Albania’s Riviera: A Photographer’s Dream Destination

You know that feeling when you see a place so beautiful that a photo could never do it justice? That’s the Albanian Riviera. Crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and beaches that still feel untouched—it’s like this whole coastline was made for photographers. 

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years, helping people find their dream homes along this stunning stretch of the Mediterranean. And let me tell you, I never get tired of the views. Just last week, I showed a client a seaview apartment in Ksamil, and the second they stepped onto the balcony, their jaw dropped. They just stood there, silent for a moment, taking it all in. Moments like that remind me why I love what I do. 

But let’s talk about what makes the Albanian Riviera such a dream for photographers (and, honestly, anyone who appreciates natural beauty). 

The Colors of the Riviera 

First, the colors. The water here isn’t just blue—it’s a dozen shades of it. In Ksamil, it shifts from a pale turquoise near the shore to a deep sapphire further out. Around Himara, you get this surreal contrast where golden sand meets emerald-green hills. And at sunset? The sky turns into this fiery mix of oranges and pinks that reflect off the water like a painting. 

If you’re into golden hour photography, head to Lekursi Castle just before sunset. The view from up there? Unreal. You get a full panoramic sweep of Saranda, the Ionian Sea, and Corfu in the distance. I always tell clients that if they’re thinking about buying a beachfront property, they should visit during sunset. That’s when Saranda really shows off. 

Hidden Gems Only a Local Would Know 

Most visitors flock to Ksamil’s main beaches, but if you want a quieter, more photogenic spot, there’s a little place just south of the main bay. It doesn’t have an official name—locals just call it “the small cove”—but the water there is like glass, and the rocks create the perfect natural frame for a shot. 

And if you’re in Borsh, don’t just stop at the beach. Drive five minutes inland to the old village, and you’ll find the ruins of an ancient castle surrounded by olive groves. From up there, the coastline stretches endlessly, and the light in the late afternoon makes everything look like a scene from a movie. Plus, there’s a tiny taverna nearby that most tourists never find. It’s the perfect spot to sit with a cold drink and just take in the view. 

The Charm of Coastal Villages 

Saranda has the energy of a growing seaside city, but the smaller villages along the coast have a different kind of magic. Himara, for example, has these charming stone alleyways where bougainvillea spills over the rooftops. It’s the kind of place where you walk around with your camera and find a hundred little details you want to capture—wooden fishing boats resting on the shore, old men playing dominoes in the shade, a local woman hanging laundry against a bright blue sky. 

And then there’s Dhërmi. The old town sits high on the hill, with tiny churches that have been there for centuries. But if you go down to the beach early in the morning, before the crowds arrive, you’ll find this peaceful stretch of coastline where the water is perfectly still. It’s moments like these that make me truly believe Saranda and the Albanian Riviera offer some of the best real estate value on the entire Mediterranean coast. 

Living the Dream 

It’s funny—whenever I talk to people looking to buy property here, one of the first things they say is, “I just want to wake up to that view every day.” And I get it. There’s something about the Riviera that makes you want to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and just take it all in. 

That’s why I always recommend checking out seaview apartments in Saranda or Ksamil if you’re thinking about making this place home. Whether it’s a beachfront property or a hillside villa overlooking the Ionian, waking up here every day feels like living in a postcard. And honestly, that’s what makes real estate here so special—you’re not just buying a home, you’re buying a lifestyle. 

If you’re curious about what’s available, I’ve put together a list of some stunning properties with sea views right here . Trust me, the photos don’t even do them justice. 

The Riviera Through Your Lens 

So whether you’re a professional photographer, a traveler with a good eye, or just someone who loves capturing life’s best moments, the Albanian Riviera is the perfect backdrop. The colors, the landscapes, the light—it all just comes together in a way that feels effortless. 

And who knows? Maybe one day, instead of just visiting, you’ll decide to make this place home. If that thought has ever crossed your mind, let’s talk. I’d love to show you around and help you find a place with a view worth waking up to every day.