Albania’s Mediterranean Riviera doesn’t get the same attention as the nearby coastlines of Greece and Turkey. But that’s changing.
Considered an “up-and-coming” country on the traveller map, Albania is experiencing a rapid growth in tourism. And at the heart of it all is a little seaside town called Ksamil. Warning must be given to those visiting in peak summer – crowds are thick and the town is small.
That said, out of season, or on the shoulder of summer, this little Albanian gem has all the makings of a magical Mediterranean getaway – tiny islands, fresh seafood, a quaint village, and white sand beaches.
But here’s the thing. Figuring out where to stay in Ksamil can make or break your trip. The vibe changes quickly depending on whether you’re by the main beach or closer to the Lake Butrint coastline.
That’s where I come in, defining the town’s three main areas to stay, with accommodation recommendations for each:
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Where is the Best Place to Stay in Ksamil?
If you’re travelling to Albania and are torn on where to stay but don’t have the time to read this entire article, here are my three personal favourites that capture the best of each neighbourhood:
Hotel Bega, Lake Butrint Inlet
For families and couples after a peaceful vacation, Hotel Bega delivers with its clean and spacious rooms and relaxing residential location. While it feels totally removed from the crowded streets of Ksamil, it’s not a long drive into the centre, or to the main beaches, which means you get the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s just a short drive from the Butrint National Park.
Brothers Of The World, Central Ksamil Beachfront
When it comes to affordable accommodation in Ksamil, Brothers of the World is one of the only hostels in the town, and it’s ideal for those backpacking in Albania. It’s conveniently located just a few steps from the Ksamil bus station and 300 meters from the beach. It’s got everything at its doorstep, from the town’s best bars to restaurants, markets, and places to rent motorcycles. It’s social enough that you won’t ever have to grab a drink on your own, but private enough for you to enjoy your own company when you crave it.
Stylish Villa Suite Walking Distance from Sea, Bora Bora Beach
Without being pretentious or luxurious, this stylish studio suite nails the boutique, laid-back vibe we love to see in a town like Ksamil. It’s got old-school interiors, enough space to accommodate four guests, and a shady garden with an alfresco dining area perfect for home-cooked meals. It’s a great place to stay in Albania.
Ksamil Neighbourhood Guide – Best Places to Stay in Ksamil
Central Ksamil Beachfront
Staying in the Central Ksamil Beachfront area puts you right in the heart of the action. This vibrant area is lined with sandy beaches and is no doubt the busiest part of town. In other words, avoid at all costs during peak season!
Lake Butrint Inlet
On the western perimeters of Ksamil, the Lake Butrint Inlet area offers a quieter and relaxed vibe compared with the city centre. It’s perfect for families or even couples looking for a good blend of nature and calm water.
Bora Bora Beach
Bora Bora Beach is a serene stretch just outside the main tourist hub. One of the best places to stay in Ksamil, it feels private and peaceful, while still offering easy access to the centre of Ksamil and the nearby Sarande.
Albania’s southern coastline is one of those places that has only recently reached its tourism peak (at least, we hope it doesn’t get more crowded than it currently is).
The town sits between the Ionian Sea and Lake Butrint – a saltwater lake with an inlet at Butrint National Park, just south of Ksamil. It’s the closest coastal Albanian town to the Greek border, and looks out across the Ionian Sea to the iconic island of Corfu (although to get to Corfu, you’ll need to get a ferry from the neighbouring city of Sarande). It’s without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in Albania.
The town itself is small and almost feels like it is still in the process of finding its feet. By this, I mean it has gained such quick tourism attention that many of the hotels and restaurants have been purpose-built to service the masses. All that considered, I did find some incredible places to stay and things to do, as long as you know where to look.
If it’s your first time visiting, the Central Ksamil Beachfront is where you’ll want to be. This area is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and beach bars. It’s close to the beach – so close, just about every place to stay in Ksamils centre is within walking distance of the beach. It’s ideal for those who like to be in the heart of the action – solo travellers, digital nomads, and social-seekers. Plus, this is where you can take boat trips to the Ksamil islands. If you want to see some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, you’ll want to visit this spot.
For families looking for a bit more space and comfort, the Lake Butrint Inlet area is ideal. While not known for its beaches, this saltwater lake coastline feels more secluded, where kids can play safely without the crowds of the main beach. It’s also close to the Butrint National Park, which is a must-visit while in the area.
Finally, those after even more peace and quiet should venture north towards Bora Bora Beach. Even though it’s on route to the bigger city of Sarande (where you can catch a ferry to or from Corfu), this area feels slightly off-the-beaten-track, less crowded, and more relaxed. I recommend it for couples or anyone wanting to unwind with a book, unbothered by crowds and activity.
Ksamil’s Three Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
Here is a more detailed breakdown of each of these three Ksamil neighbourhoods, followed by some accommodation recommendations for each:
1. Central Ksamil Beachfront – Where to Stay in Ksamil for Your First Time
Staying in the Central Ksamil Beachfront area puts you right in the heart of the action. This vibrant area is lined with sandy beaches and is no doubt the busiest part of town. In other words, avoid at all costs during peak season! But out of the mid-summer crowds, you’ll find a mix of locals running family-owned businesses and a handful of expats living the summer swallow life.
Accommodation ranges from hotels to self-catering apartments to hostels, with something for every budget and travel style. You’ll want to add this spot to your Albania itinerary.
Muze Hotel | Best Hotel in Central Ksamil Beachfront
Muze Hotel is one of the classiest spots on the central beachfront. It’s bright, modern, and has an energy that makes you want to grab a drink at a beach bar and relax in your robe by the pool at the same time. The swimming pool overlooking the sea is a huge bonus, but it’s the friendly service and welcoming staff that really set this property apart from the rest.
Brothers Of The World | Best Hostel in Central Ksamil Beachfront
Brothers of the World is one of the few hostels in Ksamil. Consider it the social hub of the city, with a friendly, youthful, and consistently buzzing energy perfect for solo travellers or anyone on the lookout to meet like-minded adventurers. The rooms are simple but comfortable, and the shared spaces, which include a rooftop bar and table tennis, make it easy to make new friends.
Perfect Villa Suite Walking Distance From Sea | Best Self-Catering Rental in Central Ksamil Beachfront
This villa might not be the most luxurious, but for a modest rate per night, it’s the perfect budget rental with self-catering facilities in the heart of town. Even with one bedroom, this place to stay in Ksamil is spacious enough to fit five guests (although at a slight squeeze), which is why I recommend this for a group of tight-knit friends. It’s also just a minute’s walk from the beach and many of the top restaurants and bars in town.
Things to See and Do in Central Ksamil Beachfront
- Spend the day in the sunshine at Ksamil’s main beach
- Take a boat trip to the five Ksamil Islands
- Rent paddleboards or kayaks and enjoy the scenery from the water
- Walk along the beachfront promenade
- Visit Tongo Island on a boat tour with a BBQ lunch
- Explore the nearby beaches of Pulebardha and Pasqyrat
- Learn how to make traditional Albanian Lakror in a cooking class
2. Lake Butrint Inlet – Best Neighbourhood in Ksamil for Families to Stay In
On the western perimeters of Ksamil, the Lake Butrint Inlet area offers a quieter and relaxed vibe compared with the city centre. It’s perfect for families or even couples looking for a good blend of nature and calm water. While not technically famous for its beaches, it’s on the shores of the saltwater lake that connects to the Ionian Sea, with a few hotels and apartments scattered around.
Locals here are mostly longtime residents, some operating accommodation or other tourism-related businesses. You’ll also find a few expats in this Ksamil neighbourhood. Most importantly, staying here means easy access to Butrint National Park and all its ancient ruins and beautiful views.
Lider Hotel | Best Hotel in Lake Butrint Inlet
It’s nothing fancy, but Lider Hotel is the perfect place to rest your head in Ksamil without breaking the bank. It’s clean, spacious, and comfortable, equipped with all the necessities for a simple stay. The rooms are filled with natural light and have balconies with mountain views. Guests rave about the friendly staff and close proximity to some of the best beaches in town.
Hotel Bega | Best Hotel with Private Beach in Lake Butrint Inlet
Hotel Bega ticks all the boxes for a beach holiday. It’s all about privacy and tranquillity, shielded from the crowds and bustling activity in town, but not far from the beach. Guests can enjoy modern and spacious suites, some of which are large enough to fit a family of four, all for an impressively low price per night.
Modern Apartment with Garden | Best Apartment Rental in Lake Butrint Inlet
Sometimes all you need is a clean and comfortable space to lay your head down after a day in the sunshine, and this modern apartment is perfect for the job. It’s been recently refurbished with warm wooden interiors and is fitted with a simple kitchenette perfect for storing and preparing simple home-cooked meals. But the best part is the garden and sunny deck, with an outdoor lounge area and a grassy lawn perfect for kids to play around on.
Things to See and Do in Lake Butrint Inlet
- Explore the Butrint National Archaeological Park and its ancient ruins
- Join a boat trip on Lake Butrint
- Learn about the mussel cultivation process on a mussel tour with a local chef
- Rent a jet ski and explore hidden coves and beaches on your own
- Go birdwatching and admire the saltwater birds that live around the inlet
- Visit the historic Venetian Bridge nearby
3. Bora Bora Beach – Best Area in Ksamil for a Quiet Romantic Stay
Just north of Ksamil, Bora Bora Beach is a serene stretch just outside the main tourist hub. One of the best places to stay in Ksamil, it feels private and peaceful, while still offering easy access to the centre of Ksamil and the nearby Sarande. But don’t be fooled, this is no hidden gem. Tourists are well aware of this spot, and it can also get crowded in peak season. But for the sake of this article, it’s still a lot quieter than the main beach in Central Ksamil.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Accommodation ranges from small boutique hotels to self-catering villas and apartments on the beach. It’s popular with those looking for a quiet stay – couples on honeymoon or romantic getaways, and even groups of friends.
EMAR Beachfront Hotel Ksamil | Best Hotel in Bora Bora Beach
Emar Beachfront Hotel is one of those places that make you feel so at home, you’ll struggle to leave your comfortable room in the morning. But once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a picture-perfect Balinese-style terrace overlooking a quiet cove at Bora Bora Beach. Getting to the beach is easy. Plus, the hotel prepares a delicious breakfast to fuel you up each morning.
Villa White | Best Villa Rental in Bora Bora Beach
Villa White is a boutique hotel located a three-minute walk away from Ksamil Beach. Rooms have sea views and either a patio or a balcony, and are stylishly decorated with modern interiors and quirky lighting. Breakfast is a highlight at this property, with a delicious continental and a la carte meal featuring local specialities served daily.
Stylish Villa Suite Walking Distance from Sea | Best Apartment Rental in Bora Bora Beach
If you want to live like an Albanian in a local Ksamil neighbourhood, there are few places as suitable as this stylish villa in Bora Bora. Set in a residential home, it embraces a simple way of living in a studio format, with space for four guests and a fully equipped kitchen. While it might be a bit of a squish at maximum capacity, it won’t really matter, since you’ll likely be out and about in the property’s gardens, or on the beach, just a minute’s walk from the property.
Things to See and Do in Bora Bora Beach
- Take a trip north to Sarande and visit the Lekuresi Castle
- Relax with a good book on Bora Bora Beach
- Explore Pigeon Cave on a boat and snorkelling tour
- Take a stand-up paddleboard tour of the Ksamil Islands
- Take a ferry to Corfu from Sarande for a night or two in Greece
- Join a yoga class overlooking the sea
FAQs About Where to Stay in Ksamil
Here are the questions that I most commonly get asked about where to stay in Ksamil:
What To Pack For Ksamil
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive hostel packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Ksamil
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Kandy.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Ksamil
When deciding where to stay in Ksamil, it really comes down to the kind of vibe you’re after. All three of the neighbourhoods spotlighted in this article are close to one another and easy to travel between, yet they each offer a totally different atmosphere. First-time visitors, solo travellers, and those who like to be in the centre of it all will enjoy the Central Ksamil Beachfront.
The Lake Butrint side of the town is quieter and less populated, ideal for calm family holidays. Bora Bora Beach is the upmarket, boutique part of Ksamil, with quieter beaches and more luxurious hotels for romantic trips.
Of all the incredible places to stay in Ksamil, my top recommendation would have to be the EMAR Beachfront Hotel in Bora Bora Beach. There are few other spots that offer such a prime beachfront location without an obnoxiously steep price tag.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our ultimate guide to backpacking around Albania.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Albania
- Planning out an itinerary for Albania is a great way to maximise your time.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
