Ksamil Beach Guide: What to Expect in Albania’s Beach Paradise
The beaches of Ksamil are famous, often called the Maldives of Europe. I recently spent a week in Ksamil exploring the beaches during summer. It was a very different experience than when I first visited in March.
The Beaches of Ksamil
I explored all of these beaches on foot. You don’t need a car to reach any of them.
These beaches are all along the same stretch of coastline and collectively called Ksamil Beach.
Ksamil Beach has basically been divided into a lot of smaller beaches, named for the restaurant, beach club or hotel operating them. Often these beaches have been split into coves by a man-made barrier, jetty or pier.
All the beaches are similar. Just go and see which one appeals to you. You won’t have to walk far between beaches, maybe 50-100 metres.
Jonian Beach
This was the quietest beach I visited – located at the north end of the beach zone. Like all Ksamil beaches the sand is actually very fine pebbles. I saw quite a few young families here.
This stretch of beach along Bulevardi Kosova (the little road beside the water) has several small beaches: Sunshine Beach, Coco Beach, Kristal Beach – all run by different restaurants.
Just up from Jonian Beach (toward town) is where I saw the sign for €5 sunbeds – the lowest price I’ve seen anywhere in Ksamil. This was at the end of June, so it’s probably double that in July and August, but still a good deal.
Mango Beach
Mango Beach is operated by Mango Beach Bar. It’s just down from Jonian Beach past Kristal Beach, and has nice views of the Ksamil Islands.
It’s possible to swim to the closest island from Mango Beach, or you can rent a jet ski or paddle boat.
The beach is a small cove with a lot of watersports activity. Like this whole area, the sand is very fine pebbles.
Planning a longer trip to Albania? See how I fit Ksamil into this two-week highlights of Albania itinerary, with both car and bus versions.
Poda Beach
This was one of my favourite beaches in Ksamil. It was busy, but the beach was super clean and sunbeds were comfortable. They have a really nice beach bar and restaurant.
It’s just on the Bulevardi Kosova a little further down from Mango Beach.
The beach is operated by Poda Boutique Hotel, one of the best luxury places to stay in Ksamil.
Ksamil 7 Beach
This was the first beach I ever visited in Ksamil. It’s located on the section of coast that juts out closest to Ksamil Islands. You can swim to the closest islet quite easily.
Despite some reports, this beach is not free (unless you come off season). I don’t think there is one single free beach in Ksamil anymore.
Bora Bora Beach
Bora Bora Beach is the next beach down from Ksamil 7 Beach. It’s another cove shaped beach with fine pebbly sand.
There’s a bar and restaurant on the beach, and several others just steps away.
This is one of the most popular beaches and in the same area as many hotels, so it does get busy. Go early if you want to reserve a sunbed close to the water.
Paradise Beach
This is the little cove just before Lori Beach. Paradise Beach is the one that many hotels in the area tell their guests to use, so it gets very busy.
The beach has soft fine pebbly sand and that aquamarine water the Albanian Riviera is famous for. There’s a beach bar and restaurant on site.
There’s quite a big (paid) parking lot there. You can’t miss the beach – it has a huge yellow Paradise sign!
Lori Beach
Lori Beach is next to Paradise Beach. There’s a big parking lot and sign so it’s easy to find.
It’s another small cove, reasonably shallow. I saw children in the water when I was there.
You can rent paddle boats, and there were a lot of small boats anchored out by a short pier. There’s a beach bar and restaurant, Lori Restaurant.
Ksamil Islands
Just off the coast is a group of 4 islets called the Ksamil Islands.
The two closer islets are within swimming distance of several beaches. The two islets furthest out are connected by a narrow strip of sand and can be reached by boat, jetski, paddle boat or kayak.
All the islets are uninhabited and protected as a nature reserve, but there is a bar and sunbeds on the larger island.
What to Know Before You Visit the Ksamil Beaches
There are no free beaches in Ksamil. All of them are operated by restaurants, hotels or beach clubs.
Two sunbeds and one umbrella cost 1000 to 2000 lek ($12 – $23 USD) during shoulder season, and 2000 to 3000 lek ($23 – $35 USD) in July and August.
I heard of sunbeds going for €70 a day during peak season.
The beaches get very busy in summer. Go early to reserve a sunbed.
I saw lots of people walking to the beaches before 9 am. Some people were already on the beach by 8 am (but not many)!
There are parking lots near most of the beaches, but you’ll have to pay. If your hotel is not far it’s better to walk.
Most of the beaches have toilet facilities, usually tucked away behind the beach restaurant.
How to Get to Ksamil
If you’re arriving internationally, there are two main ways to get to Ksamil: from Tirana, Albania or Corfu, Greece.
Tirana to Ksamil
Tirana is Albania’s capital and where the international airport is located. From here it’s a 5 hour drive to Ksamil. You can rent a car, take a taxi directly from the airport or the bus.
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As of summer 2025 airport taxis were charging 21,000 lek ($249 USD) to Ksamil.
There is no direct bus from Tirana to Ksamil. Basically, you have to take a bus to Saranda or Vlore and then change to the bus for Ksamil.
I recommend taking the bus to Saranda instead of Vlore because these buses are more frequent, and you can easily take a taxi from Saranda to Ksamil if you want.
In summer 2025 I paid 1700 lek ($20 USD) for the Tirana to Saranda bus, and 2,500 lek ($30 USD) for a taxi from Saranda to Ksamil. I used Saranda Eco Taxi.
The Tirana to Saranda buses leave from the South North Bus Terminal. There is an airport bus that goes there. There are also several city buses that go there from Tirana centre.
If you’re arriving in Tirana, I highly recommend spending a couple of days in the capital. It’s an interesting, quirky city. Tirana is well worth visiting.
Corfu, Greece to Ksamil
A lot of visitors prefer to fly to Corfu, Greece and take the ferry to Saranda, Albania. The Corfu to Albania route is actually a pretty convenient way to get to Ksamil.
The fast ferry (hydrofoil) takes 30 minutes, and the slow ferry takes 1.5 hours. Corfu’s airport is not far from the international ferry terminal, and the Saranda port is right in town – close to the bus station as well as taxis.
When to Go to Ksamil
Ksamil is no longer a hidden gem of Albania. During peak season (July and August) it is crowded and expensive.
If at all possible, visit Ksamil during shoulder season. May, beginning of June, and September are nice. Still busy and not that cheap, but a lot better than July and August.
Off season is not a great time to visit Ksamil. Most of the town is shut down. Restaurants and hotels start to open in May, and by October things get very quiet again.
A good alternative to Ksamil in peak season is Himare. Himare is quieter and less commercialized than Ksamil.
Where to Stay in Ksamil
During the summer there are numerous places to stay in Ksamil. Everything from rooms in private homes to 4 star hotels. Every second building is some kind of tourist accommodation.
However, do not arrive without a reservation in peak season. Even during shoulder season the best places are fully booked.
Ksamil is not big. Unless you are staying outside of town, you will always be able to walk to the beaches and restaurants.
These are my favourite places to stay:
Best budget: Vila Sun 2e
Best mid-priced: Emar Beachfront Hotel
Best luxury: Poda Boutique Hotel
Best for families: Ori Mare Hotel
Best quiet location: Galaxy Hotel
Best close to the action: Koko Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions about Ksamil Beaches
That really depends on if you want a quiet beach or a lively beach with music. I like Jonian Beach for a more quiet location, and Poda Beach for a lively atmosphere. Both are very nice.
Yes, you can swim to the closest of the Ksamil Islands from several beaches, like Ksamil Beach 7 and Poda Beach.
Compared to other major Mediterranean beach destinations, Ksamil is not expensive. Compared to the rest of Albania, Ksamil is expensive. Ksamil is not the cheap holiday destination it is sometimes made out to be.
Ksamil is worth visiting if you want a lively beach holiday with lots of restaurants, hotels and bars. It is not a quiet, off the beaten path beach resort town anymore.
Last Words on Ksamil Beach Guide: What to Expect in Albania’s Beach Paradise
The beaches of Ksamil are beautiful, and there’s plenty of hotels and restaurants.
Personally, Ksamil is not my cup of tea – it’s just to commercialized for me. But if you’re looking for a lively beach vacation with lots of restaurants, bars and activity Ksamil is perfect.
