Albania – Ksamil: Is this really the Maldives of Europe?

Last Updated on 7.2.2026 by Pája

Albania is officially the ‘it’ destination, and after multiple visits, we finally understand why. Ksamil – Albania, with its turquoise waters and tiny islands, is a dream—but the secret is out. It’s becoming a bustling resort town, so timing is everything. Want to know the best way to reach this ‘European Maldives’ and what to explore in the surrounding area? Let’s dive into what you need to know before you go.

Summary of the article in brief

• Albania – Ksamil offers some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with crystal-clear turquoise water and white sand.
• The best time to visit is from May to September, ideally June and September, when there are fewer crowds.
• Don’t miss Butrint National Park (UNESCO), the Blue Eye, a trip to the Ksamil Islands, and hidden beaches like Gjipe or Laguna.
• Getting there is easiest via Sarandë (15 km) or by ferry from the Greek island of Corfu; the bus costs around 200 lek.

Albania – Ksamil and why you should go

The resort town of Ksamil is located in southern Albania, just 14 km from the city of Sarandë and less than 20 km from the Greek border. Unlike northern Albania, you’ll already find stunning beaches with white sand and azure water here. This former fishing area has transformed into a tourist paradise over the past decade, so be prepared for heavy crowds during the season. The turquoise sea resembles the Maldives, sandy beaches are lined with pine groves, and four picturesque islands lie just offshore.

Is Albania – Ksamil better than other resorts?

Compared to other Albanian resorts, Albania – Ksamil is a clear winner. While Durrës feels somewhat industrial and Vlorë is nice but too large, Ksamil retains its fairy-tale atmosphere.

What awaits you here:

• The most beautiful sea: The Ionian Sea here is much cleaner and warmer than the Adriatic in the north.
• Everything in one place: Swim in turquoise water in the morning, explore ancient monuments in nearby Butrint (UNESCO) in the afternoon, and enjoy sunset views of Corfu in the evening.

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Where to stay in Ksamil

If you’re looking for good accommodation in Ksamil, don’t hesitate to book higher-quality hotels or resorts. Skip full board and eat at local restaurants instead – it’s much cheaper and more fun with locals (just be careful with free rakija, it’s seriously strong).

• Hotels and resorts: If you want a real vacation, book a hotel such as Poda Boutique Hotel right by the sea with a private beach or the modern Bougainville Bay Resort (located nearby in Sarandë). For a more family-run atmosphere, try Rapo’s Resort.
• Apartments and the middle ground: Most people choose apartments such as Vila Ariana or Apartment Erjon, offering excellent value for money (around €40–60). They are often located right in the center near the beaches.

When to visit Albania – Ksamil and when the weather is best

We personally prefer visiting places like this outside the high season – even in spring, autumn, or winter, when we want to shorten the Czech winter a bit. So when is a holiday in Ksamil the best? It depends on what you expect.

• Spring (April–June): An ideal time for those who want to see Albania green and blooming. May brings warmer weather, and June already offers summer temperatures around 28 °C with warm sea and no crowds. Prices are favorable and the weather is perfect for sightseeing and nature trips.
• Summer (July–August): High season brings heat and the warmest sea, but also crowded beaches and restaurants. Everything runs at full capacity, but prices peak and peace and quiet are hard to find.
• Autumn (September–October): September is considered the best month – the sea is still warm, the air is more pleasant, and tourists gradually disappear. In October, the season ends, prices drop sharply, but the weather becomes unpredictable and many businesses close.
• Winter (November–March): Not suitable for a classic beach holiday. The town becomes deserted and most services close. If you’re looking for total solitude and don’t mind temperatures around 10–15 °C, it can be an interesting experience, but it’s better to stay in nearby Sarandë.

The most beautiful beaches in Ksamil, Albania

If Ksamil is on your bucket list, the beaches are probably the main reason – same for us. Albania – Ksamil truly has breathtaking beaches, but the best time to visit is before the high season, even as early as late May. Why? Because in summer it gets extremely crowded, sunbeds can cost €10–20 per day, and outside paid areas there’s often nowhere to put your towel. More tourists also mean dirtier beaches and sea.

And it definitely doesn’t have to be just about sunbathing.

• Snorkeling and diving: The water is crystal clear even at depths of 20 meters. You’ll see the most fish near the rocks of Monastery Beach or around the islands.
• Kayaks and paddleboards: Rent a boat and reach secluded beaches or explore hidden coves inaccessible on foot.
• Island trips: Take a water taxi to nearby islands. There are fewer people than on the main beaches and excellent swimming.
• Coastal hikes: Walk a five-kilometer trail along the coast with stunning views of Corfu and hidden bays.
• Sunset boat trips: Book an evening cruise with wine. Watching the sun sink into the sea is a summer must.

Main Beach in Ksamil (Ksamil Beach)

The main beach is the heart of the entire resort and also its busiest part. It stretches for several hundred meters and offers fine sand, a gentle entry into the sea, and full facilities. It’s ideal for families with children thanks to shallow, calm water.

This beach offers the best views of the islands, which you can also visit. We highly recommend renting pedal boats or small boats (at least for two hours) and exploring the surroundings – you won’t regret it. It was one of our best experiences here.

Bora Bora Beach

Yes, you read that right – Ksamil has its own Bora Bora Beach! This beach earned its name thanks to its incredible beauty, rivaling the famous Polynesian island. It’s located south of the main beach and offers even clearer water and finer sand.

Bora Bora is a very well-maintained beach with excellent services. You’ll find stylish beach bars, quality restaurants, and modern facilities. The atmosphere is livelier and younger than on the main beaches, with beach parties and live music often taking place in the evening.

Lori Beach

Lori Beach is one of the most photogenic beaches in all of Ksamil. It’s located in a shallow bay protected by rocks on both sides, creating a perfect setting. The water is incredibly clear and displays every shade of blue imaginable. A major advantage of Lori Beach is the gentle entry into the sea, making it perfect for small children. Parents don’t have to worry about safety – the water is calm and warm, ideal for long swims.

The only downside may be its slightly more difficult access. The beach lies a bit outside the center, and the path leads along a narrow road. Still, you can easily reach it on foot in 10–15 minutes from central Ksamil. Parking is limited, so walking is recommended.

Ksamilit Beach

Ksamilit Beach is another hidden gem of the southern coast, especially appreciated for its calmer atmosphere. It’s located a bit farther from the center, meaning fewer crowds and more privacy. The beach offers beautiful white sand and crystal-clear water.

A major advantage of Ksamilit Beach is the stunning view of the Greek island of Corfu, which feels within arm’s reach. Especially at sunset, when the sky turns pink and orange, the view is absolutely magical – perfect for romantic evenings.

Monastery Beach (Plazhi i Manastirit)

Monastery Beach, or Plazhi i Manastirit, is a hidden gem north of Ksamil. Located at the end of a deep bay and named after the nearby Monastery of Saint George, it offers a completely different experience from the busy central beaches.

Access to the beach leads down a steep road, but the view waiting at the end is absolutely worth it. The beach is surrounded by high cliffs creating a dramatic landscape. The water is deep and ideal for snorkeling – you’ll see plenty of fish and marine life.

Seagull Beach (Plazhi i Pulëbardhës)

Seagull Beach is popular with locals, which is always a good sign. It’s located about 3 km north of Ksamil’s center and surrounded by cliffs and steep slopes, giving it an intimate atmosphere despite its popularity.

The biggest advantage of this beach is its excellent seafood restaurant. Locals say it’s one of the best places to enjoy fresh oysters, octopus, or fish specialties. Prices are reasonable and portions generous.

If you want a good spot, arrive no later than 9 a.m. Sunbeds fill up quickly. Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early or later in the afternoon when some visitors leave.

Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave)

Mirror Beach gets its name from the incredibly calm and clear water, which perfectly reflects the surrounding landscape. It’s another beach popular with Albanians, especially on weekends. It’s located north of Ksamil and is somewhat harder to reach.

The access road is a rough gravel track, unsuitable for larger vehicles. Alternatively, you can reach the beach via stairs from the main road, leading to the southern part of the beach, separated from the main section by a rock protruding into the sea.

Paradise Beach (Plazhi i Parajsës)

Paradise Beach is located on the southern edge of Ksamil and truly lives up to its name. It’s slightly quieter than the main central beach, which is especially appreciated during peak season. The beach has fine sand and a gentle seabed, ideal for families with children.

An advantage of Paradise Beach is that you can bring your own umbrella, which is quite rare in Ksamil. Most beaches require renting sunbeds and prohibit personal equipment. Here you have more freedom – perfect if you want to save money.

Dry Tree Beach (Pema e Thatë)

Pema e Thatë is practically the southernmost beach in Albania, where you can stand and wave to Greek tourists on Corfu just a few kilometers away. The beach is named after a dry tree that once stood here and became a local icon.

You can reach it via a passable dirt road about 5 km from Ksamil. Much of the rugged coastline here is lined with a promenade full of sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also several bars and restaurants for refreshments or lunch.

Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a truly undiscovered gem, offering refuge far from Ksamil’s crowds. Finding the access road is a bit of a challenge – follow the gravel road toward Pema e Thatë Beach and turn left before the Arameras resort.

The beach lies on a 500-meter-long sand spit at the mouth of the Vivari Channel, connecting Lake Butrint with the Ionian Sea. It’s a unique place where freshwater meets seawater, creating a special ecosystem. The fortress of Ali Pasha of Tepelena is just a short distance away.

Gjipe Beach

For adventure lovers, Gjipe Beach is an absolute must. Located about 65 km north of Ksamil between Drymades and Himarë, it’s best visited as a full-day trip. This remote beach is accessible only on foot or by boat, making it one of the least crowded in the region.

The land access follows a demanding hiking trail through a deep canyon to the sea. The walk takes around 30–40 minutes and requires good physical condition. Alternatively, you can arrive by boat from Himarë or Drymades.

Ksamil Islands – the European Maldives

The so-called European Maldives are the small islands near Ksamil. They are stunning and one of the main reasons so many travelers fall in love with this place. How do you get there and what should you watch out for?

Twin Islands (Ishujt Binjakë)

The Twin Islands are the most famous and photographed spot in all of Ksamil. In reality, they are two small islets connected by a narrow sandbar accessible on foot. This unique formation creates one of the most beautiful coastal scenes.

You can reach the islands by water taxi from the main Ksamil beach for €5–10 per person. The ride takes just a few minutes. You can also swim there – about 500 meters from shore – challenging but doable for strong swimmers.

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Other nearby islands

Besides the Twin Islands, there are two smaller islands in the bay that are less touristy. You can reach them by paddleboard, kayak, or private boat – quieter alternatives to the crowded Twins.

One of these islands has a small beach where you can enjoy a picnic in complete privacy. Bring food and drinks – there are no services. It’s perfect for a romantic afternoon or family trip.

Albania – Ksamil and interesting places nearby

If you want to see more than just beaches, we have a few tips from the surrounding area. We don’t last long just lying on the beach, and we always treat our Albanian holidays as small road trips, exploring many hidden places.

Butrint: An ancient mix in wild nature

A must-see for history lovers. This UNESCO site offers a fascinating mix of Greek temples, a Roman theater with incredible acoustics, and a baptistery with mosaics. Entrance costs around €6, and it’s best to arrive right at 8 a.m. to avoid crowds. The best photos come from the Venetian fortifications overlooking the site between lake and sea.

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Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): An icy turquoise wonder

A fascinating karst spring over 50 meters deep, resembling a giant blue eye. The water is just 12 °C year-round – swimming in the main spring is for the brave, but people often cool off in the river below. Located about 40 minutes by car from Ksamil (entry under €1). Be sure to try fresh trout at the local restaurant.

Corfu: A hop to Greece in under an hour

From nearby Sarandë, a ferry (ticket around €24) takes you to Greece in just 30–50 minutes. Corfu’s Old Town is a UNESCO site reminiscent of Venice. Highlights include the Achilleion Palace and turquoise bays of Paleokastritsa. Bring your passport and euros, and plan to get around the island by car or scooter.

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Lëkurësi Castle: The best view of Sarandë

A medieval fortress towering above Sarandë. From the walls, you’ll see the entire coast and Corfu at a glance. Admission is free and it’s the best spot for watching the sunset.

Monastery of the Forty Saints: Ruins with a story

A historic site above Sarandë that gave the city its name. Although only picturesque ruins remain after the war, the place has a strong atmosphere and offers peaceful views away from the busy promenade.

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Sarandë Promenade: The heart of nightlife

A long seaside promenade full of restaurants, bars, and shops. In the evening, it’s the main spot for traditional strolls with locals and tourists alike. If you’re looking for evening entertainment or good food after a beach day, this is the place.

What you must try in Albania

The Balkan cuisine is outstanding and will surprise you. Don’t hesitate to try local specialties. Fish and seafood are sold by weight and prepared fresh. For classics, try Restaurant Ksamil on the beach or the family-run Te Vasili with excellent lamb. For nightlife, head to Sarandë, where disco boats and clubs run until morning.

What to taste in Albania

• Tavë Kosi: National dish – lamb baked in yogurt.
• Byrek: Savory pastry with cheese or meat, available in every bakery.
• Desserts: Try Baklava or Trileçe.
• Coffee: Strong Turkish-style coffee. With sugar me sheqer, without pa sheqer.

Money and practical tips

The currency is lek (ALL). Euros are widely accepted but at worse rates, so it’s better to withdraw cash. Cards work in hotels, but for ice cream or markets you’ll need cash. Important: tap water is not drinkable. Albania is a very safe country, just keep an eye on your belongings at the beach.

Getting around

You can easily explore Ksamil on foot. For longer trips, rent a scooter (around €25/day), the most practical option locally. Cars are more expensive and roads are often worse than expected. A cheap bus runs hourly between Ksamil and Sarandë (around €2).

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)