Ksamil Beach

Ksamil is a small resort village 14 km south of Saranda, near the Greek border. Several coves of white sand and turquoise water surround four small islands, the nearest of which are a 5-minute swim from shore. The spot has earned the nickname "Albanian Maldives" for its water colour and fine, light sand.

From Saranda, buses run every 30–60 minutes for 100–200 ALL (≈ €1–2), taking 20–30 minutes. By rental car – 15 minutes along the SH81 road. Free parking on the outskirts; paid closer to the centre.

Swimming season runs June–September. Most beaches are lined with sunbeds (1,000–3,000 ALL per pair with umbrella). Entry to all beaches is free, but finding space for a towel during peak season is difficult. Best visited in May–June or September.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

Ksamil consists of a chain of small coves stretching 2–3 km along the coast. The central Ksamil Beach is the largest and busiest: white sand, shallow water, direct views of the islands. Beach bars, restaurants, kayak rental, and water sports are concentrated here. In high season, sunbeds are packed tightly and music plays from morning to evening.

South of the centre lie quieter coves: Bora Bora Beach, Ksamil Beach 7 (one of the best – fine white sand, shallow water), Puerto Rico Beach, and Lori Beach. Each cove is managed by a beach bar with sunbeds. Further south is Mirror Beach (Pasqyra), known for mountain reflections in calm water.

The four Ksamil Islands are the area's signature sight. The two nearest can be reached by swimming, kayak (rental ≈ 1,000 ALL/hour), or SUP board. The two further islands require a water taxi (≈ 500–1,000 ALL). The islands offer rocks, small beaches, and snorkelling. The water between shore and islands is lagoon-like: shallow, warm, and clear to the bottom.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Islands – 4 uninhabited islands 50–200 m offshore; the nearest are swimmable

Sand – white fine sand, a rarity in Albania where most beaches are pebbly

Water – turquoise, clear, shallow near shore – suitable for children

Proximity to Butrint – 4 km from Butrint National Park (UNESCO site)

Season – swimming season June–September, water temperature 22–26°C

History

Past & Present

Until the 1990s, Ksamil was an isolated fishing village – southern Albania's coastline was closed to foreigners under Enver Hoxha's regime. After the fall of communism in 1991, the area gradually opened to tourism. The first hotels and restaurants appeared in the 2000s as Albania began attracting international travellers with low prices and unspoiled coastline.

In the 2010s, Ksamil experienced a tourism boom – photos of its turquoise waters went viral on social media, earning the village the "Albanian Maldives" nickname. Hotel and beach bar construction continues to this day. In recent years, overcrowding has become an issue: in July–August, beaches are packed with sunbeds, prices rise, and free space virtually disappears. In parallel, infrastructure has improved – the road from Saranda was upgraded, regular buses and water taxis to the islands were introduced.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Beaches: Free entry (beaches are technically public).

Sunbeds:

2 sunbeds + umbrella: 1,000–3,000 ALL (≈ $10–30/€10–30) per day

Premium spots (front row, cabanas): up to 7,000 ALL (≈ $70/€70)

Book the day before in peak season – spots fill by 10:00 AM

Water activities:

Kayak: ≈ 1,000 ALL/hour

SUP board: ≈ 1,000–1,500 ALL/hour

Water taxi to far islands: 500–1,000 ALL

Jet ski: from 5,000 ALL/30 min (check conditions carefully!)

Dining on the beach:

Fish lunch at a beachfront restaurant: 800–2,000 ALL (≈ $8–20/€8–20)

Cocktails: 500–900 ALL (≈ $5–9/€5–9)

Rules & Restrictions

Beaches are technically public, but in high season most sand is occupied by paid sunbed areas. Free towel-laying zones exist at Paradise Beach and part of Ksamil Beach 7. Water shoes recommended – some beach entries are rocky. Don't leave valuables unattended. Tap water is not safe to drink.

On-Site Facilities

On the beaches:

Restaurants and beach bars at every cove

Toilets and showers (quality varies)

Kayak, SUP board, and boat rental

Some sunbeds come with lockers

In the village:

ATMs (bring cash – not everywhere accepts cards)

Mini-markets

Pharmacy

Parking: Free on the outskirts. Near central beaches – paid, 200–500 ALL.

Connectivity: Stable 4G. Wi-Fi in most restaurants and hotels.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

From Saranda (14 km, 20–30 min):

– Bus – 100–200 ALL, every 30–60 min, stops along Ksamil's main road

– Taxi – 1,500–2,000 ALL (≈ $15–20/€15–20)

– Rental car – 15 min along SH81

From Tirana (265 km, 5–6 hours):

– Bus to Saranda – 1,500 ALL (≈ $15/€15), 4.5–5 hours, then local bus to Ksamil

– Rental car – 4–5 hours via the inland highway, or 6+ hours via the scenic Riviera route

From Corfu, Greece:

– Ferry to Saranda (25–30 min, from €25), then bus or taxi to Ksamil

When to go

Best time to visit

Season: June and September – warm water (22–25°C), moderate crowds, prices 30–40% lower. July–August is peak: hot (up to 40°C), beaches packed, sunbeds expensive.

Time of day: Arrive before 9:30 AM to claim a spot. By 11:00, central beaches are full. After 4:00 PM, the heat eases and some visitors leave.

Duration: A full beach day. Combine with a morning visit to Butrint (4 km away).

Avoid: August – maximum crowds, peak prices. November–March – most bars and restaurants closed; the village is deserted.