Is Albania a Safe Country? What You Need to Know

When people ask me about Albania, there’s always one question that comes up early in the conversation: “But is it safe?”
I’ve heard it from investors, families looking for holiday homes, even adventurous retirees considering a move to the coast. And honestly, I don’t blame them—Albania still feels like a “new discovery” for many, so the curiosity is natural.

Let me give you the simple answer first: Albania is one of the safest countries I know.

Everyday Safety on the Albanian Riviera

Here in Saranda, I walk down the promenade at night with my phone in my hand, sometimes with my laptop bag, and I don’t think twice. Nobody bothers you. Nobody tries to take your belongings. You could leave your sunglasses on the café table and more often than not, the waiter will keep them safe until you come back.

It’s not just Saranda either. Ksamil, Borsh, Himara—these towns all share something rare: an atmosphere of friendliness that makes you forget the usual worries of big tourist destinations. I have clients who come from Barcelona or Naples and they always tell me, “It feels different here—so relaxed, so safe.” And they’re right.

Last summer, one of my clients dropped his wallet near Mango Beach. Someone found it, tracked down the hotel he was staying at, and returned it with everything inside. Try finding that in many places today.

The Culture of Looking Out for Each Other

Albanians are known for hospitality. We call it mikpritja, and it’s not just a word—it’s a way of life. If you’re a guest here, you’re treated with respect, sometimes even like family.

I’ve seen this many times. Once, when I was showing an apartment in the hills above Saranda, an elderly neighbor came out with a plate of fresh figs and offered them to my clients. They were a bit surprised at first, but I smiled because I knew it was just her way of saying: “Welcome, you are safe here.”

Even small things reflect this. If your car breaks down on the road between Saranda and Borsh, don’t be surprised if the first driver who passes stops to help. It’s just how people are here.

Safety and Investment Go Hand in Hand

Now, since I work in real estate, I often link safety with investment potential. People want to know not only can I live here peacefully, but also can I buy here without problems.

That’s where I tell them: yes, Albania is not only physically safe, but also increasingly secure for investors. Laws around property ownership are clearer, and buying directly from developers (like we do at VivaView) removes the common headaches.

For example, in Ksamil we just finished a new development called White Residence. These apartments are brand new—completed in 2025—with a private pool for residents, set in a quiet neighborhood just seven minutes’ walk from the beach. It’s the kind of place where you don’t just buy a home, you buy peace of mind. And I mean that in every sense: safe investment, safe living.

Seaview Apartments in Saranda: A Big Opportunity

Let me tell you about something special in Saranda. At Gold Residence, there’s a seaview apartment that I think is one of the best opportunities right now.

It’s on the first line—literally one minute from a private beach—with a pool for residents and a view that stretches across the Ionian Sea. When I walk clients through this property, I can see their shoulders relax. It’s the safety of knowing that this building is well-managed, that the location is unbeatable, and that no matter what happens in the market, beachfront property never loses its value.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

A Tangent (Because That’s How I Think Sometimes)

Speaking of Saranda, have you ever noticed the little bakery just before the road curves up to Lekursi Castle? They make byrek in the mornings, hot and fresh. I sometimes stop there before showing a property. Why am I mentioning this in a blog about safety? Maybe because those small daily routines, where everyone knows everyone, create a sense of community that makes this city feel so secure.

Anyway, back to the main point.

Borsh: Quiet Luxury, Safely Preserved

If Ksamil is about lively beaches and Saranda is about city-by-the-sea convenience, Borsh is pure quiet luxury. Here we are building something I’m personally proud of: the White Residence Villas.

Four villas only. Each with three floors, a private swimming pool, big veranda, and private parking. Surrounded by nothing but nature. And the best part? It’s just a seven-minute drive from Borsh Beach, one of the longest and most untouched stretches of coastline in the Mediterranean.

What makes it feel so safe isn’t just the gated design, but the environment itself. There’s no noisy traffic, no crowded streets, just the sound of cicadas in the afternoon and the sea in the distance. To me, this is the definition of quiet luxury. And for investors, with our company’s 15+ years of experience and over 150 skilled professionals behind the construction, it’s a safe purchase from every angle—financially, legally, and personally.

Night Walks and Neighborly Trust

A few nights ago, I walked home from the port after dinner with friends. It was midnight, the streets were calm, and I saw families still out enjoying ice cream near the central square. In many European cities, that hour would mean empty streets and caution. Here, it just means the day is still alive.

I can say without hesitation: living here feels safe. Owning property here feels safe. And investing here is not only safe—it’s smart.

Why Safety Matters for Buyers

Let’s be honest, if you’re searching for Saranda apartments for sale or thinking about a beachfront property in Albania, you’re not only comparing prices. You’re asking yourself: Would I feel at home here? Would my family feel secure?

From my experience, the answer is yes. The Albanian Riviera doesn’t just offer seaview apartments or affordable properties—it offers peace of mind. That’s harder to find than marble floors or infinity pools.

Final Thoughts

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years. I’ve seen the city grow, I’ve helped clients find homes, and I’ve walked these beaches more times than I can count. Albania has its quirks—no country is perfect—but when it comes to safety, both in daily life and in property investment, I honestly think it’s one of the most underrated places in Europe.

So, is Albania a safe country?
Absolutely.
And if you ever want to see it for yourself, I’ll be happy to show you around. Just don’t be surprised if we stop for figs from a neighbor’s garden along the way.