Beyond the Beach: The Local Markets, Farmers, and Fishermen Who Feed the South

Most people come to the Albanian Riviera for the sea.

And fair enough—how can you not? That electric blue, the calm waves, the beaches that somehow still feel wild even in the middle of summer. But here’s what many people miss, especially on their first visit:

It’s not just the beach that makes this region special. It’s the life that happens beyond it.

The fishermen pulling in their catch before sunrise. The grandmothers selling jars of fig jam from roadside tables. The smell of roasted peppers drifting through the market in Saranda at 7 a.m., long before the tourists wake up.

There’s a heartbeat here that starts in the hills and ends at the water’s edge. And if you ask me, that’swhere the magic really is.

⸻

The Markets That Never Sleep

The Saranda farmer’s market might not look fancy. No trendy signage. No matching uniforms. But trust me—this place is gold.

You want tomatoes that taste like sunshine? This is where you go.

There’s a guy named Luan who’s been selling olive oil from his family groves near Lukova for as long as I can remember. No labels, no marketing. Just reused glass bottles and a quiet confidence that only comes from knowing your product is that good.

And the peppers. I don’t know what it is about Albanian peppers, but they ruin you for any other kind. Especially when they’re slightly charred and stuffed with rice, like my neighbor does every Sunday. (Yes, I sometimes plan property viewings around lunch at her place—no regrets.)

⸻

Fishermen With Salt in Their Stories

I once met a fisherman in Himara who said he could tell how the day would go just by how the sea “smelled” in the morning. I didn’t really believe him until he guessed a storm an hour before it showed up.

These are the kind of people who feed the south.

In Saranda, if you’re up early enough, you’ll see the small boats returning with fresh seabream, sardines, and the occasional octopus. There’s something grounding about that rhythm. It’s not loud or flashy. But it’s steady. Honest.

And honestly, there’s no better way to start a day than a grilled fish lunch by the water—especially after a successful apartment viewing.

Speaking of which, we recently started showing our White Residence Villas in Borsh to clients looking for that peaceful, off-the-grid lifestyle. Imagine waking up to sea views and walking down to buy your fish directly from the guy who caught it.

This is the place I’m talking about. It’s not for everyone. But if you get it, you get it.

⸻

A Quick Tangent on Watermelons

Okay, small detour here. Have you ever tasted a watermelon from Delvina in July? Because if not, you haven’t lived.

There’s a tiny stretch of road just past the village where farmers line up their trucks, piled high with watermelons that are still warm from the sun. The last time I stopped, the seller cut one open on the spot and handed me a slice before I could say a word.

Juice everywhere. Sweet like candy.

Anyway. Back to real estate. Sort of.

⸻