11 Wonderful Beaches in Ksamil Not To Be Missed in 2024

Ksamil Albania is a small beachside village in the south, famed for its beautiful white sand Ksamil beaches, similar to those across Asia. It’s a series of interconnected bays and coves with incredibly clear turquoise, waters and beautiful sand.

Although some of the beaches in Ksamil are rock, most are sandy, which is unusual for the western Balkan coast.

Ksamil is a truly beautiful part of Albania. The Greek island of Corfu can be seen from just about everywhere, the people are super friendly, and the sun always seems to be shining.

With this in mind, it’s easy to see why Ksamil, Albania is quickly becoming one of the most highly rated beach locations in Europe. Located in the Albanian Riviera, the beaches in Ksamil offer a slice of paradise along the Ionian Sea!

Ksamil beaches are hugely popular with locals and tourists. Nearly every patch of the public beaches in Ksamil is covered by sun loungers and has a nearby restaurant, bar or beach club attached to it.

During the peak summer months, the beaches can become incredibly crowded making it hard to find a sunlounger, on a public or private beach. We visited during August and found it incredibly busy. This is why we recommend visiting during the shoulder season so that you can enjoy the beautiful Ksamil beaches just without the crowds.

If you’re thinking of visiting Ksamil then you should also visit Saranda, near Ksamil. It’s one of the main tourist destinations on the Albanian Riviera, nestled in a wide gulf with over 300 sunny days yearly (similarly to Ksamil). It’s no surprise that it’s grown from a once-sleepy fishing village into a thriving city, a bustling holiday spot. Saranda Ksamil is packed with beautiful beaches and should be included in your trip to Albania. As should the rest of Albania’s gorgeous natural wonders.

Here is our short guide to Ksamil beaches.

First things first…

Is it better to stay in Saranda or Ksamil?

If you’re trying to decide whether to stay in Ksamil or Sarande, Ksamil it’s worth thinking about what you’re looking for from a beach holiday. Sarande or Sarandë is the more popular resort and therefore has more attractions and facilities. But it is also much busier and more built-up and loses some of the charm that Ksamil has. Saranda Ksamil felt more like a bigger city, whereas Ksamil felt more like a (very busy) beach town.

Sarana has better transport connections and is great for visiting the Blue Eye or travelling to Tirana.

Should You Visit Ksamil Beach in Albania?

If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, white sand, and clear turquoise, waters then you should most definitely pay a visit to the Ksamil beaches.

Things you should know before visiting the beaches in Ksamil:

ATMs: A total of 3 ATMs can be found in Ksamil, to keep fees down, utilise the one at the major bank. Some charge a steep 700 Lek fee.

Visiting by Bus: There is a bus that runs every hour from Saranda to Ksamil, departing both towns every half hour and finishing at Butrint National Park.

Beach Chairs: During the off-season, chairs are free with the purchase of a drink or meal. In the summer, they can reach 1,000 Lek per day.

Accommodation: Book your accommodation in advance! Especially during peak season the hotels surrounding the beaches in Ksamil get booked up quickly and prices skyrocket.

How to get to Ksamil?

There are two main ways to get to Ksamil beaches. The first is by boat from the Greek island of Corfu and the second is by land from either another destination in Albania or another European country. The nearest airport is Corfu for Ksamil. Tirana airport is also a great option if you want to stay within Albania.

If you are crossing by land then all routes to Ksamil lead through Saranda Ksamil. There is only one road that leads from Saranda to Ksamil. For drivers, simply follow the signs directing them to Butrint National Park. If you’re on foot, then make your way to the bus stop along the waterfront road. A single bus serves this route. It departs every hour toward Ksamil/Butrint and costs 100 Lek (approx 0.83p) each way.

What is the best time to visit the beaches in Ksamil?

As mentioned, the beaches in Ksamil get very busy during peak season making it hard to find a spot or relax. With this in mind, the best time to visit Ksamil beaches is during shoulder season when the weather is still sunny but the crowds are far smaller. The water will also still be warm enough to swim in.

Note that it’s a beach town that relies heavily on tourism, so if you’re thinking of visiting off-season then most restaurants and bars will be closed.

The Main Ksamil Beaches

These are the spots in the busiest area of Ksamil. Chances are if you’re heading to Ksamil and you’re looking for a beach. Then you’ll stumble upon one of these.

Ksamil Beach

There are a huge number of Ksamil beaches to be explored. Some are north or south of the main village of Ksamil itself. If you have ever seen a picture of Ksamil, it’s probably from this beach right here. There are wooden docks to catch a boat from or relax on. Paddle boats and kayaks are available for hire, and water taxis pull up to the shores waiting to take you to the surrounding beaches.

There are also cafes and restaurants along the whole stretch of sand for you to be able to get a cocktail or food from.

Mirror Beach

Currently, Mirror Beach is one of the more remote beaches, owing to the difficulty of reaching it.

Plazhi Pasqyra or the beach of mirrors is a beautiful hidden beach just north of the main Ksamil beaches. The name is inspired by the clear and still waters of Mirror Beach that reflect the clear blue sky above.

Mirror Beach can be found halfway between Saranda and Ksamil. To get there take the bus that runs every hour between Saranda and Butrint.

Instruct the driver to drop you off at Plazhi I Pasqyrave (Mirror Beach) and then walk downhill for around 15 minutes until you arrive at the beach. If you don’t fancy this then you can also rent a taxi or car.

Plazhi Paradhizo Beach

Nestled in the heart of Ksamil, this beach lives up to its name, translating to “Paradise Beach,” with its stunning views and relaxed ambience.

Ksamil Islands Beaches/ The Four Islands

The four islands are right off the short of Ksamil beach. They can be accessed by boat, kayak or by swimming across. The Ksamil Islands boast several pristine beaches surrounded by the captivating waters of the Ionian Sea. Note though that there isn’t much else to see on these islands except the sand and some jungle.

Ksamil Beaches to the South – the best beaches in Ksamil

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Ksamil can be found to the South of Ksamil. For us, this is also where slightly cheaper accommodation could be found and in our opinion, the best beaches in Ksamil.

Bora Bora Beach Ksamil

Bora Bora Beach Ksamil is in the heart of the Ksamil beaches. It’s a great place to base yourself if you wish to explore some of the Ksamil islands.

This white sandy beach is one of the most popular Ksamil beaches due to its location and beautiful views. As with many of the other beaches, the water is crystal clear and very still. It’s a wonderful beach to relax on during the day.

Rilinda Beach

A very small but incredibly beautiful beach that shouldn’t be missed when visiting beaches in Ksamil. White sand and crystal clear waters. Just bear in mind that the little beach has around 6 sun loungers on it, all of which get taken up very quickly. There are more to the side on the rocks but these all get taken up early on.

If you can’t find a spot to relax, then instead enjoy a meal in the restaurant above and experience the beautiful views from here.

Rilinda Beach also has public toilets next to it.

Castle Beach

Just 0.4 miles from Ksamil Beach and directly below the Castle Hotel is Castle Beach. It has soft sand and a lovely little bar/cafe above it. It’s a perfect place to relax, have a drink, and watch the sunset.

Laza Augusto (The Last Bay)

The Last Bay Ksamil is one of the last main beaches in Ksamil, located at the village’s southern edge.

Laza Augusto is, usually, much quieter than the other Ksamil beaches because it’s less obvious. Making it the perfect option to avoid crowds during the busy summer months.

The beach is far more natural and less developed than some of the others. The beach also has a wonderful restaurant and bar where you can get a drink and relax and use their Wi-Fi. It’s the perfect beach to escape the commotion and crowds of Ksamil’s main beaches.

If you arrive in the afternoon, the loungers and umbrellas cost roughly 1000 Lek for a pair or half price for a singular lounger.

Ksamil beaches to the North

Sunset Beach

Just at the end of the northern part of town is the wonderful Sunset Beach. It’s the perfect spot to watch, you’ve guessed it, the sunset! There is a restaurant and bar set on the edge of fine white sand with beach umbrellas. To get to Sunset Beach follow the path from PODA Beach. Perfect for sunset walks.

Manastir/ Monastery Beach

Manastir Beach, also known as Monastery Beach, is a hidden coastal gem situated near Ksamil, Albania.

With its soft golden sands and clear turquoise waters, Manastir Beach is wonderfully peaceful compared to the other beaches in Ksamil.

The beach doesn’t have many amenities but, this makes the unspoiled setting and the backdrop of the historic monastery even more enchanting. From here you can see gorgeous views of the Ionian Sea and the nearby Ksamil Islands. The perfect destination for those who appreciate both natural beauty and a touch of cultural heritage.

FAQs on the the best beaches in Ksamil:

So, there you have our guide to the best beaches in Ksamil. We hope that it helps you have an incredible time visiting the Ksamil beaches.