Buying property in Albania isn’t all about dollars and cents; this is an ancient country, home to thousands of years of history, culture, natural wonders and drop-dead gorgeous beaches. A move to the south of Albania is a move to a region you’ll easily fall in love with.

We’ll admit it – this Balkan gem’s countless cultural and historical offerings are part of what make it such an attractive place to invest and own a second home or rental property in Southern Europe. That’s why in this guide, we’ll walk you through 7 Albania attractions close to Folie Village that will give you a sense of what buyers can enjoy when they move in to the country’s most exclusive real estate development. Outside the gated community featuring infinity pools, a casino, boutique shops and upscale beach bars, you’ll find a wide variety of natural, historical and cultural offerings that make the move to southern Albania all the more exciting.

Here are 7 attractions near Folie Village that make owning a home in the Albanian Riviera all the more enjoyable:

1. Gjipe Canyon and Beach

30 Minutes Away | Breathtaking Natural Beauty | Hiking

A half-hour drive away from Jalë lies one of Southern Albania’s most coveted natural attractions: the Canyon and Beach of Gjipe. The hike down to this area offers breathtaking panoramic viewpoints that follow the course of the canyon. Lose yourself in the sound of birdsong and enjoy the quiet burbling of a river as you trek down to the gorgeous beach, a wide pebbly expanse that also offers access to nearby caves – if you’re brave enough, you can swim to Pigeon’s Cave nearby, which offers a massive natural enclosing and its own picturesque beach.

2. Dhërmi Beach

30 Minutes Away | Upscale Restaurants | Beach Clubs 

Those who want to enjoy the beach and go out dancing for the night will find themselves at home in Dhërmi’s beachfront, which features a lively boardwalk that comes alive at night with bars, restaurants and clubs all along the water. The vibe here is upscale, with multiple venues offering elegant accomodations as well as eateries and shops. High-end restaurants call this stretch of the Albanian Riviera home, and there’s no paucity of beach bars offering cocktails in front of firepits or places to dance the night away.

3. Porto Palermo Castle

30 Minutes Away | Historical Castle | World War II Submarine Tunnels

Hungry for some history on your beach holiday? Porto Palermo is a gorgeous bay that offers multiple secluded natural beaches which you can swim to from the main beach. The castle is the historical focal point of the bay, offering gorgeous views of the water and explanations about its 19th-century use as a fortress, as well as its earlier Venetian and Ottoman roots. Entry is 5 euros, and you’ll enjoy learning about its role as a defensive stronghold, its connection to Ali Pasha of Tepelena, and how it later served as a military base during the communist era.

4. Lekursi Castle 

90 Minutes Away | Panoramic Sunset Views | Gorgeous Ancient Fortress

The best sunset viewing point in the south of Albania may very well be Lekursi Castle, an ancient fortification dating back to the 16th century which looks over the iconic bay of Saranda. Head here half an hour before sunset to snap the best pictures during golden hour and soak up the vibe of ancient Chameria, the historical homeland of the southern Albanians, while sipping on a cold glass of wine – the restaurant in this castle offers a variety of drinks and traditional foods that make for a pleasant dinner. 

5. Saranda Boardwalk

90 Minutes Away | Bustling Seaside Walkway | Restaurants, Bars & Clubs

Another great option for people-watching and enjoying a night out is the Saranda Boardwalk, located in the city of Saranda itself along the water. Here you’ll find boat rentals, day trips to the secluded beaches of the south and plenty of bars and restaurants catering to your every need and whim. The area around the boardwalk also features the ruins of an ancient synagogue, an archaeological museum and an exhibition about traditional Albanian costumes and history, making it a great way to learn about the history of the region.

6. Gjirokastër

2 Hours Away | UNESCO Recognized Medieval City | Albania’s Top Castle & Museum

Gjirokastër is known as Albania’s Stone City due to this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ancient traditions of stonecutting. Boasting an epic castle overlooking the Drino River Valley, Gjirokastër Castle is also home to the country’s most thorough and enjoyable museum, which offers up artifacts from the Bronze Age through modernity, as well as the remains of an American fighter jet shot that crash-landed in the country in 1957. Here you can also peruse Socialist Realist art from the communist era, and walk through ancient prison cells where political detainees were held. The city itself is home to an ancient bazaar that’s bustling with vendors, chic bars and hearty traditional restaurants, making a day trip here a great way to absorb the local culture and take a step back in time to the merchant city’s Ottoman era. 

7. Butrint National Archaeological Park

2 Hours Away | Ancient Archaeological Site | UNESCO World Heritage Site

Butrint is Albania’s top arcahelogical site, nestled along a lagoon and 15 minutes away from Ksamil. This 29-square kilometer site offers a deep dive into Albania’s different eras, with forticiations from the Roman, Byzantime, Greek and Venetian occupations of the country. The area holds a dual status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a RAMSAR Wetland of International Importance due to the endangered wildlife that makes its home here, as well as because of its massive amphitheater and pagan temple remians. Those interested in doing a deep dive into the country’s history while enjoying peaceful nature will find their hands full here!

These seven attractions are just the tip of the iceberg – the Albanian Riviera’s attractions are the reason why so many international investors are turning to Albania for higher rental yields! Expats and retirees alike are also moving in to enjoy the slower pace of life and the incredible offerings the south of Albania has to offer. Get in touch with Folie Village today to discover how we can help you build your new life in the Albanian Riviera, today.