Why Albania’s Coastline is a Smart Alternative to Greece & Croatia

If you’ve ever daydreamed about owning a place by the sea—waking up to blue waters, sipping coffee on your balcony, and taking a swim whenever you feel like it—you’re probably thinking of Greece or Croatia. But here’s the thing: Albania offers the same breathtaking experience, for a fraction of the price.

In recent years, more and more people are realizing that Albania’s coastline is just as stunning, far more affordable, and still has that untouched charm that Greece and Croatia lost years ago. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or a permanent escape, here’s why Albania might just be the smartest choice in the Mediterranean right now.

1. Seafront Properties Without the Crazy Price Tags

Let’s talk numbers. If you’ve looked at buying property in Greece or Croatia, you’ve probably noticed that anything remotely close to the sea costs an arm and a leg.

• A small apartment in Corfu? Easily €300,000+.

• A beachfront home in Dubrovnik? Get ready to spend at least €500,000—or more.

Now, compare that to Albania:

• You can still find seafront apartments starting at €80,000 in places like Saranda and Ksamil.

• Want something more luxurious? A modern villa with a private pool can be yours for under €500,000—in Greece or Croatia, you’d need at least €1 million for the same level of luxury.

This price gap won’t last forever. As more people catch on, prices will rise. But for now, Albania is a hidden gem for smart investors and homebuyers.

2. The Same Stunning Views—Just Without the Overcrowding

Albania’s southern coastline shares the same turquoise waters as Greece because, well, it’s the same sea—the Ionian.

• Ksamil is often called the “Maldives of Europe” because of its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.

• Saranda, just across the water from Corfu, has the same views—but properties cost half the price.

• Borsh, with its 7-kilometer beach, is still untouched by mass tourism, making it one of the last hidden paradises in the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, many parts of Greece and Croatia have become overcrowded. You’ll struggle to find a quiet spot in Santorini or Dubrovnik during summer, while Albania still offers peace, space, and room to breathe.

3. A Growing Tourism Hotspot (Great for Investors!)

If you’re thinking of buying property as an investment, Albania makes a lot of sense right now.

Tourism has skyrocketed in recent years, with more visitors choosing Albania over expensive destinations like Greece, Italy, or Croatia. This means:

✔ High demand for short-term rentals (especially in summer)

✔ Potential for strong rental income (Airbnb rates are rising!)

✔ A market that’s still growing, meaning property values will go up

For example, an apartment in Saranda or Ksamil can earn €100–€200 per night in the summer—and with Albania’s tourism boom, those numbers will only get better.

4. No Property Taxes (Yep, You Read That Right!)

Unlike Greece and Croatia, Albania does not have annual property taxes. That means once you buy, you’re not stuck paying extra fees every year just to keep your home.

Add to that the fact that everyday living costs in Albania are significantly lower, and you’ll find that owning property here is a financially smart move in the long run.