The Albanian Riviera by Season: When to Visit, Invest, or Airbnb

By someone who’s lived, worked, and danced their way through every corner of Saranda  

There’s a rhythm to life down here on the Albanian Riviera. The kind you only really understand if you’ve been here through all four seasons. Tourists usually fall in love with the summer glow—crystal blue water, sunbaked beaches, that golden-hour magic around 7:30 PM in Ksamil.  

But as someone who’s lived in Saranda most of his life—and helps people find everything from beachfront property to hillside villas—I can tell you this:  

Every season has its own charm. And its own opportunities—especially if you’re thinking about buying, investing, or renting on Airbnb.  

So, let’s walk through the year. I’ll share what it’s really like. Not just as a local, but as someone who’s helped hundreds of clients plan the right time to make their move.  

 Summer (June to August): The Hot Spot for Visitors and Rentals  

Let’s start with the obvious. Summer is… summer.  

Saranda explodes with life. Ksamil turns into a little Mediterranean Ibiza. You’ll see license plates from Italy, Poland, Germany, and a dozen more countries all parked side by side. And Airbnb prices? Through the roof.  

Last August, I had a client from Sweden who rented his 2-bedroom apartment at White Residence for €180 per night. Fully booked. For six weeks straight. He paid off a full year of expenses by mid-August.  

But let me be honest— summer is also intense . Restaurants are full, beach chairs double in price, and if you live here full-time (like I do), you develop a sixth sense for which roads to avoid at 6 PM.  

Still, if your plan is to invest and rent? This is your goldmine season.  

If you’re looking to buy, though… I don’t recommend shopping in July . Prices are inflated, real estate agents are half-lost in the chaos, and it’s hard to focus when you’re sweating through your shirt.    


Autumn (September to mid-November): The Sweet Spot  

This is the hidden gem of the Albanian Riviera.  

Tourists start heading home. The beaches breathe again. You can finally get a table at your favorite seaside restaurant without waiting 40 minutes. My personal favorite time of year.  

Just last September, I took a Belgian couple to view a villa near Borsh . We stood under the shade of an olive tree, sea breeze rolling in, not a soul in sight. They told me, “This feels more like the real Albania.” And they were right.  

Prices also cool down. If you want to buy a Saranda apartment for sale or a seaview unit in Ksamil—this is when to act.  

Many owners who didn’t sell in high season become more flexible. And if you’re thinking about building or renovating, construction crews are easier to book.  

Airbnb bookings slow down, yes—but long-stay guests start popping up. Remote workers, retirees, slow travelers. They often book for 1–2 months at a time.  

So, if you’re into “slow income” but steady guests, fall has a lot to offer.  

Winter (December to February): Quiet, Cold, and Surprisingly Productive  

Let’s be honest—winter here is not for everyone.  

Some days are rainy. The air can feel damp. And a few places close for the season, especially in Ksamil. But… that’s exactly why winter is when serious buyers start showing up .  

I’ve had French investors come in December specifically because it’s quiet. No distractions. We can visit ten properties in one afternoon. Even sit down with the builders and go over floor plans in peace. No stress. No rush.  

A few months ago, I helped a couple from the Netherlands reserve a unit at Residenca 12 while it was still under construction. They got an early price and flexible payment terms—something you never get in July.  

Also worth noting: the sea still looks beautiful in winter , especially from a high-up balcony. You’ll never get tired of those early sunsets over the Ionian.  

Airbnb-wise? It’s slow. Most investors use this time to renovate, rest, or re-list with better photos and descriptions. Others switch to monthly rentals for digital nomads or long-stay Albanians.  

If you’re thinking of long-term investment and want the best deal—you won’t find a better moment.  

Spring (March to May): The Wake-Up Call  

Spring on the Albanian Riviera is like watching someone wake up from a beautiful nap.  

The flowers start blooming (especially around the hills near Qeparo and Lukova), cafes start opening up again, and locals begin prepping their beach bars and guesthouses for the wave that’s coming.   

This is also when property prices start creeping back up. But not too much— just enough to remind you that summer is near . 

Last April, I showed a seaview duplex in Saranda to a young couple from Austria. They hesitated at first, but by May, three people had already made offers. We locked it in just in time. 

This season is great for: 

• Finishing renovations 

• Taking fresh Airbnb photos (everything looks vibrant) 

• Buying before summer prices hit 

• Enjoying the area as a local, without the high-season pressure 

If you ever want to walk the promenade in Saranda with a coffee and feel like you own the town— April is your month. 

A Few Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Seen It All) 

No season is perfect. But that’s the beauty of owning property here—you get to choose how it fits your rhythm. 

Maybe you only come in June and July, rent it the rest of the year. 

Maybe you want to retire here and enjoy the peaceful winters with local raki and mountain tea. 

Or maybe you’re like many of my clients who fell in love with the Riviera during a random off-season visit… and never left. 

I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now. The combination of sea views, affordable properties, low taxes, and rapid tourism growth? It’s rare. 

If you’re curious, here are a few properties that represent what I believe in: 

• White Residence Apartments – modern, beachfront, excellent for Airbnb 

• Vila 1 & 2 in Borsh – luxury villas with private pools, tucked into the olive hills 

• Residenca 12 – practical layout, full sea view, walkable location 

You’re always welcome to message or visit. Even if it’s just to talk about when you should come. 

Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of real estate in this corner of Albania: 

The best season to invest is when you feel the pull—and the right agent makes it all fall into place. 

Hope to see you down here, 

—Anastasia 

VivaView Real Estate, Saranda