Which Properties Rent Best in Summer – and Which Stay Profitable All Year in the Albanian Riviera?

If you’ve ever walked down the Saranda promenade in August, you’ve probably noticed something: almost every apartment building near the sea has someone dragging a suitcase into it. That’s summer season in full swing. 

But here’s what most people don’t realize—just because a property rents well in July doesn’t mean it’s a good year-round investment. And not every high-season gem is worth holding onto when September hits. 

Clients ask me this all the time: 

“Should I buy something for summer rentals, or go for a property that brings income all year?” 

And my answer? It depends on what kind of investor you are—and how involved you want to be. 

I’ll break it down for you the same way I did for a couple from Belgium just last week. We were standing on a terrace in Borsh, overlooking the Ionian Sea, and they asked me that exact question. So I gave it to them straight. 

Properties That Perform Best in Summer 

Beachfront studios and 1-bedroom apartments in Ksamil and central Saranda. 

That’s your golden ticket during the peak season. If you’re just looking for strong short-term income in July and August, you don’t need a massive property. What you need is: 

• Walking distance to the beach (under 8 minutes is ideal) 

• Air conditioning 

• A balcony with at least a partial sea view 

• Clean, modern interiors and WiFi 

Guests don’t care if it’s 45 or 60 square meters. They care about proximity, view, and price. 

That’s why apartments like the ones in White Residence perform incredibly well in summer—they’re right near the water, in a safe and quiet area, and attract families, couples, and even remote workers looking for a few weeks in the sun. 

I’ve seen clients make over 10,000 euros in just two months from a 1-bedroom unit there. But the catch? Outside of June to September, bookings can drop off significantly—especially if you’re not actively promoting the property or offering monthly discounts. 

Another hotspot is Ksamil. It’s more seasonal than Saranda, but if you list early on Airbnb and Booking.com and price aggressively, you’ll be fully booked for summer by April. Just don’t expect much demand after mid-September unless you shift to long-term stays. 

Properties That Work All Year Round 

If you’re thinking long-term, you’ll want something different. Think bigger spaces, more comfort, and a better layout for extended stays. 

What works best year-round? 

• Sea view apartments with heating (not just AC) 

• Properties close to Saranda city center or Rruga Butrinti 

• Villas or larger units that can attract winter retirees or digital nomads 

One of my favorite examples is this villa in Borsh . It’s not for your average tourist. It attracts longer-stay guests—families, couples working remotely, or Albanians from abroad visiting for a few months at a time. It’s got the views, the comfort, and the kind of privacy people are looking for when they’re staying more than a week. 

Saranda is also becoming more livable off-season. Cafés stay open all year now. There’s fiber internet. Grocery stores are well-stocked. We’ve got more digital nomads, off-season explorers, even some semi-retired foreigners staying here six months at a time. 

I had a German client who stayed from October to March last year, paying 600 euros a month for a 2-bedroom with a panoramic view. It wasn’t listed on any platform—just word of mouth. That’s the kind of consistent income you can generate if your property has off-season comfort. 


The Locals Know the Difference

If you’re not from here, it’s easy to assume a sea view alone makes a place profitable. But locals know better.

There’s a big difference between a property with a view from the bedroom window, and one where you can sit on the balcony and see the whole Ionian.

There’s also a difference between a quiet road that’s 5 minutes from town, and a hillside that looksgreat in photos but scares off guests because of the steep drive.

One of my clients bought an apartment up in Kodër, thinking it would rent well because of the incredible view. But the first reviews on Airbnb complained about the climb. The sea was close, but the effort wasn’t worth it for most people. Now, he rents it long-term to a couple from Tirana—and it works. But the short-term strategy didn’t deliver.

What Kind of Investor Are You?

Here’s where it comes down to your goals.

If you want maximum return in summer, you’ll want a well-furnished 1+1 near the beach, even if it only rents 3-4 months. Just be ready to market it heavily and maybe manage turnover every few days.

If you want consistent income all year, go for a bigger unit in a quieter but livable area. Preferably with parking, heating, and easy access to shops. Even better if it feels like home—because that’s what longer-term guests are looking for.

Some buyers go hybrid: they use their apartment themselves in off-season and rent it during the peak months. That works especially well for retired clients or remote workers who can block off their favorite weeks and make income the rest of the time.

Final Thoughts

The Albanian Riviera is still one of the most affordable and high-potential regions in the Mediterranean. I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire coast—whether you’re investing for short-term profits or long-term stability.

But don’t just go by Instagram photos or real estate listings with fancy wording. Walk the neighborhoods. Ask where the sun hits the balcony in the morning. Find out which buildings have 24/7 water and which ones struggle in August. These are things only someone on the ground will tell you.

If you’re thinking of investing, feel free to browse some of our current listings. But more than that—reach out. I’ll tell you the truth about what rents, what doesn’t, and what might surprise you.

And who knows, maybe one day we’ll sit down for a coffee and talk it through in person—sea breeze and all.

(The photo on this blog is captured in Dhërmi, Albania)