coming fast. The coastal road is being paved in segments every year. Internet is better than most of Europe now thanks to fiber lines. 

And something you wouldn’t know unless you lived here: in places like Borsh and Lukovë, locals are incredibly welcoming if you invest respectfully. One of my clients was even gifted homemade raki after finalizing a purchase. 

Yes, there are challenges. You’ll need guidance on building permits, property boundaries, and sometimes, patience. But that’s what we’re here for. I’ve walked clients through the full process — from scouting land to handing over keys. 

Tangent (but stay with me…) 

One afternoon last summer, I had a showing near Qeparo. The client arrived early, and we ended up at this small beach bar — just hammocks, a few beers in the cooler, and zero cell service. We ended up chatting with the owner for over an hour. Turns out he used to work in tourism in Greece but came back to build something here, on his own land. 

That’s the energy here. Quiet entrepreneurship. Local pride. And people making things happen before the masses arrive. 

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Perfect

People often ask me, “Is now a good time to buy?”

And I tell them: there’s no such thing as the perfect time. But there is such a thing as buying before the story is written.

The tourists might not know about these beaches yet — but investors do.

And the smart ones are already making moves.

So whether you’re thinking of a holiday home, a rental investment, or even developing a small project… don’t just look where everyone else is. Look just a little further down the coast.

That’s where the next wave is coming.

Want to explore options in these up-and-coming zones?

I’m based right here in Saranda, and I’d be happy to walk you through everything — from seaview apartments to land plots. Just send me a message or check out our latest listings at VivaView.al.

Let’s find your place in the real Albania.

Written from my office in Saranda, with a view of the sea and the sound of construction a few blocks away. The city’s growing — you can feel it.