How the New Vlora Airport Will Transform the Albanian Riviera Property Market

When I first heard the official confirmation that Vlora International Airport was finally moving forward, I knew instantly this wasn’t just another infrastructure project. For those of us who live and work along the southern coast, this airport is going to change the rhythm of life here—and yes, the real estate market too.

Right now, every investor or tourist who lands in Albania goes through Tirana. Imagine: a three-to-four-hour drive, often through winding mountain roads, before they even see the Ionian Sea. Beautiful drive, yes, but tiring. Many people tell me they love Albania but hesitate to return simply because of the distance. The new Vlora airport shortens that gap dramatically. You land, and within 45 minutes, you could be sipping coffee on the Saranda promenade or walking the narrow lanes of Ksamil. That convenience alone will unlock an entirely new level of demand.

Infrastructure and ROI Go Hand in Hand

I’ve been selling properties in Saranda for years, and one thing I’ve learned is this: infrastructure is the silent force behind every boom. Roads, ports, airports—they decide whether a property appreciates slowly or suddenly jumps in value.

When Corfu airport became the gateway for Saranda a decade ago, it changed everything. Foreigners discovered that they could hop over with a 30-minute ferry, and suddenly Saranda apartments for sale weren’t just for Albanians. Italians, Poles, Swedes—everyone wanted in. Now, with Vlora airport, we’ll have direct access without depending on Greece. And that means new markets, new flights, and a whole wave of buyers who might have skipped Albania before.

To me, that equals one thing: stronger ROI. Beachfront property that rents for €80 a night today may rent for €120 in just a few years. And I’m not exaggerating. I’ve seen it happen before.

A Personal Glimpse from the Field

Just last month, I took a couple from Germany to see a villa site on Panorama Street in Saranda. As we reached the top, the view opened up—nothing but blue sea stretching to Corfu. They just stood there in silence for a while. Then one of them whispered, “This view is better than half of the Amalfi Coast.” Moments like that remind me why I do this job.

That villa is still under construction, but when it’s finished, it will be one of the most spectacular seaview apartments in the city. If you’re curious, you can see the project here. I’m not sharing this as an ad—it’s just that I know how rare it is to find a plot with that kind of panoramic exposure.

The Albanian Riviera Is Not Just Beaches

Let me step aside from property for a moment. If you’ve ever driven the coastal road from Vlora down to Saranda, you know what I mean. You pass Llogara Pass, and suddenly the Ionian opens up beneath you. It’s the kind of drive where people actually stop their cars just to breathe it in. And then you hit Dhermi, Borsh, Himara—each place a little different, each with its own character.

There’s a small family-run taverna in Borsh where I sometimes stop after property viewings. They serve homemade olive oil and fresh-caught fish, and the owners always insist you take an extra glass of raki “for the road.” It’s these little cultural moments that make showing property here different from anywhere else.

And soon, with the airport, more people will get to experience them.

Borsh – The Next Big Step

Saranda has grown fast, Ksamil even faster. But the future? I believe it’s in Borsh. The main coastal road already passes directly through, making it accessible, but still it has the untouched vibe that Saranda lost years ago. Wide beaches, olive groves, mountain backdrop—it feels raw and authentic.

We’ve started seeing serious interest there. Our White Villas project in Borsh is a good example: four villas on the main street, each with a swimming pool, private parking, verandas, and endless sea views. If you’re curious, you can check them here. They’re not just homes—they’re statements. And with Vlora airport, I expect Borsh to finally take its rightful place on the Albanian Riviera map.

Ksamil – ROI Magnet

Of course, I can’t talk about the Albanian Riviera without mentioning Ksamil. It’s the postcard town, the place everyone knows from Instagram. The truth? Prices here have already surged, but there’s still room for smart investment, especially with short-term rentals. I know investors who made back nearly 10% ROI in a single season.

We have a project in Ksamil that I’m personally excited about—luxury apartments with a shared pool, ready in just a few months. Six left. Fully furnished. And the best part? The rental demand is so strong here that I sometimes joke you’ll make money even if you never advertise—people just find you. You can see the project here.

Why Saranda Still Leads

Still, my heart remains in Saranda. I truly believe it offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. It’s not just the views—though they are breathtaking—but the balance. You can still find affordable properties here compared to Croatia or Greece, yet the town has modern cafes, nightlife, and a lively promenade.

There are evenings when I walk with my family by the marina, kids eating ice cream, old couples sitting on benches, and I think: this is what life should feel like. And every time I see tourists snap photos of the sunset, I know they’re thinking the same.

That feeling, combined with the coming airport, is what makes Saranda so attractive for investors. Seaview apartments here won’t stay in the “affordable properties” category for long.

Looking Ahead

So, how will Vlora International Airport transform the property market? By removing barriers. By making the Albanian Riviera easier to reach. And by connecting our coastline with the rest of Europe in ways we’ve never experienced.

If you’re considering investing, I’d say the window is now. Before prices adjust, before the crowds arrive, before this coast becomes another Amalfi.

Because it will. And when it does, you’ll be glad you acted early.

Your turn: Have you visited the Riviera yet? Picture yourself stepping off a plane in Vlora, driving south, and within an hour standing on your own balcony overlooking the Ionian. That’s not a dream. It’s the near future.

And if you’d like to explore what’s available—whether a villa in Borsh, a panoramic apartment in Saranda, or an exclusive unit in Ksamil—I’d be more than happy to show you around. Just bring comfortable shoes. Some of the best views here are reached by little paths tourists rarely notice.

📍 Written from Saranda, by someone who’s walked these roads, had coffee in these tiny cafés, and believes the Albanian Riviera is only just beginning its story.