Saranda or Ksamil: Which Is Better? My Take After Staying in Both

I’ve spent lots of time in Saranda and know it well. But so many visitors rave about Ksamil, I decided to spend a week there. I explored Ksamil thoroughly – eating out, visiting hotels, exploring the beaches and walking everywhere. So, which beach town is better, Saranda or Ksamil?

Personally, I like Saranda more than Ksamil, but not every traveller will agree. I’m going to compare the two so you can decide for yourself if Ksamil or Saranda is better for you.

Saranda or Ksamil: Which Is Better? My Take After Staying in Both

I visit Saranda every year, but one week in Ksamil was enough for me. It was too touristy and commercialized for my liking. I’m always in search of authentic experiences when travelling, and Ksamil didn’t have much of that.

But, Ksamil has great beaches, nice beach clubs and is generally very lively. If that’s more your speed, you might really enjoy Ksamil.

If you’re torn between these two beautiful Albanian Riviera beach towns, here’s how they stack up based on my experiences in both.

How to Get to Saranda and Ksamil

There’s two main ways to get to Saranda and Ksamil: from Tirana, Albania or by ferry from Corfu, Greece to Saranda.

Ksamil is 15 km south of Saranda, so unless you’re going by car you have to go to Saranda first, then Ksamil.

From Tirana

• Cheapest: Take the bus from South North Bus Terminal. It’s a 5 hour bus ride to Saranda and costs 1700 lek ($20 USD). If going to Ksamil, grab the Butrint – Ksamil bus from Saranda (400 lek – $4.80 USD), or a taxi (2500 lek – $30 USD). It takes 30-45 minutes.
• Easiest but Expensive: Take a taxi from the airport. They charge 20,000 lek ($236 USD) to Saranda and 21,000 lek ($251 USD) to Ksamil.
• Most Convenient: Rent a car and self drive. The coastal route after Vlore is spectacular. The roads are pretty good in Albania.

If you fly into Tirana, spend a couple of days there and explore Albania’s capital. Tirana is worth visiting. It’s a totally under-rated European city!

Before you go, check out these essential Albania travel tips to help you plan your visit.

From Corfu, Greece

A lot of travellers fly into Corfu, Greece and take the ferry to Saranda. The fast ferry takes 30 minutes.

The Corfu port is only 3.5 km from the airport, and once in Saranda the port is in the centre of town, making this a very convenient option.

There are multiple daily crossings from Corfu to Saranda. Check the schedule on the Direct Ferries website, because it changes each month. If travelling in high season, buy tickets in advance. Ticket are €15-25 (one way) depending on season and type of ferry.

Cars are only permitted on the ‘slow ferry’. That crossing takes 50 to 90 minutes.

If you’re travelling onto Ksamil, from Saranda take the Ksamil – Butrint bus. The bus station is on Rruga Skanderbeu, across from the Synagogue-Basilica ruins.

Which has better beaches, Saranda or Ksamil?

There is no question here, Ksamil has better beaches. Dubbed as the Maldives of Europe, Ksamil is famous for its white sand beaches and clear water.

The great thing about Ksamil’s beaches? You can walk to them all. The bad thing? They’re expensive and crowded in summer.

There are no free beaches in Ksamil anymore. You have to rent an umbrella and pair of beach loungers. Rates vary from 1000 lek ($12 USD) up to 6000 lek ($72 USD) for fancy beach beds.

Saranda has a long public (free) beach next to the promenade in the centre, but the nicest beaches in Saranda are along Rruga Butrinti. Depending on where you’re staying it may be a long walk.

Is There More to do in Ksamil or Saranda?

There are more things do in Saranda. Saranda is a small city and bigger than Ksamil. It has several historic sites. It’s also well located for taking day trips.

Ksamil is a beach resort town, with little to do beyond beach life.

Things to do in Saranda

• Visit Lekuresi Castle: historic castle overlooking Saranda and the Ionian Sea
• Stroll the beach front promenade: the centre of activity in Saranda
• Enjoy the beaches: Saranda has some lovely beaches close to the centre
• Scenic hikes: walk to the Monastery of Fourty Saints or the Bektashi Tekke
• Take day trips: visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), Gjirokaster (UNESCO), Syri i Kalter

Things to do in Ksamil

• Visit the beaches: Ksamil is famous for its beaches
• Do water sports: kayaking, paddle boarding and jet skiing
• Take a boat tour: visit Ksamil Islands and secluded coves
• Explore Butrint National Park (UNESCO): only 4 km from Ksamil – it’s one of Albania’s most important historical sites

Which One Has Better Night Life?

Saranda has a busy night life scene in summer. There’s lots of bars along the beach front promenade and Rruga Butrinti.

Rruga Butrinti is known as the party area. Orange Lounge Club is the most popular club there. On the beach promenade, RoofTop is a nice outdoor club.

The night life in Ksamil is a bit more laid back. There are bars and clubs, but they’re more low key than Saranda. However, I did see folks still finishing drinks at 8 am at a sidewalk bar, so it’s definitely not sleepy!

Does Ksamil or Saranda Have Better Restaurants?

That’s a tough one! I ate out a lot in Saranda and Ksamil, and I think the restaurants were equally as good. I ate excellent seafood and traditional Albanian dishes in both places.

Saranda has more restaurants, because it’s bigger. There’s also more ‘fast food’ (i.e. gyro) and byrek shops.

A couple of my favourite Ksamil restaurants are Restaurant Fredi Fresh Fish (pick your fish and they cook it) and Garden Mix Grill (nice outdoor setting). In Saranda I really like Taverna Oxhacu (the kalamari is exceptional), and Taste of Tradition (for traditional food).

Which is More Budget Friendly?

Both are considered expensive by Albanian standards, particularly during summer. But compared to other Mediterranean countries like Greece or Italy, Saranda and Ksamil are budget-friendly.

Ksamil is slightly more expensive than Saranda during the summer. Beach loungers, accommodation and restaurant meals all cost about 15% more than Saranda.

Saranda also has a huge public beach (free), whereas there are no free public beaches in Ksamil anymore. And Saranda has more choice of cheap places to eat, like gyro and byrek shops.

Which is Better for Families?

Saranda is a bit bigger and better set up for families.

The promenade has lots of things to keep youngsters happy: bumper cars, mini ferris wheel, ice cream stops, little parks with shade and the huge public beach.

And Saranda in general has a lot more trees and shady streets to walk on. I felt like it was full on sunshine with no shade anywhere in Ksamil.

Whereas the beaches in Ksamil or really geared for adults, there’s a couple of good ones in Saranda for families, like Mucobega Beach or Flamingo Beach.

There’s also more amenities in Saranda: pharmacies, grocery stores, doctors, etc., and it’s easier to get to.

Is Ksamil or Saranda Better for Couples?

Ksamil is smaller and more relaxing for couples. If you just want to unwind, hang out at the beach with a cocktail and eat a romantic seafood dinner overlooking the ocean, Ksamil is better than Saranda.

If you’re an active couple and want to do more day trips and have more to explore in general, Saranda is better.

Which is Better for Solo Travellers?

While both destinations are very safe, Saranda has more to do beyond the beach, and is more walkable and budget friendly than Ksamil. It’s has a lovely seafront promenade that is perfect for sunrise and sunset strolls.

Saranda also gets a lot more expats and nomads than Ksamil. It’s easier to meet up with other solo travellers in Saranda (especially if you join an expat FB page).

In my opinion this makes visiting Saranda the better option for solo travellers.

Where to Stay in Saranda and Ksamil

Both Saranda and Ksamil have plenty of accommodation options at all budgets. In fact, in Ksamil it seems like every second building is some kind of tourist accommodation.

However, make sure you have a reservation if you plan to travel during peak season, July and August. Most places are fully booked all season.

Where to Stay in Saranda

Saranda is built on steep hills, so stay close to the centre. The further out you go (even just a few roads from the beach promenade) the steeper it gets.

The best areas to stay in Saranda are Kodra and the centre. The Rruga Butrinti area is very steep, very traffic congested and the party area. I don’t recommend it.

These are my favourite Saranda hotels:

• Luxury hotel: Hotel Vale
• Mid-priced hotel: Titania Hotel
• Budget hotel: Vila Konomi
• Beachfront: Vila Era Beach

Where to Stay in Ksamil

Ksamil is divided by the main road, SH81. The east side of SH81 is a lot quieter than the west side. Also, the further south you go the busier it gets.

As long as you choose a hotel in Ksamil in the centre and not on the outskirts of town, you’ll be able to walk everywhere, including the beaches. Ksamil is very safe and not big.

These are my favourite Ksamil hotels:

• Luxury & beachfront hotel: Poda Boutique Hotel
• Mid-priced hotel: Emar Beachfront Hotel
• Budget hotel: Vila Sun 2e

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Shoulder season (May to mid June, September and October) is the best time to visit Saranda and Ksamil.

Both are popular holiday destinations and get a fair number of domestic and international tourists, especially in July and August.

Prices for food, accommodation, taxis and beach chairs are considerably higher in these months. It’s also more crowded and very hot!

Saranda is a popular expat/digital nomad location off season and there’s still a lot open, even in winter. Ksamil on the other hand is practically a ghost town off season. Everything is closed!

What are the Best Alternatives to Ksamil & Saranda?

An excellent alternative to Ksamil is Himare. Himare is further up the coast, but still on the Ionian Sea. Like Ksamil it’s a small town but is much less commercialized and a lot more culturally authentic.

I spent a week in Himare and really enjoyed it. Himare is easy to get to from Tirana, and more budget-friendly than Ksamil.

A good alternative to Saranda is Durres. Durres is a city like Saranda, but bigger. It’s on the Adriatic Sea and has public and private beaches. There’s plenty to do in Durres and it’s only 38 km from Tirana, making it very easy to get to.

It’s not as glitzy as Saranda, it’s much more of a local’s city – but it has a great vibe. Durres is also a lot cheaper than Saranda.

Final Verdict: Saranda or Ksamil?

After spending time in both, here’s how Saranda and Ksamil compare across key travel categories:

Last Words on Saranda or Ksamil: Which Is Better?

Personally, I prefer Saranda. It’s just more culturally authentic and not over the top touristy the way Ksamil is. I feel it offers more of a well rounded holiday.

But, if the beach is your #1 priority, Ksamil is a better choice. It’s a true resort beach town, where almost everything revolves around the beach!

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