What’s It Like to Live by the Sea in Albania? A Lifestyle You Can’t Put a Price On

There’s a certain silence you only hear by the sea.  

It’s not the absence of sound — quite the opposite. It’s the rhythmic splash of waves, the low hum of cicadas in the summer heat, a distant clink of cutlery from a taverna terrace where someone is likely enjoying grilled sea bass and a glass of raki.  

It’s the kind of quiet that makes you slow down. Breathe differently. And if you’re like me — someone who’s spent years living and working along the southern coast of Albania — it’s a lifestyle that quietly reshapes you, without you even noticing.  

So what’s it really like to live by the sea here? I’ll tell you the truth — it’s not always perfect. But it’s always real. And it’s something most people don’t even know they’re missing until they feel it for themselves.  

The Call of the Albanian Riviera  

I’ve lived in Saranda for more than a decade now. I’ve seen this town evolve — from a sleepy coastal village into a buzzing hub full of new energy, modern apartments, stylish cafes, and travelers who come “just to visit” and end up staying years.  

And still, the thing that surprises people most isn’t how affordable the properties are. It’s how easy it feels to belong here.  

The Albanian Riviera — especially the stretch between Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh, and Qeparo — is one of the last Mediterranean coastlines that hasn’t been fully consumed by commercial tourism. It still has soul. It still feels like people actually live here — not just pass through.  

You’ll see an old man pushing a cart full of figs past a brand-new luxury complex. You’ll find modern seaview apartments for sale next door to family-run homes with vines growing over the porch. And the sea? Always there. Deep, blue, unchanged.  

A Day in the Life (More or Less)  

Let me give you a glimpse of a typical day living by the sea here. Not the curated Instagram version — the real one.  

You wake up. The curtains are already glowing because the Ionian light is bright, even at 7 AM. You hear a seagull, maybe a fishing boat engine in the distance. You walk to your balcony — and there it is. That unreal blue. You never quite get used to it.  

Some people jog along the Saranda promenade. Others sit at Bar Restaurant Limani, ordering a macchiato with two sugars (because that’s the way we drink coffee here). You might take a swim before breakfast if you’re lucky enough to live close — many of the newer beachfront properties are just a 3-5 minute walk to the sea.  

Lunch is usually around 1:30 PM. If you’re near Ksamil, you might stop by a small fish restaurant where the owner still serves you personally. No menu. Just what they caught that morning. One of my favorite spots is a no-name grill just behind Lori Beach — barely marked on Google Maps. The tzatziki is homemade. The chairs are plastic. It’s perfect.  

Then, sometime around 5 PM, the light shifts. The wind changes. And the sunset begins. If you’re lucky, you’re sitting on your own terrace, with a glass of wine, watching the Ionian Sea turn orange and silver.   

Life Slows Down (In the Best Way) 

People always ask me, “What’s the biggest difference between living here and, say, in the UK or Germany?” 

I say: the time. Not the timezone — the pace . 

Here, everything is just a little slower. Which, at first, might be frustrating if you’re used to strict timetables and instant results. But give it a few weeks. Eventually, you stop checking your watch so often. You take the long way home along the beach. You talk to your neighbors. You start to feel… present. 

And that’s something money really can’t buy. 

Why the Sea Changes Everything (Even the Way You Invest) 

Of course, I work in real estate. So people expect me to talk about the numbers — the price per square meter, the return on investment, the tourism season income, all of that. 

And yes, Saranda apartments for sale are still incredibly affordable compared to the rest of Europe. We’re talking €1,800–€2,200/m² for brand-new, high-end seaview apartments , and even less if you buy off-plan. Some of our best properties are here: 

👉 Ionian Bay Residence and Marina City Park 

If you’re looking for something more private and long-term, we also have villas just steps from the sea in Borsh — with full ownership, private pools, and mountain-meets-sea views: 

👉 White Residence Villas 

👉 Villa 1+2 Project 

But numbers aside — and this might sound strange coming from someone who sells real estate — the real reason people buy here has nothing to do with profit. 

They buy because of how they feel when they’re here. 

I’ve seen people cry on their first visit to Ksamil. I’ve seen a Swiss client cancel his return flight. I’ve had couples tell me they came “just to see,” and within three days they were planning a full relocation. 

A Few Things You Should Know (From a Local’s POV) 

Let me give you some honest, no-fluff insights: 

• You don’t need to speak Albanian to live here. But a few words help. People appreciate it when you try. Say “faleminderit” (thank you) with a smile — you’ll get a smile back every time. 

• Winters are calm. Too calm for some. The beach towns quiet down, but that’s when you get the sea all to yourself. 

• August is chaos. Beautiful chaos. Beaches full of life, music in the air, families everywhere. It’s loud, it’s alive — and if you love that Mediterranean buzz, it’s magic. 

• Ownership is full and direct. You get full title deeds. No leasehold complications. No hidden co-ownership clauses. Foreigners can buy 100% of the property in their own name (except land without buildings). 

Final Thought: You Don’t Just Own a Property — You Join a Lifestyle

There’s a phrase Albanians use often: “Me shëndet e ta gëzosh” — which loosely translates to “Enjoy it in good health.” People say it when you buy something new. A car, a home, even a good shirt.

But here, I think it applies to more than just things. It applies to the way you live.

Because buying property by the sea in Albania — whether in Saranda, Ksamil, or Borsh — isn’t just a transaction. It’s a decision to live slower. Closer to nature. With more sun, more simplicity, more humanity.

And if you ask me?

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast — not just financially, but emotionally, spiritually, and yes, even gastronomically.

If you’re curious, take a look at some of the homes we’ve helped people find. No pressure — just explore. And if anything speaks to you, you’ll know.

👉 Browse Our Projects Here

You might just find yourself dreaming of the sea before you know it.