Ksamil is often called the crown jewel of the Albanian Riviera and with its picturesque beaches and Greek vibes, it’s easy to understand why.
The tiny beach town is situated in southern Albania and is surrounded in all directions by clear blue waters. Just a stone’s throw away from Greece, it’s known for its stunning beauty and, at least relative to other European beach towns, budget-friendly prices.
On my visit to Ksamil, I explored beautiful beaches, daydreamed about Greek Mythology while visiting ancient ruins, and ditched my sandals for some incredible hikes! I have a ton of amazing memories from Albania’s bustling beach town.
Here are some things to do in Ksamil to help you make your visit a fantastic one.
ENJOY THE VIEW FROM KSAMIL BEACH
If you’ve seen pictures of Ksamil, there’s a high chance you’ve seen a skinny dock stretching out into hypnotic turquoise waters. This is the town’s main beach, and it’s as pretty in person as it is in photos.
The sandy shore runs in a half circle on the outer edge of a tiny peninsula. On the inside looking out, you’ll find numerous bars and cafes offering cool refreshments and an escape from the sun. The view from Ksamil Beach looks at the popular “Four Islands” and the dazzling waters surrounding them. In the distance, the Greek island of Corfu appears like a floating giant.
There are a number of activities to do along the coast here. Paddle boat and kayak rentals line the beach and the calm Mediterranean Sea is perfect for snorkeling. Boat taxis often stop by, offering lifts to some of the area’s other beaches.
If you’re in for more of a relaxing time, you can join the bevy of sunbathers. It’s Europe after all, so you’ll find rows of neatly organized sun umbrellas at your convenience.
CHECK OUT THE FOUR ISLANDS
It’s hard to talk about Ksamil’s main beach without also mentioning the ever-popular Four Islands. The two simply go hand in hand. From just about everywhere on the main shore you’ll have the protruding islands within eyesight.
All of them are tiny, uninhabited, and full of trees and patches of sand. Despite this, they’re all easily accessible. The closest two islands are just a short swim away. If you feel comfortable in the water, there won’t be a problem navigating the shallow waters to explore them.
The further “two” would be more of a struggle to reach. I quote the two because they are actually connected by a strip of sand. Unless you’re a competitive swimmer, I’d stick to renting a kayak or paddleboat or hopping on the steady stream of boat taxis. With that being said, the outermost islands are definitely worth the visit. There is a proper stretch of beach where you can lounge and soak up the sun.
Tour | If you’re feeling extra adventurous, there’s a highly-rated paddleboard tour that focuses on discovering the Ksamil Islands.
EXPLORE THE LESSER-KNOWN BEACHES IN KSAMIL
You could spend weeks in Ksamil, going to a different beach daily. There are just so many options at your disposal. From alluring white sand stretches to hidden rocky coves, every beach has something unique about it.
If you’re in a camper van, there are multiple places to sleep while listening to the slow sway of the sea as it gently crashes against the rocky shore. There are spots where you can zip around on rented jet skis, and those specifically meant for watching the chromatic sunset. Concealed inlets offer an escape from the crowds and steep paths lead down to the water along hiking paths.
I think you’re getting the point. There are tons of choices!
Want to find out which is right for you? Have a look at my “Short Guide to Ksamil Beaches” article. It goes into detail about the beaches in Ksamil and its surrounding area.
HIKE FROM MONASTERY BEACH TO KSAMIL
Your first stop on this hike is the Monastery of Saint George, an often closed Orthodox complex that inspired the name of the beach below it. Even if the doors are locked when you arrive, you’ll still have the chance to explore the exterior grounds. The property offers fantastic views of the Mediterranean and an aerial view of Monastery Beach.
As you head south towards Ksamil, you’ll weave through bushes reminiscent of California’s central coast. You’ll also pass some of the lesser-explored beaches from the “Beach Guide of Ksamil” I mentioned above. Most are only accessible by foot but provide a way to cool off during the warmer months.
Sometimes you need a break from all the seaside activities. That’s where the hike from Monastery Beach back to Ksamil’s town center comes in. The trek is around 5 miles and takes you along part of Albania’s gorgeous southern coast.
The hike itself can take you as little as 1 ½ hours. However, what makes it such a special walk are the sights along the way. I suggest taking your time and following some of the paths that veer off towards the sea.
From north to south, the beaches that appear on the coastal walk are…
Edon-Bina Beach | A formerly wild beach that is in the process of being privatized.
Beach of Mirrors (Plazhi i Pasqyrave) | Pebble beach which is adorned with sunbeds and umbrellas during the summer months.
Cave of Pigeons (Shpella e Pëllumbave) | A short but steep walk down from the trail. In the offseason, the beach feels on the wilder side, but like most places here in the summer, there are paid seating options.
Seagull Beach (Pulëbardha Beach) | Pretty beach with a restaurant and sunbeds. It’s surrounded by cliffsides that plunge into the sea.
Map Bay (Gjiri i Hartës) | Large rock beach, with a restaurant, sun chairs, and umbrellas. It’s easily accessible from Ksamil.
After you pass all the beaches you’ll stroll through an olive orchard before heading back to Ksamil. The last bit of trail is along a concrete path that people often walk along at sunset.
Start of the hike | The start of the trail is just a few steps from the entrance to Monastery Beach. From here, head up the hill instead of down to the beach. There is a single rugged path leading to the top where the monastery stands. From there, follow the tracks and roads along the coastline to get 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. Of course, you can also enjoy the hike in reverse, at which point you can wave the bus heading towards Ksamil down along the main road.
VISIT BUTRINT NATIONAL PARK
A trip to Ksamil isn’t complete without visiting the spectacular Butrint National Park. It’s one of my favorite places in all of Albania and consists of the remains of an ancient Greek, and later, Roman city. The history runs deep here, with Caesar himself playing a huge part in the once-flourishing town back in 44 BC.
Butrint’s breathtaking theater and many of the gates are surprisingly well preserved. The same can be said about the structures built during the reign of the Byzantine Empire. This is one of the main reasons Butrint became one of Albania’s few UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
While the ancient theater captures the imagination of most, there are plenty of other sights to keep you busy. The temple next to the theater is highlighted by its pond of turtles, with dozens of little guys gliding around.
Following along the path you’ll come to a Baptistery that once displayed gorgeous mosaics. Due to the seasonal rise and fall of the lagoon, the pavement has been preserved elsewhere. Nearby is the Great Basilica with its organized archways, and beyond that the giant entryway known as Lion’s Gate.
Your final stop in Butrint will be the Venetian Castle and the small historical museum connected. From here you’ll have excellent views of the surrounding nature. Throughout the whole park, informative signs are scattered, sharing knowledge of the area, including its natural healing properties. The whole site is perfect to escape the scorching Albanian sun, with a shaded forest covering pathways and non-excavated land.
Entrance | The price for Butrint National Park is 1000 Lek, which includes entrance to Butrint’s museum. There are dozens of old tools, coins, and statues in the enlightening exhibition.
After finishing the park, hop on a ferry across Lake Butrint. You’ll find the Triangle Castle, another Venetian fortress with a more untouched feel there.
HAVE A LOOK AT ALI PASHA’S ISLAND CASTLE
On the way to Butrint National Park, you’ll find a trail leading to the Forgotten House (maps). From here, you’ll get a direct view of Ali Pasha’s Island Castle.
The notorious Ali Pasha had castles and structures named after him all throughout Albania. And, by the look of things, he loved places that were difficult to reach. This castle is no different.
Just some artwork on Albania’s famous bunkers. Ali Pasha’s Castle is in the background.
Perching on a sliver of land, Ali Pasha’s Castle is surrounded by water in the middle of an inlet. While you can’t reach the castle by foot, you can get awfully close by following a dirt and gravel road leading to the previously mentioned Venetian villa known as Forgotten House.
If you really want to explore the miniature island and the disregarded castle, you have two options. The first is waving down a local fisherman and negotiating safe transport to the island. The second, and easier option is to rent a boat (or kayak) near the ferry dock in Butrint. It’s a short ride up the waterway and a quick walk around the castle itself.
Even if you don’t make it to Ali Pasha’s Castle, the area near the abandoned villa is a nice area to relax. Bring a small picnic, nestle beside the water, and have a wander around colorful graffiti-spattered bunkers along the way. The view of the mysterious abandoned castle and Corfu’s green hills appearing behind it makes a very serene setting.
MORE ALI PASHA SPOTS AROUND ALBANIA:
TAKE A TRIP TO SARANDA
Just a quick bus ride from Ksamil is the tourist town of Sarandë. There’s a high chance you’ll have to go through it one way or another. It’s essentially the gateway to Ksamil, at least from Albania.
Trip | The bus you’ll take to and from Sarandë is the same one I mentioned during the Monastery Beach section. The cost is 100 Lek each way.
The city itself is full of excellent restaurants and rocky beaches. Ferries from Corfu come and go, and you can feel the fast-paced energy of a port town. The marina is a lovely place to have a stroll, and the untamed hillsides are perfect for panoramic pictures. Delight in a delicious seafood lunch or enjoy a coffee while watching the sailboats drift by. Whichever you choose, Sarandë is a nice change of pace from the lazy beaches of Ksamil.
I recommend heading up to Lekursi Castle for sunset. The numerous lookouts from the wall share a magnificent scenic view that extends towards Ksamil. Nearby are the ruins of the 40 Saints Monastery, an Eastern Orthodox church complex devastated during WWII, and other more recent events.
Sarandë is also the place you’ll head to if you want to discover other fun close-by destinations…
OTHER DAY TRIPS FROM KSAMIL
The southern part of Albania is commonly referred to as “Greek Albania” and it is definitely worth seeing!
Sarandë is the unofficial hotspot here, but there are a host of other really cool areas just a short ride away. Here are a few options I think are within a reasonable distance, and therefore, worth visiting as a day trip from Ksamil.
If you’re looking to get to some of these places on your own, I suggest reading my Albania Bus Article. Transport can get a little wonky here, but it’s doable. In the article, I share most of the common routes and schedules.
Alternatively, you can combine a few of these by taking a combination tour from Sarandë.
Gjirokaster | The hilltop UNESCO city of Gjirokaster is absolutely gorgeous. With its picture-perfect stone houses, romantic bazaar, and well-preserved castle, it makes for an iconic trip from Ksamil. About 2 hours inland by bus, Gjirokaster is a way to escape the coastal crowds for the day. Some other unique spots worth checking out are the Gjirokaster Cold War Tunnel and Ali Pasha’s Bridge.
The Blue Eye | Almost exactly at the halfway point from Sarandë to Gjirokaster is the magnificent Blue Eye. One of the most visited natural attractions in Albania, the icy blue waters that form the eye are a sight to behold. The natural spring offers a small swimming area, where temperatures stay cool year-round.
If you want to combine the Blue Eye and sunset at Lekursi Castle, you can have a look at this tour here. For a similar tour with the addition of Gjirokaster, check here.
Albanian Riviera | If you’re on a road trip or plan on renting a car in Albania, the rest of the Riviera is an option for you too. Within 2 hour’s drive, you’ll find some marvelous beach towns.
The closest to Sarandë in the south is Borsh, which sports a massive stretch of beach. North of there is the charming town of Himarë, with its craggy cliffs and hidden beaches. The castle ruins offer magnificent views, and the seafood here is some of the best I’ve ever had. Between the two towns, I recommend stopping over at Porto Palermo Castle.
The furthest north I’d suggest going would be Dhermi. It’s a beautiful town known for the incredible Drymades Beach and dreamlike sunsets. The Mill’s Trail here is worth the trek and the hillside old town will make you think you’re holidaying on a Greek island. Smack in between Dhermi and Himarë you’ll find the rugged Gjipe Canyon and Gjipe Beach.
Corfu | It’s hard not to mention Corfu when talking about Ksamil. You can see the Greek island from pretty much everywhere in town. If you want to explore another country while visiting Albania, you’re in luck. Ferries run often between Sarandë and Corfu, especially during the European summer months. If you want to check out prices and schedules you can have a look on the Finikas Lines website. The ferry ride is under an hour, but you’ll have to take into account waiting times at the port.
Remember, this trip is technically a border crossing, so make sure you have all the correct documentation before leaving Sarandë. If you need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone. you’ll have to also have that in order to make the crossing.
In the end, I hope this article gives you a little bit of travel inspiration. I wanted to share what made Ksamil one of the highs of my trip to Albania. Next time you’re in the lovely country (or Corfu for that matter), I encourage you to give the little beach town a visit!
WHERE TO STAY IN KSAMIL
- Vila Enxhi | Budget-friendly apartments with great offseason deals. My partner and I enjoyed a week-long stay here.
- Blue Eye Hotel | Beautiful hotel with a pool
- Dine Apartments | Renovated apartments with a view
- Hotel Meta Ksamil | Family-run hotel
For more options, you can check here.
