Albanian Culture Explained: Traditions, Language & Travel Tips

When I first started working in real estate here in Saranda, I thought I knew everything about Albania. I grew up here. I spoke the language, went to weddings, drank endless cups of coffee at seaside cafés. But when you start meeting people from all over the world—families from Norway, retirees from Italy, young investors from the UK—you suddenly realize that what feels normal to you is actually something quite unique. And that’s when I began to look at my own culture with new eyes.

Today I want to share a little bit about Albanian culture—traditions, language, and even a few travel tips that can make your time here feel richer. And because real estate is my daily life, I’ll weave in what it’s like to live here, to buy property, and to truly belong to this part of the Mediterranean we call home.

Traditions That Still Shape Daily Life

Albania is changing fast. Towers rising on the coastline, trendy restaurants, luxury villas where old olive groves used to be. Yet, deep down, the traditions remain.

Take hospitality. If you visit an Albanian home, you don’t leave without at least a coffee and probably something sweet—often homemade. I remember showing an apartment to a German couple one autumn afternoon. The owner insisted they sit for figs from the garden before even looking at the terrace. They were surprised, but honestly, that’s just how we are. Food and drink are our language of welcome.

And then there are weddings. If you’ve ever driven through Saranda in the summer and wondered why there’s a caravan of cars honking down the boulevard—it’s a wedding. They can last two or three days, with dancing that feels endless. It’s noisy, joyful, and maybe a little overwhelming the first time. But it tells you something important: Albanians celebrate life together, as a community.

The Language: A Rhythm of Its Own

Albanian (Shqip) is one of the oldest languages in Europe, with no close relatives. It’s not easy to learn, I’ll admit. But locals appreciate any attempt, even a simple “Faleminderit” (thank you).

There’s also a rhythm in the way we speak. It’s quick, with a lot of gestures. I sometimes laugh when I watch clients try to keep up with my conversations at a notary’s office—it looks like we’re arguing, but we’re just agreeing on the details!

A tip if you’re thinking of spending more time here: learn a few words. Even “mirëmëngjes” (good morning) or “si je?” (how are you?) can open doors. People respond warmly when they see you’re making the effort.

Small Local Details That Visitors Miss

I’ve noticed something funny when showing properties. Tourists often walk the main promenade or the beaches, but they miss the small details. Like the bakery near the old port where they pull out fresh byrek at 6 a.m.—still hot, with steam rising. Or the small café on the hill above Mango Beach where you can watch the entire bay glow pink at sunset.

Just last month, while visiting a seaview apartment at Gold Residence, my client and I stopped at a tiny taverna tucked behind the building. No sign outside, just plastic chairs. They served the freshest mussels I’ve ever tasted, pulled that morning from Lake Butrint. My client said, “If this is the neighborhood, I’m already sold.” And I thought to myself, this is exactly why living here feels different from buying a second home anywhere else.

Travel Tips from Someone Who Knows the Roads

Let me give you a piece of advice: don’t rush Albania. Yes, the highways are better now, but the real charm is when you slow down. Drive the coastal road from Saranda to Himara—it takes longer, but every turn gives you a new bay, a hidden beach, a little village with goats crossing the road.

Another tip: always carry cash. Many restaurants and shops in Saranda accept cards now, but the best places—the family-owned fish restaurants in Lukova or the guesthouses in Qeparo—still prefer cash. And honestly, they’re worth it.

Oh, and if someone invites you for raki, pace yourself. That little glass of homemade spirit is stronger than it looks.

Real Estate & Culture: They Go Hand in Hand

Now, because real estate is my daily world, let me tell you how culture actually matters when buying property. Albanians are proud of ownership. Land and houses are passed down through generations, and the idea of “my home” is deeply tied to identity. That’s why, when foreigners buy here, they’re often welcomed—not just as investors, but as people joining the community.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. Where else can you find seaview apartments with private pools, a short walk to the beach, at a fraction of the price of Spain or Italy?

For example, we recently finished White Residence in Ksamil—luxurious new apartments, completed just this year, with a private swimming pool for residents. The neighborhood is quiet and brand new, only seven minutes on foot from the beach. I showed one of these units to a couple from Sweden. The wife looked from the balcony to the turquoise water and simply whispered, “This feels unreal.” Moments like that remind me why this job is so rewarding.

Seaview Living in Saranda

Let’s talk about Saranda specifically. If you’re looking at Saranda apartments for sale, you’ll notice how demand has grown in the past five years. People want seaview apartments, they want modern finishes, and they want to be close to the promenade but far enough for peace.

One of the best opportunities right now is at Gold Residence. It’s first line, with its own private pool for residents and even a private beach—literally one minute away. You wake up, open the balcony doors, and the Ionian Sea is right there. For investors, that’s unbeatable: beachfront property that practically rents itself on Airbnb during summer.

Quiet Luxury in Borsh

And then there’s Borsh. If you’ve never been, picture a coastline that stretches endlessly, framed by mountains and olive groves. It’s quieter than Saranda or Ksamil, which is exactly why people love it.

Our construction company, with over 15 years of experience and more than 150 professionals on the team, just completed White Residence Villas on the main street. Four villas only. Each one is its own residential paradise—three floors, private swimming pool, veranda, parking space, surrounded by nothing but nature and sea views. Seven minutes by car to Borsh beach.

When I first stepped onto the veranda of one villa, I imagined a family sipping morning coffee while the sun rose over the Ionian. It’s the definition of quiet luxury everyone longs for, and all are available for sale with 0% commission. To me, these villas represent the future of the Albanian Riviera—exclusive, natural, but still affordable compared to anywhere else in the Med.

Final Thoughts

Albanian culture isn’t just about old traditions or language—it’s about how life here feels. Slower. Warmer. More connected. And when you combine that with the real estate opportunities—seaview apartments in Saranda, luxury villas in Borsh, or beachfront property in Ksamil—you get something rare: a place where investment meets lifestyle in the best way possible.

I’ve lived here long enough to see the changes. Some are big—new roads, new constructions. Some are small—like that bakery that still sells bread the same way it did 20 years ago. And I think that’s what makes the Albanian Riviera special: it’s modernizing fast, but it hasn’t lost its soul.

So, if you’re considering Albania, whether as a traveler, an investor, or maybe both—I’d say come with an open mind. Walk the side streets, eat at the small tavernas, try a few words in Albanian. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find yourself not just buying a property, but becoming part of something bigger.