A decade ago, Ksamil was a quiet village of olive groves and a few family guesthouses at the southern tip of the Albanian Riviera, about 15 km south of Sarandë. Then photos of its shallow, impossibly turquoise water and small wooded islands started circulating online, and it became Albania's most famous beach.
Today Ksamil is a busy resort town. Hotels and apartment blocks have spread over the hills, and in summer almost every metre of beach is covered with rented sunbeds. Some visitors love it; others leave disappointed. The difference usually comes down to when you go, where you stay and what you expect.
What's great about Ksamil
- The water. It really is that colour. Shallow, calm and crystal clear over white sand and pebbles, it's some of the most beautiful sea in the Mediterranean.
- The islands. Several small islets sit just offshore. You can swim, kayak or take a small boat out to them and find your own spot among the rocks and pines.
- Calm, shallow water for families. Most of Ksamil's beaches are sheltered and gently shelving, ideal for children and less confident swimmers.
- Views of Corfu. The Greek island is just across the channel, and sunsets over the sea can be spectacular.
- Great location. Butrint National Park is ten minutes away, the Blue Eye spring and Sarandë are within easy reach, and Corfu is a short ferry ride from Sarandë.
The downsides
- Crowds in high season. In late July and August, the main beaches are packed from mid-morning, and finding a free patch of beach can be almost impossible.
- Overdevelopment. Rapid, sometimes chaotic construction has changed the village's character. Expect concrete, building sites and traffic rather than a sleepy fishing village.
- Paying for sunbeds. Much of the shoreline is rented to beach bars. In peak season, you'll often need to pay for a sunbed set if you want to sit near the water.
- Prices. Ksamil is no longer cheap by Albanian standards. Sunbeds, seafront restaurants and accommodation can cost close to Montenegrin prices in August.
- Small beaches. Ksamil's beaches are compact coves rather than long stretches of sand, which is part of why they fill up so quickly.
When to visit Ksamil
| Month | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May | Good | Quiet, green and cheap. The sea is still cool, and some businesses are just opening. |
| June | Excellent | Warm water, long days and manageable crowds. Our favourite month. |
| July | OK | Hot and getting busy, especially at weekends. Go early in the month. |
| August | Only if you must | Peak crowds and prices. Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. |
| September | Excellent | The warmest sea of the year, fewer people and lower prices. |
| October | Good | Often still warm enough to swim early in the month; many places close later. |
How to enjoy Ksamil (and avoid the worst of the crowds)
- Go early. Arrive before 9:00 and you'll have the water almost to yourself, with the best light for photos. Leave the beach for lunch and the hottest hours, and come back in the late afternoon.
- Head for the islands. Rent a kayak or paddleboard, or take one of the small boats, and find a quiet corner on the islets. Strong swimmers can swim out, but watch for boats and only go in calm conditions.
- Check prices before you sit down. Sunbed prices vary a lot, with front-row sets costing much more. Ask before you settle in, and check whether drinks or food are included.
- Bring water shoes and a mask. Rocks around the islands are home to sea urchins, and the snorkelling is excellent.
- Carry cash. Many beach bars and boat operators prefer lek or euros in cash.
- Walk to the edges. The beaches at either end of Ksamil and the rocky sections between them are usually quieter than the central coves.
Beaches near Ksamil
If Ksamil's main beaches are too busy, there are good alternatives within a short drive:
- Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave): between Sarandë and Ksamil, a small cove of white pebbles and very clear water reached by a short, steep path. Beautiful, but it gets busy too.
- Pulëbardha Beach: just south of Ksamil, a cove with clear water reached by a steep road. Usually calmer than the centre of Ksamil.
- Sarandë's beaches: city beaches along the promenade. Not as pretty, but convenient and lively in the evening.
- Borsh and Porto Palermo: about an hour north on the Riviera, with much more space. See our best beaches in Albania.
What to do around Ksamil
Butrint National Park
Ten minutes south of Ksamil, Butrint is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Balkans and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient city was inhabited for more than two thousand years, from a Greek settlement to a Roman town, a Byzantine city and a Venetian outpost. Walk through the theatre, the baptistery with its mosaic floor (often covered to protect it), the city walls and the Lion Gate, with lagoon views all around. Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat, and allow two to three hours.
The Blue Eye
About 45 minutes from Sarandë, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a natural spring where deep-blue water bubbles up from a pool whose bottom has never been fully explored. A short walk through the woods leads to it. It's very popular at midday, so go early or late. Swimming is generally not allowed.
Sarandë and a day in Corfu
Sarandë, 20 minutes away, has a long seafront promenade, restaurants and the hilltop Lëkurësi Castle with sunset views. From its port, ferries cross to Corfu in about 30–70 minutes, which makes a Greek day trip easy. Bring your passport or ID card.
Where to stay: Ksamil or Sarandë?
| Stay in Ksamil | Stay in Sarandë | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beach days, early swims, families | Variety, nightlife, transport, value |
| Atmosphere | Resort village, quiet at night outside peak season | Lively city with a seafront promenade |
| Prices | Higher in July–August | More choice at every budget |
| Getting around | Walk to the beaches | Frequent buses to Ksamil in summer, ferries to Corfu |
Our advice: in June or September, stay in Ksamil itself to enjoy the beaches at their best in the morning and evening. In July and August, stay in Sarandë — or further north on the Riviera, in Himarë — and visit Ksamil as a day trip.
How to get to Ksamil
- From Sarandë: local buses run frequently in summer and take around 20–30 minutes. Taxis are also easy to find.
- From Corfu: take the ferry to Sarandë, then a bus or taxi. This is often the quickest way to reach Ksamil from abroad.
- From Tirana: buses to Sarandë take around 5 hours; driving takes 4–5 hours.
- By car: parking in central Ksamil is limited in summer. Choose accommodation with parking.
What does a day in Ksamil cost?
| Item | Typical summer price |
|---|---|
| 2 sunbeds + umbrella | €15–30 (front row more) |
| Kayak or paddleboard rental (1 hour) | €5–10 |
| Coffee | €1–2 |
| Seafood dinner (per person) | €15–30 |
| Bus to/from Sarandë | Around €1 |
Approximate prices; they change every season and rise in August.
The verdict
Ksamil is worth it if you go at the right time and with the right expectations. Visit in June or September, swim at dawn, paddle out to the islands and combine your beach time with Butrint and the Blue Eye, and it will be one of the highlights of your trip. Visit on an August afternoon expecting an empty paradise, and you'll be disappointed.
If you're looking for space and wild beauty rather than postcard-turquoise water, spend more of your time further north on the Riviera, at Borsh, Gjipe or Jale — and treat Ksamil as a day trip.
Ksamil FAQ
How many days should I spend in Ksamil?
Two or three days is ideal: enough for beach time, Butrint and the Blue Eye. If you're touring the Riviera, one night in Ksamil or a day trip from Sarandë is enough.
Is Ksamil good for families?
Yes. The water is calm, shallow and warm, and many beaches have facilities. Avoid the busiest weeks of August if possible, and bring water shoes for the children.
Can you swim to the Ksamil islands?
Confident swimmers can reach the nearest islets, but distances are longer than they look and boats pass through. Kayaks, paddleboards and small boats are safer and easier options.
Is Ksamil better than Montenegro's beaches?
For water colour, yes — few beaches in Montenegro look like Ksamil. Montenegro has more dramatic scenery and historic towns. Read our full Montenegro vs Albania beach comparison.