The first thing you notice driving into Ksamil is the color of the water. It sits just off the main strip, clear and turquoise, framed by small islands. Ksamil has become known as the Maldives of Albania, and for good reason. There are plenty of things to do in Ksamil beyond just sunbathing, but the beaches remain the main draw. I spent my days here hopping between Bora Bora and Lori Beach, eating grilled octopus at Guvat, and kayaking out to the uninhabited islands that define this coastline. It is an easy place to settle into.
- Best time
- Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October). The weather is warm, the water is swimmable, and crowds are thin. July and August are peak heat and peak prices.
- Where to stay
- Near Ksamil Beach for convenience, or close to Lori Beach for a quieter stretch. If you want nightlife, Sarande is 20 minutes north.
- Perfect for
- Beach lovers * Kayakers * History fans * Budget travelers
- Don't miss
- Kayaking to the uninhabited islands off Ksamil Beach.
Things I would tell a friend
A few things I learned about Ksamil that you won't read in the usual brochures.
Corfu is the gateway
The fastest way to reach Ksamil from abroad is to fly into Corfu International Airport in Greece and take a high-speed ferry to Saranda. The ferry takes about 30 minutes and costs €23-€30. From Saranda, a local bus to Ksamil costs 150 LEK.
Source · Checked the route myself
Cash is king here
Many smaller shops, cafes, and beach clubs do not accept credit cards. Carry Albanian LEK in hand. ATMs are available but charge high fees, so pull out a larger amount at once.
Source · Learned the hard way
Restaurant prices drop inland
The closer a restaurant is to the sea, the higher the price tag. Walk a street or two inland and you can find the same quality meal for almost half the cost.
Source · From a local
Ksamil Beach
The main stretch of sand that put Ksamil on the map.
- White sand and turquoise water
- Beach chairs and umbrellas from restaurants
- Great for swimming and relaxing
- Very crowded during July and August
Ksamil Beach runs along the northern end of town and offers soft white sand. The water stays clear and calm, making it a safe spot for swimming. Restaurants along the beach let you use their chairs if you order food, which is the common setup. You can walk from one end of the beach to the other in a few minutes. The water stays warm into October. During July and August the beach fills up early. By eleven in the morning most sunbeds are taken. Sunbed prices during peak season range from 1,000 to 3,000 LEK depending on the spot. If you want a more relaxed pace, walk ten minutes south to Bora Bora Beach which has lively bars and water sports. Further south still is Lori Beach, which is quieter and good for a picnic. I found the best strategy was to grab a spot early and then walk to Lori Beach by noon.
Expect crowds in August
Ksamil Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Albania. In July and August the sand and water get packed. Sunbeds go quickly, so arrive early or go during shoulder season.
Sunbed rental prices
Two sunbeds with an umbrella cost 1,000 to 3,000 LEK in high season. Prices drop during May, June, September, and October.
Walking from the bus stop
If arriving by bus from Saranda, get off at the stop called "3rd Bus Stop Ksamil" on Google Maps. Walk straight down to Poda Beach and follow the coastal path to Ksamil Beach.
Get to the beach before ten in peak season or you will struggle to find a spot.
Hotels near Ksamil Beach put you right in the middle of the action.
Hotel Mira Mare
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Good Breakfast
Blue Eye Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
The Ksamil Islands
Paddle out to the small, uninhabited islands just off the coast.
- Uninhabited islands with hidden coves
- Snorkeling and swimming in clear water
- Kayak or water taxi available
- Thin strip of sand connects the twin islands
The four small islets off Ksamil Beach are one of the area's most distinct attractions. From the main beach you can swim to the first one, but a kayak lets you reach the further islands. Kayaks can be rented at Bora Bora Beach. It takes a couple of hours to paddle a full loop around the biggest island. If you only do one activity in Ksamil, I would make it this one. The two islands at the back are the nicest. A thin strip of sand connects them. You will find secluded coves where you can swim and sunbathe away from the main beach crowd. If you prefer a guided experience, sunrise and sunset paddle-boarding trips are also available.
Best time of day to go
Go early in the morning. The water is calm and you will have the islands mostly to yourself before the water taxis arrive.
How to get to the islands
Rent a kayak from the beach clubs at Bora Bora Beach or the main Ksamil Beach. You can also take a water taxi or rent a pedal boat.
Swim to the first island
The first island is close enough to swim to from the main beach. This saves you the cost of renting a kayak.
Bring a snorkel along, the shallow water around the rocks is full of fish.
Staying near the waterfront makes it easy to launch early.
Hotel Meta Ksamil
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
Hotel Luxury
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Wonderful Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Butrint National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site with ruins spanning centuries of history.
- Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins
- Ancient theater and Roman baptistery
- Venetian castle with views
- 15 minutes from Ksamil
Butrint National Park sits a short drive from Ksamil and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania. The park covers 9,400 hectares and includes freshwater lakes, marshlands, and forested hills. The ancient city within the park shows layers of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian history. The Roman theatre and the Lion Gate stand out among the ruins. You can also walk up to the Venetian castle for a view across the park. The whole area has a quiet atmosphere and is a good escape from the beach. I recommend saving it for a day when you need a break from the sun. Combine your visit with a stop at the floating cable ferry on the way out or a meal at the Mussels House on Lake Butrint.
Opening hours and entry fee
Butrint is open year-round. Check the official site for current ticket prices. The park is popular in the morning, so a midday visit can be quieter.
Combine with the cable ferry
On the way out of Butrint you need to cross the floating pull ferry over the Vivari Channel. It is manually operated and costs 100 LEK roundtrip. Cars can cross too.
Give yourself at least two hours to walk the main ruins and the castle.
Pick a hotel in central Ksamil to keep the drive to Butrint short.
Hotel Saranda Palace
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Good Breakfast
Palma City Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Private Parking
- Beachfront
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Bar
- Good Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
The Blue Eye
A natural spring with incredibly clear blue water.
- Natural spring near Muzine
- Clear bright blue water
- Depth over 50 meters
- Popular day trip from Ksamil
The Blue Eye, known locally as Syri i Kaltër, is a natural spring about an hour north of Ksamil. The water is famously clear and a striking bright blue. Divers have descended more than 50 meters without reaching the bottom. The site sits in a forested area and draws a steady stream of visitors. It is a common stop on day trips that combine Ksamil with Gjirokaster. It is a long-ish drive from Ksamil, so I only recommend it if you have a full day or are already headed to Gjirokaster.
Driving from Ksamil
The Blue Eye is located near the village of Muzine. The drive from Ksamil takes about an hour. You can also book a guided tour that includes Gjirokaster.
A natural spring, not a pool
The water stays cold year-round. This is a natural karst spring, so expect a cool dip even in summer. Bring shoes for the rocky edges.
Visit on the way to or from Gjirokaster to make the drive worthwhile.
Base yourself in Ksamil and take a half-day trip up north.
Ksamil Central Park Hotel
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Breakfast
Poda Boutique Hotel Ksamil
- 2 swimming pools
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Private beach area
- Exceptional Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Guvat Restaurant
A spot with top views and grilled food right on the water.
- Stunning sea view
- Grilled octopus is the standout dish
- Good for lunch or sunset dinner
- Located on the main beach strip
Guvat Restaurant sits right by the sea in Ksamil. The main draw is the view out over the water and the islands. The food matches the setting. Grilled octopus is a highlight, and portions are generous. It works well for a long lunch or an early dinner before sunset. I had an incredible meal here and went back the next night for the sunset. It is easily my favorite meal spot in town.
Order the grilled octopus
The grilled octopus is the dish people come back for. It was the standout meal during my time in Ksamil.
Eat inland for cheaper meals
Restaurants directly on the water charge more. Places a street or two back serve similar food for almost half the price.
Go at sunset, the view across the water towards Corfu is hard to beat.
Hotels near the main beach put Guvat within a short walk.
Hotel Perla Ksamil
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
Hotel Queen Margaret Seaside
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Restaurant
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Mussels House
A restaurant built on an open platform over Lake Butrint specializing in fresh mussels.
- Fresh blue mussels from Lake Butrint
- Open platform over the water
- Close to the Butrint entrance
- Multiple sauce options for mussels
Mussels House sits on the edge of Lake Butrint, a saltwater lagoon surrounded by forested hills. The restaurant is built on an open platform over the water. The main reason to come is the fresh mussels, which are harvested from the lake itself. You can order them in different sauces and should save room for the risotto. The location is a bit out of town on the way to the other beaches, which means it stays quieter than the waterfront places in the center of Ksamil. Make sure you go hungry, the portions are generous.
Getting to the restaurant
Mussels House is a short drive from Ksamil on the road toward Butrint National Park. It is a bit out of town, so you can combine it with a visit to the park or Lake Butrint.
Pair it with the floating ferry
After eating, drive to the nearby floating cable ferry over the Vivari Channel. It costs 100 LEK roundtrip and is a fun, quirky way to cross the channel.
Try the mussels in multiple sauces, they are the freshest I had in Albania.
Stay in central Ksamil and drive out for a seafood dinner.
Delight Hotel
- Beachfront
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Very Good Breakfast
Hotel Citrus
- Free parking
- Free Wifi
- Family rooms
- Non-smoking rooms
- Bar
- Excellent Breakfast
We earn a commission on bookings through these links. The picks are mine, and that doesn't change them.
Is Ksamil worth visiting in October?
Yes, October is a great time to visit. The water is still warm for swimming, the crowds are gone, and prices drop. Some restaurants and hotels start closing in mid-October.
How do I get to Ksamil from Corfu?
Fly into Corfu International Airport and take a ferry to Saranda. High-speed ferries take about 30 minutes and cost €23-€30. From Saranda, a local bus to Ksamil costs around 150 LEK.
What is the best beach in Ksamil?
It depends on what you prefer. Ksamil Beach has powdery white sand but gets very crowded. Lori Beach is calmer, and Last Bay has pebbles but the clearest water in town.
Can I visit Butrint National Park without a car?
Yes. Butrint is only a 15-minute drive or taxi ride from Ksamil. Many people take a taxi for the day or combine it with a visit to the floating cable ferry and Lake Butrint.
Is Ksamil just for beach days?
Not at all. Beyond the beaches, you can take a boat trip to the uninhabited Ksamil Islands, visit the ancient ruins of Butrint, take a day trip to the Blue Eye, or eat fresh mussels at the Mussels House.
Do I need cash in Ksamil?
Yes. Many places in Ksamil do not accept credit cards. It is best to carry Albanian LEK, especially for beach clubs, smaller restaurants, and bus fares.
Should I stay in Ksamil or Sarande?
Stay in Ksamil for a quieter, cheaper, and more laid-back atmosphere with clearer water. Stay in Sarande for more nightlife, bigger hotels, and better public transport connections. The towns are only 20 minutes apart.
