Hotel Four Islands

Hotel Four Islands takes its name from the little islands that decorate the bay at Ksamil, and it is the kind of place that suits a beach holiday with a day or two of sightseeing. Ksamil has the clearest, shallowest water on this coast, and sleeping nearby means you can swim before breakfast, return for a siesta in the heat and walk out again in the evening. It is a good choice for families, couples and friends who want a swimming-focused trip.

Ksamil's accommodation is mostly small, family-run and seasonal, with terraces, gardens and views of the water. Check the details of the room you are booking, including air conditioning, balcony, distance to the beach and whether breakfast is included. Some places have their own private beach areas or agreements with beach clubs, while others rely on the public sections.

Ksamil is the beach end of the Saranda area, a small village about 17 kilometres south of Saranda where the water is shallow, turquoise and dotted with tiny islands. Staying here puts you within minutes of the sand and the beach clubs, and only a short drive from the gates of Butrint, which is useful if you want to arrive early and avoid tour groups. Most of the village is made up of small family hotels, guesthouses and apartments, many with terraces facing the sea.

Butrint is a few kilometres south, so a morning at the ruins is easy to arrange by taxi or tour. For Saranda's restaurants and nightlife, you can take a local minibus or taxi, and you may prefer a regular booking on the return in summer when demand is high. Many guests rent a scooter or a car for flexibility.

Plan your day around the sun. In summer, the beaches are best before 11 and after 4, with the middle of the day better spent in the shade or at a restaurant. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a good hat, water shoes and a snorkel set, which can be bought cheaply in the village.

Book as early as you can for July and August. In late May, June and September the same rooms are cheaper, the water is warm and the village is calmer.

Ksamil is also a base for activities beyond swimming. Paddling out to the islands, hiring a kayak or a pedal boat, snorkelling off the rocks and joining a sunset cruise are all within a short walk. Families should check the depth and the shore, which is generally gentle, and bring flotation aids for small children. A quiet evening meal of mussels and grilled fish rounds the day off nicely.