Why Albania Is the Mediterranean’s Last Undiscovered Real Estate Gem

Written by someone who’s been lucky enough to call Saranda home for years

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There’s a certain magic in waking up to the sound of the Ionian Sea. If you’ve ever sipped your morning coffee with a seaview and a salty breeze drifting in from the Albanian Riviera, you’ll know what I mean. That’s my daily reality in Saranda—and I still don’t take it for granted.

But here’s the wild part: most people still don’t know this place exists.

Seriously. When I talk to clients from Germany, Sweden, even nearby Italy, they’re stunned to learn that places like Ksamil, Borsh, and Saranda offer beachfront property for a fraction of what you’d pay in Greece or Croatia. And I get it. Albania hasn’t exactly been the first country that comes to mind when people think “Mediterranean escape.”

But that’s starting to change—and fast.

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The Last Affordable Slice of the Med?

I’ve worked in real estate here for a while now, and I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast. It’s not just a sales pitch. It’s what I’d tell my own friends—and what I have told them, actually. A friend of mine from Denmark just bought a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in White Residence overlooking the sea. This one, actually.

She was expecting chaos during the process. Instead? She was lounging at Limani a week later, sending me photos of grilled octopus and a sunset that looked like it was painted by hand.

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Location, Location… and Then the Culture

If you’ve never been to Saranda, imagine this: crystal-clear water that changes shades by the hour, olive groves climbing the hills behind you, and cafés where the locals remember your name after one visit.

But it’s not just nature. The culture here is different.

People leave their doors unlocked in smaller villages. Strangers invite you in for rakia without asking too many questions. It’s normal to see three generations at dinner together, arguing over who makes the best byrek.

Last week, I showed a client a seaview apartment in Ksamil, and their reaction reminded me why I love this job. They stepped onto the balcony, looked out over the turquoise water and the islands beyond, and just… stood there in silence. Then they turned to me and said, “Why isn’t everyone talking about this?”

Exactly.

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It’s Not Just the Views—It’s the Value

You can still get affordable properties with sea views here—real ones, not distant glimpses through buildings. We’re talking €80K for a modern 1-bedroom in a residence like Residenca 12, just a few minutes from the beach. Try finding that in Spain or southern France.

Sure, prices have gone up. But not like other Mediterranean spots. And if you’re thinking long-term? Now is the time. I’ve seen properties double in value over the past five years. Especially in Ksamil, which is getting more attention every summer. But it’s still got that untouched feel—at least for now.

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