Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in Albania: A Local Perspective from Saranda

I get this question almost every week.
Sometimes twice in the same day.

“Should I rent it short-term or long-term?”

It usually comes right after a property viewing. We’re standing on a balcony, the sea is right there, the air smells like salt and espresso, and you can almost see the calculation happening behind the client’s eyes. And honestly, I get it. Choosing between short-term and long-term rentals in Albania isn’t just a financial decision — it’s a lifestyle one too.

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda long enough to see both sides play out. Some brilliantly. Some… not so much.

So let’s talk about it. Not in a textbook way. In a real way. The way we actually discuss it over coffee after a viewing.

Why This Question Matters More Than Ever

Five or six years ago, the answer was simpler.
Today, with tourism booming along the Albanian Riviera, social media pushing demand, and more international buyers looking at Saranda apartments for sale, the choice deserves real thought.

Short-term rentals can look very attractive on paper.
Long-term rentals feel safer, calmer, more predictable.

Both can work.
But not for everyone. And not for every property.

Short-Term Rentals: The High-Energy Option

Let’s start with short-term rentals, because that’s what most foreign buyers ask about first.

And I understand why.

Summer in Saranda is intense. Full beaches. Busy promenades. Restaurants packed until midnight. Properties near the sea can perform extremely well during these months. A well-located beachfront property or seaview apartment can generate strong income from June to September.

I recently showed a brand-new apartment in Ksamil to a couple who originally planned to buy purely for personal use. During the visit, a group of tourists passed by asking if anything nearby was available to rent. That moment changed the entire conversation.

Properties like this modern 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil — finished in summer 2025, in a quiet new neighborhood, with a shared private swimming pool and just a seven-minute walk from the beach — are naturally suited for short-term rentals without screaming “tourist trap.” It’s calm. Polished. Quiet luxury. The kind of place guests remember and come back to.

That’s the key.

The Real Pros of Short-Term Rentals

– Higher income potential during peak season
– Flexibility to use the property yourself
– Strong demand in Saranda, Ksamil, and beachfront areas
– Works especially well for new, high-quality buildings

But.
And this is important.

The Side People Don’t Always Talk About

Short-term rentals require involvement. Or someone you trust.

Cleaning. Guest communication. Check-ins. Small maintenance issues that always appear at the worst moment — usually when you’re not in Albania. I’ve seen owners underestimate this part and lose the joy of ownership quickly.

There’s also seasonality. Winter in Saranda is beautiful, but it’s quiet. Very quiet. Some owners love that. Others panic when bookings stop.

Long-Term Rentals: The Calm, Steady Choice

Now let’s talk about long-term rentals.
The option many investors overlook at first.

Long-term renting in Albania, especially in Saranda, has become more interesting in recent years. More professionals are staying year-round. More families are relocating. More digital workers are choosing stability over movement.

I’ve personally helped several buyers who didn’t want the stress of weekly guests. They wanted one tenant. One contract. One predictable income.

A perfect example is this seaview 1-bedroom apartment on Skënderbeu Street in Saranda. Quiet and safe neighborhood. New residence. Luxury finishes. Private swimming pool. And a completely open sea view that will never be blocked.

This type of apartment attracts long-term tenants who value quality and are willing to pay for it. Professionals. Couples. Sometimes even small families.

And honestly, I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast for this kind of setup.

Why Long-Term Rentals Make Sense

– Stable monthly income
– Less management and stress
– Lower wear and tear
– Ideal for quiet, high-end residences

Sometimes boring is good.
Especially when it pays on time.

Ksamil: A Special Case

Ksamil deserves its own section.

It’s small. Compact. Intensely seasonal. And yet, evolving fast.

Short-term rentals dominate here — but the smart money is starting to diversify.

In newer developments like White Residence in Ksamil, long-term demand is growing quietly. A 1-bedroom apartment there, finished in summer 2025, with a private swimming pool for residents and just a short walk to the beach, can work beautifully for either strategy depending on the owner’s goals.

Then you have properties that blur the line entirely.

Take the new luxury duplexes in Ksamil. Two private swimming pools — one exclusive to the duplex and one shared — underground parking, full security, 300 meters from both the beach and the center. These are not party rentals. They attract families, long-stay guests, and serious investors. With potential ROI reaching up to 16% per year, they offer flexibility without compromise.

I’ve seen owners rent them long-term in winter and short-term in summer. That hybrid approach works surprisingly well when done right.

A Small Tangent (But an Important One)

Sometimes clients ask me why certain apartments perform better than others, even if they’re close.

It’s not just distance to the beach.
It’s atmosphere.

A quiet street. Morning sunlight. A bakery nearby where locals actually go. The kind of place where the neighbor says “mirëmëngjes” instead of just nodding. These things matter more than people think.

I once had a viewing delayed because the owner insisted we stop for a quick coffee at a small local bar nearby. The client ended up buying the apartment. Not because of the coffee — but because of the feeling.

What About Larger Units?

Larger apartments in Ksamil, like spacious 2+1 seaview units in White Residence with swimming pools for residents, tend to work best as mixed-use properties.

Families rent them short-term during summer.
Locals or expats take them long-term off-season.

They’re not rushed investments.
They’re patient ones.

So… Which Strategy Is Better?

Here’s my honest answer.

Neither is better by default.

Short-term rentals are ideal if:
– You enjoy flexibility
– You’re comfortable with active management
– Your property is new, modern, and well-located

Long-term rentals are ideal if:
– You prefer stability
– You want minimal involvement
– Your property is in a quiet, high-quality residence

And sometimes, the smartest move is not choosing one — but allowing both.

Final Thoughts from Someone Who’s Seen It All

I’ve watched Saranda grow from a quiet coastal town into a serious destination. I’ve seen affordable properties turn into sought-after assets. And I’ve seen owners succeed — and struggle — based on how well their rental strategy matched their lifestyle.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this:
The best investment is the one that lets you sleep well at night.

Whether that’s a short-term rental near the beach or a long-term tenant in a calm seaview apartment, Albania gives you options. Real ones.

And if you choose wisely, both can work beautifully on the Albanian Riviera.