Albania, Tirana and Sarandë are experiencing rising tourism demand as international visitors increasingly choose private apartments, holiday homes and short-term rental accommodation. In June, travellers booked approximately 284,300 overnight stays through short-term rental platforms, representing a 23% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. Available rental supply, meanwhile, increased by 9.26%, creating a wider gap between accommodation demand and supply.
The growth is reshaping Albania’s visitor accommodation market while adding capacity pressures in some of the country’s most popular destinations. For travellers, short-term rentals provide alternatives to hotels, particularly for families, groups and visitors planning longer stays.
Short-Term Rentals Record Stronger Visitor Demand
Short-term rental platforms have become an increasingly important part of Albania’s tourism accommodation network.
The June figure of approximately 284,300 booked overnight stays demonstrates the scale of demand moving through this segment. The 23% year-on-year increase was significantly higher than the 9.26% growth in available rental supply.
Travellers can find apartments, private homes and holiday properties across cities, coastal destinations and smaller towns.
Availability varies by destination and season, so visitors travelling during peak summer periods may need to reserve accommodation well in advance.
Tirana Remains Albania’s Main Urban Gateway
Tirana is Albania’s capital and one of the country’s principal tourism and transport centres.
Visitors can explore Skanderbeg Square, the National History Museum area, Bunk’Art and the city’s cafés, restaurants and cultural venues.
Tirana also provides a practical base for travellers beginning wider Albania itineraries. Tirana International Airport serves international routes, while buses and road connections link the capital with coastal and inland destinations.
Short-term apartments in central districts can be particularly useful for travellers staying several nights.
Sarandë Drives Coastal Tourism Demand
Sarandë is one of Albania’s best-known coastal destinations and a major gateway to the southern Albanian Riviera.
The city offers beaches, restaurants, waterfront accommodation and access to nearby attractions.
Travellers can take boat excursions along the coast or use Sarandë as a base for visiting Ksamil and the archaeological site of Butrint.
Demand for holiday apartments and private accommodation is particularly relevant in coastal destinations where visitor numbers increase substantially during summer.
Ksamil Adds Island-Like Coastal Experiences
Ksamil, south of Sarandë, is known for its beaches and small offshore islands.
The destination attracts visitors seeking swimming, boating and Mediterranean-style coastal experiences.
Its proximity to Sarandë and Butrint makes it easy to include in southern Albania itineraries.
Because accommodation supply is concentrated within a relatively small area, travellers visiting during peak periods should plan accommodation and transport ahead of time.
Vlorë Connects City and Riviera Travel
Vlorë sits where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet and provides access to the Albanian Riviera.
The city combines beaches, restaurants, accommodation and waterfront attractions with road access towards southern coastal destinations.
Travellers can use Vlorë as a base for exploring nearby beaches and mountain landscapes.
The city’s accommodation market includes hotels and private apartments, providing options for different travel styles and group sizes.
Durrës Offers Easy Coastal Access From Tirana
Durrës is one of Albania’s most accessible seaside destinations because of its proximity to Tirana.
The city is known for its long beach, Roman amphitheatre and waterfront restaurants.
Its location makes it suitable for travellers who want a beach stay while remaining relatively close to the capital and airport.
The combination of urban and coastal tourism supports demand for both hotels and short-term accommodation.
Berat Brings Heritage Tourism Into the Market
Albania’s tourism growth extends beyond its coastline.
Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows”, is a UNESCO World Heritage destination featuring Ottoman-era architecture and historic neighbourhoods.
Visitors can explore Berat Castle, traditional houses and the Osum River landscape.
Guesthouses and private accommodation allow travellers to stay within or close to historic areas while experiencing the city’s heritage attractions.
Gjirokastër Adds Historic Travel Demand
Gjirokastër is another major heritage destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The city is recognised for its stone houses, castle and historic streets.
Travellers can combine Gjirokastër with southern Albania’s coastal destinations, creating an itinerary that includes both heritage and seaside tourism.
Private guesthouses and small accommodation properties form an important part of the visitor experience.
Albanian Riviera Expands Beyond Major Resorts
The Albanian Riviera stretches along the Ionian coast and includes numerous smaller villages and beaches.
Destinations such as Himarë, Dhërmi and Borsh offer coastal accommodation, restaurants and access to beaches.
The expansion of tourism beyond established resort centres creates additional demand for holiday homes and short-term rentals.
For travellers, staying in smaller coastal communities can provide access to less urbanised sections of the Riviera.
Rental Demand Is Growing Faster Than Supply
The difference between the 23% increase in overnight bookings and 9.26% growth in available rental supply highlights the pace of demand.
For visitors, this can mean fewer available properties during high-demand periods and greater importance for early booking.
For accommodation providers, the trend indicates expanding demand across the short-term rental segment.
The market covers both professionally managed properties and individual homes listed for visitors.
Transport Shapes the Travel Experience
Albania’s tourism network is increasingly connected through roads, airports, buses and ferry services.
Tirana International Airport remains the main international gateway, while coastal cities provide road access to beaches and resorts.
Ferries also connect southern Albania with Corfu in Greece, creating opportunities for travellers to combine destinations across the Ionian region.
Visitors planning road trips should allow additional time for mountain and coastal routes.
Planning an Albania Holiday
Travellers should compare accommodation locations with their planned activities before booking.
A Tirana stay works well for urban sightseeing and onward travel, while Sarandë and Vlorë provide stronger access to coastal experiences.
Berat and Gjirokastër are better suited to heritage-focused itineraries, while the Albanian Riviera caters to beach and outdoor travel.
During summer, advance accommodation reservations are particularly important in popular coastal destinations.
Key Stats
- Short-term rental overnight stays in June: approximately 284,300
- Year-on-year increase: 23%
- Short-term rental supply growth: 9.26%
- Major urban gateway: Tirana
- Main international airport: Tirana International Airport
- Major coastal destinations: Sarandë, Ksamil and Vlorë
- Heritage destinations: Berat and Gjirokastër
- Major tourism themes: beaches, heritage, food, nature and short-term rentals
Conclusion
Albania, Tirana and Sarandë are experiencing a significant expansion in tourism accommodation demand as international visitors increasingly use short-term rental properties. Around 284,300 overnight stays were booked through short-term rental platforms in June, up 23% year on year, while available supply grew 9.26%. Tirana provides the country’s principal urban gateway, while Sarandë, Ksamil and Vlorë anchor coastal tourism. Berat and Gjirokastër add heritage experiences, and the Albanian Riviera extends the accommodation market across smaller seaside communities. As demand continues to grow faster than rental supply, advance planning is becoming increasingly important for travellers visiting Albania during peak periods.
