The Bay of Spices – Europe's Last Frontier Due to delays in the digitalization of the Albania government land registry, the Bay of Spices project launch has been postponed to 2010. The Tricali Bay of Spices project is located in a country that constitutes the last frontier for European real estate: Albania. Here you will find coastal real estate at a fraction of the price of similar property in other European countries. A stone's throw from Italy and from the Greek border, across the straight from the emerald green island of Corfu, the Bay of Spices area is set in what can only be described as the last 75 kilometers of undiscovered and authentic European coast land. Here you leave the towns and cities behind you, and soak in hauntingly beautiful views and the fragrance from the medicinal herbs of the hillsides that pervades the air. The coastline is interspersed by wide, sandy beaches kept in pristine state by limited access. The land is dominated by proud, shimmering rocks jutting out into turquoise blue waves that rhythmically breathe in and out.
The most beautiful section of coast land starts from south of the city of Vlora, past Himara and Saranda. This section of tropical paradise meanders down south close to the border with Greece, to the archaeological ruins of Butrint, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Access and pace of transport is severely limited by the slim, serpentine hillside roads, reminiscent of the Amalfi coast a century ago. Whilst the roads do not make for comfortable driving and jeep travel is more a necessity than a luxury, it has served to keep the tourist crowds away. Access to the area is relatively easy from most European capitals via Corfu's international airport. From there, the Bay of Spices area is a mere 45 minute hydrofoil ride away. You will be surprised… The area has a lot to offer. It boasts a balmy southern Mediterranean climate with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest locations in Europe and placing it at the same levels of attractiveness as Florida, The Sunshine State. It benefits from mile after mile of undeveloped beach land and crystal-clear water, and some of the lowest house prices in Europe. Blue and turquoise seas wrap themselves around the intense green olive groves, looking up at far-off snow-peaked mountains that are decorated at mid-range by lakes, forests and rivers that lazily drift down to sea. The national parks of Dajti, Lura, Divjaka Pines and Llogara dot the geography of the nation, offering breathing space and relaxation. Newly opened hotels and restaurants flourish thanks to a booming economy in which gastronomy and social relations are taken very seriously. Family-run hotels and restaurants reflect the friendly and hospitable culture of Albanians. They are generally managed by someone who has had some training experience in western Europe and not only speaks a European language but is also locally considered to be an expert in the field of tourism. Meals will surprise you, with their mouth-watering, infinite variety of dishes. Grilled fish and seafood of all types, tasty morsels of lamb and other local meats garnished in local vegetable sauces, fresh bread, creamy white cheese, sweet tomatoes, and strange, large vegetables of all types. Since, due to high fertilizer and transport costs, everything in Albania is organic, vegetables come in all shapes and sizes. The identically-sized, polished wares of city supermarkets are relegated to far-off city memories. All along the coast, little white fishermen's villages dot the sloping hills that overlook the bays and the beaches. Here, in the Bay of Spices area, you will find coastal properties that are real, authentic. A purchase is not only advantageous to the new homeowner. It will also add noticeable benefit to the local economy. This is coastal real estate at a fraction of the price of other European countries. Dubbed the Croatia of tomorrow, the Bay of Spices area still offers very low real estate prices and its breathtaking coasts are unmarred by the masses. All in the context of what is possibly – ironically – one of Europe's safest countries thanks to severe anti-crime laws and an efficient and present police force. Whilst Albania's image is still dogged by the 1990s riots that followed mass financial losses suffered by the population in a Ponzi-style pyramid scheme, it is now a different country. Today, Albania has a stable political system and a government that focuses on economic reform and on joining the European Union in 2014. Please email us to book one of the property inspection viewing trips on
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or if you want someone to call you back to chat about a property. Viewing dates for 2010 will be posted during the course of 2009. | 
