Skip to content Can’t decide between Himare and Ksamil on the Albanian Riviera? We get it – both are amazing in their own way! To make it easier, we’ve broken down what each destination has to offer, from beaches and accommodations to nightlife, restaurants, marinas, shopping, activities, and accessibility. Need a quick answer? No worries, skip to our summary at the end for a fast comparison!
Himare | Ksamil | |
|---|---|---|
Number of inhabitants | Himare has about 7800 inhabitants | Ksamil has about 10.000 inhabitants
|
Beaches | Himare is home to two main bays, each with its own vibe. The first, Plazhi i Himarës, is the bustling heart of the town, where a lively promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants and cafes. On the flip side, Potami Beach offers a more chilled-out atmosphere, with a spacious shoreline ideal for those laid-back beach days when all you want is to relax and catch some rays.
| While the Albanian Riviera is full of stunning spots, Ksamil really has that something special. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden piece of the Maldives – minus the long flight and hefty price tag! The coastline here is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters that could easily be mistaken for the Maldives. You’ll find a bit of everything: soft sandy beaches, peaceful pebble shores, and tucked-away coves. |
Old Town
| If you’re in Himare, exploring the old town and castle ruins is an absolute must! Sure, the 45-minute uphill walk can be a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a peek into the local way of life. Make sure to check out the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and its hidden frescoes. | Ksamil doesn’t really have an old town like many other spots in Albania, but what it does have is miles of beautiful beaches lined with accommodations, shops, bars and restaurants. There’s no real central hub, it’s more spread out, giving you plenty of space to explore and enjoy at your own pace. |
Accommodations
| Himare’s got you covered when it comes to places to stay, with options ranging from €30 to €140 a night. And the best part? You won’t be paying those typical high European prices! You can find cozy hotels, stylish apartments and charming B&Bs that are really affordable
and still give you that touch of luxury you’re looking for! | Whether you’re watching your wallet or treating yourself, there’s something for everyone. From charming 3 and 4-star hotels to private villas, B&Bs, guesthouses, and apartments, you’ve got plenty of options (fun fact: no hostels here just yet!). Just a heads-up: the closer you get to the beach, the higher the price tag – but that’s kind of a given, right? |
Things to do | There’s no shortage of things to do around Himare! Kick things off by checking out Porto Palermo Castle for some epic views and maybe even a refreshing swim in the bay. After that, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of old Himare and don’t miss the lovely Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. If you’re up for some adventure, jump on a boat tour from Himare Beach to explore hidden beaches and cool historical gems, like the Cold War submarine tunnel! | When you’re in Ksamil, adventure is never far! Just 15 minutes away is Butrint National Park, a UNESCO site blending ancient ruins with stunning nature. Explore Roman villas or take a kayak to the crystal-clear Ksamil Islands for snorkeling. For a quick escape, visit Saranda’s Lekursi Castle for breathtaking sunset views. Don’t miss the Blue Eye spring or day trips to the UNESCO towns of Gjirokastër and Berat, full of history and culture.
|
Promenade | Himare’s promenade is a real gem, lined with everything from restaurants and supermarkets to ice cream stands and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back stroll, grabbing a bite to eat, and treating yourself to a little something sweet (or a cool souvenir)!
| Ksamil’s promenade is the spot to be! You’ve got a bit of everything: sandy beaches, quiet pebbled areas and little hidden coves. You can stroll along the wooden docks, swim or kayak out to tiny islands, or just chill at a seaside bar or restaurant – there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. It’s super relaxed, and in the evenings, the place really comes alive. Great for people-watching or just kicking back. |
Restaurants | In Himare, you’ll always find something delicious to eat! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or craving mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes, you can dine right in the heart of town or enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand. The food scene is amazing, with plenty of cozy, family-run restaurants just waiting to be discovered!
| Ksamil is a little slice of foodie heaven, perfect for anyone who loves a good meal by the sea. Think of charming, family-run restaurants all along the beach promenade, each one more inviting than the last. Whether you’re dreaming of a laid-back taverna with gorgeous water views or a hidden gem in town for a romantic dinner, Ksamil got it all. Seafood and meat are very popular here, but don’t worry—there are plenty of delicious vegetarian options too, so no one gets left out. |
Nightlife | Himare’s nightlife has a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding. You’ll find plenty of cozy cocktail spots like Mojo Cocktails and Tevarka Beach Bar, where you can kick back on bean bags right on the sand (definitely our favorite!). Most bars wind down around 2 or 3 AM, so it’s all about chilling out and soaking up the beachy atmosphere.
| Ksamil has a fun and vibrant nightlife with some really cool beach clubs where you can sip cocktails, relax, or hit the dance floor. Just a heads-up: the party usually winds down around 2 or 3 AM, since the locals like to keep things quiet for the nearby hotels and residents. So, while you won’t find any all-night raves or 24/7 party madness here like in other European hotspots, you can still have an amazing time.
|
Accessibility | Corfu Airport (CFU) (56 km)
Tirana international airport (TIA) (219 km)
Vlora International Airport (77 km) (not open yet)
| Corfu International Airport (CFU) – 20 km
Tirana International Airport (TIA) – 280 km
Ioannina National Airport (IOA) – 140 km
Vlora International Airport – 125 km (upcoming)
|
Marina | Himare doesn’t have an Marina, like Vlore or Sarandë.
| Ksamil does not have a full-scale marina. However, it has several small docks and piers where local boats and smaller vessels can anchor. The nearest marina is in Saranda, about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north of Ksamil. Saranda’s marina is more developed and offers facilities for yachts and larger boats.
|
Shopping | Himare’s promenade is super charming, packed with restaurants, supermarkets, ice cream stands, and souvenir shops. But if you’re hoping for a big shopping spree, you might be out of luck – there aren’t any malls or brand-name stores around. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and some tasty treats, though!
| Ksamil isn’t a very big city, but there are many tourist shops where you can buy souvenirs, clothes and a lot more. But there isn’t a big shopping center such as Tirana.
|
More information
| Checkout our full article about Himare including the best places to stay, sightseeings, best bars and much more!
| Checkout our full article about Ksamil including the best places to stay, sightseeings, best bars and much more!
|
TIP: Aphrodite's Garden
Want to know the best 5 places to stay in Himare? Look no further we’ve got you covered:
Want to know the best 5 places to stay in Ksamil? Look no further we’ve got you covered:
Interested in exploring all the best accommodations along Albania’s Green Coast? Visit our book & search page featuring user-friendly filters to find the most affordable options!
The best properties in Ksamil
Himare is a laid-back town with about 7,800 inhabitants, perfect if you love a mix of beaches and history. Its two main beaches, Plazhi i Himarës (lively) and Potami Beach (relaxed), offer crystal-clear waters. Himare’s old town and castle ruins are a must-see, with stunning views after a 45-minute hike. Accommodations are affordable, ranging from €30 to €140 per night. The nightlife is relaxed, with cozy beachside bars closing around 2-3 AM and the town is accessible from Corfu (56 km) or Tirana (219 km).
On the other hand, Ksamil is a beach lover’s paradise, often compared to the Maldives for its soft sandy shores and turquoise waters. With around 10,000 inhabitants, it offers easy access to Butrint National Park (UNESCO site), nearby Ksamil Islands for snorkeling and Saranda’s Lekursi Castle for breathtaking views. Ksamil’s accommodations range from budget hotels to private villas, with a lively yet relaxed nightlife. The nearest airport is Corfu (20 km).
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your Albanian holiday, check out the best all inclusive resorts of Albania: Looking for something a bit less fancy but still all-inclusive? Check out the best all-inclusive hotels in the country!
