Just a stone’s throw away from Greece, Ksamil is a tiny beach town surrounded by clear blue waters, but with budget friendly prices. I’ve heard it being called the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera, and with its stunning beauty and Greek vibes, it’s easy to understand why.
During my time in the bustling beach getaway, I realized there were so many things to do. I explored beautiful beaches, daydreamed about Greek Mythology while visiting ancient ruins, and ditched the sandals for some awesome hiking.
With so many great memories from Ksamil, I figured the best thing to do was share some of the area’s highlights with you!
So here we go.
These are 7 awesome things to do in the scenic town of Ksamil, Albania…
Enjoy the view from Ksamil Beach
If you look at pictures of Ksamil, you’ll most surely see the view from a skinny dock stretching out into turquoise waters. This is Ksamil’s main beach, and it’s as pretty in person as it is in the pictures.
The whole beach is made out of fine sand (as far as the Mediterranean goes) that runs in a half circle around beach bars and cafes. There are tons of fun activities to do here, but you’ll undoubtedly end up looking out onto the dazzling waters surrounding Corfu and Ksamil’s four islands.
Check out the four islands
You can’t mention Ksamil’s main beach without talking about the four islands directly in eyesight. All are tiny and uninhabited, full of trees and patches of sand.
They might not have anyone living there, but it doesn’t mean you can’t visit them. The closest two are within swimming distance, and the third and fourth are easy to get to by water taxi.
I suggest not skipping out on the furthest islands, as they have a proper beach connecting them, where you can lounge around and soak up the sun.
If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can explore the islands by paddle boat and kayak.
Explore Ksamil’s lesser known beaches
If you’ve read my Ksamil beach guide article, you’ll know that it is an area full of unique beaches. You could spend weeks here, going to a different beach everyday.
If you are in a camper van, there are multiple spots to sleep while listening to the calm crash of water on rock. There are beaches where you can rent jet skis. Places specifically meant for watching the entrancing multicolored sunset. Quiet beaches only accessible by foot, and rocky coves full of skipping stones.
I could keep going, but I think you get the point!
There are so many great spots to explore and escape the crowds of the main beach.
Hike from Monastery Beach back to Ksamil
Those of you excited by nature will love the hike from Monastery Beach back to Ksamil’s town center. The trek is around 5 miles and takes you along part of Albania’s gorgeous southern coast.
You’ll walk past a beautiful unused monastery that stands on top of a hill, looking out on the Mediterranean. Weave through bushes reminiscent of California’s central coast. Pass lesser explored beaches that can only be accessed by foot (I suggest cooling off at one of these during the hotter months).
Finally, you’ll end up strolling through an olive orchard before heading back to Ksamil.
To get to the starting point, hop on the bus toward Saranda, and ask the driver to drop you off at Monastery Beach. The one way journey will cost you 100 Lek.
Once you’re at the stop, head up the hill instead of down to the beach. There is a single rugged path that leads to the top where the monastery stands. From there, follow the tracks and roads along the coastline to get back to Ksamil.
Visit Butrint National Park
No trip to Ksamil is complete without visiting the historic Butrint National Park. One of my favorite places in all of Albania, Butrint consists of the remains from an ancient Greek, and later, Roman city.
Caesar himself played a huge part in the once flourishing town back in 44 BC. The theater and many of the gates are well preserved, as are the structures built upon the land during the reign of the Byzantine empire.
The price for the park is 1000 Lek, which includes entrance to Butrint’s museum. There are dozens of old tools, coins, and statues in the enlightening exhibition.
Informative signs are scattered across the whole national park. They will give you an idea of how important the area was throughout history, including its natural healing properties. It might not have to do with Butrint’s history, but an added benefit is that the majority of the area is shaded.
This makes it an ideal place to learn some interesting things while beating the blazing Albanian heat.
Check out Ali Pasha’s island castle
On the way to Butrint National Park is a trail leading to a more recently built fortress. The notorious Ali Pasha had castles throughout most of the country. He seemed to love places that were difficult to get to, and this is no different.
The Ali Pasha Castle is on a sliver of land surrounded by water in the middle of an inlet. You can hike here on a dirt and gravel road that leads to an old abandoned Venetian villa.
Just some artwork on Albania’s famous bunkers. Ali Pasha’s Castle is in the background.
I don’t want to confuse you, you can’t actually walk to the castle. The closest you can get (unless you talk a local fisherman into taking you) is about 100 meters away. It’s a nice place to have a picnic, though.
Sitting beside the water, you’ll find yourself surrounded by bunkers covered in colorful graffiti. The view of the mysterious abandoned castle and Corfu’s green hills appearing from the water makes it a very serene setting.
Take a trip into Saranda
Just a quick bus ride from Ksamil is the tourist town of Saranda. It’s full of excellent restaurants and rocky beaches. Ferries from Corfu come and go, and you really feel the fast paced energy of a port town.
You can watch the sunset at Lekursi Castle or see the ruins of the 40 Saints Monastery. Have a delicious seafood lunch or enjoy a coffee while watching the sailboats. Whichever you choose, Saranda is a nice change of pace from the lazy beaches of Ksamil.
In the end, I hope this article gave you a bit of travel inspiration. I really just wanted to share, what about Ksamil made it one of the highs of my trip to the severely underrated Mediterranean country.
Next time you’re in Albania (or Corfu), I encourage you to give the little beach town a visit!
