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Where To Stay On The Albanian Riviera In 2023 – Best Albanian Riviera Hotels

Caesar was here. That’s a good enough reason for me to visit the Albania Riviera. What about you?

Did you know that when Ceasar landed on the Albanian Coast to pursue Pompey the Great, he crossed the Llogara Pass? This 1027-meter high pass has the most spectacular views of the Ionian Sea of the Albanian Riviera. It became famous after a Top Gear episode featuring a high-speed chase police chase here.

The Albanian Riviera is famous for its turquoise waters, long sandy beaches, UNESCO heritage sites, and quaint old villages. July and August are peak seasons in Albania because of the warm sunshine, while Spring and Fall are the best time to visit, with average temperatures and lesser crowds.

To plan your visit to Albania, we’ve put together our list of the best hotels along the Albanian Riviera with good access to the Albanian tourist attractions.

Best Hotels In Albania Map

 

Neighborhood Guide

Best Hotels In Ksamil, Albania

Ksamil, the “Ionian Pearl,” is a village far south of the Albanian Riviera. This is it if you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the Albanian Riveria with perfect sandy beaches, aquamarine waters, and proximity to heritage sites and national parks. Ksamil is a short distance south of Saranda and is part of a national park.

The village is in Butrint National Park, one of Albania’s most fantastic historical attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around Ksamil, you can visit numerous archaeological sites dating from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages, including impressive Roman ruins.

Additionally, this is one of the best places to stay on the Albanian Riviera for nature, history, and beaches. The area has some of the most fantastic sandy beaches on the Albanian Riviera, such as Pasqyra Beach and Manastir Beach. In contrast, Ksamil’s waterfront has restaurants and a wonderful walking path. The iconic Ksamil Islands are visible, too.

Here are some of the best hotels on the Albania Riviera at Ksamil beach.

Poseidon Hotel

Just 100 meters walk from the Ionian Sea; this is one of the 5-star Ksamil hotels with mountain views from the balcony of every room. The best hotel in Ksamil, the Poseidon hotel, has a garden and a terrace and offers guests free WiFi.

The air-conditioned rooms in this hotel’s luxury Ksamil are 30 m², soundproofed, and include one large bed and one bunk bed. Rooms also have flat-screen TVs, heating, dining table, mosquito nets, closets, clothes racks, bathtubs, refrigerators, ovens, and free WiFi.

The hotel is within walking distance of supermarkets, restaurants, and cafes. Butrinti Lake is 0.6 km away, while Mt. Sotira is just a km away.

 

Hotel Sole Mare

Opened in June 2018, this is not a Ksamil beach resort. But the 4-star Hotel Sole Mare has been meeting guests’ expectations for quite some time.

Guests are treated to a continental breakfast in a nearby hotel and can avail of free parking on site. All of the rooms have a balcony, with some featuring incredible views of the Ionian Sea.

Every room is compact and well-decorated in pine colors with marble flooring. The soundproofed rooms feature air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, minibars, desks, slippers, clothes racks, hairdryers, and free WiFi.

Pick a room with sea views to wake up to shades of beautiful blue. This is the perfect accommodation on the Albanian coast that is close to the best beaches in Ksamil!

 

Villa Klinti

Located about 500 meters from Ksamil beach, Albania, the Villa Klinti is an excellent choice for budget travelers. The restaurants and supermarket are all within 200 meters of this 3-star villa hotel, while the Butrint National Park is 2.4 km away.

The triple rooms are 35 m², the 4-person rooms are 45 m², and the 5-person rooms are 50 m². The rooms or suites can accommodate between 3 to 5 guests. The triple rooms feature a balcony, closet, bathtubs, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, cutlery, a small dining table, electric kettle, kitchenware, coffee machine, and clothes rack. The junior suite also includes a seating area.

BBQ facilities are available, along with free parking and free WiFi.

 

Best Hotels In Saranda, Albania

The town that connects all towns, Saranda, is the unofficial main stop in the southern Riviera. Stay here to quickly access beautiful places like Ksamil, the Blue Eye, and Gjirokaster.

Saranda is the largest city in the region, a beautiful place to stay on the Albanian Riviera nestled in a wide gulf. Set between the coastal hills and the crystal-clear sea, with the Greek island of Corfu beckoning in the distance, Saranda is a dream-like beach destination in the Balkans.

Saranda still has a significant Greek population nowadays. Thanks to its long and rich history, which goes back to Ancient Greece, the city has its share of wonderful archaeological and historical sites. The city’s many cultural influences over the centuries are still visible today. And indeed, Greece is not too far away: it’s just a quick ferry ride to Corfu from Saranda.

Besides lots of history and culture, Saranda also has several excellent beaches. In summer, it can be pretty busy here, but one of Saranda’s main drawcards is its proximity to most other Albanian Riviera highlights. One of the most popular things to do in Saranda is not actually in the city; it’s going on day trips to gorgeous places like Butrint National Park, Dhermi, Llogara Pass, and Gjirokaster.

In short, Saranda is a great base to explore this stunning region in southern Albania. There are numerous excellent Albanian Riviera hotels to choose from here. Let’s check out some of the best.

White Residence Apartment

About 2 minutes from the beach, this accommodation on Butrinti Street on the Albanian Riviera is perfect for staying away from the city. The apartment is elegantly furnished in white, offers world-class comforts, and the property has an onsite bar.

Each 69 m² apartment is wheelchair accessible and has a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, stovetop, dining area and kitchenware, and a balcony with good views. The apartments include air conditioning, heating, hairdryers, washing machines, flat-screen TVs, sofas, baby safety gates, clothes racks, and free WiFi.

This self-service Saranda, a 5-star hotel, is close to Mango Beach and Santa Quaranta Beach and within walking distance of restaurants serving Albanian and international food. Staying here also gives you perfect privacy on your Albania holidays.

 

Hotel Seaside Saranda

Just a 2-minute walk from Mango Beach, the Hotel Seaside Saranda has rooms for individuals and families of all sizes. It is just a 15-minute drive from the Greek border and a 30-minute boat ride to Corfu; it is one of the good Saranda Albania beach hotels. Seaside Saranda Hotel Albania organizes trips to Corfu upon guest request. There is also a bus stop in front of the hotel with easy access to Saranda city center.

The spacious rooms at this hotel in Albania Saranda include a balcony with either sea or city views. Rooms come equipped with air conditioning, heating, cable TV, minibars, safes, hairdryers, refrigerators, and closets. Triple and quadruple rooms are available for families.

The open-air restaurant atop the terrace of this Saranda beach hotel serves Mediterranean delights. Enjoy dinner here overlooking the sea.

 

Hotel Butrinti & Spa

Ideally located, this 5-star hotel in Saranda, Albania, also has a seasonal swimming pool with a bar to enjoy cocktails. It is one of the best hotels in Saranda and is just 100 meters from the pebble-covered Saranda Beach.

Guests at Butrinti Hotel, Saranda, can enjoy continental breakfasts every morning. They also have access to free parking. Spa facilities include a Jacuzzi, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, and spa lounge.

The soundproofed rooms at Hotel Butrinti, Saranda, feature free WiFi, air conditioning, heating, safes, minibars, telephones, desks, and flat-screen televisions. Some rooms have balconies and views of the city or the sea, where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Ask for rooms with views of the turquoise Ionian Sea!

 

Villa Erdeti

Subtle and darker shades mix to beautify the rooms at this cheap hotel in Saranda, Albania. Right next to the sandy Saranda beach, Villa Erdeti is one of the cheap hotels in Saranda.

The rooms here have TVs, air conditioning, sea-view balconies, refrigerators, dishwashers, and closets.

The nearest airport is the Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport in Corfu. This hotel in Saranda Albanian is excellent for a stay with a small budget, quiet surroundings, and lovely hosts.

 

Best Hotels In Himare, Albania

Built in and around the ruins of old towns, Himare has a lot to offer, from castle ruins to charming village settlements. Also spelled Himara, the town of Himare is in the northern part of the Albanian Riviera. So, this would be a great place to stay for a few days and immerse yourself in this part of the region. There is a lot to explore and experience here.

First, there are amazing beaches in and around Himare. The town has its own beaches, which are great spots to hang out and relax in the morning or afternoon. Other nearby beaches that are worth checking out are Filikuri Beach to the south and Livadhi Beach to the north.

Just behind and above Spile Beach sits the old town of Himare. Home to historic buildings, winding lanes, coffee houses, old churches, small shops, and the impressive Himare Castle, this area is entertaining to explore on foot.

Within an easy drive from Himare, you’ll find incredible destinations like Porto Palermo, Dhermi, and Llogara National Park. Trips to Saranda and Ksamil are possible as well.

If you’re picking quiet and charming Himare as your place to stay on the Albanian Riviera, we’ve got some recommended hotels for you below.

Castle Hotel Himare

The beachfront Castle Hotel Himare has a bar that overlooks the sea. The guests love the rooftop bar and the dinners at the Castle Hotel Himare.

The air-conditioned rooms have a balcony, free WiFi, and free onsite parking. They include amenities such as flat-screen TVs with cable channels, bathtubs, closets, and baby safety gates. The rooms either have views of the mountains, the garden, or the ocean.

The Castle hotel Himare is one of Albania’s best beach hotels that’s light on the pocket and has easy access to the beach.

 

Himara Hostel

Set in a traditional house with a garden, the Himara Hostel is one of the best Albanian Riviera hostels to spend your time in. It’s just an 8-minute walk from Himare Beach and has all the necessary amenities. Each room extends either onto a patio or terrace. Guests can access shared bathrooms and a shared kitchen to prepare their meals.

Rooms include free WiFi, parking, hairdryers, fans, and heating. Cheaper dormitory rooms are also available. Restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets are nearby. The sea is a 400-meter walk away, while the nearest beaches are Spille beach, Livadhi beacH, and Potam beach.

 

Elysium Hotel

Another of the great place to stay in Albania is the Elysium Hotel. It’s one of the 5-star hotels in Albania on Dhermi Beach, nestled behind the olive groves. Located just 500 meters from Dhermi beach, Albania, the hotel offers free parking for guests and the use of the large outdoor swimming pool.

The rooms at this Albanian Riveria accommodation have wooden parquet floors that match their curtains. They also include air conditioning, heating, soundproofing, minibars, TVs, refrigerators, safes, laptop safes, dryers, sofas, and clothes racks. WiFi is also free!

The hotel also has larger 30 m² double rooms with a sofa bed that can accommodate two children. The buffet breakfast is well stocked. The hotel offers free parasols and sun loungers on the beach nearby. Guests can also use the onsite bar for recreation.

This is one of the best Albania resort hotels to stay at!

 

Stone Beach

On the western slopes of Mount Gjivlash, Qeparo, are the Stone Beach apartments. These apartments are great for private holidays in Albania. Apart from free WiFi, all apartments have a sea view, including a kitchen and access to one of Albania’s best beaches.

The soundproofed apartments include air conditioning, heating, flat-screen TVs, sofas, well-equipped kitchens, dining areas, outdoor furniture, and access to a small private pool. The apartments range from 65 m² to 114 m² in size and can accommodate up to 6 individuals.

The Stone Beach apartments are accommodation on the Albanian coast that includes both privacy and gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea.

 

Drymades Resort, Dhermi

Colored blue and white, this lovely 4-star residence in Dhermi is often listed on the best places to stay in Albania lists. Guests at this Albanian Riviera hotel can enjoy the onsite restaurant serving Greek, Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

Rooms are air-conditioned, heated, and soundproofed. They include free WiFi, balconies, minibars, showers, radios, flat-screen televisions with cable and satellite channels, hardwood floors, mosquito nets, dryers, hypoallergenic linen, and clothes racks. Family rooms or bungalows are also available.

A stay at the Drymades Resort is perfect for watching the sunset! Guests have access to a bar, garden, pool, children’s playground, and lounge beds on the beach. They also love the proximity to the beach, local restaurants, and markets.

Best Beach Resorts In The Albanian Riviera

Okay, so now that we’ve covered the best hotels in each popular part of the Albanian Riviera, let’s shift our focus slightly. Maybe you’re not looking for accommodation in any specific town in the Riviera, per se? Perhaps instead, you want to stay at a fantastic beach resort somewhere on the Albanian Riviera? If that’s the case, we’ve got the ultimate list of Albanian Riviera beach resorts for you here!

• Onassis Residences, Qeparo
• Folie Marine Beach Hotel & Club – Soleil Resort, Jala
• Bougainville Bay Resort, Saranda

 

What To See In Albania

Here’s a quick list of what to see in Albania during your trip to the Albania Riviera.

• Stay in Ksamil, the “Ionian Pearl”
• Visit the nearby Syri i Kalter or Blue Eye
• Walk among the ruins of Himara Castle
• Visit Butrint National Park and the UNESCO Roman ruins within
• Visit the town and fortress of Gjirokaster
• See the beautiful Panormos or Porto Palermo Castle
• Spend some time in the charming Qeparo village
• See Borsh, Albania’s longest beach at 7 km
• Visit the secluded Kakome Beach and Gjipe Beach
• Enjoy the nightlife in Dhermi and Sarande
• Paraglide Llogara Beach. Enjoy paragliding from Llogara Pass down to Palasa Beach
• Drive along the Llogara Pass
• Hike or spend the night in Llogara National Park
• Discover the rich plant life at Karaburun-Sazan National Marine Park
• Gorge on byreks, baklava, and tave kosi, and drink raki

If there are other Albanian Riviera hotels you’d suggest, please let us know in the comments below.