Why Tourism Towns and Areas Are Better Bets Than Remote Land in Albania

Albania has no shortage of breathtaking land for sale. Drive along the Riviera road and you’ll see green hillsides rolling down to turquoise waters, olive groves scattered across the slopes, and little pockets of untouched countryside that look like paradise. And often, those remote plots are advertised at prices that seem almost too good to be true.

Here’s the catch: not every piece of land is a good investment.

I’ve been working in real estate in Saranda and southern Albania for years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: tourism towns are where the real value lies. Places like Saranda, Ksamil, Himara, Borsh, even Vlora — these are the hubs that drive demand, bring in rental income, and hold their resale value. Remote land might look like a bargain today, but turning it into a profitable investment is another story entirely.

Let me walk you through why I believe tourism towns are the smarter bet.

Accessibility & Infrastructure

This is the first thing many buyers don’t think about until later. That hillside plot twenty minutes inland might look stunning in photos. But does it have a road? Water? Electricity? In remote areas, very often the answer is no.

And once you start adding up the cost of bringing in infrastructure, that “cheap” land suddenly looks a lot less cheap. I’ve seen clients spend thousands just to get a proper access road built, or to connect to utilities. Sometimes, permits can drag on for months.

Tourism towns are different. Saranda has paved roads that lead straight into the city center, and you’re only a short drive from the port. Ksamil has improved its infrastructure dramatically over the past five years — new neighborhoods, proper water lines, and improved electricity. With the new airport in Vlora under construction, accessibility will only get better.

It’s simple: easy access = higher property value and faster appreciation.

Rental Demand & ROI

If you’ve ever visited Saranda in July, you’ll know what I mean when I say there’s not a single free room in town. Hotels, apartments, Airbnbs — everything is packed. The same is true in Ksamil, which has become one of the hottest destinations in the Mediterranean.

This translates directly into ROI for investors. A one-bedroom apartment in Saranda can generate 8–10% annual return from short-term rentals alone. I’ve personally seen small seaview flats booked solid from May through September.

Remote land, on the other hand? Even if you build a villa there, it may take years before you see consistent bookings. Travelers want to be near the sea, the promenade, the restaurants. They want to walk out of their door and be minutes from the beach.

Take a look at something like the White Residence in Ksamil. These are brand-new luxury apartments, completed in 2025, in a quiet new neighborhood just seven minutes from the beach. The building even has a private swimming pool. Properties like this are in immediate demand for both rentals and resale. That’s the kind of effortless ROI investors are looking for.

Resale Value & Liquidity

Here’s another big one: liquidity.

When you buy in a tourism town, you’re not just buying property. You’re buying access to a pool of buyers who already know and love the area. Foreign investors, Albanians from Tirana, even the diaspora — they all look at Saranda, Ksamil, and Vlora first.

That means if you want to resell, you’ll find a market waiting for you. Try selling remote land in the mountains above Borsh, and you’ll quickly see the difference. There’s a smaller buyer pool, and it can take years to find someone willing to take it off your hands.

Just last month, a two-bedroom apartment at Gold Residence in Saranda went on the market. It had sea views, access to a private pool, and even its own beach just one minute away. Within weeks, we had multiple offers — exactly because this kind of property has liquidity built in.

Development Costs & Risks

Let me be honest: remote land comes with headaches.

Permits are harder to secure in rural zones, and legal boundaries can sometimes be unclear. I’ve dealt with cases where families disputed ownership rights on land their grandparents once divided. That’s not the kind of risk most investors want.

In tourism towns, zoning is clearer. The cadastre records are better maintained, and construction areas are already defined. Development is smoother, even if not always perfect.

And then there’s the cost. With remote land, you’re often starting from zero — no infrastructure, no clear planning. That means higher upfront investment and longer timelines.

Lifestyle & Attraction

One thing people sometimes forget: most buyers want to enjoy their property part of the year.

And when you’re in Saranda, you can spend your mornings swimming at Mango Beach, your afternoons strolling the promenade, and your evenings having fresh seafood by the water. Ksamil has become famous for its white sand beaches and island boat rides. In Himara, you can walk down to hidden coves.

This lifestyle is what makes properties in these towns attractive. Buyers imagine themselves not just as investors, but as part-time residents. Remote land is appealing to a niche — maybe someone wants an eco-retreat or a farm — but the average investor is looking for beaches, restaurants, nightlife, culture.

I always remember showing a client around Butrinti Street in Saranda. We stopped for coffee at a small café tucked behind the main road. The owner served us raki “on the house,” as is the Albanian way, and the client turned to me and said, “This is why I want to buy here.” It wasn’t just about square meters. It was about lifestyle.

If you want a sense of that, check out this new seaview apartment in Rruga Butrinti. The neighborhood is one of the best in the city — peaceful, modern, with everything nearby. And it’s the kind of place where you can truly live, not just invest.

Long-Term Trends

Here’s the bigger picture: Albania is on the rise as a Mediterranean destination.

Tourism numbers have broken records every year. Infrastructure projects like the new Vlora airport and the continued upgrades to the Riviera road are designed to bring even more visitors directly to the coast.

And where does that leave remote land? Still remote. Infrastructure money will flow into hubs like Saranda, Ksamil, and Vlora — not into isolated villages on the hillsides.

That’s why I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now. Prices here are still far lower than in Greece or Montenegro, but demand is growing fast. The window to buy at today’s levels won’t stay open forever.

A Word About Borsh

Now, there is one interesting exception worth mentioning: Borsh.

It’s technically a village, but it’s also one of the largest beaches on the Ionian coast. Unlike some remote land, Borsh has tourism potential written all over it. And when development is done right, it feels like the definition of quiet luxury.

For example, our company recently built the White Villas in Borsh. Four villas, each on 300m² of land, three floors, with private swimming pools and big verandas looking out to the sea. Just a seven-minute drive from Borsh beach, surrounded only by nature. With private parking, modern finishes, and the kind of privacy high-end buyers want, they’re a residential paradise. And yes — all for sale with 0% commission.

Borsh is unique because it combines that untouched feeling with real tourism demand. It’s still quiet, but people are starting to discover it.

Conclusion

Remote land in Albania may look tempting, especially with those low prices. But when you consider accessibility, infrastructure, rental demand, resale value, and lifestyle, the smarter move is clear: tourism towns and coastal hubs are the better bet.

That doesn’t mean remote land has no value — it may suit niche buyers looking for a farm or retreat. But if your goal is ROI, liquidity, and security, focus on towns like Saranda, Ksamil, Vlora, Himara, and yes, even up-and-coming Borsh.

The best part? Compared to Greece or Italy, Albanian Riviera properties are still affordable. That won’t last forever. My advice: if you’re thinking of investing, don’t wait too long. These towns are already transforming, and the opportunity window is now.

👉 If you’d like to see what’s available today, take a look at our portfolio:

• White Residence, Ksamil – Luxury new apartments with pool, 7 min from the beach

• Gold Residence, Saranda – First-line seaview apartments with private beach

• The Wave, Saranda – New luxury residence on Rruga Butrinti

• White Villas, Borsh – Quiet luxury villas with private pools, 7 min from the beach