Where to stay in Albania: Tirana, Sarande or Ksamil
Three stops, three ways to stay: central Tirana, the Sarande seafront and Ksamil's villas. Real places by budget.
A trip through Albania usually passes through three places, and each asks for a different kind of lodging: a city to start and finish, a coast with history and the country's most famous beach.
Tirana: the first and last contact with the country
The recommended area is the center, near Skanderbeg Square, or Blloku itself if you want bars and restaurants a step away.
Low cost
- ibis Tirana City Center: a reliable chain, well located, a good option if you prefer something predictable with no surprises.
- Airbnb apartments in Blloku: plenty of well-located options, a good choice if you're traveling in a group.
Mid range
- Rooms Hotel Tirana: modern, central and with good value for money.
- Hotel Colosseo: comfortable and well located relative to Skanderbeg Square.
Luxury
- Xheko Imperial Hotel: the most premium option in the capital, ideal for starting or closing the trip with more comfort.
Sarande: the coast with history
The recommended area is the seafront promenade, so you have the Corfu views and restaurants on foot.
- Apart-hotel Alvi (low cost): apartments, a good option for groups who want their own kitchen.
- DAK Suites and Palma City Hotel (mid range): well located downtown, comfortable and no surprises.
- Hotel Bougainville Bay (mid range): with a pool, an option with an extra bit of comfort without going full luxury.
- Airbnb: Sarande has plenty of apartments with sea and Corfu views, a good way to adjust your budget.
Ksamil: the Albanian Caribbean
The recommended area is near the center, so you have beaches and restaurants on foot or by tuk-tuk.
- Vila Zogaj (low cost or mid range): good value for money, close to the main beaches.
- Hotel Joanna Suites (low cost or mid range): comfortable and well located.
- San Angelo Luxury Resort (luxury): adults only, the most exclusive option in Ksamil.
- Airbnb: Ksamil is full of small villas and apartments, many with a pool, among the best options if you travel as a couple or small group.
Prices change a lot by season, and in July and August it's worth booking early, just like the car.
Our recommendation
Tirana for comfort, the seafront in Sarande and a villa or apartment in Ksamil. To get between the three, a car is the most convenient: read the car insurance mistake in Albania before you book. You'll find the full plan in our 7-day Albania itinerary, and the costs in how much it costs to travel to Albania.
Our favorite activities in Albania
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