Are the beaches in Ksamil worth visiting?

The beaches in Ksamil Albania have earned the nickname ‘Maldives of Europe’. But is this nickname worthy? What are the beaches in Ksamil actually like? Having just spent 9 days in Ksamil, we are here to answer all your questions about Ksamil Albania. Read on to find out everything you need to know before visiting.

3 islands one of the best beaches in Ksamil

First of all, how to pronounce Ksamil?

You will hear many versions of this name during your time in Albania. However, after checking with some locals we can confirm that it is pronounced as ‘Sam-il’ or ‘Xamil’. The K is silent. Easy!

How to get to Ksamil?

Ksamil is in the very south of Albania, a small town next to the bigger port town of Saranda or Sarande. If you are travelling to Albania and planning to spend the majority of your time on the Albanian Riviera then we would suggest flying to Corfu. From Corfu there are many daily ferries over to Saranda.

Check out our post Everything you need to know about getting the Corfu to Saranda ferry for all the information. We would recommend pre-booking your ferry ticket with Direct Ferries for all the options and prices.

If you are flying into Tirana Airport then you have two options to get from Tirana to Ksamil. You can get a bus which costs around 20euros per person. Be aware that the bus goes to Tirana City not the airport. You will then need to get a different bus to the airport. You might need to also get a bus from Ksamil to Saranda first. Although during high season I believe the bus does start from Ksamil but can’t confirm.

Alternatively you can get a taxi from Tirana to Ksamil which costs around 250euro and takes about 4 hours. We flew from Tirana back to Abu Dhabi so decided to get a taxi to the airport. The reasons being, a taxi from Ksamil to Saranda bus stop costs around 30euro. Plus 80euro for 4 of us on the bus and then another taxi from Tirana to the airport (not sure on cost). In total, we wouldn’t have saved an awful lot but saved a lot of hassle. Sometimes as a family it’s easier all round to take the easy option!

There is no train service in Albania so these are the only 2 options of getting from Tirana to Ksamil.

Are the beaches in Ksamil private?

Yes the beaches in Ksamil are all attached to a restaurant or hotel. To visit the beaches in Ksamil you will need to rent a sunbed. Sunbeds come in pairs. Of the 8 beaches we visited the cheapest we paid for a pair of sunbeds was 2000lek (20Euro) and the most expensive 3000lek (30euro). This is for 2 beds with an umbrella. We wanted to get an additional bed for the kids but this wasn’t an option. Only 2 beds or 4 beds, not 3. I’m sure outside of peak season (July and August) you would be able to rent 3 sunbeds and the prices will probably be less.

Some of the fancier beach clubs charge from 3000lek (30Euro) for 1 single bed. However, we avoided those places for more family friendly beaches that happily welcomed children.

So do you recommend visiting the beaches in Ksamil?

Put simply, yes. White sand and turquoise clean and clear sea surround you. Views around the coves and over the 3 islands of Ksamil are breathtaking. As you can see from our pictures here. This is what attracts so many people to Ksamil each summer.

To see a full list of our favourite beaches in Ksamil then check out our post Finding the Best Beaches in Ksamil to Visit.

However there are a lot more variables to consider first. Having spent 9 nights in Ksamil in August, be aware that August is busy. Significantly busier than it was in July 2022. Get ready for crowds on the beaches in Ksamil, lots of traffic and queues at restaurants.

But, all of this is worth it if you follow these simple tips:

Get to the beach early – there is a huge demand for sunbeds on the beach. If you arrive after 10am you are unlikely to get a bed on the sand in August. If you want front row you need to arrive at 8am.
Avoid the traffic – stay in Ksamil a few nights. There is only 1 road into and out of Ksamil towards Saranda. Every morning from 9am-12pm the traffic is huge arriving at the beaches in Ksamil. Again in the evening from 6pm onwards the traffic starts with everyone leaving the beaches in Ksamil. There are many options for hotels and apartments. (We recommend Summer Dreams for staying off the busiest part but only a 10min walk to the beaches).
Avoid the beach clubs – Instagram and Tik Tok will lead you to Principote Beach Club, Poda Hotel and Pema e Thate. Whilst all beautiful and certainly instagrammable with big, comfy sunbeds, trendy beach decor, hammocks, DJs and delicious looking cocktails they come at a price. Expect to pay double what you would at simple beaches like Ula, Bora Bora and Black Pearl. Drinks, food are all significantly more too. Not only the cost, the brusque staff will decide if you are worthy of entry and will be packed with a party crowd.

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

Basically avoid August. That being said, we did spend 9 happy days in Ksamil in August. But, we are teachers and accept that peak summer travel will be crowded. If you have the option we have been told by many people to visit in June or September. The beaches are noticeably quieter, sunbed prices are lower and not as many sunbeds pack the beautiful sandy beaches.

Where is the best place to stay in Ksamil?

There are many, many places to stay in Ksamil for every budget and requirement. Ksamil doesn’t have any large, branded hotels or 5* hotels. The hotels are independent.

Party Hotel Ksamil

Poda Boutique Hotel and spend your days at the beach parties at Poda Beach.

Luxury Hotel Ksamil

Casa Del Mar is a boutique style hotel with a pool close to the beaches. It has a playground so is also a good option for families.

Mid Range Hotel Ksamil

Vila Bello is a hotel with wonderful views and a pool located in the quieter end of Ksamil.

Budget Hotel Ksamil

Summer Dreams is a villa with converted bedrooms. We stayed here in a 2 bedroom apartment for 9 nights. The quieter end of Ksamil only 10mins walk to the beaches. No pool but everything else you need and a lovely family running it.

Booking.com

Things to note about Ksamil town

It is a bit grubby – the town has rubbish bins full, plastic bottles everywhere, smokers smoking wherever they want. However, this isn’t just Ksamil, this is the case around Albania. It is a bit ‘rough around the edges’.
Service can be poor – it is busy! People are rushed off their feet. However, don’t expect many pleasantries. If you want something, ask. You won’t be fawned over.
Beach attendants can be a little rude – We learnt soon into our trip that you need to go early. Beds are ‘reserved’ even when they’re empty, you ask how to reserve for the next day and you will be told ‘no’. It’s their rules and there’s no point arguing! If you tell them you will eat in the restaurant they can usually find you a space!
No-one cares if you bring drinks and snacks to the beach – some beaches allow cool boxes, outside beers and food, others are more strict. However, none of them care if you bring your own water, fruit and crisps so stock up in the shops.

The Beaches outside of Ksamil

Whilst we fully recommend spending at least a few days in Ksamil. Don’t forget the rest of the Albanian Coast. There are many other beautiful beaches to explore just outside of Ksamil and further up the coast. The coastline is known as the Albanian Riviera for a reason. We have spent time in Dhermi Beach – check out our post Dhermi Beach – Paradise!

We also hired a car and explored Palmero, Borsh and Buneci Beaches. All are beautiful coves. However, they are pebbly and not sandy like the Ksamil beaches. The sea is also rough especially compared to the calm, swimming pool like sea of the beaches in Ksamil.

Hire a car and explore some more of the Albanian Riviera. There are many beautiful beaches to be found.

Overall – are the beaches in Ksamil worth visiting?

As a roundup, yes! Spend some time in Ksamil. Time it right, if you are there in peak season get up early and expect crowds. If you are doing a day trip, drive in early. If you can, stay in September.

Ksamil is like a postcard. Picture perfect beaches. In our opinion, not to be missed!

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Disclaimer: This post Are the Beaches in Ksamil worth visiting?, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.

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