The Ksamil beaches are the jewel in the crown of the Albanian Riviera. Picture white sand, turquoise blue waters, a mountain backdrop and superb beach bars and restaurants.
Ksamil Albania is a small beachside village in the south which is famed for its beautiful beaches. It’s a series of interconnected bays and coves. Each one has incredibly clear and calm waters and beautiful sand.
Just off the coast at the Ksamil islands, four uninhabited islands that are ready to be explored from the beaches.
Nearly every patch of the public beaches in Ksamil are covered in loungers and served by a nearby restaurant, bar or beach club. This makes it hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.
The beaches make Ksamil Albania one of the best things to do in Albania and a must-visit part of this amazing country.
Let’s check out some of the best Ksamil beaches.
The Main Ksamil Beaches
There are a huge number of Ksamil beaches to be explored. Some are north or south of the main village of Ksamil itself. This makes these Ksamil hidden beaches great for exploring away from the crowds.
In Ksamil itself, the sheer number of different beaches can be overwhelming. So I have selected a few of the best Ksamil beaches for you to try.
Mirror Beach
Plazhi Pasqyra or the beach of mirrors is a beautiful hidden beach just north of the main Ksamil beaches.
The name is inspired by the clear and still waters of mirror beach which reflects the clear blue sky above.
The beach itself is a mixture of course sand and pebbles. This definitely helps make the water as clear as it is. Mirror beach is located in a small cove with high white cliffs on all sides, making it feel like a little hidden gem.
The beach has plenty of sun loungers which are cheaper than you will pay at the main Ksamil beaches. These are around 800 Lek (less than £6/$7) for two loungers and an umbrella.
The beach is served by a restaurant which serves food and drink all day from its terrace overlooking the water. It has some excellent fresh fish dishes as well as plenty of smaller plates and snacks. The prices are cheaper than at the main Ksamil beaches.
Mirror beach is located about 6km north of Ksamil towards Sarande. It’s accessed by an unmade road off the main highway. The road takes you up over the cliffs and down the other side to the bay. There is a car park at the beach.
Mirror beach is suitable for families, couples or groups. There are plenty of loungers and the water is not too deep for kids. Also, as the beach is not too long, around 1km, and enclosed by cliffs it is hard for anyone to wonder off!
If you want to escape the crowds of the main Ksamil beaches during peak season then a trip to Mirror Beach is definitely recommended.
Monastery beach Ksamil
Monastery beach Ksamil is another of the Ksamil hidden beaches just along from Mirror beach. It is named, as you may guess, as it has a small monastery perched on the cliffs above. From here, you can get a stunning view over Monastery beach and the sea beyond.
As with Mirror beach, it is best reached by car. If you make the journey then are rewarded with a much quieter beach than in Ksamil itself.
There are springboards at Monastery beach Ksamil for jumping into the sea. As with Mirror beach, the water is crystal clear. I would recommend bringing a snorkel to explore under the water as well.
Puerto Rico Beach Ksamil
Puerto Rico Beach is a tiny little beach no more than 20 metres or so in length. It is in a little cove between Lori Beach and the Last Bay.
It has plenty of loungers and is a good option if the neighbouring larger coves are a little crowded. Puerto Rico beach is a good option for kids as it’s popular with families during peak season.
Paradise Beach Ksamil
Paradise beach Ksamil is one of the southern Ksamil beaches and is a relatively large beach in Ksamil.
As with many of the other Ksamil beaches, it is located within its own natural cove with a stretch of beautiful white sand met with crystal clear water.
The beach has plenty of loungers. These can be rented from the restaurant for around 1,000 lek in peak season (£7.20/$8.50). This is for two chairs and an umbrella for the day.
Paradise beach has parking directly behind the beach, or you can walk if you are staying in Ksamil itself.
As the beach is located in a little cove, the water is really still and not wavy. This is great for families with younger kids or just those of us who like to relax and float around in still, warm water!
The bar and restaurant serving the beach offers tasty food at reasonable prices. There are also plenty of other bars, restaurants and shops nearby, so you have plenty of choice.
Water sports are available from this beach if you want to try something a little more adventurous!
Lori Beach Ksamil
Right next to Paradise Beach is Lori beach Ksamil. This is one of the most popular of the Ksamil beaches and therefore can be one of the busiest.
It’s part of the Delight Hotel and so is a private beach. The benefit of this is that the beach is always clean and well maintained. It also has good loungers and facilities on the beach.
Lori beach is served by Lori Beach Bar and Restaurant. This place offers traditional Albanian cuisine together with smaller plates and a broad selection of drinks.
The loungers are similarly priced to the other Ksamil beaches at around 1,000 lek ((7.20/$8.50) in high season.
It is popular at the Ksamil beaches for the bars to play music during the day. For some reason the volume increases and decreases at seemingly random intervals! This is the same at Lori Beach Ksamil and so may not be ideal if you want to sleep off a few drinks from the night before!
Sunset Beach Ksamil
Sunset Beach Ksamil is located at the northern end of the main Ksamil beaches.
It is named, unsurprisingly, due to the incredible sunsets that you can see from this beautiful sandy beach.
The beach itself is sandy and complete with plenty of good quality loungers for rent during the day.
It is served by Sunset Beach Restaurant which has a great atmosphere and is a perfect spot to take in those famed sunsets over this beach. For food, I’d recommend Utopia Restaurant.
Mulino Beach Ksamil
Mulino Beach Ksamil is a purpose-built beach bar and club just north of the main Ksamil beaches. It is located just along the highway as you leave the main village of Ksamil.
It is an incredible and modern beach club which has everything you need for a fun filled day at the beach in luxurious surroundings.
First thing is first though, Mulino Beach is not actually a beach in the traditional sense. The beach club is built on the rock about the sea and so there is no sand to be seen. There is however its distinctive windmill…obviously…!
Instead, you have a choice of loungers within the club which has a terrace as well as a platform that extends out over the sea.
The beach club terrace has its own swimming pool in which to relax, and you can jump into the sea from the end of the pier.
The beach club itself is modern and cool, with a great selection of drinks and cocktails brought to your lounger. Food is served all day and the facilities are all modern and excellent.
If you want to escape the main Ksamil beaches for a day of being waited on from your lounger then Mulino Beach Bar and Club is a great option a very short drive (or taxi ride) from Ksamil.
Bora bora Beach Ksamil
Bora Bora Beach Ksamil is in the heart of the Ksamil beaches. It’s a great place to base yourself if you wish to explore some of the Ksamil islands.
This white sandy beach is one of the most popular Ksamil beaches due to its location and the beautiful views. As with many of the other beaches, the water is crystal clean and very still. This makes it a great place to relax during the day.
Bora Bora beach is served by its own Bora Bora restaurant. This serves great Albanian and Mediterranean food along with plenty of drink and snack options.
As it is one of the central beaches, Bora Bora beach is more expensive than those slightly further out. You can expect to pay up to 1500 lek (£11/$13) for two loungers and a parasol for the day.
Bora Bora is a great spot to explore the four islands off the coast of the Ksamil beaches. Keep reading to find out more.
Inflatables beach
If you want to keep the kids entertained or, like Aaron and I, you are a big kid at heart then I would definitely suggest a trip down to the beach at Ostro and Ciao Beach Bar.
The beach is clean and has lots of loungers as with most of the Ksamil beaches and the prices are reasonable. The bars perched above the beach offers good food, great drinks and amazing views over the rest of Ksamil.
However, the big draw for us is the inflatable park just off the coast! There is also one at Sarande beach where we were staying but this one is much bigger and a whole lot of fun.
The inflatable park costs 1200 lek per person for an hour (£8.50/$10). A life jacket is included if you want one. The park is great for kids and adults alike with different obstacles for different ages.
We spent a fun filled hour jumping off of inflated platforms, struggling over obstacles and sliding down the inflatable slides!
When we went the water was a little choppy due to the wind which I didn’t factor in! It made balance a lot more difficult and could make you a little sea sick after a while! Keep your eyes out for calm, wind-free conditions and have a great time!
The Last Bay Ksamil
As the name may suggest, the Last Bay Ksamil is one of the last main beaches in Ksamil. It is located at the southern end of the village.
Unlike many of the other Ksamil beaches, the Last Bay is a more pebbly beach. It still has the same beautiful water which is perhaps accentuated by the pebbles in place of the sand found elsewhere.
Given its location, it is much quieter than the other Ksamil beaches. It’s a great alternative during the peak summer months if you want to get away from the crowds. It is also less developed and more natural.
There is an excellent restaurant and bar that serves the beach offering good food, drinks and Wi-Fi. The music is also quieter here than some of the main bars and restaurants. It’s a great place to escape the noise and crowds of the centre of Ksamil.
The cost of loungers is around 1000 Lek for a pair and an umbrella, or half price if you arrive in the afternoon.
Exploring the Ksamil Islands
If you want a change from lounging by the sea then I would definitely recommend exploring the Ksamil islands. These are located just off the main coast in Ksamil.
If you’re at any of the central Ksamil beaches you’ll see these little desert islands located just off-shore.
There are four islands to be explored in total. You can reach the closer ones by swimming or renting a kayak or pedalo. For the further islands, you may prefer a jet ski. Alternatively, you can hire a boat and a guide to head out.
The beaches are uninhabited and so you won’t find hotels or bars here. Instead it’s a great place for a little explore or take your towel and lounge of the islands instead.
Between the islands are small platforms in the sea with chairs and tables positioned. So you can stop off here for a rest or for a unique vantage point over the coast.
Where to Eat when visiting the Ksamil Beaches
Most of the Ksamil beaches have their own beach bar or restaurant which serves food and drink during the day. However, Ksamil is also a small village and so you can head to a nearby restaurant if you fancy trying something a little different.
The central Ksamil Beaches
If you are in the centre of Ksamil, then try the excellent Bar Restaurant Korali Ksamil. Despite being located right in the heart of Ksamil, it is generally calm and chilled out with a lovely ambiance.
It’s located right on the beach, and you can sit with views over the sea beyond. The seafood is highly recommended and is really fresh and tasty. I love the seafood risotto.
For its location in the centre of Ksamil, its prices are reasonable. The overall feel of this place will keep you coming back.
The Southern Ksamil Beaches
If you are located at the southern Ksamil beaches such as the Last Bay then I would definitely recommend trying Sea Breeze Bar and Restaurant right next door.
Sea Breeze comes very highly recommended, and the food is delicious. The view over the sea from the terrace is perfect, and it’s much quieter than the central bars and restaurants. Due to its location, it is also very reasonably priced.
The staff are very attentive, the food is excellent, and the views are incredible. It’s hard to fault!
How to get to the Ksamil Beaches
The nearest airport to Ksamil is on the nearby island of Corfu. This Greek Island has many cheap flights from major European airports. It’s the easiest way to reach the Ksamil beaches. From Corfu airport, you can take a ferry from Corfu to Sarande. The fast ferry takes 30 minutes, or just over 1 hour for the slow one.
From Sarande, it’s 15km to Ksamil and there are various travel options from Sarande. Alternatively, many people decide to stay in the larger city of Sarande and travel down to Ksamil for day trips which is equally possible.
How to get to the Ksamil Beaches from Sarande
The distance from Sarande to Ksamil is around 15km and will take around 20 minutes to cover by car or taxi. Once you are out of Sarande, it is one straight road to and through Ksamil. You will pass the Ksamil hidden beaches of Mirror Beach, Monastery Beach and the cool Mulino Beach Bar on the way to Ksamil.
If you are hiring a car for your trip then you will find plenty of parking options near the various Ksamil beaches. Alternatively, you could hire a scooter from Sarande for the day for around 2300 lek (£17/$20) for the day. This will enable you to explore multiple beaches and makes parking much easier! The road to Ksamil is paved and not too busy either so it is a straight forward ride.
A taxi from Sarande to Ksamil is possible and should cost around 1200 lek (£8.50/$10) each way.
Alternatively there is a public bus that runs between Sarande and Ksamil. It costs around 150 Lek (£0.85/$1) each way and runs throughout the day. The bus runs every hour on the half hour from Sarande although check this when you arrive to make sure the times haven’t changed. The bus starts from the bus stop at the ferry port. I would recommend checking this local website for updates to the timetable and route.
Other things to do in Ksamil
If you are staying in Ksamil or Sarande and want to explore further afield, you will be rewarded with some incredible natural and historical wonders in this part of Albania.
Below is a summary of some of the highlights in this region away from the Ksamil beaches.
Blue Eye
The Albanian Blue Eye, or Syri i kaltër, is an incredible natural wonder near Ksamil. I would definitely recommend a trip out here.
It has South East Asia vibes with lush, green forest and blue, green waters that have to be seen to be believed!
The Blue Eye is a natural spring and phenomenon at the Blue Eye National Park. It has a recorded depth of 50 metres, but it is thought to be much deeper. So far, divers have only been able to descend 50 metres due to the pressure of the water rushing to the surface.
You can drive to the National Park and then a 2km walk takes you to the Blue Eye itself. It has a viewing platform for some incredible photos. You can dive into the freezing cold waters of the Blue Eye if you are brave enough.
It’s a brilliant day trip from Ksamil or Sarande and one I would highly recommend. You can jump on a tour which takes in a few of the highlights on this list including this tour of the Blue Eye and Butrint National Park amongst other things.
Butrint National Park
Butrint National Park is a former roman city. It was famed as one of the finest and most beautiful Roman cities of its time. Today, you can explore the ruins for yourselves and try and imagine life in this waterside city.
The city comprises a roman theatre, an Acropolis, a castle, defensive towers and various smaller buildings that made up this amazing city. Its importance is reflected in its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a great historical trip from Ksamil or Sarande and really interesting to spend a few hours wandering around the site.
As above, you could combine a trip here with a trip to the Blue Eye on a great tour of the area.
Gjirokaster
One of the most incredible towns in Albania is the traditional hillside town of Gjirokaster. Here you will be met with cobbled streets, boutique shops and an incredible fortress on the top of the mountain offering amazing views over the surrounding countryside.
The city was largely constructed during the ottoman era and is also a UNESCO heritage site in the area which is definitely worth an explore. The Stone City is full of narrow streets and great little bars and restaurants to explore.
I would recommend a trip up to the fortress to learn more about the history of Gjirokaster and the fortress as a political prison during the communist era.
If you have time, I cannot recommend highly another a trip just outside Gjirokaster to the incredible The Barrels Vineyard for dinner. You’ll be seated amongst the vines and treated to home-made food cooked according to the season, all washed down with the homemade wine. The family run vineyard is an incredible experience. The family are incredibly welcoming, the setting is beautiful, and the food is sublime.
If you wish to visit Blue Eye, Butrint and Gjirokaster is one action packed day trip then check out this great tour option.
Head to the Ksamil Beaches
So there is my rundown of some of the best Ksamil beaches to visit. You will be treated to some incredibly clear and calm waters all surrounded by mountains and amazing views.
As well as the Ksamil beaches, no trip to this part of Albania would be complete without exploring some of the incredible nature and history of this region.
We loved our trip to Ksamil, and I hope you do too. If you need any help or have any questions, then get in touch via the social buttons or leave me a comment below, and I will come back to you.
Have a great trip!
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