Albania Growing In Popularity As Superyacht Destination

For years, Albania has been impaired by stereotypes relating to the mafia and criminality, with false preconceptions driven largely by inexperience. It is this reputation that has made Albania well-known to the superyacht community, but not necessarily as a “destination” in itself.

In the past, both private and commercially-registered vessels have stopped in Albania to take on board duty-free fuel. However, previously harsh factors restricting superyacht visitation have diminished, and more superyachts are starting to explore Albania and the rest of the Adriatic Coast.

One of the reasons that Albania was hardly visited by yachts and tourists was its “dangerous” coastline that was created during the post WWII era. However, since then, the Albanian government and the British admiralty have cleared the dangerous markers for mines leftover from the war.

Along with these maritime improvements comes a better connotation of the country and region. “There is a huge push from the government to change the global opinion of Albania,” states Chris Peacock, area manager for the Ionian Islands and Albania at G&K Yachting.

He believes that the Adriatic Coast is considered to be one of the most promising growth areas in the Mediterranean Basin.

In recent years much as been made of the growing appetite, on the part of superyacht owners and charter guests, to expand their horizons and explore new superyacht destinations. The growing popularity of Albania proves that there is much to explore within Europe itself, especially from the pristine decks of a superyacht.

According to Albanian authorities, 842 yachts visited Saranda Port, Albania, in 2017. This figure increased to 1007 in 2018 and to 1575 in 2019. While the statistics do not specify what size the vessels are, it is abundantly clear, given the 80 per cent increase in yacht visitation from 2017-2019, that the market in Albania is only moving in one direction.

Around 15 marina projects are currently underway in Albania, ranging from small pleasure and fishing vessels to new homes for luxurious superyachts.

Peacock also notes that "The more superyachts that go [to Albania] ...just drives more yachts to go." Hopefully this newfound slice of ‘paradise’ will bolster the local economy and further drive maritime exploration of the Adriatic Coast.