Are Ksamil Beaches Worth Visiting? An Honest Review

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Trying to determine if Ksamil, Albania really lives up to the hype? Dive into our honest review to find out if Ksamil is worth visiting for you.

With a nickname like the “Albanian Maldives”, it’s no wonder that Ksamil has managed to capture the attention of the internet. Turquoise bays, trendy beach clubs, and picturesque sunsets with a drink in hand – it sounds perfect, right?

While Ksamil has been marketed as the best place in Albania for beaches and a summer holiday paradise, we’re not denying that Ksamil is indeed a beautiful place. But, what is often left out when Ksamil is mentioned are a few cold hard facts which will very much answer the question “Is Ksamil honestly worth visiting?”

In this travel guide, we review the reasons why Ksamil is worth visiting, the best things to do in Ksamil, and what to avoid.

Quick Verdict: Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?

Ksamil may be the right destination and worth visiting for travellers who…

1. Enjoy a beach club experience
2. Don’t mind crowds
3. Want to stay in a nice hotel
4. Are interested in nightlife
5. Like having a range of activities at their disposal

If you don’t quite prioritise these factors, Ksamil may not be the place for you. Instead, consider checking out other underrated beach destinations in Albania!

Why Is Ksamil Popular?

The Albanian Riviera extends from the coastal city of Vlore to Ksamil in the south. With roughly 100 km of shoreline, it is confidently one of the best places in Europe for beaches. However, there is one caveat. Most of the beaches along the Albanian Riviera and north of Sarandë are not fine sand beaches.

A majority of them feature small pebbles or coarse sand instead. Now, if you’re like us, this may not be a factor you care about but believe it or not, there are tons of people who can’t enjoy a non-sandy beach. Once you arrive in Ksamil, you’ll notice beaches with fine sand. This is the biggest difference and one of the reasons why Ksamil is worth visiting.

This unfortunately no longer applies in 2024, but at one point, Ksamil was seen as a cheaper place to vacation instead of Greece. Given its close proximity, Ksamil was seen to be just as beautiful as Greece but at a better value.

This exciting idea of being able to visit Greek quality beaches without paying Greek prices (*cough* using the euro) started to draw more and more tourists in. Fast forward to today, things are a bit different and we’ll get into exactly what to expect from Ksamil in reality.

10 Wonderful Things to Do in Ksamil

Treat Yourself at a Ksamil Beach Club

Beach clubs are a core aspect of Ksamil’s entire identity and an absolute must-do. There are tons to choose from, some of which are average but some of which are a really lovely experience.

When you pay to lounge at a beach club, you’re able to enjoy the use of an umbrella, sun beds, and often a shower. Apart from this standard service, the nicer beach clubs also provide “table-side” food and drink service. Never having to get up is the definition of a vacation. It is undoubtedly the most comfortable and laziest way to spend an entire day at the beach.

We personally had a great experience at the Maestro Beach Club in Ksamil, although we noticed that Ohana Beach Bar next door looked just as pleasant.

Discover the Best Wild or Free Beaches in Ksamil

If you have a car, are willing to hike or book a private transfer, you should not miss the wild beaches in the Ksamil area. Although most of them are paid, you’ll still find beaches which have a free section for the public.

In central Ksamil, it’s unheard of to come across free beaches so venturing out of town is a real treat. These wild beaches are found before you hit the town, as if you are coming from Sarandë. Some beaches are easy to reach but some require a trek down a steep set of stairs or hillside.

The most picturesque beaches in Ksamil that are worth visiting include:

• Edon-Bina Beach
• Shpella e Pëllumbave
• Pulëbardha Beach
• Gjiri i Hartës

Rent a Jet Ski

If you can’t seem to sit still on a beach all day, you may enjoy renting a jet ski to ride in the turquoise bays of Ksamil. This is by far the most popular attraction in Ksamil for water sport enthusiasts.

You will not have any difficulty finding a vendor but it isn’t necessarily the cheapest afternoon activity. Alternatively, you can have someone else do the steering and opt for a motorboat or sailboat tour instead.

🛶 Find tours and activities in Ksamil

Paddle Board to the Ksamil Islands

A handful of small islands can be seen from the shores of the Ksamil beach clubs. These are uninhabited and wild islets, unlike the bustling coastline of the overdeveloped Ksamil.

Many of the boat tours stop at these islands but as a cheaper alternative and fun activity, you can reach them by paddle board. A couple of the islands are just meters away, which means you’ll be rewarded with a secluded paradise-like beach within minutes.

🏝 BOOK NOW: Rent a Paddle Board in Ksamil

Spend a Morning at the Butrint Archaeological Park

For some reason, I thought that I was going to be disappointed by Butrint Park because of the assumption that everything in Ksamil was too touristy. Luckily, the archaeological park proved me wrong and I now understand why it’s a must see on any Ksamil itinerary.

Butrint National Park spans over an entire peninsula, and you can easily spend hours there, particularly if you’re a history fanatic. It primarily features remains and influences of medieval, Ancient Greek, Roman empires within the same archaeological site.

Many of the sights are impressively preserved, and it’s a fantastic activity for the entire family.

Escape the Crowds at Butrint Lake

With much of the spotlight shining on beaches and the archaeological park, Butrint Lake is often completely ignored by most tourists. On the opposite side of the SH81 motorway which runs down Ksamil, there is a sizeable lake which channels through Butrint National Park and into the Ionian Sea.

Butrint Lake has very few access points, but the best one is through the village of Xarrë. After following the road, you’ll end up here. It is a pebble beach, with less salty water, a phenomenal seafood restaurant and best of all, zero crowds. This is the spot for travellers seeking hidden gems in Ksamil.

We noticed it’s a common place for camper vans to spend their nights while visiting Ksamil. Additionally, there is a very casual archaeological site of a Roman villa perched on the hill.

Go on a Mussel Tour

Another silent contribution of Butrint Lake is its mussel production. It just so happens that Butrint Lake is the perfect eco-environment for mussel cultivation. Many tourists who head to Ksamil for a holiday tend to never discover this, and it’s a shame because the mussels are damn tasty.

Of course, you will find many restaurants in Ksamil serving mussels, but there’s no better place to go than straight to the source.

Mussel boat tours are growing in popularity and for foodies in particular, this alone makes visiting Ksamil worth it. Booking a mussel tour is one of the most unique experiences in Ksamil and a great way to shake up your itinerary. Mussel tours allow guests to see how the mussels are farmed and how to prepare them to perfection!

Make a Trip to the Blue Eye

The Blue Eye is one of the most famous attractions in all of Albania. It is a notoriously deep and natural pool which is fed by crystal clear spring water. The combination of depth and lack of impurities gives it the illusion of resembling a “blue eye.” Since it is located in southern Albania, it is a popular site for folks visiting Sarandë or Ksamil.

Although it is one hour away from Ksamil and not located on the coast, it’s still easy to reach. If you are not driving, you can book a private or group tour to see it as those are abundant and frequent during peak season.

Plan a Sarandë Day Trip or Night Out

The larger resort town of Sarandë is worth a day trip if you have some time to spare while staying in Ksamil. Also known as Saranda, the city is larger and comprised of more things to do such as trying different restaurants and going shopping.

You’ll even find historical landmarks such as the Lëkurësi Castle. The castle grounds are located on the hilltop above Sarandë and include a hiking trail, lighthouse and sweeping panoramic views.

Sarandë is often chosen over Ksamil as a destination for having a night out. Along the promenade of Sarandë, there are many bars and even beach clubs that remain open into the late hours.

Enjoy the Best Restaurants in Ksamil

The best restaurants in Ksamil are the ones serving seafood. Naturally, if you are by the sea, you should relish in as much fresh seafood as you can get your hands on. As much great food as there is in Ksamil, there are also a handful of restaurants with the perfect atmosphere, view, and waterfront location.

Admittedly, the combination of an incredible meal and beautiful ambiance is one thing that Ksamil can be very good at. Well-rated restaurants that make visiting Ksamil worth it include:

• The Mussel House
• King Mussel Taverna
• Ostro Beach Bar & Restaurant
• Bar Restorant Korali
• Restaurant Pulbardha
• Bella Vista Ksamil
• Restaurant Kalivoj

How to Reach Ksamil, Albania

Where is Ksamil?

Ksamil is located on the southern edge of the Albanian Riviera. It is the southernmost beach destination in Albania and less than 9km (5.5 miles) away from the land border with Greece.

Across the narrow strip of sea, the Greek island of Corfu is only 4km away to the west of Ksamil. The bigger city of Sarandë is located just 14 km north but Albania’s capital city of Tirana is a hefty 4 hours away.

By Plane

Given Ksamil’s unique location, it opens up a few different opportunities when searching for ways to get there. The most logical method is to fly into Tirana even though it is around 270 km away from Ksamil.

Tirana’s International Airport is a big transportation hub and well connected to major cities in Europe, which makes getting to Albania effortless if you’re already on the continent. It also serves beloved budget airlines like easyJet and Ryanair, so flights to Tirana can be as cheap as €70 round-trip from within Europe.

Getting to Ksamil from Tirana

From Tirana, you can reach Ksamil either with a rental car, bus, tour group, or private transfer. Naturally, taking a long-distance bus will be the cheapest but also take the longest.

If you’re not in a hurry and traveling on a budget, purchase a bus ticket to Sarandë from a Tirana bus agency. From Sarandë, you must catch a local bus to Ksamil.

An additional downside to taking the bus is the unpredictability in pricing. It’s been reported that tickets can range anywhere from €10 – €25 for the journey and unfortunately will depend on who is working at the agency that day.

Private Transfer or Tour Group

If you’re the type of traveler who values convenience over price, it’s worth the extra cash to opt for a private transfer instead. Especially if you are traveling with a group, you’ll receive discounts on a private transfer and may only end up paying €55 per seat.

This is a fantastic value considering the distance and exclusive service. Alternatively, you can join a group as part of a booked tour. The biggest benefit of this is that you can reserve this option online and pay a set price without feeling ripped off.

Rental Car

Booking a rental car is by far the most flexible and straightforward way to reach Ksamil from Tirana. It’s also not as expensive as you’d think and, in the end, provides the greatest value. By renting a car, you’re not only finding a solution for how to get to Ksamil in the first place, but also solving any dilemmas of how to get around Ksamil once you’re there. As an added bonus, the drive down south along the Albanian Riviera is certainly not one to complain about. Albania’s motorway along the coastline is one of the most scenic drives we’ve ever taken.

Reaching Ksamil from Corfu

Although Tirana is home to the country’s major international airport, Ksamil is closer in distance to mainland Greece and the Greek island of Corfu. It is certainly the less conventional way of getting to Ksamil, but it is guaranteed to be quicker.

To arrive in Albania from Corfu, you will take a ferry which actually arrives in Sarandë and not directly in Ksamil. Taking a ferry from Corfu to Sarandë has many benefits including:

• Short 30-minute journey by a fast boat or 1 hour by a slower boat
• Low-cost tickets ranging from €15 to €50 depending on whether you opt for the fast or slow boat
• Multiple ferry crossings per day during the summer season

From Saranda, you can catch a taxi to Ksamil for around €20. Or, wait for one of the public buses that makes frequent routes between Sarandë and Ksamil during peak season.

🚤 Read More: How to Get from Corfu to Albania!

Is Ksamil Expensive?

Whether or not something is a good value all comes down to perspective. If you are an American or Central European tourist, you will likely find Ksamil to be affordable. But is it the amazingly inexpensive alternative to Greece as it once was? No.

Even when comparing Ksamil to other coastal municipalities along the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is considered to be expensive. The prices for practically everything in Ksamil are higher and not an accurate reflection of what a beach holiday costs in other parts of Albania.

Well-rated accommodation within the center of Ksamil will cost at least $100/night during the summer. We stayed in the village of Xarrë, just south of Ksamil, and only spent $50/night for an entire 2-bedroom apartment.

The cost of eating at restaurants and standard necessities like coffee is also much higher in Ksamil. Above all, the beach club prices have reached a point of matching (and surpassing) those of Greek islands. In the summer months, it’s typical for a beach club in Ksamil to charge anywhere from €30 – €40 for two sun beds and an umbrella. Tours and activities are another overpriced expense. For example, a 30-minute jet ski rental will cost €70 – €90.

Three Truths About Visiting Ksamil

When to Not Visit Ksamil

Eating popsicles, making tomato salads, and camping in the backyard are all things that are best enjoyed in summer. Visiting Ksamil is not one of them. If you’re choosing when to include Ksamil in your Albania itinerary, avoid the months of June – August.

There are a few reasons for this, but the biggest one of them all is the crowds. The number of people that frequent Ksamil during peak season is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced, and not in a good way. Secondly, everything is priced a bit higher from June – August, which is just annoying, but we understand the reasoning behind it.

There is an alternative world where Ksamil can actually be enjoyable to even travelers like us, who prefer off-the-beaten-path gems. In the fall months, when sea temperatures are still comfortable and the number of other people has reduced to 50%, then yes, we could see ourselves happily lounging on one of Ksamil’s beaches.

There Are a Lot of Tourist Traps

Once upon a time, Ksamil was a bit underrated and unheard of to international tourists. As its popularity is booming, it’s unfortunately had a negative affect on its inauthenticity.

From this, Ksamil is sprawling with tourist traps solely because of the reason that businesses can get away with it. We don’t expect everyone who travels to Ksamil to be a seasoned traveler, so there are a few things you’ll want to look out for before falling into a tourist trap.

• Do not pay for anything upfront. If you’re approached by someone who wants to sell you a tour but is requesting cash on the previous day of the activity, you should know this is sketchy and not normal.
• Do not purchase any souvenirs from a shop that has the word “souvenir” in it. Most of these trinket kiosks are selling mass produced items that are duplicated all over Ksamil. For genuine items to bring back home, try to look up a ceramics studio or pick up a small bottle of raki or bag of spices from the grocery store.
• It’s worth your time to look up restaurant reviews. Food is the easiest thing to overpay for while visiting Ksamil. Many restaurants will substantially overcharge and you may end up with an unimpressive plate of chicken fingers and fries if you don’t do some research.
• Don’t be afraid to price shop. Although the many beach clubs in Ksamil may look the same on the surface, they do vary in price. You can look for reviews online beforehand or you can visit a handful in person to ask about the price for sun beds and an umbrella. Do not accept the first price you are told at the very first club you visit because they may just be trying to see what price they can get away with charging you.

Don’t Believe Everything You’ve Seen on Instagram

A common theme with visiting places you see on Instagram is the inevitable disappointment, which happens if your expectations aren’t realistically set in the first place. Although there is much beauty in Ksamil, this isn’t the only side of it that you should expect to see.

The most shocking surprise for visitors in Ksamil is the amount of trash on the streets. Littered beaches aren’t much the problem because since they are paid, most of the beach clubs clean up their areas and keep them clean.

However, once you step foot outside of the beach club area, you’ll see trash everywhere besides trash bins (because those are already overflowing).

Continuing on the topic of crowds, this is the second most appalling surprise for travelers landing in Ksamil with the idea that they’ll have the beach to themselves. To set the record straight, if you have the intention of visiting Ksamil beach clubs during the summer, you will be within arm’s length of the next person laying next to you on the beach. Guaranteed!

Albania Beach Holiday: Ksamil or Saranda (Sarandë)?

Choosing Ksamil over Sarandë is best for those who are looking to sit on a beach for five days straight without doing too much of anything else. Comparatively, Ksamil is more of a village and better for walking than Sarandë because it’s flatter.

You can book a place to stay in Ksamil that’s 5-10 minutes from the beaches on foot and not have to worry about renting a car or paying for transportation. Ksamil is worth visiting for people who genuinely enjoy the beach club experience, want to visit sandy beaches, and for those who aren’t price conscious.

Sarandë has a bigger city vibe, primarily due to just being larger in size. It has a sizeable variety of things to do, landmarks to visit, places to eat and drink. In comparison to Ksamil, Sarandë is known as the more energetic party destination.

There is also a bigger selection of proper beach resorts, which means it’s a better place to visit for travellers who want a luxury experience. Furthermore, many tours depart from Sarandë because it’s a bigger meeting point so if you do want to get out of the city, it’s logistically much easier.

⛱ Not interested in Ksamil or Sarandë? Instead, consider Himarë and its wildly underrated beaches for your next Albanian summer holiday.

Where to Stay in Ksamil

Final Thoughts: Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?

Ksamil is worth visiting for a specific type of traveller. Ksamil is likely to be most admired by people who don’t mind being among other tourists and those that enjoy the experience of a beach club. Additionally, it can also be a good choice for families with young children as the water is calm. For adventure seekers, Ksamil is definitely not worth visiting, in our honest opinion.

It is a place where you should know what to realistically expect in terms of crowds and prices. If you can avoid traveling to Ksamil during the summer months, it will be wildly more enjoyable. Free beaches are difficult to come by in Ksamil so you must prepare for mostly spending time at paid beach clubs instead.

If you are headed to Albania with the intention of visiting beaches, there are other parts of the Albanian Riviera that are more beautiful and far less jam-packed than Ksamil.

Ksamil Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.