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Ksamil or Maldives of Europe is a popular tourist destination located on the Albanian Riviera, and Ksamil beaches are visited by many locals and foreigners for their picturesque sandy beaches and crystal clear sea.
In addition to sunbathing and swimming, there is a range of watersports, boat trips, and snorkeling for visitors to enjoy. Very close to the shoreline, there are four small uninhabited Islands of Ksamil which you can easily access by boat, paddle boat, or swimming.
In this guide, we tell you about the most beautiful Ksamil beaches and if it’s really like the Maldives.
Table of Contents
BEST KSAMIL BEACHES
Ksamilit Beach
One of the busiest Ksamil beaches, because of its very central position, you cannot miss this beach. In the morning, while the water is calm and clear, you can enjoy the beach on your own.
Take an early dip as we did at 6:30 am (July) or enjoy the surrounding waters by snorkeling when you can have all the sea for yourself.
With a lot of bars and restaurants around you can find the perfect spot for your romantic dinner on the beach.
The prices of sunbeds are a bit overpriced because it is one of the main Ksamil beaches 15-20€.
Bora Bora Beach
Definitely one of our favorite Ksamil beaches. We advise you to come early in the morning and enjoy the beach without people when the first sunshine rays hit the surface of the water and beautiful white sparkling sand. During the season it can be overpacked with tourists.
For guests of Bora Bora Hotel Ksamil, there is a possibility to reserve sunbeds.
Costs of sunbeds and umbrellas are around 20€.
Horizont Beach
Small sandy bay in the central position of Ksamil with a bar and restaurant above the beach.
This beach is less busy than Bora Bora Beach which is just around the corner. Also lower prices and a more relaxed quiet atmosphere.
The sunbeds cost 10€.
Lori Beach
Beautiful sandy bay not far away from the center of Ksamil. Of all Ksamil beaches, this beach is a good choice for families with children, because of its easy access to the water, also there is a road nearby and a place where you can park your car for free.
You can also rent pedal boats, jet ski, and do other fun water activities. During the season the beach can be overcrowded, and some people will leave their towels on sunbeds, so the next day they have a “reservation“ which is not very nice for other tourists.
Loungers and umbrellas cost around 15€.
Puerto Rico Beach
Next bay from Lori Beach, you can find a small sandy beach mostly preferred by families because of its shallow entry into the water.
The sea here is calm, there is also a small pier with sunbeds and umbrellas, and the beach also has a bar with snacks and coffee.
One of the Ksamil beaches which is not in the very center of Ksamil, you won’t hear loud music here, and the surrounding beaches are not always full.
Cubana Beach
Charming pebbles and small white stones beach, where you can enjoy the sea. Relax in a peaceful location even during the high season.
There are not many quiet Ksamil beaches like this, it’s a pretty rare thing in Ksamil.
Make sure you spend all day on this beach to wait until the spectacular sunset. there is also a beach bar with drinks, snacks, and very good espresso.
The sunbeds cost 10€.
Blue Diamond Beach
Countless Ksamil beaches with white sand beaches are very popular in high season. Blue Diamond Beach is included. Mostly occupied by families, because of the shallow water. There is a beach bar/restaurant serving seafood, fish, and pizza at reasonable prices considering it is a restaurant in a beach resort.
Prices of loungers and sunbeds are from 10-20€
Paradise Beach
Tiny white sand coastline, the perfect spot for famous Instagram photos from all Ksamil beaches with perfectly clear azure waters.
You can rent a paddle board and jet ski or do other water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving. It might get full fast so make sure you come early to ensure your sunbed.
The cost of sunbeds and umbrellas is 15€.
Ksamil 9 Beach
One of the most popular Ksamil beaches. We made it to the beach just before sunset, the water was calm, empty around and the music was not so loud. Perfect time to enjoy!
With plenty of water sports around you will never get bored.
Prices of the loungers, sunbeds, and umbrellas are:
-70€ for the first row on the coastline. Some of the loungers have lockers if you are not a guest of the hotel DeNoel, you will feel much more comfortable with leaving your stuff on the beach)
-50€ for other rows
-200€ for sunbeds with nest and complimentary wine Hotel & Restaurant DeNoel is 100m away from the beach
You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and dinner.
Black Pearl
The beach has white sand and azure water, the restaurant is located on a wooden pier along with sunbeds, beds, and comfortable nets directly above the water with a wonderful view of the sea, and later view of the sunset.
This beach bar & restaurant is something different from the usual Ksamil beaches. You can enjoy the food either in the restaurant or directly on the beach.
They also offer shisha with various flavors and mixed drinks, and the staff is always available.
The Last Bay Beach
Small shoreline located at the village’s southern edge. Surprisingly its white pebbled beach makes water colors even more vivid. It is advised to bring water shoes.
As with many Ksamil beaches, there is a snack bar, and usually, one person walks around with small refreshments like fruits or profiteroles covered in white or dark chocolate. If you want to avoid crowds during high season this is a good escape.
The loungers and umbrellas cost around 10€ with a half-price discount if you arrive in the afternoon.
Parking spots near Ksamil beaches
Tip: Rent your car in Albania here.
KSAMIL ISLANDS
The islands of Ksamil are located between the most southern part of the Albanian Coast and Corfu Island.
Just on the opposite side of the main Ksamil beach Ksamilit there are four rocky islands. They can be easily reached by boat from one of the Ksamil beaches, or rent a paddle board, for those who dare it is possible to swim to the islands.
Two of the islands are known as twins, they are connected by a sandy path.
Beautiful location, mostly containing pebble beaches, there are hidden spots that you can
visit only by water kayaking or swimming.
Tip: Book your paddle-boarding tour around the Ksamil Islands here.
Note: Besides, the islands are part of the Butrint National Park, which is protected by UNESCO World Heritage.
BEACHES NEAR KSAMIL
Pulebardha Beach
Nearby Ksamil beaches, you can find stunning pebble beaches for you to enjoy all day or just a quick refreshing stop on your way around.
Since the level of water on this beach gets deeper quickly, the sea is more open the waves can get bigger than you expect. It’s mainly a beach for adults.
There are plenty of Ksamil beaches more safer for children elsewhere.
Monastery Beach
It is about 8 km from Saranda and about 7 km from Ksamil beaches. A small sand-pebble beach with a view of the sunset.
Note: The beach is currently closed due to ongoing construction.
Sunset Beach
One of the first beaches on the road from Saranda to Ksamil beaches. A smaller sand and pebble beach is known especially for its good view of the sunset.
Mirror Beach
Known by locals like Plazhi Pasqyrat just 15 minutes away from Ksamil beaches you can find mostly sandy beautiful beaches.
With a rocky background, it almost feels like a hidden gem compared to overpacked beaches in Ksamil during the season.
This beach is located between Saranda and Ksamil, to get there you can take a bus from Ksamil to Saranda running every hour, or take a taxi from Saranda (20€) or drive your car to the nearest parking spot.
There are not many possibilities for accommodation which makes this location super chill and quiet even during peak season.
There is only one restaurant around which mainly serves local food like fresh fish, seafood snacks and drinks.
The biggest attraction of Mirror Beach is the big rock on the right side of the beach with many kids and young people climbing on the rocks to jump into the turquoise water, snorkel, and enjoy other water sports.
Saranda beach
The public beach in town stretches from the ferry terminal with a magnificent landscape. On the waterfront, there are restaurants, fast food, and many disco bars.
The water is clean, transparent, and deep right from the shore. The beach contains stones which make
walking without water shoes is very difficult.
There are public toilets and showers, just right next to ferries. A few meters away from the beach you can catch your ferry to Corfu Greek Island.
Saranda Municipality Public Beach
Another public beach starting on the promenade on Rruga Naim Frasheri. It is mostly pebble beach, bring your water shoes.
Because of the size of the coast, the sea can get wild here.
Sometimes there are red flags on some spots of the beach which mean you shouldn’t swim there.
With several lunch and dinner alternatives and a nearby beach promenade, you can find many
restaurants and bars serving drinks and food. It is a good option for you to spend time on Saranda public beach during the day and with a drink in your hand at night.
Tip: Here are all your options for hotels in Saranda.
DAY TRIP FROM KSAMIL
In the surroundings of Sarande and Ksamil, you will find various offers of day trips to Blue Eye itself or in combination with the historical city of Gjirokastër, which is only 37 km away. A tour of the spring and its surroundings will take approximately 1 hour.
Near the spring you will find a stand with souvenirs and tourist information. The entrance fee is 0.40€.
Blue Eye
It is a crystal clear lake with water from a natural spring resembling a human eye. Its depth has not yet been determined, the strong pressure does not allow divers to dive deeper than 50 m. It has a small viewing platform from where you can observe all shades of blue, various stones, branches, and everything underwater.
Check out all available activities for Blue Eye
Note: There is a ban on swimming here, the water is around 10 °C even in the summer.
Butrint National Park
After a few days lying on the beach, you might want a little more activity. It is a national park in the Vlorë district in southern Albania. It is located 4,5 kilometres from Ksamil.
The park includes more than 9,000 hectares of hilly terrain with freshwater lakes, wetlands, salt marshes, open plains, reedbeds, and islands.
The remains of the historic city of Butrint are among the most visited archaeological sites in Albania. The history of Butrint dates back to the Iron Age, thanks to which it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
By public transport, you can get to Butrint by bus Sarande-Ksamil-Butrint.
Tip: Book your Butrint National Park tour here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KSAMIL BEACHES
If you want to enjoy the best Ksamil weather without overcrowded beaches, the best time to visit Ksamil beaches is from April-June, and September to October. Ksamil during the tourism season can be overwhelming. Be sure that a lot of businesses will be closed during the off-season.
HOW TO GET TO KSAMIL ALBANIA
Getting from Corfu Greece
Take one of the two ferry companies Finikas Lines or Ionian Seaways to Saranda. The ferry takes about 1 hour, depending on if you take a fast ferry or a slow ferry ride.
It costs about (20€) per person. Then take a taxi (20€) or take a local bus (1,50€) and in 30 minutes if you are lucky with the traffic you are at one of the Ksamil beaches.
Tip: Buy your ferry tickets from Corfu to Albania here.
Getting from Tirana
There is no direct bus from Tirana to Ksamil. First, you must take a bus to Saranda.
Tickets cost (17€) and you can buy them in cash from a small office box at the main entrance of the bus station.
The journey takes about 5 hours.
In Ksamil hop on the local bus direction of Butrint for only 1,50€ and about 30 minutes, you will be at one of the Ksamil beaches.
Or take a taxi for 20€ and reach Ksamil in 15 minutes.
Note: Tirana has two different bus stations. Tirana International Bus Terminal and Tirana New Regional Bus Terminal, The bus to Saranda goes from the New Regional Bus Terminal.
Getting from Saranda
Saranda has 2 options on how to get to Ksamil beaches.
You can take a local bus direction to Butrint for 1,50€. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
Taxi is the second option. It cost 20€ but you can get there in 15 minutes.
WHERE TO STAY IN KSAMIL
Nevertheless, around Ksamil beaches are more than enough beautiful accommodations for you to stay in, such as apartments, guesthouses, or small hotels.
If you are a low-cost traveler or simply looking for cheaper options you can’t find any hostel in Ksamil, there are many hostel options in Saranda.
If you are looking for a quieter place to stay, we stayed in Esmeralda Hotel & Restaurant on the hill 5 minutes away from the main road and 10 minutes walk from Ksamil beaches.
This means every beach and center of Ksamil is a walking distance away from you, without loud traffic noises and loud music.
Tip: Here are all your hotel options in Ksamil.
WHERE TO EAT NEAR BEACHES IN KSAMIL
There are many restaurants near Ksamil beaches, most of them serve fresh fish, seafood, and local cuisine with Greek and international influences, such as pasta, pizza, vegetarian food, and meat dishes.
However, the food with a beautiful view of beaches can be a bit overpriced.
On the main road of Ksamil, you can find beautiful tavernas, quick fast food, and even a sushi spot.
NIGHTLIFE IN KSAMIL
After sunset over Ksamil, many beach bars continue even after dark, some bars have a children’s program with a children’s disco, and others have entertainment for adults. Best Bars & Clubs of Ksamil.
Vamosksamil
Located 400 m from the beach Ksamil 11. The atmosphere in the bar is cozy, and the music is
pleasant, and they even have a happy hour discount on drinks.
Poda Beach Bar
It is part of the Poda Boutique Hotel and Poda restaurant. Pleasant beach bar with music and evening entertainment.
It is approximately a 2-minute walk from Ksamilit beach.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth visiting Ksamil Albania?
Ksamil is a jewel of European beaches and is now a very trending destination for travelers around the world or domestic tourists.
From our point of view, you should definitely visit Ksamil during your stay in Albania.
Since it is very popular now, we find it quite expensive, with food, groceries especially milk and dairy products like cheese.
Are beaches in Ksamil public?
Most of the Ksamil beaches are public but you have to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas. During the busy months of July/August, the prices of sunbeds can be from 15€ to 25€.
Also, you can find beaches where you can put your towel on the sand without paying for sunbeds, don’t expect it on every beach.
Are Ksamil beaches clean?
Nearly all the Ksamil beaches are cleaned out in the morning hours, some of them have better service, and their beaches are cleaned of food, drinks, and trash during your stay.
Are there sandy beaches in Ksamil?
The majority of Ksamil beaches are sandy, partly pebble seaside, sometimes even sparkling white sand with a mixture of small pebble stones.
Some of the Ksamil beaches can have slightly rocky bottoms, it is advised to bring water shoes for your stay in Ksamil.
Is Ksamil overcrowded?
During the peak season, Ksamil can be overpacked with tourists.
The Best time to enjoy the beautiful weather and Ksamil beaches is before or after the season May/June, September/October.
Is Saranda or Ksamil better?
Depends on what you prefer. For more clubbing and party people, Saranda is the best spot, for those who want to explore the most beautiful beaches in Albania, Ksamil is a way to go.
For people who would like to save some money, Saranda is cheaper.
Can you swim to the Ksamil Islands?
When the water is calm it is possible to swim to the Ksamil Islands, from one of the nearest Ksamil beaches (Ksamil 7 beach), however, it is not advised for beginners.
Also, be aware during the high season there is a lot of traffic between the beaches of Ksamil and Ksamil islands many boats, and jet skis sail around.
Where do I go after Ksamil?
Have you ever wondered what island is lying across the most famous Ksamil beaches?
There is another destination for you to explore, the small island of Corfu, Greece.
CONCLUSION
So is Ksamil really like Maldives?
Well. Beaches are beautiful but in the high season it’s overcrowded which is not a very relaxed atmosphere.
Later the water is not that clear anymore, to avoid this and see all the beautiful colors of the sea go very early in the morning.
It’s overpriced! Ksamil is a more and more popular beach destination so prices increased in the last few years a lot! Albania is a very cheap country but Ksamil is a different story.
The surroundings can be dirty with trash, hope this will change in the future!
OUR FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES
Accommodation: We use Booking.com where we always find great deals for hotels.
For hostels, we use Hostelworld where we find cheaper options and meet new people.
Rental cars: To rent your car with free cancellation check out Discover Cars.
Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets worldwide we use Direct Ferries.
All travel options in one place: Omio.com we use for easy travel planning where we can find trains, buses, ferries, and more.
Tours and other activities: Wherever we go we look at GetYouGuide to find the best tours and many other activities around the world!
Travel insurance: Never travel without travel insurance! Ekta works all over the world and has 10 years of experience in the industry. It is your right choice!
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