Ksamil Beach In Albania: Ultimate Guide & Things To Do
Looking to explore Ksamil Beach during your Albania vacation?
If you’re looking for a beach paradise, Ksamil, Albania, is a must!
Ksamil is located in southern Albania along the Albania Riviera and is home to various sandy beaches, which are perfect for lounging and enjoying the warm weather.
Within this gem, you’ll find crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea. This was one of the best beaches I visited during my Albania trip.
If you plan on visiting Ksamil Beach, by the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to plan your trip.
Going On A Trip To Ksamil? Check Out These Resources!
🛌 Accommodations: I always use Booking.com for my lodging.
🚘 Car Rentals: To find the best prices, I use Discover Cars!
✈️ Flights: To find great flight prices, I check on Expedia.
📍Tours: I use Viator to find memorable experiences.
Getting To Ksamil Beach
There are a few main ways to reach Ksamil, depending on where you’re flying into. Here are the best transportation options and routes to reach paradise.
Tirana to Ksamil
The only international airport within Albania itself is located in Tirana, which is the capital city.
Tirana International Airport is about a 4-hour drive from Ksamil, about 275 kilometers (170 miles). You can find many direct flights to the airport from European cities and connecting flights from other countries worldwide.
You can either travel this route via rental car, bus, private transfer, or taxi. The most cost-effective way is by bus, and the most convenient way is by rental car.
Taxis are expensive for the long drive, but they are available if you prefer that method of transportation.
➡️This superb private transfer takes you from Tirana/Airport to Ksamil.
Car Rental In Albania
The most convenient and self-reliable way to travel through Albania is with a rental car.
Rental cars are available at the Tirana International Airport or from separate businesses like EuroCar or Hertz Albania. Prices will vary depending on factors like when you’re traveling, what company you book through, and what type of car you choose.
🚗If you want to drive to Ksamil, you can rent through Discover Cars.
(This is the company I use)
The most direct route to Ksamil from Tirana is along the SH4 Highway, which leads you inland and past other significant cities like Durrës and Fier. This route takes about 4 hours.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can follow the coastal route through Durrës and Fier and then south into Vlora.
You’ll then follow the road from Vlora to Saranda and into Ksamil. This route will take about 5 ½ hours but leads you through the beautiful coastal cities!
👉TRAVEL TIP: If you aren’t from Europe, make sure you apply for an international driving permit and bring your national driver’s license.
Public Transporation In Albania
If you’d prefer not to rent your own car, you can also take public transportation around Albania.
The main ways to get around are via bus, furgon, or taxi, as the rail system in Albania is almost non-existent compared to other European countries.
Furgons and buses are similar, except that furgons are smaller and are privately owned. You can usually wave one down and take that to your next destination. Or, you can buy a bus ticket and take the bus from point A to point B.
👉TRAVEL TIP: Girafa Travel is a reliable website for searching the bus schedule within Albania.
If you’re taking a bus from Tirana to Ksamil, you’ll need to catch it at the South and North Albania Bus Terminal in Tirana and then take the ride to Saranda.
Next, you’ll do a transfer and finish the route from Saranda to Ksamil.
Taxis are also available, although they can be expensive since the drive is long. Nonetheless, if you prefer this method of transportation, just be prepared to spend quite a bit.
Things to do Around Ksamil Beach
If you’re looking for things to do in Ksamil, you surely won’t ever run out of fun activities. From lounging on the beach to taking day trips, there is plenty of fun to be had for everyone!
✔️Explore the Ksamil Islands
Four uninhabited islands off the coast of Ksamil are open to being explored! The best way to reach the islands is by taking a boat tour that you can find along the coast for reasonably affordable prices. You can also swim to the two closer Ksamil Islands.
The Twin Islands are the largest of the four Ksamil Islands and are subsequently the most popular. You’ll find a beach between a ridge of the two connected islands. It’s a nice place to relax and escape the crowds of the mainland.
The other two islands are smaller but are still worth a visit. All four islands are part of Butrint National Park and are protected as they are UNESCO sites.
While there aren’t any permanent facilities on the Ksamil Islands, you can sometimes find pop-up beach bars and umbrellas during the summer months.
✔️ Relax on the Beaches
One of the best things to do in Ksamil is to visit the fantastic beaches that line the entire coast with white sand and turquoise waters.
Some call Ksamil the “Maldives of Albania” because of its incredible beaches. Plus, the entire region is surrounded by towering mountains, making it look like it’s straight out of a paradise.
There are several beaches to choose from within the small coastal village, each offering fantastic views and opportunities to soak up the sun.
The main beach in Ksamil is where you’ll find the most people, and it’s prevalent for good reason. It’s dotted with straw beach umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, is surrounded by local restaurants and beach bars, and has some of the most beautiful teal water.
Some of the best beaches in Ksamil include Bora Bora Beach, Lori Beach, and Paradise Beach. Additionally, Mirror Beach is a favorite and is located near Ksamil on your way to Saranda.
✔️Saranda Day Trip
Saranda is a small town along the Albanian Riviera that’s located just about 20 minutes or 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of Ksamil. If you’re coming from Tirana, you’ll pass through Saranda on your way.
Taking a day trip to this small town is worth your while! While in Saranda, you can enjoy more of the beautiful beaches along the coast, visit ruins, and explore the villages.
Take a stroll down the waterfront promenade in the city center, where you can access the beaches, summer markets, and beautiful water views.
Another popular destination in Saranda is Lekuresi Castle. This Albania castle provides stunning sunsets and has a restaurant on-site to enjoy the views.
✔️Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park is just south of Ksamil and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning location sees thousands of visitors per year.
Whether you’re a history buff or you want to enjoy the phenomenal views that surround this park, you’ll truly be blown away.
Explore the collection of ruins from the Roman Empire, including the ancient city of Butrint. Here you’ll see different monuments, castles, fountains, and more. You can imagine the people who lived here as early as 50,000 BC.
➡️I highly recommend this Combo Tour: Significant Landmarks.
Every stop is mentioned in the highlights around Ksamil.
One of the most impressive ruins is the Triconch Palace, which was once a townhouse and then a palace with a courtyard.
Today, you can wander through the park, admire all the ruins, and take in the views of the surrounding mountains and the Albanian Riviera.
✔️Blue Eye
Albania is full of beautiful places, but one of the most popular tourist attractions is just about 45 minutes northeast of Saranda and Ksamil.
The Blue Eye, or Syri I Kaltër in Albanian, is a bright blue freshwater spring with bubbles rising to the surface from the bottom of the deep pool.
You can reach it just a 30-meter walk from the parking lot over a footbridge and across the river. Another fascinating feature is that no one knows how deep the Blue Eye is!
At the Blue Eye, several signs indicate that you are prohibited from swimming in it. However, you’ll still see people ignoring this rule. Still, respecting the signs is advisable to preserve the natural attraction.
It won’t take long to see the Blue Eye, but it’s a fascinating natural wonder that is worth the drive!
✔️Corfu Day Trip
If you’ve got some extra time during your visit to Ksamil, taking a trip to the famous Greek island of Corfu is a great way to spend it!
Corfu is known for its bright teal waters surrounded by white sand and rugged bright green mountains. Not to mention, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site!
A day trip from Ksamil to Corfu is made easy with the ferries that can bring you from one place to another. Ferries depart from the Saranda Ferry Terminal to the Corfu Ferry Terminal.
You can choose between either a high-speed ferry, which takes about 30 minutes, or a conventional ferry, which will take about 70 minutes. They each operate at different times depending on the season.
🛥️Book your ferry from Saranda to Corfu with Ferryhopper!
During your time on the island of Corfu, consider seeing Cape Drastis, exploring Old Town, seeing Canal d’Amour, and relaxing on the stunning beaches.
✔️Ksamil Nightlife
After a day of exploring the four islands in Ksamil or a day trip, you can explore the vibrant Ksamil nightlife. While there aren’t as many selections as Saranda, you will have a tremendous and fun end to your day while being on or near the beach!
There are several bars and lounges to enjoy a drink, listen to great music, and dance. Some of the best venues for Ksamil nightlife are Bianco and Pōda.
Ksamil Beach Accommodations
Of course, you’ll need somewhere to stay during your visit and after a full day of exploring the great things to do in Ksamil. Here are some of the best options for hotels and beachside resorts!
Ksamil Hotels
📍Ori Mare Hotel ($$$) – This hotel is located just a short 600 meters from the beaches of Ksamil and offers a luxury stay for your visit. Paradise Beach and Bora Bora Beach are only about a 10-15 minute walk from the hotel.
Relax in the outdoor pool or sit on the lounge chairs and soak up the sun, admire the views from your balcony overlooking the water, and enjoy your night in the modernly decorated room.
📍Blue Water Hotel ($$) – Whether visiting on your honeymoon, solo, or on a family vacation, Blue Water Hotel will have room to suit your needs. From their beautiful seasonal outdoor pool to the included continental breakfast, guests can feel like they’re staying in luxury. There also is an on-site restaurant serving seafood to enjoy during your stay.
📍Hotel Ksamili ($) – The best part about Hotel Ksamili is that you’re just a short 700-meter walk to Puerto Rico Beach and Paradise Beach. The rooms are affordable, so if you’re visiting on a budget, this is the place for you! Enjoy a balcony from your room, complimentary breakfast, room service, and fantastic city views during your stay.
Ksamil Resorts
📍Arameras Beach Resort ($$$) – With a stay at Arameras Beach Resort, you’ll get to experience staying right on the coastline of the Ionian Sea. With its own private beach, boutique rooms, and attention to detail, this will make your stay memorable.
Choose from either a one or two-bedroom luxury villa and enjoy your stay in their beautifully decorated rooms. Also, enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, breakfast, private beach, short walk to other beaches, and on-site restaurant.
📍Manta Resort ($$$) – Manta Resort is the place that you’ll want to stay if you look forward to lounging on the beaches every day of your vacation. You’ll almost be able to see the beaches from your room! Relax outside under the straw umbrellas and soak up the Albanian sun.
Be sure to grab a bite at the restaurant and start your day with a great continental breakfast. At this hotel, you can also wander to the nearby beaches, such as Paradise Beach and Lori Beach, which are only a 5-minute walk away.
Ksamil Beach Map
Ksamil is located along the Albanian Riviera in southern Albania. It’s just a 20-minute drive south of the city of Saranda and about 4 hours south of the capital city of Tirana.
It’s also just a short distance via boat from the popular vacation spot of Corfu, Greece. The Albania-Greek border is also just an hour’s drive south.
FAQs
Ksamil is a relaxing stay with plenty of day trip options to help you have a great vacation. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about Ksamil and its beaches:
Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?
If you’re a beach lover and are looking for one of the most beautiful places to visit in southern Albania, then Ksamil Beach is highly worth visiting.
With its stunning shorelines covered in white sand beaches and turquoise waters, you can’t go wrong with relaxing on one of the beaches in Ksamil. Plus, there are many other great things to do in Ksamil and worthwhile day trips.
What is the Weather Like at Ksamil?
Being on the shore of Albania, Ksamil sees some pretty great weather year-round.
The temperatures typically don’t fall far below 13° C (56°F) throughout the year and often rise to about 30°C (86°F) or higher in the summer. The warmest months are June, July, and August. These are also the driest, with very few rainy days.
Is it Better to Stay in Saranda or Ksamil?
If you’re visiting southern Albania, both Saranda and Ksamil are great places to stay. Which one you choose will depend on your preferences.
Saranda is a larger city with more accommodation, nightlife, and affordable options. In addition, it is a more accessible base for exploring nearby excursions and day trips.
On the other hand, Ksamil is more petite and might be more expensive, but it is a more relaxing setting. Ksamil also has the benefit of island hopping. With this in mind, either is excellent to stay at, and you’ll be able to have a great vacation.
Is Ksamil Beach Private?
Most of the beaches in Ksamil Beach are private and are owned by bars, restaurants, and hotels in the area. These beaches include Paradise Beach, Ohana Beach, and Puerto Rico Beach, among others. Given that, you can expect to pay around 500-2000 LEK for a sunbed on private beaches.
👉TRAVEL TIP: If you try to stay at a private beach without paying, the staff will, unfortunately, ask you to leave. This applies even if you don’t want a sunbed.
Despite the existence of private beaches, Ksamil also has public beaches.
The beaches on the Ksamil Islands and the main beach of Ksamil are accessible to the general public free of charge. In addition, Paradise Beach is split between a free side and one reserved for sunbed-renting visitors.
👉TRAVEL TIP: During the peak season months of July and August, you can expect the beaches to be packed with visitors. If you want a good spot for sunset, arrive early!
Does Ksamil have Sandy Beaches?
While there are some rugged and rocky beaches in Ksamil, most of the best beaches in Ksamil are sandy. Lori Beach and Paradise Beach are among some of the favorite sandy beaches in Ksamil.
Moreover, the Ksamil Islands have sandy beaches for you to relax on. The white, sandy beaches are beautiful and are one of the main things the Albanian Riviera is known for!
To Sum Up: Ksamil Beach Ultimate Guide
Visiting Ksamil, Albania, is an unforgettable experience that will add much to your Albania vacation.
The crystal-clear waters, beautiful white sand, and stunning views of the surrounding Ksamil Islands make Ksamil a must-see destination for any traveler.
Especially those looking to spend time relaxing and exploring, as there is plenty of things to do in Ksamil, from day trips to just lounging on the beach.
Overall, Ksamil along the Albanian Riviera should not be missed! I hope that this post assists you with your visit!
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