Airbnb Goldmines: Why Albania’s Beachfront Apartments Guarantee High Rental Yield

When people ask me why I believe so strongly in the Albanian Riviera, I usually smile before answering. Because how do you explain something that you live every day? The mix of sea, mountains, and still-untouched villages. The way a Saranda sunset can change your whole mood. Or the fact that, even after years of living here, I still stumble upon new places that make me think, wow, this is why investors are waking up to Albania.

And when it comes to real estate? Especially beachfront property and seaview apartments? That’s where the magic becomes numbers—Airbnb calendars booked out, families coming back year after year, and yields that are much higher than most of the Mediterranean.

Why Albania’s Coastline Is Different

I’ve traveled a bit. Greece, Montenegro, Italy. Beautiful places, of course. But here’s the difference: in Albania, prices haven’t caught up yet. A Saranda apartment for sale with full sea view still costs a fraction of what you’d pay in Corfu, just a 30-minute ferry away.

And rental yields? They can be double. It’s not rare to see investors covering their annual costs in just the summer months. I’ve seen one-bedroom affordable properties in Ksamil bringing in €10,000–€12,000 in a single season. Compare that with Spain or Italy, where regulations are tightening and competition is endless.

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast.

The Airbnb Factor

Let’s be honest—Airbnb changed everything. I still remember when locals here used to rent out spare rooms to travelers knocking at their doors. Now it’s all digital, global, and professional. Yet, in a way, it feels like Albania was made for this model.

Why? Because we still have those hidden places that haven’t been overrun. A house on the edge of Borsh where you can hear nothing but cicadas. A small guesthouse by Lake Butrint where the mornings smell of wild herbs. Even mountain villages above Himara where the old stone houses are slowly being restored.

Tourists love this. They’re not just booking square meters—they’re booking an experience. And Albania still feels authentic, not overly polished like some of our neighbors.

A Personal Story

The other day, I walked a client through a nearly finished villa on Panorama Road in Saranda. You know that steep climb where you can see the whole Ionian Sea stretching like glass below you? He just stood there for a moment, silent, before saying: “I can already picture the Airbnb listing photos.”

He’s right. Properties like this one—a luxury villa now under construction on Panorama Street—are not just homes. They’re future businesses. And with Saranda’s rental season stretching longer each year (I had guests staying comfortably even in October), the potential is only growing.

Ksamil: The Rising Star

Everyone knows Ksamil for its beaches. But what many don’t realize is that it’s also becoming an Airbnb powerhouse. Families from Poland, Germany, and Scandinavia are booking out entire buildings for August. Prices per night easily double what you’d get in Saranda.

We currently have a project there with just 6 apartments left—White Residence Ksamil. Fully furnished, luxury finishes, a pool for residents, and located in a building that’s literally just finished in 2025. This is what high ROI looks like. I sometimes joke with clients: by the time you’ve finished your first summer of rentals, you’ll already be thinking about your second investment.

Tangent: Hidden Corners

Speaking of Ksamil, let me go off track for a moment. Have you ever walked past the main tourist strip and ended up at the little dirt road that leads to a family-run farm? They serve homemade raki and grilled fish, and you’d never find it on TripAdvisor. These are the kinds of places I bring clients after viewings. It’s part of showing them not just a property, but a lifestyle.

And this is what tourists search for when booking on Airbnb. They want more than walls and windows—they want to feel like they’ve stepped into a piece of Albania.

Borsh: The Next Luxury Destination

Now, Borsh is a different story. Larger beach, less crowded, more space for villas. I often say it feels like Ksamil ten years ago. Investors who enter now will thank themselves later.

We’ve recently launched White Villas Borsh—four luxury villas right on the main coastal road connecting Borsh with Saranda and the other southern towns. Each villa has its own swimming pool, private parking, and wide verandas overlooking the sea. Surrounded by olive groves and untouched nature, yet easy to access.

Picture listing that on Airbnb. Guests who drive from Tirana or land in Corfu will pay a premium just to wake up in a place like this.

Culture Meets Investment

Sometimes I wonder if part of the appeal is cultural. Albanians have a tradition of hospitality—it’s in our DNA. When a tourist arrives, they’re treated like family. That warmth translates well into the Airbnb world, where reviews matter as much as location.

And while I’m talking about culture—don’t underestimate the power of a small local detail. The stone terraces in Dhermi. The old Orthodox churches on the hill above Lukova. Even the simple act of offering a guest figs from your garden. These things become part of a guest’s memory, and they come back for more.

Numbers vs. Feelings

I know investors like numbers, so here’s a rough picture. In Saranda:

• A seaview apartment at €150,000 can generate €12,000–€15,000 annually in rentals.

• In Ksamil, the same investment can bring €18,000+ during peak season.

• Villas in Borsh? The yields are still early to measure, but based on demand, I’d estimate a strong 10–12% ROI.

But beyond the numbers, there’s the feeling. Standing on a balcony at sunset. Hearing the waves from your bedroom. Knowing that your property isn’t just an asset—it’s also a piece of a growing story.

Where I See the Market Going

Albania is no longer the “hidden gem” it was five years ago. Articles in Forbes, travel vlogs on YouTube, tour operators pushing packages. It’s happening fast.

What this means is that today’s “affordable properties” won’t stay that way for long. If you’re considering buying, whether it’s a simple apartment in Saranda or a villa in Borsh, this is the window. The Airbnb goldmine won’t stay unmined forever.

Final Thought

Sometimes, after a long day of showings, I drive down to the small beach near Mango in Saranda. Just to sit and watch the lights come on across the bay. It reminds me that while I talk about yields, ROI, and investments, what we’re really offering people is a way to live with the sea.

And if you’re curious about what’s currently available, you can browse some of our projects—from villas in Borsh to apartments in Ksamil and luxury builds on Panorama Road. Each one tells a different story, but all share the same heartbeat: the Ionian Sea at your doorstep.

I don’t just sell properties here. I live them. And I honestly believe, if you’re looking for an Airbnb investment, Albania is the smartest move you can make right now.