Where to Stay in Ksamil: Best Areas, Hotels & What to Know

There is no shortage of places to stay in Ksamil. It’s the most famous destination on the Albanian Riviera. The town is full of guest houses and hotels. But there are a few things that are good to know when figuring out where to stay in Ksamil.

If you’re new to Albania, these Albania travel tips will give you a better idea of what to expect before you arrive.

Where to Stay in Ksamil: Best Areas, Hotels & What to Know

I spent a week exploring Ksamil at the end of June 2025. I was also there in March 2024. I don’t recommend visiting during the off season. Ksamil was like a ghost town and most restaurants, hotels and shops were closed.

What to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Ksamil

1. Ksamil is very safe. There’s no ‘bad’ area of Ksamil.

2. The east side is quieter than the west side. Ksamil is divided by SH81, the main road, which runs north-south. The east side of SH81 is a lot quieter. The west side is where the beaches are. It’s more crowded and touristy. As you go south on the main road Ksamil gets increasingly busy.

3. Ksamil is not big. As long as you’re not staying outside of town, you’ll always be able to walk to the beaches, restaurants and bars.

4. Peak season (July and August) is busy and expensive. Ksamil is Albania’s number one resort destination. Everything costs more in July and August. Prices and crowds are much better in May and September.

5. Book ahead. If you’re visiting during peak season, book your Ksamil hotel in advance. Most places are fully booked in the summer.

6. Budget and mid-priced hotel rooms are almost all the same. Guest rooms across many different hotels were decorated with very similar furniture in the same functional but comfortable style. Most had balconies, updated bathrooms and included breakfast. So book for price and location – not the room.

Best Places to Stay in Ksamil

I spent a week in Ksamil with my dog. We usually stay in Airbnbs since dogs aren’t allowed in most hotels, but I visited and toured every one of these properties.

Best Budget Hotels

• Hotel Kreka: Brand-new property, with a restaurant, pool and elevator planned for 2026. Generous rooms have balconies, starting at $25 USD. Located 300 metres from Ksamil Beach. Excellent budget choice close to the beach.
• Vila Sun 2e: On a tranquil street slightly up from the town center. New and spotless apartments in a cute villa with balconies, kitchens, and city views start from $30 USD, parking included. Fantastic value for holiday apartments in Ksamil.
• Vila Anxehelo: A guest favourite for the location. Only 300 metres from the beach but still on the quieter side of Ksamil. Large rooms start at $45 USD. Small apartments are also available on the property. Nice rooftop terrace with great views of the town.
• Villa Primo Opus: New boutique property located away from the crowds, 400 metres from the beach. Some rooms have plunge pools, starting at $50 USD, including breakfast and parking. Quiet location near the beach.
• Vila Enxhi: New hotel just 400 metres from the beach, and close to many restaurants and beach bars. Rooms with balconies start from $50 USD, including breakfast and parking. There’s a pool table onsite – very unusual for Ksamil. Studio units with kitchens available.
• SunWay Hotel: Situated on Ksamil’s main road, 400 metres from the beach. This relatively new hotel (built 5 years ago) offers rooms with balconies overlooking the town or mountains. Rooms start from $50 USD, including breakfast and parking. Great value so close to the beach.

Best Mid-Priced Hotels

• Hotel Meta: Located on a quiet road, less than 100 metres from the beach. All rooms have balconies, some with beautiful sea and sunset views. Basic but updated rooms start from $60 USD, breakfast and parking included. Amazing sea and sunset views.
• Vullkan Hotel: A new hotel located on the quieter side of Ksamil, 500 metres from the beach. Comfortable rooms start from $65 USD, including breakfast and parking. Hotel has a pool. Nice location on the quieter side of Ksamil.
• Koko Hotel: Located on a lively road near beaches and restaurants. Spacious and stylish rooms, some with sea views. Rooms from $60 USD, breakfast and parking included. Great hotel if you want to be close to the beach and all the action.
• Galaxy Hotel: Peaceful location overlooking Butrint Lake, 1 km from the beach. Perfect hotel if you have a car and want a quiet location, away from the touristy areas. Simple but comfortable rooms start from $70 USD, including breakfast and parking. Beautiful views of Butrint Lake and a swimming pool.
• Emar Beachfront Hotel: Located 150 metres from the Ksamil Beach. This recently renovated hotel offers rooms starting at $70 USD, including breakfast and parking. Great hotel to be close to beach bars, restaurants and shops. Excellent value for this beach location.
• Ori Mare Hotel: Excellent 4 star family hotel, featuring two pools – one for kids and one for adults. Located 800 metres from the beach. Rooms are spacious starting from $75 USD, breakfast and parking included. My top pick for a mid-priced family hotel.
• Hotel Four Islands: Centrally located on the quieter side of Ksamil, 450 metres from the beach. All rooms have balconies, starting from $75 USD, including a fantastic breakfast and parking. Walk to the beach in 5 minutes.
• Hotel New Crystal: Located just off the main street, but still in the quieter part of Ksamil. Breakfast is served at the beachfront restaurant 700 metres from the property. Guests have free access to this beach. Comfortable rooms start from $80 USD per night, with breakfast and parking included. Very good value for included beach access.
• Hotel Vathi: Tucked away on a quiet street just 300 metres from the beach. Bright rooms with balconies and great views of the town start at $80 USD, including breakfast and parking. Very friendly atmosphere. This is one of my favourite mid-priced Ksamil hotels.

Best Luxury Hotels

• Hotel Porta: Located less than 100 metres from the beach in the quieter section of Ksamil. Stylish sea view rooms start from $110 USD, including breakfast, parking and beach access. Rooftop pool and bar with amazing sunset views.
• Merit Garden Hotel: Luxury hotel 250 metres from the beach. Located on the main road in the quieter part of Ksamil. Room are stylish, starting from $120 USD including breakfast, parking and beach loungers. There’s a swimming pool and guests can use the free beach shuttle. Excellent luxury choice for families.
• Bora Bora Beach Hotel: Beach lovers will appreciate the location of this hotel directly across the lane from one of the best beaches in Ksamil. Contemporary styled rooms with balconies (some with sea views) start from $130 USD, including breakfast and parking. Just steps from the sand.
• Poda Boutique Hotel: Luxury beachfront hotel with beach access. One of the best hotels in Ksamil. There’s a great beachfront restaurant, bar, beach club and beautiful swimming pool. Modern rooms start at $260 USD, including breakfast, dinner and parking. My top pick in Ksamil for a luxury resort experience.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ksamil

Shoulder season (May and September) is the best time to visit Ksamil. Prices are lower, it’s easier to book accommodation, and it’s not as crowded. The weather is a lot better too.

July and August are the worst months to visit Ksamil. This is peak season when prices are the highest, it’s hard to get hotel bookings and the beaches are crowded.

A good alternative for a peak season beach holiday is Himare. It’s quieter and less commercialized.

Read my guide to Ksamil for all the information you need to plan your holiday.

Last Words on Where to Stay in Ksamil: Best Areas, Hotels & What to Know

No matter where you stay in Ksamil you won’t be far from the beach. Ksamil is not that big, and almost the entire west side is beaches. But if you’re planning to visit between June and September, book your hotel ahead of time.

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