When you think of Ksamil in Albania, you probably picture white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back vibe. This small coastal town in southern Albania has become super popular in recent years, attracting travelers from all over the world. It is even called the “Maldives of Europe” and is one of those places you keep seeing in endless Instagram Reels and TikTok videos. Ksamil looks like the perfect paradise for your next vacation and appears idyllic in every photo.
But is it really that beautiful? One thing is certain: Ksamil’s marketing is spot on. We visited this destination with our kids during our road trip through Albania and came across a few surprises that made us wonder if Ksamil is really as paradisiacal as it looks online.
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The Positive Highlights of a Vacation in Ksamil, Albania
Let’s be clear: Ksamil definitely has stunning beaches. The water is turquoise and crystal clear, and the beaches look like they came straight from a postcard. Especially for families with children, it is nice that many of the beaches are shallow and safe, so even the little ones can enjoy the water without worries.
Another big plus is the proximity to places like UNESCO World Heritage site Butrint. This archaeological park features ruins dating back to ancient Greece, the Roman period, and the Middle Ages, making it one of the most diverse historical sites in Albania. You can wander past old temples, theaters, and fortifications in peace and take in a piece of history, which is a nice change of pace during your stay.
Ksamil also has plenty of great restaurants and beach bars where you can eat well and relax. At GIGU Suvlaki, you should definitely try their pita with souvlaki. Foga Beach Club has a Tulum, Mexico vibe and is perfect for chilling. For good pizza, head to Pizza Casa de Harina, and for a relaxed beach day, Rilinda Beach Club is a solid choice. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and don’t mind the crowds, Ksamil can absolutely be a fun place to spend a day or two.
The Less Attractive Side of a Vacation in Ksamil, Albania
Like every popular destination, Ksamil also has its challenges. We visited during peak season and were surprised by a few things that made us question whether Ksamil truly lives up to the high expectations set by social media. Below are some of the downsides we experienced during our vacation in Ksamil, Albania.
Our Experience in Peak Season: Crowds Everywhere
Our first impression upon arrival? It was busy, and that’s an understatement. During the absolute peak season in July (when we visited) and August, Ksamil is overrun with tourists. You notice it in everything: traffic jams on narrow streets, packed beaches, and difficulty finding parking if you’re not staying in town. Scoring a spot on the beach takes either planning or a lot of patience.
The same goes for nearby sights like the Blue Eye, where the crowds are intense. You’ll find rows of electric scooters, buggies, and even a tourist train, making the whole thing feel over the top, commercial, and somewhat fake.
Coastline Taken Over by Beach Clubs and Hotels
In Ksamil itself, the coastline has been almost entirely taken over by beach clubs and hotels. As a visitor, you’ll find hardly any free access to the beach. Want to enjoy the view and the sun? You’ll often pay around €30 for two sunbeds and an umbrella, which is steep by Albanian standards. And that doesn’t always guarantee a good spot, you might end up behind a beach bar without any view of the sea, like what happened to us at Laguna Beach. Bringing your own food and drinks is usually not allowed either. Even a simple stroll along the waterfront is tricky because commercial clubs and beach bars dominate the space and block the views.
The “Maldives of Europe”? Smart Marketing vs. Reality
The idea of Ksamil as the “Maldives of Europe” is partly clever marketing. While you often see gorgeous images online, many of Ksamil’s so-called “white sandy beaches” are artificially created. This sometimes takes away from the natural charm. The rapid growth of tourism in the region is also not always well managed. Buildings pop up quickly, often without much planning or regulation. This leads to overcrowded beaches, limited parking, and a mix of tall, not-so-attractive buildings, which diminishes the authentic charm of the area.
So, while Ksamil may look like a peaceful paradise on social media, the reality can be quite different. The marketing is effective, but the picture it paints isn’t always fair for travelers seeking a relaxed, authentic experience.
Practical Tips for a Vacation in Ksamil, Albania
Despite the crowds and commercial vibe, there are ways to make your visit to Ksamil more enjoyable:
- Visit Outside Peak Season:
July and August are the busiest months. Visiting in May, June, or September will give you a much calmer and more enjoyable experience. - Arrive Early:
Want a good beach spot? Get to the beach clubs early, because the best places fill up fast. We arrived right at opening time at Rilinda Beach and managed to secure front-row sunbeds. - Choose Alternative Beaches:
If Ksamil’s beaches are too crowded, consider heading to the three small islands off the coast. You can reach them by paddle boat or a short boat ride. We tried Laguna Beach but weren’t too impressed. - Explore Butrint:
For something more authentic, the nearby Butrint National Park is definitely worth it. Walking among ancient ruins in the shade is a perfect way to mix history with your beach days. - Rent a Car: Ksamil is remote, and having a car makes your vacation much easier. We often book through 👉 DiscoverCars, where you can compare prices and usually find cheaper deals.
How Long to Stay in Ksamil?
We’d recommend Ksamil mainly as a short stop. One or two nights is ideal for enjoying the beaches and taking a day trip to Butrint. If you stay longer, you’ll quickly notice how busy and commercial it is, which takes away some of the magic. For us, Ksamil worked fine as a short break during our Albania road trip, but we were glad to move on afterward.
The Best Hotels in Ksamil
Because Ksamil is so popular, accommodations fill up quickly in summer. It’s smart to book well in advance. We stayed at Ionian Hotel, a comfortable spot just outside the busiest streets, with spacious rooms and a pool where the kids had fun playing.
Ionian Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.3 on Booking.com
Nice hotel with a pool and spacious family rooms. You can walk to the beach and are right in the center of Ksamil. The street is lively, but the location is super practical.
👉 Check Availability
Arameras Beach Resort
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.4 on Booking.com
Peaceful resort just outside Ksamil, with a pool, private beach, and modern rooms. Golf carts take you to the sea. Luxurious facilities, but still affordable.
👉 Check Availability
Central Park Premium Hotel
⭑⭑⭑ 8.9 on Booking.com
Modern hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and an on-site restaurant. Located a bit outside the busiest streets, so you’ll have more peace but still be close to the beaches and town center.
👉 Check Availability
Conclusion: Is Ksamil Still Worth a Visit?
Ksamil may not be the most authentic part of Albania, and at times it feels more commercial than paradisiacal. Still, it can be a nice destination if you enjoy a lively atmosphere and having plenty of facilities near the beach. If you’re looking for peace and hoping to experience the “Maldives of Europe,” though, Ksamil might be disappointing. The crowds and tourism have already taken away some of the charm of this coastal town.
It really depends on what you are looking for. In peak season, especially July and August, it’s simply too crowded. But outside those months (in May, June, or September) the vibe can be very different. If you don’t mind the busyness and commercial feel, the beaches and atmosphere are still enjoyable. In that case, check out our top tips for visiting Ksamil.
If you’d rather find something quieter and more authentic, Albania has plenty of alternatives that may suit you better, like Himarë. 👉 Read here why Himarë was a better fit for us than Ksamil.
Plan Your Trip to Ksamil, Albania
Hotels and Accommodations in Ksamil
👉 Find the best hotels and apartments on Booking.com
Car rental in Albania
👉 Compare prices at DiscoverCars, Rentalcars or Sunny Cars
Tours and Sights
👉 Check GetYourGuide for the best excursions, such as a boat trip to the islands, a visit to Butrint, or a tour to the Blue Eye
Want to know our full Albania itinerary?
👉 Curious how Ksamil fit into our trip? Also read: Our 3-Week Road Trip Through Albania With Kids
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