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.