From Backpackers to Billionaires: Albania’s Tourism Boom and the Rise of Luxury Real Estate on the Riviera

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda long enough to watch a fascinating transformation unfold. Not too long ago, this corner of the Albanian Riviera was mostly about backpackers with small budgets. They’d roll in with a rucksack, maybe stay in a family guesthouse, eat by the promenade kiosks, and head out a few days later to catch the ferry to Corfu.

But times have changed. The people I meet today are different. Some still come for affordable properties, sure, but more and more are arriving with much bigger visions — and bigger wallets. And that’s reshaping not just tourism, but the entire real estate market here.

The Rise of Luxury Projects vs. Budget Rentals

It’s impossible not to notice. Ten years ago, a “luxury” apartment in Saranda meant a small balcony with a decent sea view and maybe air conditioning if you were lucky. Today, we’re talking about seaview apartments with infinity pools, private gyms, concierge services. And they sell fast.

Don’t get me wrong — budget rentals are still here, and they do well during peak season. But the return on investment (ROI) is following the luxury trend. High-end apartments and villas are giving owners stronger year-round returns because they attract a different type of traveler. The kind who stays longer, spends more, and comes back again.

Last week, I was showing a couple a large apartment at Gold Residence — it’s right on the first line, with its own private beach access and a pool for residents. The look on their faces when they realized it was just a one-minute walk from the water reminded me why I love this job. They told me in Italy, a place like this would cost three times more. If you’re curious, you can actually see the listing here: Gold Residence Seaview Apartment.

ROI Follows the Shift

Let’s be real for a moment. If you’re buying an apartment in Saranda for €60,000 and renting it on Airbnb, yes, you’ll make money in July and August. But in October? January? Not so much. On the other hand, those who invest in higher-end properties — modern seaview apartments, beachfront property with pools, or private villas — are getting bookings even in the shoulder seasons.

Why? Because Albania is attracting a different audience. Business owners, remote workers, even small-scale billionaires who want somewhere quiet but exclusive. They’re the ones driving demand for properties that feel “quiet luxury” rather than just “cheap Mediterranean.”

Insider Glimpses from the Albanian Riviera

One of the things I love about this shift is how it’s still deeply tied to the character of our coast. You can walk down Butrinti Street in Saranda and see new developments rising, but five minutes later you might be sitting in a small family-run taverna eating grilled sardines with olive oil pressed from groves in Borsh. That mix of modern luxury and traditional Albania is what keeps people hooked.

Speaking of Borsh — it’s where our construction company recently launched something I’m really proud of: White Villas in Borsh. These aren’t just houses. They’re three-story villas, each with its own private pool, a wide veranda, parking space, and views that stretch over the Ionian. Surrounded only by nature. Just a seven-minute drive from the beach, but worlds away in feeling. It’s the definition of quiet luxury. And because we built them ourselves with a team of 150+ skilled people, I know every detail is solid. For investors, it’s the kind of property you can either rent out at a premium or keep as a family sanctuary.

Ksamil: From Backpackers’ Stop to Luxury Address

I remember when Ksamil was mostly known for beach bars with plastic chairs and cheap fish plates. Today? I showed a group of clients a brand-new residence there, and they couldn’t believe what they were seeing. A private pool, a quiet neighborhood, and only seven minutes on foot to the turquoise beaches that everyone posts about on Instagram.

That’s the White Residence in Ksamil. Finished just this year, 2025, it’s already setting a new standard for the area. These apartments are designed with a touch of quiet luxury that appeals to serious buyers. I had one client tell me it felt “more Santorini than Albania,” and I can see what he meant.

Why This Matters for Buyers

When people ask me whether they should look for affordable properties or stretch their budget for something more upscale, I usually give them the same advice: think about the kind of guest or buyer you want to attract in the future.

The Albanian Riviera is still developing, but the direction is clear. Luxury is on the rise. That means higher nightly rental rates, longer seasons, and properties that hold their value — or even increase it — as the region gains more global attention.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. And I don’t say that lightly. I’ve walked clients through apartments in Marbella and Corfu, and when they come back here, their reaction is always the same: “How is this still so affordable?”

Tangents That Still Matter

Sometimes, when I’m showing properties, I catch myself taking detours. Like telling clients about the small bakery in the old part of town where the owner still makes bread in a wood-fired oven. Or about the view you get from Lekursi Castle at sunset, when the whole bay of Saranda lights up in gold.

These things might seem like small details, but for someone considering buying here, they matter. Real estate is never just about square meters and prices. It’s about lifestyle, and here the lifestyle is one of the biggest selling points.

Final Thoughts

From backpackers with tight budgets to billionaires chasing privacy and sea views, Albania’s tourism shift is changing real estate in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago. The market is maturing, the opportunities are multiplying, and investors who understand the trend are already ahead.

If you’re looking at Saranda apartments for sale, beachfront property in Ksamil, or seaview villas in Borsh, the time to act is now — while prices still sit comfortably below the Mediterranean average. Because just like the tourists who once passed through and now keep returning, once you see what this coast offers, it’s very hard to leave.