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.

⸻

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.

⸻

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 propertyor 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.”