Do People Speak English in Albania? A Local’s Honest Take (From Someone Who Works With Foreign Buyers Every Day

I get this question almost every week.
Sometimes even twice a day, especially during summer.

“Do people speak English in Albania?”

It usually comes right after a client lands in Saranda, looks around at the turquoise water of the Ionian, and suddenly realizes—wait, I’m really here… how am I going to communicate?

And I understand the worry. When you’re thinking about buying Saranda apartments for sale, exploring seaview apartments along the Ionian coast, or planning the first viewing of a beachfront property on the Albanian Riviera, you want to feel comfortable. Communication matters. A lot.

So let me answer this as someone who has lived in Saranda for years… someone who has guided hundreds of foreigners through the city, escorted them in taxis, small cafés, construction sites, remote beaches, and the occasional forgotten village where even Google Maps gives up.

Yes. People speak English in Albania.
But the real story is a bit more interesting than that.

Why English Feels Surprisingly Common Here

There’s something funny I’ve noticed. Sometimes, the people who speak the best English aren’t the ones you expect. The taxi driver who looks like he hasn’t touched a book in 30 years will suddenly say, “You want to go to the promenade or the marina side?” in perfect English. Meanwhile, a young guy who looks like he stepped out of a London streetwear ad might only know a few basic phrases.

Albania is like that. Contradictory. Warm. A little chaotic. But in a charming way.

Here in Saranda, especially during summer, you can walk into a bakery, ask in English for a croissant, and the lady behind the counter will nod and answer you without hesitation. When I take clients to property viewings, I often hear them whisper, “Wow, everyone understands me.”
It still surprises people.

Last month, for example, I was showing a couple around a new residence in Ksamil. Their eyes widened when the barista at a small side-street café explained—in English—exactly which beaches are quieter in the evenings. Moments like that remind me how fast Albania is evolving.

The South Is Even More English-Friendly Than People Expect

Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh… all these coastal towns have grown with tourism. And naturally, English followed.

But it’s not only tourism. Albanians are curious by nature. We absorb languages quickly. Some older locals learned their first English words from 90s music videos. Others from tourists. Others from relatives living abroad.

And honestly? Saranda has become a little international pocket.
When you spend every day helping clients purchase affordable properties or touring the newest luxury developments, you start noticing how normal English feels now.

There’s one specific detail only locals usually mention:
The small roadside cafés between Saranda and Borsh—the ones with plastic chairs and homemade lemonade—are secretly some of the best spots to talk to locals who actually enjoy speaking English.
They love sharing stories with foreigners. They’ll tell you which beaches to avoid in August, where to eat mussels, or which route has the cleanest sea.

These are the conversations that make this region feel alive.

A Little Tangent (But It Fits, I Promise)

Sometimes, when I think about the English question, I remember something my uncle used to say:
“People don’t speak languages; they speak with their hearts first.”

Cheesy? A little.
True? Absolutely.

Albanians love helping. Even if they only know five words in English, they will use all five to guide you to the right direction—plus gestures, a smile, and probably a “Come, come, I show you.”

I’ve seen people walk foreigners all the way to a bus stop just to make sure they don’t get lost. That’s the Albania I know. That’s the Albania buyers fall in love with.

Alright, tangent over. Let’s get back to real estate and practical details.

English in Real Estate – How It Works When Buying Property

If you’re thinking about property here — maybe a beachfront property in Saranda, a quiet 1-bedroom in Ksamil, or one of the high-potential investments around Borsh — English isn’t a barrier at all.

Most agents speak it.
Notaries? Many do.
Developers? Increasingly yes, especially the serious ones.

Even construction site managers usually understand the basics. Enough for “kitchen here,” “bedroom wall there,” or “pool tiles arriving tomorrow.”

And honestly, the calm, slow-paced rhythm of conversations here actually helps foreigners feel at ease. People aren’t rushing you. We don’t have the stressful real estate culture you see in bigger cities.

How It Feels to Navigate Daily Life in English

You can go days speaking only English and you’ll be fine. Especially in Saranda and Ksamil. Restaurant staff, hotel receptions, supermarket cashiers… someone nearby will always understand you.

In Borsh, things are a bit quieter, more natural, more untouched — but even there, especially around the main road, you’ll find people who understand enough English for a smooth conversation. And the locals are incredibly welcoming.

But let me give you something even more useful: what kind of English you’ll hear.

It’s friendly.
It’s simple.
Sometimes a bit funny.
But always warm.

When English Isn’t Perfect… It Still Works

The only moments where communication might feel slower are in very small villages or older neighborhoods. But even then, the body language does half the job. Albanians are expressive.
We point. We gesture.
We explain things as if we’re describing a movie scene.

And somehow it works.

Plus, if you’re spending time looking for seaview apartments or exploring affordable properties along the coast, you’ll naturally end up in areas where English is totally normal.

Quiet Luxury in Ksamil – And Yes, Everyone Will Understand You

Speaking of Ksamil — let me give you a casual example that answers the English question while also showing you a property buyers always ask about.

There’s a modern 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil, part of a 2025 building with a private pool for residents. It’s in a new, peaceful neighborhood, just a short 7-minute walk from the beach.
If you want to see what I mean by “quiet luxury,” you can take a look here:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/modern-1-bedroom-apartment-in-ksamil-62m2

The reason I mention it is because every foreign client I’ve taken to this residence has communicated effortlessly. The builders speak enough English, the café downstairs understands tourists perfectly, and the neighbors? A mix of Albanians and Europeans who greet everyone the same way — with a smile.

Saranda’s English-Friendly Neighborhoods

If you’re considering living here, let me tell you something I’ve noticed after countless viewings: the peaceful neighborhoods slightly above the center (like the area around Skënderbeu Street) are incredibly comfortable for foreigners.

People there speak English calmly, naturally, without trying too hard.

A great example is this 1+1 apartment for sale — fully furnished, in a luxury new residence with a private swimming pool and full sea views:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-saranda-skenderbeu-street-fully-furnished

Clients often tell me how safe and relaxed the area feels, especially at night.
Part of that comfort comes from communication. You never feel “lost.”

And honestly… I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.
I say this all the time. And I mean it.

English in Borsh – A Different, Peaceful Experience

Borsh is different from Saranda and Ksamil. Not quieter — but calmer. Wider. More spacious. A long coastline with olive groves, stone houses, and small places where time moves slowly.

People there speak enough English for everything essential. Especially families who run businesses on the main road.

If you ever drive that route, stop at the small place near the curve before the village. They make fresh juice with fruits from their garden. The owner’s son always tries to practice English with tourists — and he loves talking about the sea conditions.

The level of English is more “local,” but it works beautifully.
And if you’re thinking about buying property there, the experience will feel even smoother.

Take the White Residence Villas in Borsh, for example — four luxury villas built by our construction company (15+ years of work, over 150 professionals involved). Surrounded by nature, sea views everywhere, private pools, three floors, big verandas, private parking… a quiet luxury oasis with 0% commission.
You can see it casually here:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/projects/white-residence-villas-borsh

Every client I've taken to visit the site has commented on how helpful and friendly the locals are. Even when their English wasn’t perfect, their hospitality made everything easy.

Ksamil Duplexes: Another Smooth, English-Friendly Experience

Before I wrap up, let me mention one more thing.
In Ksamil, there’s a 2025 luxury duplex project that clients love because it offers total privacy — one private pool for the duplex itself, and another shared pool for residents inside the building. Underground parking included. Only a few units. Perfect for families or for investors aiming for strong rental returns — up to 16% yearly.

Here’s the link in case you’re curious:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/luxury-duplex-for-sale-in-ksamil-new-building-pool-near-beach-139m2

Why mention it?
Because it’s another perfect example of how easy life feels here for English-speaking buyers.
From construction workers to neighbors, everyone communicates openly and warmly.

So… Do People Speak English in Albania?

Yes. Absolutely.
More than you expect. And in the south — Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh — even more than that.

But the real beauty is this:

You don’t need perfect language skills when the culture itself is warm, helpful, and welcoming.

Whether you're exploring Saranda apartments for sale, visiting a beachfront property on a quiet morning, or looking for affordable properties with high ROI, you’ll find people ready to help you every step of the way.

Albania speaks English.
But more importantly… Albania speaks human.

And that’s why so many people feel at home here — sometimes from the very first day.