The Rise of Luxury Residences Along the Ionian Coast: Inside Albania’s Most Ambitious New Projects

I’ve lived in Sarandë long enough to see the coastline change in ways I never imagined. Some mornings I still take the road south, olive trees on one side, Ionian waves flashing silver on the other, and I think: this is why people are coming here. The Albanian Riviera has always been beautiful. But now, something different is happening — the rise of true luxury residences. And honestly? It feels like we’re only at the beginning.

Why the Ionian Coast Feels Different Now

For years, people came for affordable properties — seaview apartments in Sarandë, small houses near Ksamil, the kind of places you could rent out in summer and enjoy the rest of the year. But today, the conversation has shifted. Clients don’t just ask me about square meters or balconies anymore. They want beachfront property with privacy. A gated villa with its own pool. They want quiet luxury — not crowded complexes.

And the big players have noticed. From international developers to local companies like ours, the Ionian is turning into a showcase of ambitious projects. Some are massive resorts with billions behind them. Others are boutique residences, designed to blend into the landscape. Together, they’re reshaping how people see Albania’s future.

Sazan Island: From Secret Base to Billion-Euro Resort

The biggest headline, of course, is the Sazan Island project. If you don’t know, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner’s firm Affinity Partners are behind it. The plan? Transform Sazan — a once-military island just off Vlora — into a €1.4 billion luxury resort. Think hotels, private villas, a marina, restaurants, maybe even reimagined bunkers as cultural spaces.

I actually visited Sazan years ago, before anyone dreamed of such a transformation. The island felt wild, almost untouched. Dense vegetation, rocky cliffs, a silence broken only by seabirds. It also felt complicated — no infrastructure, no fresh water, unexploded ordnance from its military past. That’s why I’m curious: can luxury truly grow there without losing the raw magic? If they succeed, it could put Albania in the same conversation as Capri or Mykonos.

Zig-Zag Resort in Himarë: Architecture Meets Nature

If Sazan is the big, flashy headline, the Zig-Zag Resort in Himarë is the quiet masterpiece. Designed by international studios, the project stretches along the rocky coast in a literal zig-zag pattern, so that every residence has an open sea view. No blocked terraces, no crowded balconies.

I showed a client the concept images recently. They looked at me and said: “So every apartment gets the sea to itself?” Exactly. That’s what’s so clever. Minimal land disruption, maximum privacy, and sustainability built in — from stone materials sourced in Berat to solar positioning and rainwater reuse.

This is the kind of project that excites me most. Not just building luxury, but building it in a way that respects the coast we all love.

Manastiri & The New Wave of Cliffside Villas

Between Ksamil and Sarandë, other ambitious projects are taking shape. The Manastiri Resort is being talked about as one of the Riviera’s most exclusive gated communities — blending villas, townhouses, and hotel-style amenities. I haven’t seen the full plans yet, but the word among agents is that it will attract a new level of buyer.

And then there are the cliffside villas — literally built inside rock formations along the coast. A few developers are experimenting with this, creating dramatic homes with panoramic glass walls opening straight onto the Ionian. They’re rare, expensive, and not for everyone. But when you stand on one of those balconies at sunset, it feels like the edge of the world.

Our Contribution: White Residence Ksamil & Villas in Borsh

Now, let me bring it closer to home. At VivaView, we’ve been working on projects that don’t try to compete with billion-euro resorts, but instead capture something more personal: quiet, timeless luxury.

• White Residence Ksamil — This one just finished in 2025. A collection of modern apartments in a brand-new neighborhood, only a 7-minute walk from the beach. The residence has its own private swimming pool, and the finishes are clean, elegant, and lasting. Perfect for those who want peace without isolation. You can take a look here: White Residence Ksamil.

• White Residence Villas Borsh — If you’ve ever been to Borsh, you’ll know it feels different. Vast beach, olive groves rolling down to the sea, the sense that time slows there. Our villas are designed for that setting: private gardens, seaview terraces, security, and space to breathe. For those who want investment potential but also a personal retreat, it’s a unique balance. More details here: White Residence Villas Borsh.

• And yes, we’ve got more on the way — you can always check our upcoming projects.

What I love about these developments is that they don’t shout. They feel natural. A home you come back to after a swim in Ksamil’s crystal waters, or after dinner at the tiny taverna just past the old church in Borsh where the owner still grills the catch of the day over wood fire.

Why This Matters for Buyers

So, what does all of this mean if you’re looking for Saranda apartments for sale, beachfront property, or just exploring the Albanian Riviera market? A few things I’ve learned:

• Prices are rising, but still affordable compared to neighbors. A seaview apartment here might cost half of what you’d pay across the border in Corfu or in Montenegro.

• Rental income is strong. In Sarandë and Ksamil, even a one-bedroom can bring in 10% ROI during summer if managed well on Airbnb or Booking.

• Amenities make the difference. A pool, parking, or a short walking distance to the beach sets one property apart from another.

Just last week, I showed a couple from Sweden a two-bedroom in Sarandë. The first question wasn’t price. It was: “Can we walk to the beach in under 10 minutes?” That tells you everything about today’s buyer.

Local Secrets You Won’t Find in Brochures

Let me tell you something brochures never mention:

• The small bakery in Qeparo e Sipërme makes bread with oregano that fills the entire village street with smell. Properties within walking distance sell faster, and I’ve seen it firsthand.

• In Borsh, there’s a family-run taverna where I sometimes take clients after viewings. The owner doesn’t even hand you a menu — he just tells you what came fresh from the sea that morning. Deals have been made over those long lunches.

• During peak August, when ferries between Sarandë and Corfu are packed, clients standing on a balcony and seeing Corfu in the distance understand exactly why seaview apartments hold their value.

It’s these details that make buying here less about investment and more about lifestyle.

Looking Ahead

The Ionian Coast is at a turning point. With Sazan becoming an international talking point, Zig-Zag showing what sustainable luxury looks like, and local projects like ours setting new standards for quiet living, the Riviera is evolving fast.

Yes, there are risks — infrastructure lags, environmental concerns, and shifting regulations. But for those who understand the rhythm of this place, the opportunity is real.

I’ll say it simply: I truly believe Sarandë offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Not just for ROI, but for the life it offers.

If you’re curious, drop me a message. I’d be happy to share a few hand-picked listings — some public, some not yet announced. Sometimes the best homes are the ones you hear about over a coffee by the sea.