Hotel Meta Ksamil
Ksamil - Rruga Riviera
Comfortable Accommodations: Hotel Meta Ksamil in Ksamil offers family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and sea or city views.
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Ksamil is a charming coastal village located in southern Albania, just 17 km from the city of Saranda. With its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, it is one of the most popular beach destinations on the entire Albanian coast. Ksamil’s most distinctive feature are the four small islands that stand a short distance from the coast, easily accessible by swimming or small boats during the summer season.
This picturesque village is part of the UNESCO-listed Butrint National Park, which adds considerable cultural and natural value to the area. Originally a small settlement developed during the communist period, Ksamil has experienced rapid tourist expansion in recent years, yet retains a relaxed and authentic atmosphere that contrasts pleasantly with Greece’s busier beach resorts.
Ksamil’s proximity to the Greek border (just 35 km from Corfu) and exceptionally clear waters make it an ideal destination for those looking for an inexpensive beach holiday without forgoing breathtaking scenery and a sea that is every bit as good as the most famous Mediterranean destinations.
The beaches of Ksamil are undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Albania and represent the main attraction of the village. They are characterised by fine, white sand and turquoise waters of extraordinary transparency that create a spectacular colour contrast with the deep blue of the open sea.
The main beach of Ksamil, about 300 metres long, is well equipped with bathing establishments offering sun beds and umbrellas at affordable prices (about 5-7€ for a daily set). In July and August, the beach can get quite crowded, especially at weekends, when many Albanian and Greek tourists join the international visitors.
For those seeking more tranquillity, we recommend exploring the small coves to the north and south of the main beach. These more secluded coves are often less frequented and retain a wilder and more unspoilt character. Particularly recommended is Pulebardha Beach (Pigeon Beach), located about 1 km south of the centre and reached by a short walk along the coast or by car.
The water at Ksamil is exceptionally clean and shallow for several metres from the shore, making it ideal for families with children. The sandy seabed slopes gently, allowing for safe swimming. The bathing season extends from May to October, with water temperatures reaching 25-26 °C in July and August.
Despite its small size, Ksamil and its surroundings offer numerous attractions worth exploring. The village is mainly famous for its beaches and crystal-clear sea, but the surrounding area is rich in archaeological sites, natural wonders and places of cultural interest that make a visit complete and extremely satisfying.
The four small islands that lie a short distance from the coast are the most recognisable symbol of Ksamil. These rock formations, partially covered with Mediterranean vegetation, create a picturesque and photogenic scenery that characterises the entire bay.
You can reach the islands by swimming if you are a good swimmer (the distance to the coast varies from 200 to 400 metres) or rent a pedalo at the bathing establishments. The water around the islands is particularly clear and rich in marine life, making these places perfect for snorkelling. On the islets you will find small pebble and flat rock beaches ideal for sunbathing in peace, away from the crowds of the main beaches.
The largest of the four islands also hosts a small seasonal bar where you can refresh yourself while exploring. The best time to visit the islands is from June to September, when the sea is calm and the water temperature pleasant. We recommend that you bring rock shoes, snorkelling equipment and everything you need, as services on the islands are limited.
Just 4 km from Ksamil is one of Albania’s most important archaeological sites: the Butrint Archaeological Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, this extraordinary site encompasses over 2,500 years of history in a natural setting of rare beauty.
The ancient city of Butrint was founded, according to legend, by Trojan refugees, but the first archaeological traces date back to the 7th century BC. Over the centuries, the city was dominated by Illyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, each of whom left significant evidence. You can admire a perfectly preserved Greek theatre, an early Christian baptistery with splendid floor mosaics, Roman baths, a Venetian basilica and an imposing castle that dominates the entire archaeological area.
The park stretches out on a promontory surrounded by the waters of the Butrint Lagoon, creating a picturesque environment where ancient ruins and lush nature blend harmoniously. A well-marked footpath of about 1.5 km allows you to visit the main points of interest in about 2-3 hours.
We recommend visiting Butrint in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the summer heat and larger tourist groups. You can reach the site by car from Ksamil in about 10 minutes, or use the frequent local buses.
The Butrint Lagoon is an ecosystem of outstanding naturalistic importance that surrounds the archaeological site and covers over 16 km². This unique environment, where fresh waters mingle with the salty waters of the Ionian Sea, has been declared a National Park and is an ideal habitat for numerous migratory and resident bird species.
You can explore the lagoon by following the nature trails that run along its shores, or by joining a boat excursion (approx. €15-20 per person) that will allow you to observe the rich bird life and enjoy unique perspectives on the archaeological site and the surrounding landscape. Among the species that inhabit the lagoon you will find flamingos, pelicans, herons and many other species of water birds.
The lagoon is also famous for the production of mussels, which are bred in its nutrient-rich waters. Along the shores, you can observe the characteristic structures used for the cultivation of these mussels, which constitute an important economic resource for the local population and a gastronomic speciality not to be missed in the area’s restaurants.
The best time to visit the lagoon is spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October), when the presence of migratory birds is more consistent and temperatures are pleasant for outdoor excursions.
Ksamil offers various accommodation solutions to suit different needs and budgets. Most of the accommodation is concentrated near the main beaches and in the centre of the village, allowing you to easily walk to the sea as well as to restaurants and services.
Tourist flats and family-run guest houses are the most popular and affordable option. These establishments offer simple but comfortable accommodation, often with a kitchenette and balcony with a sea view. Prices are particularly favourable compared to neighbouring Greek resorts: in high season, a flat for two people costs on average €30-50 per night, while in low season prices can drop below €20.
In recent years, a number of boutique hotels and resorts of a higher standard have also sprung up, offering additional services such as a swimming pool, restaurant and wellness centre. These include the Ionian Ksamil Hotel, the Luxury Ksamil Hotel and the Ksamil Resort, with prices ranging from €60 to €100 per night for a double room in high season.
For those who prefer a more direct contact with nature, you can also find a number of glamping options around Ksamil, which combine the comfort of traditional accommodation with the experience of living surrounded by nature.
We advise you to book well in advance if you plan to visit Ksamil in July and August, when the availability of accommodation can be significantly reduced due to the high tourist influx.
We offer a selection of hotels at Ksamil to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Ksamil, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Ksamil. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Ksamil are in high demand.
Ksamil enjoys a strategic location in southern Albania, easily accessible from both Greece and major Albanian cities. It is located about 17 km south of Saranda, the most important coastal city in the region, and about 35 km from the Greek border.
The closest airport to Ksamil is Corfu International Airport (CFU) in Greece, located about 35 km away as the crow flies. From Corfu, you can take a ferry to Saranda (the crossing takes about 30-60 minutes depending on the type of boat) and then continue to Ksamil by local bus or taxi (about a 15-20 minute ride). During the peak summer season, ferries between Corfu and Saranda operate several times a day, with fares starting at around €20 per person each way.
If arriving from Albania, the main airport is Tirana Airport (TIA), located about 270 km north of Ksamil. From Tirana airport, you can:
Once in Saranda, you can easily reach Ksamil by local bus, taxi or hire car.
What's the weather at Ksamil? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Ksamil for the next few days.
Ksamil is located in the southernmost part ofAlbania, in the Vlora region, just 4 km from the Greek border. The village directly faces the Ionian Sea and is just 17 km south of Saranda, the region's main coastal town.
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