2030 Forecast: Will Albania’s Riviera Become the Next French Riviera?

I’ve lived in Saranda long enough to watch the town change every single season. The skyline that once had just a handful of apartment blocks now gleams with new developments, modern hotels, and cafés that seem to pop up overnight. Sometimes, when I stand on the promenade at sunset and look at the Ionian Sea, I can’t help but think: where will all this be in five years? In ten? And that’s when the thought hits me — will Albania’s Riviera become the next French Riviera by 2030?

A Different Kind of Riviera

The French Riviera has always been about luxury, exclusivity, and names you’ve heard a thousand times. Nice. Cannes. Saint-Tropez. Albania, on the other hand, is still in its beginning chapters. And that’s what excites me. We’re not overdeveloped. Prices are still surprisingly accessible. And in places like Saranda and Ksamil, you can still walk into a family-run taverna, order grilled fish caught that morning, and pay less than you’d spend on a coffee in Monaco.

The question is: can this balance last?

What I See Every Day

Every week I meet clients from Italy, France, Poland, even the U.S. They come curious. They leave surprised. One moment sticks with me: I was showing a couple from the Netherlands a seaview apartment here in Saranda. As soon as they stepped on the balcony and saw Corfu across the water, the husband just shook his head and laughed. “Why is this still affordable?” he asked me.

That’s the thing. It is affordable, compared to anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Saranda apartments for sale are often a fraction of the price you’d find across the water. And yet the lifestyle? The sea, the beaches, the climate — it’s the same, if not better.

The Forecast: 2030

If the trends continue, here’s what I believe:

• Prices will rise, but gradually. Not an overnight bubble, but steady, consistent growth.

• Luxury projects will define the coast. Villas with private pools in Borsh, beachfront property in Ksamil, first-line residences in Saranda.

• Tourism will keep driving demand. More flights, more cruise ships, more people looking for seaview apartments and rentals.

• Albania will keep its charm. And this is what really sets us apart from the French Riviera. We still smile at strangers. We still invite you for raki even if we’ve just met you.

A Local’s Perspective

Sometimes I hear people say, “Yes, but Albania doesn’t have the infrastructure.” They’re right — to a point. Roads are still being improved, and you’ll occasionally find yourself stuck behind a herd of goats. But that’s also the magic of it. One moment you’re sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar in Saranda, the next you’re driving five minutes inland and you’re surrounded by olive groves and old stone houses.

And honestly, if you know where to go, you’ll find little treasures. Like the small taverna near the entrance of Borsh beach — most tourists walk right past it. But the owner, an old fisherman, makes calamari that melts in your mouth. That’s the kind of detail you don’t read about in brochures.

Where the Riviera is Heading

Let me paint a picture of what 2030 might look like. Imagine Saranda’s promenade stretching even further, lined with cafés and boutiques. Ksamil’s beaches with carefully managed resorts — not too many, but enough to attract visitors who want comfort and quiet luxury. And Borsh, with its 7-kilometer beach, slowly becoming the crown jewel for those who want space, nature, and a bit of privacy.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. The combination of accessibility, climate, and pricing is unmatched. And Ksamil? It’s already on the radar of those who crave that “postcard-perfect” destination. Borsh will follow, but in its own slower, quieter way.

Real Opportunities Right Now

Of course, a forecast is nothing without today’s reality. Right now, the opportunities are in three main spots:

• Ksamil – I’ve just walked through a brand-new residence there, finished in 2025. It’s called White Residence. The apartments are modern, luxurious, and the whole complex has its own private swimming pool for residents. The best part? It’s only seven minutes’ walk to the beach, tucked in a new, quiet neighborhood. This is what I call quiet luxury.

• Saranda – At the first line of the coast, there’s an apartment in Gold Residence that caught my eye. You can see it here. It’s a seaview apartment with a private pool for residents and even a private beach literally one minute away. Opportunities like this don’t come often.

• Borsh – Then there are the White Villas. Our construction company built them with over 15 years of experience and a team of 150+ skilled professionals. Each villa is a residential paradise: three floors, big veranda, private swimming pool, and parking. They sit on the main street of Borsh but are surrounded only by nature, with sea views from every angle. A seven-minute drive takes you to the longest beach in the Ionian. To me, they are the very definition of quiet luxury — and all are for sale with 0% commission.

Why This Matters for Investors

The French Riviera didn’t become what it is overnight. It was a mix of natural beauty, consistent investment, and storytelling. Albania is now at that storytelling stage. The world is just beginning to notice. Articles are popping up in Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet. Investors are starting to test the waters. And those who enter now, before the “crowds,” will see the biggest multipliers.

I’m not saying Albania will be identical to the French Riviera. I wouldn’t want it to be. What I see instead is a Riviera with its own character — warm, authentic, still a little raw, but full of opportunity.

A Tangent (Because That’s How Life Feels Here)

Sometimes, when I take clients to view properties, I catch myself making little detours. “Let’s stop here for a coffee,” I’ll say. Or “try this homemade olive oil.” It might sound strange during a real estate tour, but that’s how you understand Albania. The properties are important — but it’s the lifestyle that sells them.

I remember once, in the middle of showing a villa, we ended up sitting under a fig tree eating fresh fruit with the owners. That’s Albania. That’s the Riviera that’s growing.

Looking Toward 2030

So will Albania’s Riviera become the next French Riviera?
Not in the sense of glittering red carpets or mega-yachts (although we’re starting to see more of those too). But in terms of recognition, value, and lifestyle — yes, I believe it will.

By 2030, I expect Saranda, Ksamil, and Borsh to be known names across Europe. Not just for tourists, but for investors who saw the opportunity early. And when that time comes, those who bought a beachfront property or a seaview apartment here will look back and realize they entered at exactly the right moment.

Final Thought

As a local who walks these streets, eats in these tavernas, and helps families and investors find their spot on the Riviera, I can tell you one thing: the future here feels bright. And if you’ve ever dreamed of owning a piece of the Mediterranean, now is the time to look.

Because in 2030, we might just be talking about Albania in the same breath as the French Riviera.