I’ve been working in real estate in Saranda long enough to remember when the word Airbnb sounded almost exotic here. Back then, people talked more about seasonal rentals, friends of friends, handwritten notes on café boards. Things were slower. Simpler.
Today, it’s different.
Much faster. More international. And yes — far more profitable, if you know what you’re doing.
I get asked this question almost every week: “Is Airbnb in Albania really worth it?”
Short answer? Yes.
Long answer? It depends on where, what, and how.
Let me explain it the way I usually do when I’m walking a client through a property, keys in hand, coffee still warm from the bar downstairs.
Why Airbnb Took Off So Fast in the South
Saranda, Ksamil, Borsh — these places didn’t just become popular overnight. But social media accelerated everything. Suddenly, people from Scandinavia, Germany, Italy, even the US were booking stays here after seeing a 15-second video of turquoise water or a sunset behind Lëkurësi Castle.
And once tourists started coming… they kept coming back.
What makes Airbnb profitability in Albania different from other Mediterranean markets is the entry point. Prices are still reasonable. I’ll say it clearly, even if it sounds opinionated:
I truly believe Saranda offers the best value on the entire Mediterranean coast right now.
Not the cheapest.
But the best value.
You can still buy affordable properties close to the beach, furnish them well, and achieve returns that investors in Spain or Italy can only dream about.
What Guests Actually Want (Not What Instagram Shows)
Here’s something I’ve learned from years of feedback, reviews, and late-night phone calls from guests who can’t find the light switch.
Guests don’t just want “sea view.”
They want comfort, quiet, and walkability.
Last month, I was showing a newly finished apartment in Ksamil to a couple who had already stayed there once as tourists. When they stepped onto the balcony and realized the neighborhood was calm — no loud bars, no traffic — they looked at each other and smiled. That moment said everything.
That’s why properties like this 1-bedroom apartment in Ksamil
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-ksamil-65m2
work so well on Airbnb.
It’s brand new. Finished in summer 2025. A modern building in a quiet, new neighborhood. There’s a shared private swimming pool for residents, and the beach is an easy 7-minute walk — the kind of distance guests love because they can enjoy the sea without the noise that comes with being too close.
That’s what I mean by quiet luxury. Nothing forced. Nothing flashy. Just right.
Saranda: Consistency Beats Hype
Ksamil is seasonal. Saranda is consistent.
That’s a big difference for Airbnb profitability.
In Saranda, especially in well-positioned areas like Skënderbeu Street, the season stretches longer. Spring bookings start early. Autumn stays last well into October. Sometimes November, if the weather behaves.
One of the strongest performers I’ve seen recently is this seaview 1-bedroom apartment in Saranda:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/seaview-1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-saranda-skenderbeu-street-fully-furnished
It’s in a quiet and safe neighborhood — something families and couples really value. New residence. High-end finishes. A private swimming pool. And most importantly, completely open sea views, with nothing blocking them.
Those are the seaview apartments that photograph beautifully and live comfortably. Perfect combination for Airbnb.
Guests book with their eyes first.
They return because they slept well.
A Small Tangent (But an Important One)
Sometimes people focus too much on nightly price.
“How much can I charge per night?” they ask.
That’s the wrong starting point.
What matters more is occupancy.
A well-priced apartment that stays booked consistently will outperform a “luxury” listing that sits empty half the season.
I’ve seen this play out many times. Especially with Saranda apartments for sale that are marketed properly and managed with care.
Good photos help.
But honest descriptions help more.
Duplexes and Villas: Higher Risk, Higher Reward
Now, let’s talk about bigger properties.
Not everyone wants a 1-bedroom apartment. Families, groups, and longer stays are a growing segment. Especially in Ksamil.
That’s where duplexes like this one come in:
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/luxury-duplex-for-sale-in-ksamil-new-building-pool-near-beach-139m2
New 2025 construction. Two private swimming pools — one exclusively for the duplex, one shared within the building. Underground parking included. Only a few residents, which means real privacy.
And location? About 300 meters from both the beach and the center of Ksamil, right on the main road. Guests love that balance — close to everything, but still secure and calm.
This type of property can reach ROI up to 16% per year when managed properly. Not because of hype, but because demand for high-quality family accommodation keeps rising.
Local Knowledge That Makes a Difference
Here’s something you won’t find in any investment brochure.
Guests ask about life, not just beaches.
They want to know where locals eat.
Where to park without stress.
Which bakery opens early enough for a proper byrek and espresso.
There’s a small café near the old port in Saranda where locals gather every morning — fishermen, builders, taxi drivers. When guests stay nearby, they feel the rhythm of the city. They feel like they belong. And those guests leave the best reviews.
That emotional connection matters. More than people think.
Private Villas: A Rare but Powerful Asset
Villas in Saranda are not common.
And that’s exactly why they perform well.
A property like this private villa in Surra, Saranda
https://www.vivaview.al/en/properties/private-villa-for-sale-in-saranda-albania-with-swimming-pool-surra
offers something apartments can’t: total privacy.
New development. Spacious layout. Private swimming pool. Located in a very quiet and private neighborhood. Perfect for families who value space, silence, and security.
For Airbnb, villas attract a different type of guest — longer stays, higher budgets, fewer complaints. It’s a rare investment here, and that rarity works in your favor.
What Most Investors Get Wrong
They rush.
They buy the first beachfront property they see without thinking about noise, access, or long-term livability. Then they wonder why reviews mention “too loud at night” or “difficult parking.”
The best Airbnb investments on the Albanian Riviera are not always on the front line. Sometimes they’re one street back. Five minutes uphill. Just far enough to breathe.
So, Is Airbnb in Albania Still Profitable?
Yes. Very.
But not blindly. Not everywhere. And not without local guidance.
If you choose well — a modern building, good layout, quiet surroundings, and walking distance to the beach — Airbnb can be an incredibly strong income stream here.
I’ve watched this market grow from the inside.
I’ve seen skeptical visitors become repeat guests.
And I’ve seen those guests turn into owners.
That’s when you know a place is special.
If you’re considering investing, take your time. Walk the streets. Sit in the cafés. Watch how the light hits the sea in the evening.
That’s where the real answers are.
