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 some areas are much busier than others, and it’s good to know where when choosing your hotel stay in Ksamil.
As I know Ksamil quite well, I’ve put together a list of hotels to stay at, organized by neighbourhood. I’ll also tell you a bit about each area, so you can choose the perfect place to stay in Ksamil.
Ksamil is divided by highway SH81 which is called Rruga Butrinti. The beaches are all on the west side of Rruga Butrinti. The east side is more residential and local, with the Bay of Butrint on the far side. The Bay of Butrint is scenic, but doesn’t have beaches.
The north end of Ksamil is relatively quiet and gets busier as you go south into the centre. Central and south Ksamil are the busiest areas, with it becoming quieter as you continue south.
Ksamil isn’t big, so no matter where you stay you won’t be far from the beach. I stayed on the east side and could walk to the beach in 15 minutes.
In a rush? Here’s a quick list of my favourite hotels in Ksamil:
Luxury hotel: Poda Boutique Hotel
Mid-priced hotel: Emar Beachfront Hotel
Budget hotel: Vila Sun 2e
Family hotel: Ori Mare Hotel
Where to Stay in Ksamil: Best Areas, Hotels & What to Know
What to Know Before Booking a Hotel in Ksamil
Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning to visit Ksamil:
- Book ahead. If you’re visiting during peak season, book your Ksamil hotel in advance. Most places are fully booked in the summer.
- 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.
- Choose a hotel for price and location – not the room. I looked at numerous budget and mid-priced hotels, and they all looked very similar. All had the same functional, but comfortable decor, included breakfast and most had balconies.
- Don’t go off season. Ksamil is like a ghost town from October until May, with almost everything closed and deserted beaches.
- There is no ‘bad’ area. Ksamil is very safe.
Best Places to Stay in Ksamil
I’ve visited Ksamil a couple of times with my dog, Watson. The second time I spent a week there exploring the town. We stayed in an Airbnb since dogs aren’t allowed in most Ksamil hotels, but I visited and toured every one of these hotels and guesthouses.
North Ksamil Hotels
This is a quieter and less developed area of Ksamil. Beaches aren’t as busy or expensive. I saw sunbeds advertised for €5, an incredible bargain for Ksamil!
- Merit Garden Hotel: Luxury hotel on the main road, 250 metres from the beach. 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.
- Hotel Porta: Located less than 100 metres from the beach. Stylish sea view rooms start from $110 USD, including breakfast, parking and beach access. Rooftop pool and bar with amazing sunset views.
If you’re new to Albania, these Albania travel tips will give you a better idea of what to expect before you arrive.
Central Ksamil Hotels
This is the most lively part of Ksamil. There’s lots of hotels, restaurants, bars, and the beaches are busy. It’s great if you want to be where the action is.
- 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.
- Bora Bora Beach Hotel: Beach lovers will appreciate the location of this hotel directly across the lane from Bora Bora Beach. Contemporary styled rooms with balconies (some with sea views) start from $130 USD, including breakfast and parking. Just steps from the sand.
- Emar Beachfront Hotel: Located 150 metres from 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.
- 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.
- Hotel Kreka: Brand-new property, with a restaurant, pool and elevator. Generous rooms have balconies, starting at $25 USD. Located 300 metres from Ksamil Beach. Excellent budget choice close to the beach.
South Ksamil Hotels
This area of Ksamil isn’t as developed as central Ksamil, though that is changing. The further south you go, the quieter it gets.
- Muze Hotel: A stylish boutique property, just 2 minutes walk from Paradise Beach. An excellent choice for families looking for something a little more upscale. One of the few Ksamil hotels with an outdoor swimming pool. Room start at $140 USD, including breakfast and parking. Great hotel for families.
- Hotel Olive Ksamil: Newer small hotel on a quiet lane only 170 metres from Lori Beach. Outdoor terrace for breakfast with beautiful sea views. Doubles from $80 USD, including breakfast and parking. Quiet location near the sea.
East Ksamil Hotels
This is the residential and local area of Ksamil, with more homes and guesthouses than hotels. The further away from Rruga Butrinti (the main road) you go, the quieter it gets.
- 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.
- 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: Very well located only 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.
- Galaxy Hotel: Peaceful location overlooking the Bay of Butrint, 1 km from the beach. Perfect hotel if you have a car and want a quiet location, away from touristy areas. Simple, but comfortable rooms start from $70 USD, including breakfast and parking. Beautiful views of the Bay of Butrint and a swimming pool.
- 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.
- 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.
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 very pleasant then.
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.
Off season is a terrible time to visit Ksamil. Almost everything is closed (including hotels) and the beaches are deserted. Ksamil doesn’t have any sites, so there’s not much reason to visit if you can’t enjoy the beaches.
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.
