Borsh, Qeparo, or Lukova? Which Hidden Village Is Right for You?

There’s a certain moment that always hits me when I’m driving south from Saranda. Just after I pass the turn for Ksamil and the busy summer traffic begins to thin out, the coastline opens up. The Ionian Sea turns a deeper shade of blue. Olive groves stretch endlessly on either side. It feels like time slows down.

And that’s when I know I’m entering my favorite part of the Albanian Riviera.

Everyone’s heard of Saranda. And yes, we still have great Saranda apartments for sale—close to the beach, ready for Airbnb, with all the comforts. But for those who crave something a little quieter, a little more raw and real, I always ask the same question:

Have you considered Borsh, Qeparo, or Lukova?

Because if you’re looking for seaview apartments, beachfront property, or just affordable properties with soul—these villages are where the real magic still lives.

Let me walk you through them, from a local’s point of view.

Borsh – Wild, Open, and Full of Potential

Let’s start with the one I personally recommend the most: Borsh.

It’s the largest village on this stretch of the Riviera, but it doesn’t feel big. Instead, it feels… free. There’s space here. The beach goes on for 3 full kilometers, with smooth pebbles, no high-rises, and—this is key—actual silence in the evenings. You’ll hear cicadas. Maybe some music from a family grilling lamb by the beach. That’s it.

What I love about Borsh is that it still feels undiscovered, even though the smart investors are already circling. Last month, I toured a couple from the Netherlands through one of our villas—this one here. 3 bedrooms, private pool, mountain views behind you, sea views in front. And guess what? They made their decision within 24 hours.

The beach has no concrete boardwalk. Just a dirt road, some beach bars, and the occasional tractor passing by. That might sound rustic, but for the right buyer—it’s gold. People are looking for exactly this kind of untouched charm.

There’s a small taverna near the old castle ruins where I usually take clients for a coffee after showings. They serve fig jam that’s homemade by the owner’s mother. She brings it out herself, in slippers. That’s Borsh.

If you want to build or buy somewhere with space, sea views, and the feeling that you’re part of something still growing—Borsh is it.

Qeparo – Stone Walls, Old Souls, and Elevated Living

A few kilometers up the road is Qeparo—split into two parts: upper and lower. Upper Qeparo is something else entirely. It’s perched on a hill, with stone houses, narrow alleys, and one of the best panoramic views of the Riviera.

It’s not for everyone, though. Some clients fall in love instantly. Others get cold feet when they realize there’s no grocery store around the corner.

But if you’re into heritage properties, slow living, and long evenings watching the sun set behind the castle of Porto Palermo—you’ll feel right at home here.