Finding the Best Beaches in Ksamil to Visit ..

There are many beaches in Ksamil Albania to visit. The beaches in Ksamil are arguably some of the best beaches in Albania which is why Ksamil has earned it’s nickname of ‘The Maldives of Europe.’ If you are planning to visit the Albanian Riviera then make sure to include some time on the beautiful beaches of Ksamil.

Where is Ksamil?

Ksamil is a beach village in South Albania on the Albanian Riviera. Part of Butrint National Park, which is a UNESCO Heritage Centre only a 10minute drive away. It is becoming increasingly popular for it’s beautiful, sandy beaches and beach clubs. Ksamil has many small, private beaches along with restaurants and bars. There are lots of guesthouses and small hotels as well as a few boutique hotels now popping up.

How to get to Ksamil?

The easiest way to get to Ksamil is by ferry into Saranda Albania. If travelling from the UK jump on a flight to Corfu and get on the Corfu to Saranda ferry. If you choose the quick ferry it is only a 30minute crossing. For a cheaper alternative, it only takes 1.5 hours.

Check our post here on Everything You Need to Know about the Corfu to Saranda Ferry.

Alternatively, other ferries from Italy also arrive into Saranda port. If you are flying to Tirana airport, the capital of Albania it is then a 4 hour drive down to the southern coast to Ksamil. There is a bus that you can get from Tirana city centre (not from the airport) or hire a car and do the drive yourself. You could stop along the way on the Albanian Riviera coast. We particularly enjoyed our time in Dhermi Beach.

You can check out our 10 day in Albania itinerary here.

Are beaches free in Ksamil?

Unfortunately not, most beaches in Ksamil are private. They are usually run by the restaurant, beach club or bar that is situated on the beach. We did find one beach that was free which was Paradise Beach. This beach has a small area of sand where you can bring your own towel, beach chair and cool box and chill on the beach without paying a fee. You can also opt to pay for beds here for 2000lek for 2 beds, which we did.

However, in terms of the quality of beach Paradise Beach Ksamil was not as good as others. The water was a bit murky and it doesn’t have the blue aesthetic of the pictures most commonly seen for Ksamil. However, if you are looking for a cheap day out then it is perfectly fine but can get busy, get there early!

How much are beaches in Ksamil?

The cost of the sunbeds on the beaches in Ksamil varies from beach to beach. You can opt to bring your own towel and lie for free on Paradise Beach Ksamil up to some of the most expensive at Poda Beach Bar and Principotes & Tulum Beach at 4000lek for 2 sunbeds with an umbrella during peak summer time. However, cheaper beds can be found at less Instagrammable beach for 2000lek for 2 beds and an umbrella at Black Pearl Beach and Castle Beaches Ksamil.

Be prepared to haggle and negotiate your stay on the beaches of Ksamil. Arrive early in the morning, don’t expect to get front row sunbeds unless you are staying in the hotels attached. If there is push back from the beach attendants tell them that you will have food or drinks in their restaurant and this often persuades them. Don’t be offended by the brusque and dismissive attitudes you might find from some of the people working.

If you are visiting during peak time in July and August then be aware that the beaches will be BUSY! Sunbeds can be close together and it can feel overcrowded. We have been told that June and September are the best months to visit if you can.

The best beaches in Ksamil for families

Be aware that the prices we paid were during peak summer time in August 2023. Ksamil is very busy during the high season. For more information on visiting Ksamil during the high season then read our post Are the Beaches in Ksamil Worth Visiting?

1. 3 Ishujt Beach Ksamil

Aesthetically this is probably the best beach in Ksamil. The 3 islands beach that looks out onto the islands ahead, the picture that is always the draw to Ksamil. The water is crystal clear, the sand is powder white and location amongst restaurants and bars is perfect.

Arrive early, be prepared to eat or drink from the restaurant and don’t arrive with a cool box. You can bring your own water and snacks but you might find it difficult to secure a bed without eating there too. The restaurant is good with 360degree views around the coast so we were more than happy to sit and have breakfast and coffee after we found sunbeds. Check out Hotel Queen Margaret Seaside or Hotel Afa for nearby hotels with great reviews.

Cost: 3000lek (€30) for 2 sunbeds for the day.

2. Bora Bora Beach Ksamil

We loved the family vibe at this beach. There were lots of families and kids playing on the sand and splashing about the water. The sea is calm so it is perfectly safe for kids to swim about with floaties.

Bora Bora Beach Ksamil is on a quiet little cove. The water is clean and clear, there are plenty of pedalos and boats to hire. There is no problem in bringing your own drinks and food so pop up to the stalls off the beach for any beers or snacks. If you are looking for hotels close by check out Colosseum Hotel, Resol Hotel and Islands View Hotel all of which have great reviews.

Cost: 2500lek (€25) for 2 sunbeds with an umbrella for the day.

3. Castle Beach Ksamil

This was one of the cheapest and laid back beaches we found in Ksamil. We loved the fact you could bring your own food and drinks with no bother at all. Castle Beach Ksamil wasn’t overcrowded, we had plenty of space and were able to get a sunbed close to the sea. The kids had a great time playing in the sea and looking for crabs amongst the rocks. If you’re looking for service then this isn’t the beach for you. However, if you’re looking for somewhere calm, cheap and cheerful to chill out all day then Castle Beach Ksamil is the one for you. Next door you will find the lovely looking Hotel Meta which has great reviews.

Cost: 2000lek (€20) for 2 sunbeds with an umbrella for the day.

4. Black Pearl Beach Ksamil

A sandy strip with a nice restaurant just over the hill at the top of Ksamil town. A little cove with a little bit of sand, rocks and a wooden platform over the sea. Black Pearl Beach Ksamil has a nice area with sunbeds and hammocks over the sea and an Instagrammable swing. It is fine to bring soft drinks and snacks like crisps etc but don’t try and bring proper meals or cool boxes to this beach. They made it clear when we arrived that the expectation was to buy food at their restaurant. To be honest, this is fine for us the restaurant is over the sea with gorgeous views and the food and service was good. It was really windy when we were here but the cove and cliff behind protected us from the weather which was great! Check out Ion Sea View and Bliss Hotel nearby for a hotel with great reviews.

Cost: 2500lek (€25) for 2 sunbeds with an umbrella for the day.

Best Party Beaches in Ksamil

If you are looking to go partying in Ksamil with DJs and beachclubs then that is readily available. Be aware that these places are not cheap. We popped into a couple of more trendy bars and paid around €8-10 a drink. The sunbeds will be around €30 each for the day.

Some popular places are Principotes & Tulum, Poda Beach and Pema e Thate. As we were on a family holiday we didn’t visit these places but the music sounded good, the drinks were flowing and everyone looked like they were having a great time!

Is Ksamil Overcrowded?

During the peak summer months, yes. Cars are queuing to get into Ksamil daily from Saranda. There is no parking after 10am or good sunbeds left. The restaurants have queues to get into and there are people everywhere! However, we still had a great time during 10 days in August 2023. It is very family friendly with calm, shallow seas and clean water.

Check out our post here Are the Beaches in Ksamil Worth Visiting? for more information. As well as our tips for how to make your most out of your time in Ksamil.

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