Guide to Ksamil 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Ksamil, Albania is gaining momentum as one of Europe’s popular beach destinations. If you’re planning a trip, this Ksamil guide will take you through everything you need to know.
I spent a week in Ksmail visiting beaches, eating seafood, and exploring the town. I have plenty of tips to pass on!
If you’re visiting Ksamil as part of a longer trip, you might like my full two-week Albania itinerary to see how it fits in.
Guide to Ksamil 2025: What to Know Before You Go
Ksamil is Albania’s number one holiday destination. After a brief off season visit, I decided to head back to Ksamil for a week to see what makes it so popular.
Like Albania in general, Ksamil is safe. Crimes against tourists are very low. I was there on my own and felt 100% secure the entire week. Female travellers overwhelmingly report feeling safe in Albania.
Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?
That depends on what you want from your Ksamil holiday, but this guide will help you decide.
If your main focus is beaches, and being on or near the water Ksamil is worth visiting. You can hit a different beach every day, hang out at beach clubs, do watersports and eat seafood by the water.
If you’re more into culture, you might not enjoy Ksamil as much. The town was only built in the 1960s and doesn’t have any museums, traditional architecture or ruins.
Personally, I find Ksamil too touristy, crowded and over-priced in summer. I prefer Himare, which is quieter and more culturally authentic.
For some people Ksamil will be a beach holiday paradise. For others (like me), one or two days to see what the fuss is about will be plenty!
Ksamil or Saranda: a Guide to Which is Better
Many first time visitors have a tough time choosing between Saranda or Ksamil. Both are hugely popular, on the Albanian Riviera, and only 14 km apart. Here’s how they differ:
- Saranda is bigger than Ksamil. Saranda is a small city, while Ksamil is a town.
- Saranda has more restaurants, hotels and things to do than Ksamil.
- Saranda has more nightlife. Ksamil has a few bars, but nothing like the late night dance clubs in Saranda.
- Ksamil’s beaches are better. There are some nice beaches outside of Saranda, but Ksamil’s best beaches are right in town.
- Ksamil is more expensive than Saranda during the summer, though both are considered costly by Albanian standards.
- Saranda is easier to get to. Ksamil is further south than Saranda and requires an additional bus or taxi to reach.
Best Time to Visit Ksamil
The best time to visit Ksamil is mid May to end of June and September. These are the shoulder seasons when the sea and weather is still good, but outside of the busiest and most expensive months.
July and August are peak season and not the best time to visit. It’s hot, crowded and expensive. If this is the only time you can go, book your hotel well in advance. Most are fully booked for the entire season.
Do not visit Ksamil off season, October through April. Ksamil is predominantly a beach resort town and almost everything shuts down off season. A few hotels and restaurants remain open, but not many. I’ve been there at the end of March, and it was deserted!
How Many Days in Ksamil?
3-5 days is good for most visitors, but it depends how many beach days you want. If you plan to visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO), or spend a day in Saranda, then add an extra day or two.
Ksamil isn’t big, and apart from the beaches there isn’t much else to do.
How to Get to Ksamil Guide
There are three ways to get to Ksamil: taxi or private transfer, bus from Tirana, Vlore or Saranda, and ferry from Corfu, Greece.
You will need cash (lek) for bus tickets and taxis. Cards are not widely accepted in Albania yet.
By Taxi or Private Transfer – easiest but most expensive
A private transfer is essentially a taxi that also does transfers. I’ve used Taxi Landi for these sorts of transfers in Albania. They’re reliable.
In the summer of 2025 airport taxis from Tirana were charging 21,000 lek ($249 USD) to drive to Ksamil. It would be about the same from Tirana centre.
Vlore is much closer to Ksamil than Tirana, so it would cost less from there.
I recently used Saranda Eco Taxi for a transfer between Saranda and Ksamil, and it cost 2500 lek ($30 USD).
By Bus from Tirana, Vlore or Saranda – cheapest option
From Tirana there is no direct bus to Ksamil. You have to take the bus to Saranda and take another one to Ksamil. The good news is if you can’t face another bus once you arrive in Saranda, you can easily take a taxi from there because Ksamil is only 14 km away.
Saranda buses leave from the South North Bus Terminal in Tirana. They run pretty much all day, and cost 1700 lek ($20 USD). The drive is 5-5.5 hours
From Vlore there are direct buses to Ksamil. Make sure you check the bus schedule on the Gjirafa Travel website, and keep in mind it may not be exact. Buses tend to leave when full.
From Saranda there are buses right to Ksamil. It takes about 30 minutes and costs 200 lek. It’s the Saranda-Ksamil-Butrint bus that leaves from Rruga Skenderbeu behind the Basilica Synagogue ruins.
This bus gets extremely crowded in summer. Try to take it early in the morning.
Check the Gjirafa Travel website for bus schedules, but keep in mind it may not be exact. Buses usually just leave when they are full.
By Ferry from Corfu, Greece – the most convenient option
There is a ferry service between Corfu, Greece and Saranda, Albania. Saranda is 14 km from Ksamil.
Considering that the Corfu airport is the closest airport to Ksamil, the Corfu to Saranda option is very convenient. Many visitors prefer this route.
To get to the international ferry terminal in Corfu from the airport, just take the Corfu airport bus or a taxi. It’s only 4 km away.
There are two types of ferries that make the Corfu to Saranda crossing: the hydrofoil (takes 30 minutes), or the traditional ferry (takes 1.5 hours). If you have a car you will have to take the slow ferry.
If travelling during summer, I recommend buying your ticket in advance on Direct Ferries. When I took this ferry it was €25 each way, but the price fluctuates.
Once you arrive in Saranda, just grab a taxi (they are always outside the port) or the bus to Ksamil. Saranda Eco Taxi charges 2500 lek ($30 USD) for Saranda to Ksamil.
Beaches in Ksamil
The beaches of Ksamil are why Ksamil is often dubbed the Maldives of Europe, and this guide covers them all. Turquoise water, white sand and beachfront restaurants, it’s no wonder this is Albania’s top beachside retreat.
There are no free beaches in Ksamil. Two sunbeds and one umbrella cost between 1000 to 3000 lek ($12 – $35 USD)/day depending on the season. Some deluxe waterfront sunbeds can cost €70/day in summer.
All the beaches are within walking distance of Ksamil’s centre.
Jonian Beach
A quieter beach located at the north end of the beach zone. I saw quite a few young families here. It’s the start of a stretch of small beaches: Sunshine Beach, Coco Beach, Kristal Beach – each operated by a different restaurant.
Mango Beach
Mango Beach is just down the road from Jonian Beach. The Mango Beach Bar is on site. You can swim to the closest of the Ksamil Islands from here, or rent a jet ski or paddle boat. Lots of water sports at this beach.
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.
Ksamil 7 Beach
Ksamil 7 Beach is on the section of coast that juts out closest to Ksamil Islands. You can swim to the nearest islet quite easily. It’s a pretty beach and very popular.
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.
Paradise 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 pebbly sand and that aquamarine water the Albanian Riviera is famous for. There’s a beach bar and restaurant on site.
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. You can rent paddle boats. There’s a beach bar and restaurant, Lori Restaurant.
What to Do in Ksamil
The beaches are the star attraction of Ksamil. But there are a few things to do besides lounging on a sunbed:
1. Do Watersports
You can rent kayaks, jet skis and paddle boats by the hour in Ksamil. I saw a lot of water sports around Mango Beach and Bora Bora Beach.
It’s even possible to kayak or jet ski to the Ksamil Islands.
2. Explore Ksamil Islands
Just off the coast is a group of 4 islets called the Ksamil Islands. All the islets are uninhabited and protected as a nature reserve, but there is a bar and sunbeds on the larger island.
Two of the islets are within swimming distance, and the other two can be reached by boat or jet ski.
⭐ Consider taking this highly rated boat tour to Tongo Island that includes lunch and snorkelling ⭐
3. See the Views of Butrint Lake
There are lovely views of Butrint Lake from the far east side of Ksamil. This is really a saltwater lagoon that is part of the Butrint National Park, but locals call it a lake.
This part of Ksamil is very quiet and residential. Walk along Rruga Ali Pasha for the best views.
4. Eat Seafood
Ksamil has amazing fresh seafood! I ate wonderful kalamari, crab and fish in Ksamil. Almost all the restaurants serve fish, but one of my favourites is Restaurant Fredi Fresh Fish.
This restaurant has a fish shop attached, so you know it’s going to be super fresh. It’s away from the main tourist zone on the east side of town. My Airbnb host recommended it.
5. Visit Butrint National Park (UNESCO)
If you only do one excursion from Ksamil, it should be Butrint National Park (UNESCO). It’s one of the most important historic sites in Albania.
Butrint is a very unique site and on the top things to see in Albania. It’s an 86 km national park that contains ancient and medieval ruins dating back to the 6th century BC. The ruins are mostly in the same area, so it’s easy to explore.
Butrint is so close to Ksamil you could walk, but a taxi or bus is easier. The bus to Butrint leaves from the bus station on SH81 across the street from Dancer’s Square beside Supermarket Gjordeni.
6. Explore Saranda
Saranda is the small seaside city 14 km north of Ksamil. You probably came through Saranda to get to Ksamil.
Saranda is the unofficial capital of the Albanian Riviera, and a nice change from Ksamil. Walk along the lively seafront promenade, watch the sunset from Lekuresi Castle or shop at the farmer’s market for souvenirs. Enjoy a meal at one of Saranda’s restaurants, before heading back to Ksamil.
To reach Saranda from Ksamil you can take the bus (there’s stops all along SH81) or a taxi.
7. Take A Day Trip to Gjirokaster (UNESCO)
Head into the mountains of Albania and visit Gjirokaster, the enchanting medieval stone city.
Gjirokaster is an old historic city, with a beautiful castle, a charming cobbled street bazaar and Ottoman era homes and buildings. It’s full of culture and Albanian authenticity.
⭐ Take this highly rated tour from Saranda to Gjirokaster that incudes the Blue Eye (Syri i Kalter)⭐
8. Take a Day Trip to Corfu, Greece
Corfu is so close to Ksamil, you could kayak there! Take the 30 minute ferry from Saranda to Corfu, and spend the day in Greece.
Corfu Town is charming and very different from Ksamil, with its beautiful Venetian architecture and lovely gardens. Make sure you have your passport and some euros.
Purchase your tickets at the Finkas ferry ticket office beside the port, or buy them online through Direct Ferries. When I did this the tickets were €5 cheaper at the Finkas office (each way).
Where to Stay in Ksamil
There are many places to stay in Ksamil. Practically every second building is a hotel or guest house.
Ksamil is divided in two by the SH81 coastal highway. The west side is the tourist zone and much busier. It’s where the beaches, and many restaurants and hotels are located. The east side is much quieter and more residential.
If you want to be close to the action, stay on the west side. If you want something quieter and don’t mind walking 10 or 15 minutes to the beach, stay on the east side.
These are my top picks for hotels in Ksamil:
Poda Boutique Hotel: Luxury seaside hotel with beach access. There’s a great beachfront restaurant, bar, beach club and beautiful swimming pool. Modern rooms start at $260 USD, including breakfast, dinner and parking. My top pick in Ksamil for a luxury resort experience.
Hotel Vathi is tucked away on a quiet street just 300 metres from the beach. Bright rooms with balconies and great views of the town start at $80 USD, including breakfast and parking. Very friendly atmosphere. This is one of my favourite mid-priced Ksamil hotels.
Galaxy Hotel: Peaceful location overlooking Butrint Lake, 1 km from the beach. Perfect hotel if you have a car and want a quiet location, away from the tourist zone. Simple but comfortable rooms start from $70 USD, including breakfast and parking. Beautiful views of Butrint Lake and a swimming pool.
Vila Sun 2e: On a tranquil street slightly up from the town center. New and spotless apartments in a cute villa with balconies, kitchens, and city views start from $30 USD, parking included. Fantastic value for holiday apartments in Ksamil.
Where & What to Eat in Ksamil
Seafood is the best thing to eat in Ksamil. It is so fresh, and a bargain compared to other Mediterranean hotspots. Also try traditional Albanian and Greek dishes.
Some of the best things to eat in Ksamil are:
- Seafood: mussels, crab, octopus, squid and fish
- Traditional Albanian food: patellxhane te mbushur (stuffed eggplant), qofte (grilled meat patties), byrek (savoury flaky pastry), moussaka (potato, eggplant and meat layered casserole)
- Albanian sweets: baklava (layered pasty of nuts with honey syrup), trilece (sponge cake soaked in milk syrup), ravani (orange semolina cake)
In Ksamil I tried to find restaurants away from the tourist zone. I always prefer to eat where the locals eat. The food and prices are usually much better. These are a few of my favourite places to eat in Ksamil:
- Garden Mix Grill: Great mix of traditional foods and seafood in a garden terrace setting. A little off the beaten trail on the east side of town.
- Basilico Restaurant: Excellent food and service. In the tourist area, but off the main road. Mix of seafood, salads, pasta and traditional dishes.
- Restaurant Fredi Fresh Fish: Seafood store with restaurant attached. Casual place with outdoor seating just off the main street on the quieter side of Ksamil.
- Bega Guesthouse Restaurant: A casual spot well away from the tourists, catering to locals. Simple but delicious home cooking for much less than the same dishes in the tourist zone.
- Pasticeri Bleta: Pastry and sweets shop. They have all sorts of desserts, coffee, gelato, byrek and serve a buffet lunch in the back. Very popular with locals. My Airbnb host’s daughter brought me here.
Things to Know Before Visiting Ksamil
Book your accommodation early. The best guest houses and hotels are fully booked all summer. Do not arrive without a reservation!
There are no free beaches in Ksamil. All of them are operated by restaurants, hotels or beach clubs. Two sunbeds and one umbrella will cost 1000 – 3000 lek ($12 – 35 USD)/day depending on the month.
It is not a budget destination. Compared to beach resorts in Italy and Greece it’s cheaper, but Ksamil is expensive by Albanian standards.
The wi-fi is not the best. I had mixed reception with my Vodafone sim, which locals all say is the best.
Credit cards and debit cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels and some restaurants.
Last Words on Guide to Ksamil 2026: What to Know Before You Go
Ksamil is one of those places that sparks a lot of opinions. Some visitors absolutely love it, others find it overrated. Just go with realistic expectations, and you’ll have a much better time.
Whether you stay a couple of days, or a week like I did, this guide to Ksamil will help you make the most of your visit.
