Ksamil, the pearl of the Albanian Riviera, is a popular destination for travelers dreaming of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. This coastal town in Albania offers both sun-soaked bays and historical treasures. Here are our best tips to help you make the most of your vacation in the “Maldives of Europe.”
Curious how we experienced Ksamil during our road trip through Albania? Keep reading to discover what this place really has to offer.
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The Best Things To Do During Your Vacation in Ksamil, Albania
Nestled along the Albanian Riviera, the charming village of Ksamil has plenty to offer. From stunning beaches to natural wonders, there’s something for everyone. Here are our top recommendations to get the most out of your visit.
Visit the Beautiful Beaches and Trendy Beach Bars of Ksamil
Ksamil is home to beautiful beaches with clear blue water and cozy beach bars. A great option is Rilinda Beach. If you arrive right at opening time, you can often grab a front-row spot. Prefer something more Instagrammable and trendy? Then Foga Beach Club is the perfect choice. It has that Tulum, Mexico vibe: perfect for a laid-back beach day. Just keep in mind that it gets busy during high season, so make sure to arrive early if you want a good spot.
On most beaches in Ksamil, you’re required to rent a sunbed, which costs about €30 per day for two loungers and an umbrella. We personally found that a bit of a downside, since it makes it harder to hop between different beaches without extra costs. Bringing your own food or drinks is usually not allowed either, so you’ll have to rely on the beach bars and restaurants nearby.
Why Ksamil’s Beaches Are Great for Families With Kids
For families with children, Ksamil’s beaches are very convenient. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for young kids to play safely. At many beaches, you can rent pedal boats or kayaks to reach the three small islands off the coast of Ksamil. And while much of the sand is artificially added, that doesn’t stop kids from having fun building sandcastles or digging for hours.
Explore the Ancient Ruins in Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about a 15-minute drive from Ksamil. The park offers a fascinating mix of nature and history, with well-preserved ruins from various eras, including a Greek theater, Roman baths, and a medieval castle. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk and to soak up the region’s rich history.
The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, and the entrance fee is 1,000 LEK (about €9.70). Plan to spend about 1.5 to 3 hours exploring the archaeological sites and ruins.
A visit to Butrint is a great cultural change of pace from Ksamil’s beach life and gives you a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.
Practical Tips for Visiting Butrint National Park With Kids
If you’re traveling with kids, bringing a stroller isn’t practical. The terrain is uneven, with many steps. We recommend letting little ones walk or using a baby carrier instead.
Visit the Famous Blue Eye in Albania
The Blue Eye (or Syri i Kaltër) is a popular natural attraction about a 50-minute drive from Ksamil. This crystal-clear spring is at least 50 meters deep and shimmers in different shades of blue, resembling an eye with a dark pupil at the center. The water is ice-cold, and swimming is not allowed.
Upon arrival, you’ll pay a small entrance fee of 50 LEK per person and 100 LEK for parking. The area is quite touristy, with lots of commercial activities like electric scooters and buggies with neon lights – which, for us, made the experience feel a bit less authentic.
From the parking area, it’s about a 30-minute walk along a paved, hilly road to the spring. In summer, the walk can get quite hot because there’s little shade. Since we were traveling with young kids, we were glad the tourist train was running. It costs 300 LEK per person (around €3).
Once at the Blue Eye, you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the clear blue water. There are several restaurants nearby where you can escape the heat with a drink, snack, or ice cream. Restrooms are also available, which is handy when traveling with kids.
Despite the crowds and commercial vibe, the Blue Eye remains a unique natural spot that’s worth a visit. Still, we personally preferred the Blue Eye in Theth, which felt more adventurous and peaceful.
How Long To Stay in Ksamil
We stayed three nights in Ksamil, which turned out to be a bit too long. Two nights is actually perfect: enough time to explore the beaches, visit Butrint, and check out the Blue Eye. After that, it’s nice to move on to a quieter part of the Albanian Riviera, like Himarë.
👉 Read here why we liked Himarë much better than Ksamil.
The Best Restaurants in Ksamil
After a beach day, Ksamil has plenty of great food options. At
For great pizzas, head to Pizza Casa de Harina, and if you want to combine a beach day with good food and a relaxed vibe, Rilinda Beach Club is a solid pick. Many restaurants are located along busy streets, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with kids.
Practical Tips for a Vacation in Ksamil, Albania
To make your stay in Ksamil more enjoyable, here are a few handy tips:
- Visit outside the high season: July and August are the busiest months. Visiting in May, June, or September means fewer crowds and a nicer experience. We stayed three nights in July, which felt a bit too long due to the crowds. Two nights would have been better.
- Arrive early at the beach clubs: Want a good beach spot? Get there right at opening time. We arrived early at Rilinda Beach and managed to get front-row loungers.
- Rent a car: Ksamil is quite remote, and having a car makes day trips to Butrint or the Blue Eye much easier.
👉 Compare prices at DiscoverCars, Rentalcars, or Sunny Cars - Try alternative beaches: If Ksamil’s beaches are too crowded, consider a short boat or pedal boat trip to the three small islands just offshore.
- Looking for variety?: Combine Ksamil with Saranda or Himarë for a more diverse vacation experience.
The Best Hotels and Accommodations in Ksamil
Ksamil offers something for every budget, from simple apartments to luxury hotels with pools. We stayed at Ionian Hotel, which is affordable, has a pool, and is close to the beach. Do note that Ksamil has a lot of new construction and high-rise buildings, which can take away from the authentic feel you’ll find in other parts of Albania.
Ionian Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.3 on Booking.com
Great hotel with a pool and spacious family rooms, ideal for families. You can walk to the beach and boulevard in just a few minutes.
👉 Check Availability
Arameras Beach Resort
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9.4 on Booking.com
Luxury resort on the edge of Ksamil with modern rooms, a large pool, and its own private beach. Golf carts take you to the sea in no time.
👉 Check Availability
Central Park Premium Hotel
⭑⭑⭑ 8.9 on Booking.com
Modern and well-kept hotel with spacious rooms and a nice outdoor pool. Located just outside the busy center, so it’s quieter, but still close to Ksamil’s beaches and restaurants.
👉 Check Availability
See all family-friendly hotels in Ksamil here:
Is a Vacation in Ksamil, Albania Still Worth It?
Ksamil is undoubtedly a beautiful vacation destination in Albania, but it also has its downsides. Especially in summer, it gets extremely crowded and touristy, which takes away some of its charm. The coastline is mostly taken over by beach clubs, so you’ll always have to pay for a sunbed to really enjoy the beach. Also, many of the beaches are artificially made, which can make it feel a bit less unique. In our other article about Ksamil’s downsides, we share our full, honest opinion.
If you’re looking for a more authentic experience, Himarë might be a better choice. We found this spot on the Albanian Riviera much more enjoyable than Ksamil. Read here why Himarë became our favorite place along the Albanian Riviera.
Ksamil remains an attractive vacation destination in Albania, especially if you’re curious about the place often called the “Maldives of Europe.” With the right expectations, you can still have a great time here.
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 Activities?
👉 Check GetYourGuide for the best excursions, like boat trips 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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