Plizio Visual Lab

Ksamil

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°7
Ksamil (Albania)
ℹ️

Practical info — Ksamil

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Rent a pedalo or a kayak early in the morning to visit the Ksamil Islands before the boat tours arrive.
  • During July and August, beaches get incredibly crowded; reserve your sunbeds a day in advance.
  • Bring water shoes, as many of the pristine hidden coves have rocky or pebbly entrances.
  • Take the local bus to Butrint National Park to avoid parking struggles at the archaeological site.
  • Cash is still king in many small beach bars, so keep enough Albanian Lek handy.

🍽 Food

🍽
Grilled seafood

Fresh octopus and sea bream are widely available in open-air tavernas along the main coastal promenade.

🍽
Midhje

Try these fresh mussels from nearby Lake Butrint, best steamed with white wine and garlic.

🍽
Trilece

Ask for this famous three-milk sponge cake at local bakeries or cafes in the village center.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local olive oil

Purchase directly from small markets; the southern Albanian oil is highly regarded.

🛍
Beachwear and floats

Available at numerous small stalls along the main streets leading to the beaches.

🧘
Monastery of St. George

Hike up the hill between Ksamil and Saranda for panoramic views and tranquility.

🧘
Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave)

Located slightly north of Ksamil, less crowded in the early morning compared to the main beaches.

Ksamil is often regarded as the 'jewel of the Albanian Riviera' and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Located south of the city of Sarandë, the resort impresses with its exceptional location directly opposite the Greek island of Corfu. The outstanding feature of Ksamil is its four small, uninhabited islands, just a short boat ride or swim from the mainland. These islands are covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation and offer some of the most beautiful, almost white-sand beaches in the region. The town itself has rapidly transformed from a fishing village into a lively tourist center in recent years. Along the coast, visitors will find numerous restaurants serving fresh fish and seafood at very affordable prices. The atmosphere is particularly relaxed in the shoulder season, while it can get very busy in July and August. The shallow, calm water makes Ksamil a handy destination for families with children and snorkelers. In addition to beach fun, Ksamil provides an excellent base for cultural exploration. Just a few kilometers south lies the Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient ruins from Greek, Roman, and Byzantine times. The combination of world-class beaches and significant history makes Ksamil a unique destination. Access is usually via Corfu airport (followed by a ferry to Sarandë) or via Tirana airport. The best time to visit is from May to June and in September, when the weather is excellent but the large tourist crowds have not yet arrived or have already departed. Culinarily, one should definitely try the grilled shrimp and the local wine. Ksamil has a blend of exotic island flair and Albanian hospitality that enchants every visitor.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C771013182326262117128
Rain mm11910491585028162484110140150

Geography

Population
2,994
Coordinates
39.76667, 20.00000

Facts

  • Comprised of four small islands
  • Located near Butrint National Park
  • Situated directly opposite Corfu
  • Famous for white sand and turquoise water
  • Popular day trip destination from Sarandë
  • Excellent seafood cuisine
  • Water temperatures reach 25°C in summer
  • Affordable prices compared to Greece

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ksamil (7)

Apollonia🎡 recreation

A scenic beach resort in Ksamil known for its crystal-clear waters and white sands.

Lori Beach🎡 recreation

Lori Beach in Ksamil, a sandy beach with turquoise waters and sunbeds.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-22:00

Islets of Ksamil📍 landmark

The Islets of Ksamil are a group of photogenic small islands situated just off the coast.

Military bunker 1🏺 historical

Military bunker 1 is a concrete ruin serving as a remnant of the region's defensive past in Ksamil.

Military bunker 5🏺 historical

Military bunker 5 is one of several ruined pillboxes found within the town of Ksamil.

Dea Center🎭 culture

Dea Center in Ksamil, a cultural centre hosting art exhibitions and workshops.

Free public beach🎡 recreation

This free public beach gives open access to the pristine coastal waters of Ksamil.

🕒 Mo-Su 07:00-22:00

Frequently asked questions

Why is Ksamil often called the 'Maldives of Europe'?
Because of its crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
How do you reach the islands of Ksamil?
You can swim there or rent a boat or kayak.
When is the best time to visit Ksamil?
May, June, or September to avoid the large crowds of July and August.
Is there parking available?
Yes, but in summer it's hard to find a spot; many hotels offer private parking.
How far is Butrint?
Butrint National Park is located just 4 km south of Ksamil.
Ksamil: where is it located?
Ksamil is located in Albania.
Ksamil: what is there to see?
Highlights include Apollonia, Lori Beach, Islets of Ksamil.
Ksamil: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.
Ksamil: why is it worth visiting?
Ksamil is often regarded as the 'jewel of the Albanian Riviera' and is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Albania →

Nearby cities

History & landmarks

Nature

More places