Albania’s Private Marinas: Where to Dock Your Yacht and Buy a Home Next Door

Albania’s coastline is rapidly emerging as a compelling destination for yacht owners in the Mediterranean. With its location between Greece and Montenegro, the country offers natural harbors, quiet anchorages, and increasing government interest in developing maritime infrastructure. For those considering both yachting and coastal living, the opportunity to dock your vessel and live just steps away from the water is starting to take shape. In this guide, we cover the current status of marinas in Albania, focusing on what is available now, which projects are underway, and where the best prospects lie for real estate near the sea.

Orikum Marina in the Bay of Vlorë

At present, Orikum Marina remains the only fully operational private marina in Albania. It is located just north of the small town of Orikum, in the sheltered Bay of Vlorë, about 15 kilometers south of the city of Vlorë itself. This facility offers essential services to yacht owners, making it the only location in the country where proper marina infrastructure is reliably available. The marina can accommodate around seventy yachts. Most berths are suitable for vessels up to fifteen meters, and the marina provides water and electricity connections at the docks. Fuel is available onsite, and there are sanitary facilities for crew and guests. The entrance channel is marked with buoys and the depth is approximately two and a half meters. The setting is peaceful and naturally protected from strong winds, which makes it a safe and stable location for seasonal or short-term mooring. It is also one of the few places in Albania where customs and immigration procedures for yachts can be handled efficiently with the help of local agents. While Orikum Marina does not yet have a luxury real estate complex integrated into its footprint, there are residential buildings nearby. Some apartments and houses in the area are within walking distance of the docks, although the real estate market is still modest. There is interest in expanding the marina’s capacity and potentially adding more residential infrastructure in the future, but no large-scale plans have been confirmed to date.

Vlora Marina

The most significant marina development in progress in Albania today is Vlora Marina. This project is being constructed in the city of Vlorë and is part of a larger effort to transform a section of the former industrial port into a high-end waterfront destination. The development includes a marina, hotels, residential buildings, restaurants, shops, and public spaces. According to the plans that have been made public, Vlora Marina will feature over four hundred berths for yachts, including mooring capacity for vessels up to fifty meters in length. The design also incorporates a promenade, yacht club, and a hospitality zone. Once completed, this will be the first large-scale marina project in Albania designed to serve international yachting visitors and local property owners alike. The project is backed by the Balfin Group and developed under a concession model in partnership with international firms. Construction is ongoing, although no official completion date has been publicly confirmed. Early residential offerings have been announced, and marketing materials suggest that homes near the marina will be available for purchase before the facility is fully operational. Although some aspects of the development are still evolving, Vlora Marina is currently the most advanced example of an Albania marina designed with both nautical and residential integration in mind.

Sarandë

Sarandë is one of the most visited coastal cities in southern Albania and serves as an important regional port. It is located near the Greek island of Corfu, which makes it a frequent stop for private yachts navigating the Ionian Sea. However, Sarandë does not yet have a dedicated private marina. Yachts can moor temporarily at the ferry terminal or anchor offshore, but full marina services are not currently available. Despite these limitations, Sarandë remains an important location in the broader discussion of marinas in Albania. Its position makes it ideal for future marina development. The local real estate market is more advanced than in many other coastal towns, with a significant number of seafront apartments and private villas already constructed. Although no confirmed marina project has broken ground in Sarandë, the city continues to attract attention from developers, yacht owners, and investors interested in combining access to international sailing routes with residential living by the sea.

Durrës

Durrës is the largest and busiest port in Albania. Located about thirty kilometers west of the capital, Tirana, it functions primarily as a commercial harbor but has begun to attract interest as a potential site for future marina development. At present, yachts can dock in designated areas of the port for customs clearance or short stays. However, the facilities are limited and not intended for long-term mooring or leisure yachting. Discussions about transforming parts of the port into a modern marina have taken place, and there have been concept plans shared with the public in recent years. No construction has begun, and there are no confirmed timelines or final development plans for a marina in Durrës. Still, the city’s infrastructure, proximity to Tirana International Airport, and strong tourism growth make it a logical candidate for future investment in this sector.

What to Consider Before Investing Near a Marina in Albania

For those looking to purchase property near one of the existing or planned Albania marinas, it is important to understand the difference between active infrastructure and speculative development. Orikum is the only marina currently in operation, while Vlora Marina is under construction with confirmed investment. Sarandë and Durrës are future possibilities but do not yet offer the services needed for full-time yacht mooring. Buyers should verify whether the marina in question is operational or still in planning. It is also important to understand whether property near the marina includes mooring rights or whether berth access must be purchased or leased separately. Legal due diligence and professional support are recommended, especially when dealing with projects that are still in the concession or early construction phase.

Marinas in Albania Are Taking Shape

Albania is no longer just a scenic backdrop for passing yachts. With Orikum Marina already welcoming vessels and Vlora Marina under active development, the country is building the foundation for a future that includes both mooring infrastructure and seafront property ownership. While the marina network is still limited, the direction is clear. Interest in Albania marinas continues to rise, and early adopters have a chance to explore one of the last untapped coastlines in the region. For those seeking to dock a yacht and live next door, Albania now offers its first real opportunities—and more are on the horizon.

Own More Than a View. Own the Marina.

Vlora Marina is not just another coastal address. It is Albania’s most ambitious waterfront destination, where yachts pull up outside your front door and the Adriatic opens in every direction. This is the future of marina living on the Ionian coast. Fundway gives you direct access to select homes within and around Vlora Marina. These properties are limited, highly sought after, and positioned at the forefront of a rising market. If you're ready to secure a place where sea, property, and investment meet, contact Fundway. Your slip is waiting. So is your home.