Saranda vs. Dhermi: Where Should You Buy a Vacation Home?

So, you’ve decided to buy a vacation home on the Albanian Riviera —great choice! Now comes the tricky part: Saranda or Dhermi?  

Both are breathtaking. Both have that perfect mix of blue water, white beaches, and mountain views . Both are great investments.  

But they feel completely different.  

Saranda is a lively, growing city where you can enjoy the beach and have all the conveniences of modern life.  

Dhermi is quieter, more exclusive, and all about peace, privacy, and nature .  

So, which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.  

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Saranda: A Seaside City with Year-Round Buzz  

If you love the idea of a real city by the sea , with restaurants, cafés, and nightlife, Saranda is the place to be. It’s not just a summer destination— it’s alive all year round .  

Why Buy in Saranda?  

✔ Everything is open year-round – supermarkets, doctors, banks, and plenty of restaurants.  

✔ Easy to get to – hop on a 30-minute ferry from Corfu , or drive from Tirana.  

✔ Great for Airbnb – it’s a tourist hotspot, so rentals do really well.  

✔ Still affordable – you can find seaview apartments for a fraction of the price of Greece or Italy.  

What Life is Like Here  

Imagine waking up in your beachfront apartment , walking down the promenade for a coffee, then heading to Ksamil’s white-sand beaches (just 15 minutes away). In the evening, you grab dinner at a seafood restaurant while the sun sets over Corfu.  

If you’re looking for a vacation home that can also make money as a rental , Saranda is the better choice .  

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Dhermi: A Peaceful, Luxury Escape  

Dhermi is a completely different vibe . It’s not a city—it’s a secluded coastal village with some of the best beaches in Albania . If you want peace, privacy, and an exclusive retreat , this is where you’ll find it.  

Why Buy in Dhermi?  

✔ Less crowded – even in peak season, it feels more private.  

✔ Absolutely stunning beaches – crystal-clear water, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs.  

✔ High-end market – fewer properties, more exclusivity.  

✔ Perfect for those who want to disconnect – no traffic, no noise, just nature.  

What Life is Like Here  

Picture this: You wake up in your hillside villa with a panoramic sea view , spend the day at Gjipe Beach , and finish with a sunset cocktail at a stylish beach bar.  

It’s not for everyone —if you like having shops and services close by, you might find it too remote. But if you’re looking for pure relaxation in a luxury setting , Dhermi is a dream.  

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How Do Property Prices Compare?  

Saranda has a bigger real estate market with more options. Dhermi, being smaller and more exclusive, has fewer properties, and they tend to be more expensive.  

 If you want a modern apartment near the beach for a great price , Saranda wins .  

If you’re after a high-end, private villa , Dhermi is your best bet .  

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Which One is Easier to Get To?  

✈ Saranda is a breeze to reach. Fly into Corfu , hop on a quick 30-minute ferry , and you’re there! Or, if you’re coming from Tirana, it’s about a 4-hour scenic drive down the coast.  

🚗 Dhermi takes a little more effort. There’s no ferry or airport nearby—you’ll need to drive about 3 hours from Tirana . The road is gorgeous, winding through mountains and along the coastline, but it’s definitely more of a journey.  

If you travel a lot or plan to have friends and family visit often , Saranda is the more convenient option .  

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So, Which One Feels More Like “You”?  

Go for Saranda if you want:  

• A lively seaside city with great restaurants, nightlife, and things to do all year .  

• A vacation home that can double as an Airbnb when you’re not there.  

• A more affordable property that will hold its value.  

• Easy access—perfect for weekend getaways or hosting visitors .  

Go for Dhermi if you want:  

• A private, high-end retreat with jaw-dropping beaches.  

• A place where you can truly disconnect and unwind .  

• A luxury villa in an exclusive, peaceful area.  

• A long-term investment in one of Albania’s most sought-after coastal spots.  

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Final Thoughts  

Both Saranda and Dhermi are incredible—it just depends on what you’re looking for.  

If you want a modern, seaview apartment with year-round energy and rental income potential , Saranda is your best bet .  

If you’re dreaming of a quiet, luxurious escape where you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania without the crowds , Dhermi is the place for you .  

Still not sure? Let’s chat! We’ll help you find the perfect vacation home on the Albanian Riviera.  

📩 Get in touch with VivaView for the best properties in Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh, and Dhermi!