Ksamil Albania: Hype or Paradise? Know Before You Go

Ksamil Albania the good and the bad

The Ksamil beaches picture-perfect, right? That is what the internet wants you to think. But in reality? We were glad we had only booked two nights before heading north for better beaches.

I’m convinced our timing ruined it. We visited in August, peak season when Ksamil turns into a chaotic mess of sunbeds crammed together, overpriced restaurants, and blaring music. In our experience, the so-called ‘Maldives of Europe’ was nowhere to be seen.

If someone raves about Ksamil Albania, they either were just looking for a beach club holiday and a tan, or they probably went in June, September, or October, when the crowds are gone.

So, why even write about it? We don’t want you to be disappointed. We’ll keep it real and tell you the good, the bad, and the outright frustrating so you can decide if Ksamil is worth it.

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Is Ksamil Albania Worth Visiting?

Short answer: It depends.

Ksamil Albania is worth visiting if you’re after white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and a laid-back holiday. Ksamil has its moments. But you might want to reconsider if you hate crowds, inflated prices, and resorts that feel like they belong in an overhyped Instagram ad.

Ksamil is part of the Albanian Riviera, a region gaining popularity for its affordability compared to Greece and Italy. Located in the south west of the country, it’s surrounded by the Ionian Sea, known for its blue water. But here’s the thing: what looks like paradise online can be a tourist trap in high season.

So when is Ksamil worth visiting? The best time to visit Ksamil Albani, if at all, is early morning in June, September, or October. That’s when the beaches are quieter, the sun isn’t scorching, and you won’t feel like a sardine on a sunbed.

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What is Ksamil Town Like?

So what about Ksamil Town? Well, let’s say it’s not exactly bursting with charm. It’s primarily accommodations (lots of them), new ones popping up like mushrooms, plus a string of restaurants.

If you’re into shopping, brace yourself—there’s none—unless you count supermarkets and those little beach stalls that look like they haven’t sold anything for years.
It’s functional, not picturesque. But hey, it does the job if you only need a place to sleep between beach days.

During our time in Ksamil, Albania, we never had a single bad experience with the locals. Whether at restaurants, finding our accommodation, or on the beaches, everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. They also spoke excellent English.

We’ve heard stories of rude service, but those probably came from the trendy beach clubs where you pay a fortune for food that tastes like nothing and get treated like it’s a privilege just to be allowed in.

And heaven forbid you show up looking like you’re actually going to the beach instead of a high-end fashion show because, apparently, a swimsuit alone doesn’t cut it.

It’s clear that Western and Eastern Europe have totally different beach culture expectations. One side embraces sandy toes and salty hair, while the other seems to be competing for the next cover of a fashion magazine.

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Beaches in Ksamil Albania

Curious, we asked the owner of our accommodation, “Are Ksamil beaches public?” Technically, yes. But in reality? Not really.

Most of the coastline is dominated by beach bars renting out sunbeds, meaning you must be ready to pay. The few public beaches that do exist are small and lack any authentic charm. If you don’t mind paying, you’ll find a comfortable place to lounge much easier.

Ksamil has several beaches, which you can find by taking the little streets from the main road. Initially, we were confused about which beach we had stumbled upon, thinking we had found the famous one everyone raved about. We only realised it was just a random beach on the edge of town.

So, if you have a beach you really want to visit, make sure to check Google Maps for its exact location. While they initially look quite close to each other, sometimes you need to drive a bit down from the main road to get to the beach.

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Monastery Beach

Once we had dropped our bags at our accommodation, we headed straight to Monastery Beach, often listed as one of the best in Ksamil. It’s a bit out of town, but we arrived quickly with the motor scooters we rented earlier in Sarandë.

Or so we thought. A wrong turn landed us on a rugged off-road trail, where I lost grip of my motorscooter and started questioning whether we were on a scenic detour or just lost.

Then, I glanced over my shoulder and spotted a stunning little beach, surely Monastery Beach, I thought.

My excitement lasted about three seconds until I noticed the construction site. A massive resort had taken over, and as we returned to the main road, we saw the trucks, building materials, and the “No Entry” sign. Monastery Beach is no more.

Plazi I Pasqyrave

Determined to find an alternative, we headed to Plazhi i Pasqyrave. A small fee of 500 LEK (a late-day discount!) granted us access. We grabbed a sunbed, swam in the gorgeous sea, and climbed up for a better view.

While the rows of sunbeds did obstruct the beach’s natural beauty, we had a moment of genuine holiday bliss.

Paradise Beach

Our accommodation host recommended Paradise Beach for its decent public area, so we checked it out. Upon arrival, we quickly realized ‘public’ meant a sad little strip of sand squeezed between two beach clubs while the rest of the coastline was drowning in rented sun loungers.

At that point, we decided to embrace the Ksamil experience and rent two sunbeds for 2000 LEK. Maybe we’d finally understand what everyone was raving about.

But as we settled in, we noticed something odd—why did the sand feel so off? It turns out that Ksamil’s ‘white sand’ isn’t natural. It is crushed river sediment brought in to give it that Maldives aesthetic. And, as with many human attempts to outsmart nature, it harms the local ecosystem—all for the sake of Instagram photos. Haven’t we learned anything from past tourism disasters?

The crowd was mixed, with a majority from the Balkans. We had a great time people-watching: families and kids splashing in the water, fruit sellers strolling along in flip-flops, offering fresh-cut fruit. It was a slice of genuine beach life.

In stark contrast, the neighbouring luxury beach club had a young woman at the entrance explaining the “rules” and entrance fees—500 LEK per person, no outside food or drinks.

We watched as some hopeful beachgoers turned away, clearly unimpressed, while others glided in, possibly more interested in being seen than actually enjoying the beach.

Lori Beach

Nearby Paradise Beach, you’ll find another so-called hidden gem: Lori Beach. I think I need to redefine my understanding of ‘hidden’ because from where we were sitting, it looked just as packed, if not more, with boats constantly coming and going.

That said, it did have some vegetation along the shoreline, making it slightly more charming than Paradise Beach, which was wedged against a vast parking area.

Pema e Thate

After a couple of hours, we got restless. We were on a mission to find a quiet beach somewhere far away from the crowds. Scouring Google Maps, we stumbled upon Pema e Thate, which is way south of Ksamil. There were no restaurants, no big resorts. Surely, this was it.

We climbed hills, bumped along dirt roads, and finally rolled into a parking lot, which, unfortunately, was completely full. Not a great sign.

We hiked down to the beach, our excitement quickly fading out. Same scene (less crowded, though), different location: sunbeds for rent, crowded shoreline, and not a square inch of shade to claim without paying for it.

Not wanting to pay another 2000 LEK for two sun loungers, we threw in the towel (figuratively, not literally—we still had them in our bag) and turned back to town.

Driving back through what felt like a no-man’s-land, I couldn’t help but wonder—how long until this is fully built up as well? Give it a few years, and I bet it will all be another area full of accommodation and restaurants.

Mango Beach

The next day, we drove south along the coast, stopping at random beaches along the way. Google Maps did not show beach names, but there were sun loungers and a few beach bars.

We pulled over near Mango Beach Bar. It was considerably quieter here. The sunbeds were basic, and there was no heavy music playing. I’m not sure if it was because it was still morning or if this part was just more quiet than the area we visited the day before. There were kayaks for rent here. We considered renting one but then decided to continue exploring.

Ksamil 7 Beach

Soon, we found ourselves on a busy street packed with cars, restaurants, and beach terraces. Parking our motor scooters, we wandered onto the beach through one of the restaurants.

Then we saw it—a tiny island right in front of the coast. That’s when it hit us: we had found Ksamil 7 Beach.

We stood there, genuinely confused. We could only wonder: is this what people travel for? Why would anyone want to spend their precious vacation days here?

Instead of lounging on another rented sunbed, our son spotted an enormous inflatable water park floating in the sea. He begged to go. Thankfully, Matt was up for it, so I used the opportunity to find a nice place to drink.

After passing multiple spots charging €10 for a cocktail, I finally found a place off the beach—a no-frills, traditional Albanian restaurant where I could sip something reasonably priced and regain my sanity.

Alternative Quiet Beach

After spending the day at an overcrowded beach and navigating chaotic, jam-packed streets, we suddenly remembered a beach we had passed when first arriving in Ksamil and again earlier that day. It had looked empty both times, so we figured it was worth a shot.

As many people had already packed up and left late in the afternoon, we arrived to find peace and quiet. The sunbed rental was 800 LEK, but we got a discount again thanks to our habit of arriving late.

The beach was small, possibly due to high tide, and the waves were stronger than we had seen elsewhere. It wasn’t ideal for swimming, and there was no white sand, but after the madness of Ksamil’s main beaches, it felt like an oasis.

Sitting there, watching the sunset over the Ionian Sea, we realized that sometimes the best beaches are the ones you stumble upon by chance.

Suppose you’re looking for a break from Ksamil’s tourist frenzy. In that case, this beach near the town entrance is a great alternative, especially if you time it right and show up after most people have left.

So what are the best beaches in Ksamil?

We truly did our best to find a wonderful beach for our stay in Ksamil. We made the most of it, enjoying sunsets, the water, and touring around. Unfortunately, we can not list the best beaches.

And they don’t look that much different. So if you go in the low season, when the sense of the Maldives of Europe might be evident, it doesn’t really matter which one you go to. They all look the same; some have whiter beaches, but the water is stunning, like the whole of the Albanian Riviera.

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches, we suggest getting your own wheels and heading to beaches past Sarandë. Even these beaches far north are packed with sun beds, and the beautiful Dhermi reminded us of Ksamil. Read our visit to Dhermi Beach here if you want to know more.

We had a wonderful experience at Borsh Beach and Lukove Beach. These beaches are low-key. However, they are not as lively as Ksamil, so double-check if they are interesting to you.

Read more in this post on how to make your visit to Albania worth it.

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Things to do in Ksamil Albania (besides the beach)

Ksamil Islands

The Ksamil Islands are small, uninhabited islands just off the coast of the area. They are one of the main attractions.

You can reach them by kayak, paddleboat, or by hiring a small boat from the main beach. The islands offer crystal-clear waters, making them a great place to swim or snorkel. However, expect them to be busy during the high season, so if you want that ‘deserted island’ feel, go early in the morning or off-season.

Ksamil Albania Nightlife

Nightlife in Ksamil is pretty laid-back. Unlike its more party-focused neighbour, Sarandë, Ksamil is more about enjoying drinks with a view rather than wild beach parties.

There are a few good bar options, particularly in the central area, where you can enjoy cocktails with a seaside backdrop. Expect some bars to play loud music, but if you’re looking for a clubbing scene, you’re better off heading to Sarandë for the night.

Butrint

Just a short drive from Ksamil, Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers an incredible mix of history and nature.

First mentioned in the 6th century BC as a harbor along the Straits of Corfu, Butrint is situated close to strategically important Corfu Town. Originally a part of Corfu, Butrint became a Roman-administered province in 167 BC.

The earliest structures were a sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, followed by the construction of a defensive wall whose remains can still be seen today. Over time, Butrint evolved into a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing.

In the 1st century BC, wealthy Romans began developing the area. They erected statues, established shops, built a bathhouse, and constructed an aqueduct. Butrint flourished as a prosperous city with fountains, mosaic floors, and villas. The remains are still visible by boat today.

The castle, which now houses a museum, was built in the 13th century to protect the city against attackers. For those looking to learn more about this historical site, the Butrint Foundation provides detailed information.

The ancient city ruins, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the water, make for a fantastic day trip. Some say a 3 hour visit is enough, history lovers will need much more then that.

It’s an easy and worthwhile excursion, so much so that it might just justify spending a night or two in Ksamil. Local buses leave from Ksamil to Butrint National Park.

Day Trip to Blue Eye

If you need a break from the coastline, the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a must-see natural wonder. This deep, crystal-clear spring, with its intense shade of blue, looks almost unreal.

The natural spring is an unusual sight, and the journey to the National Park and the park is equally worth your time. The drive offers stunning mountain views, while the park offers hikes near the lake, green vegetation, and beautiful rivers.

Want to know more about visiting the Blue Eye? Plan your visit here.

Day Trip to Gjirokastër

If you’re already heading towards the Blue Eye, why not continue to Gjirokastër? This UNESCO-listed town is known for its Ottoman-style houses, stone streets, and a dramatic hilltop castle with stunning views. You can easily visit the Blue Eye and Gjirokastër in one day for a mix of nature and culture.

Or, to fully appreciate it, spend a night in a traditional Ottoman house and explore the town at more relaxing pace.

Drive to Himarë & Beach Hop Back Down

If you’re up for an adventure, drive north to Himarë and explore some of Albania’s most beautiful beaches on your way back. Stop at Palermo Beach, Buneci Beach, Borsh Beach or Lukovë Beach. All these beaches offer pristine waters and a much more laid-back vibe compared to Ksamil.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, drive 30 minutes past Himarë to reach Gjipe Beach, one of Albania’s most difficult-to-reach beaches. This stunning secluded beach is only accessible on foot, as it is located at the end of a dramatic canyon.

That said, it’s a bit of a trek, so if you don’t feel like doing a long road trip in one day, you might consider staying a few nights in Himarë to explore the area at a relaxed pace.

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Is Ksamil safe for tourists?

Like any busy tourist destination, a crowd attracts those looking for an easy profit. We have heard about taxi scams, and honestly, taxis are always a bit dubious. Wherever we are, we always try to avoid them at all costs. But sometimes, you have no choice.

When we arrived at Sarandë ferry terminal and needed to get to our scooter rental, it cost us €15 for a 10-minute ride. Was it worth it? Not really. But with 40-degree heat, luggage, and a tired kid in tow, desperation won. The taxi driver saw his moment, and we let him have it.

That said, in Ksamil itself, we had no issues. The biggest thing to watch out for is the traffic—it can get intense, so stay alert. Also, stray dogs and cats roam the streets looking for food, and if you’re an animal lover, be prepared to fight the urge to take them all home.

On a more sobering note, we did see many children asking for money while dining along Ksamil’s main street. Sadly, this is common in parts of Southern Europe, and we encountered the same thing in Greece. It’s always a heartbreaking sight, and while some may genuinely be in need, it’s also often part of an organised effort.

As for nightlife-related safety concerns, it’s the usual deal—watch your belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t let too many cocktails cloud your judgment—nothing out of the ordinary for a popular tourist destination.

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Is Ksamil Albania Expensive?

Ksamil was our first stop in Albania, and we arrived with the idea that the country was a budget-friendly destination. While some things were indeed cheap, others surprised us.

Accommodation

Accommodation can be affordable if you only need a bed and a shower. Most budget-friendly stays are a bit far from the main street and beaches but are clean and comfortable.

If you’re dreaming of a summer beach holiday with a touch of luxury. In that case, Ksamil does offer some modern hotels with spacious rooms and great breakfast spreads for around $150 per night in high season. But before you get too excited, there’s one thing to note – except from our knowledge Hotel Denoel and Manta- there are no actual beachfront resorts here.

Unlike other destinations where your hotel sunbed is just a few steps from your breakfast buffet, Ksamil’s beaches are owned by beach clubs. This means that no matter how fancy your hotel is, you likely have to cross the street and pay separately for a sunbed. Hotel Denoel ligt aan strand

Food

The same goes for food. You can opt for the typical tourist-oriented “Traditional Albanian” restaurants, which have simple decor but good food at reasonable prices. Vegetarian dishes would be around 800LEK/€8. We usually paid around 3000LEK/€30 for lunch or dinner for the three of us.

You can go for the higher-end spots, which serve a variety of cuisines. Some are delicious, others your expectations shouldn’t be as high as their price. Prices can range from around 15000 to 2000LEK (€15-€20) per dish.

As mentioned, there are modern-looking bars where cocktails cost €20, but if you look around, you can easily find an excellent drink for half the price.

Price overview for Ksamil Albania:

• Sunbeds: 1000-3000 LEK/€10-€30 per set, depending on the beach. More at trendy beach bars. 
• Meals: A decent restaurant meal costs 1000-2500 LEK/€10-€20 per person.
• Hotels: A basic room starts at €50 per night, while beachfront accommodations can go significantly higher.
• Activities: Renting a kayak or doing any water sports will cost €15-€30 per hour.

If you’re looking to save money, staying in Sarandë and making a day trip to Ksamil is an option.

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Places to Stay in Ksamil Albania

Accommodation in Ksamil ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to modern hotels with stylish rooms and great breakfasts.

If you plan to stay in Ksamil, booking in advance for high season is highly recommended, as demand has skyrocketed in recent years.

📍Budget Villa Vento, a clean and comfortable budget option run by friendly owners. Several rooms have been renovated and look more modern.

📍Mid-Range Summer Gate Hotel, modern and clean family run accommodation with private balcony. Their restaurant is highly recommended.

📍Luxury Emaar Beachfront Hotel, enjoy a luxury stay with delicious breakfast with a gorgeous view. All the highlights are within walking distance.

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How Do I Get to Ksamil?

There are several ways to get to Ksamil, depending on where you’re coming from and how much time (or patience) you have for Albanian transportation.

From Tirana International Airport – If you want the fastest, no-fuss route, a taxi is your best bet, but expect to pay out around €100. If you want to save money, hop on a bus to Sarandë (€12), which takes about 5-6 hours. Once in Sarandë, you can take a local bus or taxi to Ksamil (€10-€15).

By Local Bus – Buses between Sarandë and Ksamil run regularly in summer months, but traffic can be a real issue. We often saw buses stuck in Sarandë because someone decided to park their oversized Audi or Mercedes in a spot that blocked the entire road, leaving the bus driver and everyone else at a standstill. If you’re in a rush, taxis are the better choice.

From Corfu, Greece – Many travellers fly into Corfu and then take the 30-minute ferry to Sarandë. This is an excellent option to add a bit of Greek island hopping to your trip. Once you land in Sarandë, you have the same choices: a local bus or a taxi to Ksamil.

By Car – If you want the freedom to explore, renting a car is the best way to see the Albanian Riviera. The drive from Tirana to Ksamil takes 4-5 hours, and the roads are pretty good. The downside? Parking near the beaches is a nightmare in high season, so be prepared to walk a bit.

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Final Thoughts: Ksamil Albania

So, is Ksamil, Albania, a paradise or a tourist trap? If you’re searching for wild, untouched beaches, a bit of adventure, and a more authentic experience. In that case, Ksamil might leave you wondering what all the fuss is about.

For us, it just didn’t quite hit the mark, and it’s not a place we’d rush back to—even in the off-season. Maybe we prefer a more natural, unorganised beach setting and a little less of the “Maldives marketing gimmick.”

That said, just because it’s not our cup of tea doesn’t mean it’s terrible. I can easily see how someone visiting in the off-season could have an entirely different experience—staying in a luxurious hotel, enjoying the peaceful, white sandy beaches, and swimming in crystal-clear waters—all for half the peak season price.

As long as you know what you’re signing up for, Ksamil can be an excellent destination for the right traveller.

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