How to Move to Albania: A Local’s Honest Guide from the South

People often ask me when the right moment is to move to Albania.
My answer is usually simple.
“You don’t plan it perfectly. You feel it.”

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years, long enough to see strangers become neighbors and visitors turn into homeowners. And I’ve noticed a pattern. Almost everyone who ends up moving here starts the same way — a short trip, a few sunny mornings by the sea, one good coffee overlooking the bay… and suddenly the idea of leaving feels strange.

This is not a polished relocation guide.
It’s the version I tell clients while we’re driving along the coast or standing on a balcony with the Ionian Sea in front of us.

Why People Decide to Move to Albania

Let me start with something honest.
Most people don’t move to Albania because of spreadsheets or strategies. They move because life feels lighter here.

A slower morning.
A longer lunch.
The sea always close.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Not just in terms of affordable properties, but in how much quality of life you get in return. You can live five minutes from the water, eat well every day, and still feel grounded — not rushed, not squeezed.

Last week, I was showing a couple around Ksamil. We stepped into a brand-new apartment, sunlight filling the living room, and I watched their faces change. Not excitement — something quieter. That moment when people realize, “I could actually live here.” Those moments never get old.

Choosing the Right Area: Saranda, Ksamil, or Somewhere in Between

One of the first decisions you’ll make is where to settle. And this matters more than people think.

Saranda

Saranda is practical.
It works year-round. Schools, hospitals, cafés, offices — everything is here. If you want a balance between daily life and coastal living, Saranda apartments for sale make a lot of sense.

There are neighborhoods locals prefer for peace and safety, especially slightly above the promenade. Places where you hear birds in the morning instead of traffic. In these areas, seaview apartments with proper privacy are becoming harder to find — and more valuable every year.

An example I often point out casually during viewings is this 1-bedroom seaview apartment on Skënderbeu Street. It’s in a quiet, safe area, part of a new residence, with high-end finishes and a private pool. The sea view is completely open — no future buildings blocking it. Some clients buy places like this to live in. Others rent them out. Both options work.

Ksamil

Ksamil feels different.
More intimate. More green.

It’s where many people start as tourists and end up staying longer than planned. New neighborhoods are developing quietly, away from the busy summer roads, and that’s where I see long-term value.

For example, there’s a modern 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil I often mention during conversations — not as a sales pitch, just as an example of how the market has evolved. Finished in summer 2025, calm surroundings, private swimming pool for residents, and only a short walk to the beach. It’s understated. That kind of quiet luxury people are looking for now.

White Residence in Ksamil is another place locals talk about more and more. The area feels organized, almost European in its layout. Apartments like this 65m² one-bedroom unit or the larger spacious 2+1 seaview apartment attract people who want comfort without excess. Pool access, modern design, and space to actually live.

Buying vs. Renting: What Most Newcomers Get Wrong

Here’s a small tangent — but an important one.

Many people come thinking they’ll rent “for a year” before buying.
Then six months later, prices have moved.

Albania, especially the Albanian Riviera, is still adjusting to international demand. Buying early often makes more sense than waiting. Especially if you’re already planning to stay long-term.

That said, there’s no rush like in overheated markets. Things move quickly, but not aggressively. You can take your time, ask questions, drink coffee, see places more than once. That’s the Albanian way.

What Daily Life in the South Really Feels Like

This is the part no website explains properly.

Life here is social.
You’ll get invited for coffee. Then lunch. Then maybe raki. Saying no too often feels impolite.

Local customs are subtle. When someone offers you something — food, help, advice — it’s genuine. Even if you don’t need it. Especially if you don’t.

There’s a small bakery near the road to Lëkurësi Castle that opens early. Locals stop there before work. It’s the kind of place where conversations start and real estate advice spreads faster than online listings.

These details matter. They’re why people stay.

Family Living, Security, and Privacy

More families are moving to Albania now. Not just couples or retirees.

That’s why duplexes and larger units are gaining attention. In Ksamil, properties like this luxury duplex reflect that shift. Two private pools (one exclusive), underground parking, strong privacy, and walking distance to both the beach and center. It’s suitable as a family home, but also performs extremely well as an investment — with ROI reaching up to 16% per year in the right setup.

I mention these things not to sell, but to show how diverse the options are now. Albania is no longer a one-style market.

The Cost of Living (And Why People Feel Richer Here)

Another small tangent.
People often say, “I don’t earn more here, but I live better.”

And they’re right.

Eating out doesn’t feel like a luxury.
Fresh produce is normal.
Beach access is free.

When you combine that with beachfront property or even just a clear sea view from your balcony, the lifestyle upgrade is real.

Final Thoughts: Is Moving to Albania Right for You?

Moving to Albania isn’t about escaping something.
It’s about choosing something else.

More space.
More time.
More sea.

If you’re someone who values comfort without noise, beauty without pressure, and investment without madness, then yes — this might be your place.

And if you’re unsure? Come for a week.
Walk Saranda in the evening. Sit by the water in Ksamil. Drive south once, just to see.

Most people don’t need more convincing after that.