Himarë or Ksamil: Albania’s Competing Beach Towns
When it comes to beach towns along the gorgeous Albanian Riviera, two big names come to mind: Himarë and Ksamil. Both are amazing in their own ways, but we’re here to help you answer the question: Where should I go? Himarë or Ksamil?
The answer depends on your travel style, budget, travel companions, and much more.
In short, you should go to Ksamil if you like the party vibe mixed with the family-fun, crowded beaches. If you prefer calm beaches with amazing day trips, go to Himarë.
Read on for our reasoning for which place to visit: Himarë or Ksamil.
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Himarë Overview
Himarë is one of our favorite places in Albania. The hidden gems, amicable locals, and beautiful surroundings make this a must-visit destination when you’re traveling to Albania.
Pros and Cons of Himarë
Pros:
- Tons of beaches with lots of space
- Cool, super ancient old town
- Unique bars and restaurants
- Great day trips to the best beaches in Albania
- Cheap
Cons:
- Not many family activities
- No beach clubs or crazy nightlife
- Not much history
Top Things to do in Himarë
- Take a boat tour to the various beaches and caves
- Paddleboard or kayak to Filikuri Beach
- Hike to Livadi Beach with a stop at Kiço Meniko
- Explore the Himarë Castle Ruins
Should I stay in Dhermi or Himarë?
If you only want to visit Dhermi beach, you can easily take a boat tour to Dhermi from Himarë. Himarë is easier to get to and offers more variety in hotels, restaurants, and beaches. However, if you prefer a super small beach town vibe, Dhermi is much better!
Is Himarë worth visiting?
Himarë is 100% worth visiting. It’s a charming beach town without the summer crowds. There’s tons of amazing day trips, huge beaches, and hidden gems.
Where to Stay in Himarë
Himarë Accommodations
Wherever you decide to visit, Ksamil or Himarë (or both), see bus schedules and buy tickets here!
Ksamil Overview
As odd as it sounds, Ksamil is the perfect place to either party your heart out OR have fun with family. There are tons of clubs, bars, and booze cruises, but there are also inflatable obstacle courses, banana boat rides, and other family-friendly activities.
Pros and Cons of Ksamil
Pros:
- Loads of family-friendly activities
- Tons of clubs right on the beach: this is the place to party!
- Close proximity to great history (Butrint National Park)
- Proximity to Corfu
Cons:
- Very crowded- there’s nowhere to hang out on the beach unless you buy a chair
- Much more expensive than other places in Albania
- Can be loud at all hours of the day
Top Things to do in Ksamil
- Visit Butrint National Park
- Tour the Ksamil Islands
- Relax on the many beaches
- Watch the famous Ksamil sunsets
- Day Trip to the Blue Eye
- Day Trip to Corfu
- Party!!
Which is better, Sarande or Ksamil?
Sarandë is more of a big, port city, but it’s beaches are much less crowded. Ksamil is definitely more popular, and has earned itself the nickname “The Maldives of Europe”. Sarandë deserves a day on your Albanian itinerary, while Ksamil is worth of a few days. However, Sarandë is a better home base for doing all the amazing day trips in the area.
Is Ksamil worth visiting?
Ksamil is definitely worth visiting, but know what to expect! Parties, loud music, and moms trying to control their screaming kids dominate the beaches here. It’s proximity to Sarandë, Butrint National Park, and Corfu make this a great place to base yourself for a few days!
Where to Stay in Ksamil
Ksamil Accommodations
So Which is Better: Himarë or Ksamil?
In our opinion Himarë is a lot better. That being said, if I’m planning a bachelorette party, Ksamil takes the cake, 100%. Himarë is much more relaxed, while Ksamil is more chaotic. Himarë as a more authentic feel, while Ksamil is more touristy. Himarë is better for small groups, while Ksamil is better for larger parties.
When it comes down to choosing Himarë or Ksamil, consider your travel style and what your favorite destinations were. If you like Ibiza, you’ll love Ksamil. If not, Himarë is the safe bet. If you’re backpacking, it may make sense to skip Ksamil for now, and spend some chill time in Himarë. If you’re traveling with friends or family, (especially young kids), Ksamil probably works best for you.
Both Himarë and Ksamil deserve a spot on your Albanian itinerary if possible, but if not, that’s a reason to return to beautiful Albania!
Keep Exploring Albania…
- The Absolute Best 2 Week Albania Itinerary
- Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Ksamil
- The Best Things to Do in Përmet
- Wonderful Things to do in Himarë
- The Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster
- Theth Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall Hike: Your Ultimate Guide
- Complete Guide to the Valbonë to Theth Hike: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Discover Kiço Meniko (Kiço Beach): The Ultimate Destination for Dining, Drinks, and a Dip
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
