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Albanian Riviera

Ksamil Travel Guide

Albania's most famous beaches. Caribbean-coloured water, tiny islands you can swim to, and crowds to match in high season.

  • Beach holidays
  • Clear water and snorkelling
  • Couples
  • Butrint day trip

Updated 1 September 2026

Turquoise shallow water and the small islands off Ksamil beach
Time needed
2 to 3 days
From Sarandë
20 min by bus (~€1)
Sunbed + umbrella
€10 to €30 per day
Best months
late May, June, September

Ksamil is a small village on a peninsula south of Sarandë, opposite Corfu, with the clearest water in Albania and a string of tiny beaches facing three little islands. It became famous fast, and it shows: beach bars now cover most of the sand, and in August it feels like one big pool party.

The trick is timing. Go in June or September and it is still one of the best beach spots in the Mediterranean for the money.

Beaches

The main beaches in the village are small, sandy and packed with sunbeds. Walk south or rent a pedal boat and the crowds thin out. Pulëbardha and Mirror Beach, back towards Sarandë, are worth a morning if you have transport.

Where to stay

Ksamil is mostly apartments and small family hotels, many within a few minutes’ walk of the water. It is a short-stay place: two or three nights is plenty unless you just want to lie on a beach.

Costs, safety & planning

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Ksamil guides & comparisons

Ksamil: common questions

Are Ksamil beaches free?
Some public sections exist, but most of the good sand is covered by paid sunbeds from beach bars. Expect €10 to €30 for two beds and an umbrella depending on the bar and the month. Bring a towel and swim from the rocks if you want it free.
Is Ksamil overrated?
In August, arguably yes: it is crowded and expensive. In June or September, no: the water really is that colour and the small beaches feel like the Greek islands without the ferry.
Can I do Ksamil without a car?
Yes. Buses run from Sarandë along the coast to Ksamil and Butrint every 30 to 60 minutes in summer. Within Ksamil everything is walkable.

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The busy hub of the southern coast. Ferries from Corfu, a long seafront promenade and the best base for Ksamil, Butrint and the Blue Eye.

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Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian. A big seaside city, ferries from Italy and the start of the spectacular Llogara Pass road.

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The Ionian coast from the Llogara Pass to Ksamil. Clear water, mountain villages above the sea and one of Europe's best coastal drives.