Albania’s Riviera 2030: A Vision of How New Projects Will Transform the Coastline

When I think about where the Albanian Riviera will be in 2030, I can almost see it—roads smoother, airports busier, new marinas filled with sleek yachts. Big projects are already in motion, and more are on the horizon. Some people say “Albania is the last secret of the Mediterranean.” I’d say that secret won’t stay hidden for long.

The truth is, the coastline is already changing before our eyes. From Saranda to Borsh, from Ksamil to Himara, new projects—many in the millions of euros—are quietly reshaping the future. And while change always comes with its challenges, I honestly believe we’re heading toward something remarkable.

A Coastline Ready for the Next Chapter

When I walk along Saranda’s promenade in the evening, watching families with ice creams and older men playing dominoes, I sometimes think: in five years, will this still feel the same? Probably yes—but with a backdrop of new high-end developments.

The government has committed to infrastructure that will make a huge difference: the new airports (Vlora, but also Kukës and upgrades in Tirana), better roads that cut travel time from the capital to the south, and even talk of new marinas for luxury yachts. These aren’t just improvements for tourists—they’re lifelines for real estate growth. When access improves, property values inevitably rise.

Last summer, a client of mine from Italy said, “It feels like investing in Spain in the 1980s.” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

Big Luxury, Big Numbers

We’re not just talking about small apartment buildings anymore. We’re talking about luxury resorts, gated villa communities, and international investors putting millions into projects that will redefine how people experience the Albanian Riviera.

Take Ksamil for example. Ten years ago, it was mostly a summer escape for locals. Now? Quiet luxury projects are appearing that cater to an international audience. One of the newest developments I’ve been working with is White Residence in Ksamil. These are not your average apartments for sale—they’re modern, just finished in 2025, with private access to a residence pool. The neighborhood is quiet, brand new, and only seven minutes on foot from the beach. I don’t usually gush about buildings, but this one really feels like Ksamil has stepped into a new era.

And then there’s Borsh. For years, it was known only for its endless beach and olive groves. But slowly, new projects are rising—projects that blend luxury with the natural landscape. Our White Residence Villas in Borsh are a good example: three floors, sea views, private pools, gated residence. Honestly, every time I visit the site, I end up staying longer than planned. Maybe it’s the air, maybe it’s the small taverna nearby where they serve grilled sardines so fresh you can taste the salt of the sea.

The Local Perspective (And a Few Tangents)

Of course, living here gives me a different lens. I’ve been in Saranda long enough to remember when Mango Beach was just a strip of sand with one café. Now it’s lined with beach clubs. The changes aren’t always perfect—sometimes I miss the slower rhythm—but they’re undeniable.

One thing I often remind clients is that buying here isn’t only about the property itself. It’s about the lifestyle. A seaview apartment in Saranda means morning coffee with the horizon spread out in front of you. A villa in Borsh means privacy, space, and the sound of cicadas in the summer heat. And an affordable property inland might not have the glamour of beachfront, but it offers long-term value for families who want to be part of this story.

Funny thing—I once showed a client a property in Ksamil, and as we stepped onto the balcony, she froze. Her eyes went straight to the sea, glittering under the afternoon sun. She didn’t say a word for nearly a minute. That’s the kind of reaction that makes me love this job.

The Shape of 2030

By 2030, I imagine Saranda looking more polished, more international. More five-star hotels, more investors from Northern Europe, even more retirees discovering that life here is both affordable and rich in experiences. I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

And Ksamil? It will grow, but carefully. The new neighborhoods—like those around White Residence Ksamil—show what the future will look like: controlled, modern, yet still within walking distance of the crystal beaches.

Borsh will likely become the “quiet luxury” capital of the Riviera. Villas with private pools, gated communities, but without the noise of mass tourism. Our villas there are just the beginning, part of a wave of development that respects the natural beauty of the area.

Beyond Real Estate

Sometimes I drift into other thoughts when talking about the future. For example, will the younger generation still gather in the evenings at the central square in Saranda, or will new shopping centers pull them elsewhere? Will the old women who sell figs by the roadside still be there in 2030? I hope so. That authenticity is part of what makes Albania different from anywhere else on the Mediterranean.

And that difference is why people are buying. Not just because they see Saranda apartments for sale online, or because beachfront property offers high ROI. But because there’s still soul here.

The Window of Opportunity

What I tell clients is simple: the next five years matter more than the next twenty. By 2030, the Albanian Riviera will look very different. Prices will climb, opportunities will narrow. But right now, in 2025, you can still find affordable properties that deliver strong returns.

It’s like catching a train just before it leaves the station. If you’re on it, you’ll enjoy the ride. If not, you’ll be watching from the platform.

Final Thoughts

I’ve lived here long enough to know that no matter how much changes, some things stay the same. The Ionian Sea will still glow turquoise in the summer sun. The mountains will still roll down to the shore. The people will still welcome strangers like family.

But the buildings, the opportunities, the lifestyle—that’s evolving fast. And if you’re thinking about joining this story, whether it’s a seaview apartment in Saranda, a modern unit in Ksamil, or a villa in Borsh, the time to look is now.

2030 will be here sooner than we think.