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Wondering which of Ksamil’s beaches are the best to visit? Well, wonder no more as this post outlines all your top choices including what to expect, where to find them and more!
In the deep south of Albania, less than 50km from the Greek border, Ksamil has been making headlines in recent years.
And these headlines have been all about the beaches!
The pearl of the Albanian Riviera has drawn comparisons to the likes of the Maldives for its irresistible coastline, so it’s no wonder that tourism has exploded in this small Albanian beach town.
Now, this does bring an insane amount of tourists, especially in July and August, but there’s no denying that the pristine white sandy beaches and turquoise water are well worth visiting!
I mean, there’s a reason we’ve been to Ksamil on each of our three visits to Albania!
But with a range of beaches to choose from, narrowing down which ones to visit can feel like a bit of a task.
So, in this complete guide I’ll not only give you my ultimate list of the best beaches in Ksamil but also when to visit and other essential tips for making sure you can enjoy Ksamil to the fullest!
Is Ksamil Really The Maldives Of Europe?
For the sake of managing expectations, let’s immediately address this bold claim which likens Ksamil’s beaches to those in the Maldives.
I get it, it’s a catchy nickname and it’s not the first time it’s been thrown around – with Koh Lipe earning the Thailand equivalent of the title.
And yes, Ksamil definitely has irresistible white sand beaches that I’d say are some of the most beautiful in Europe.
But to compare it with remote tropical islands in the Indian Ocean? I’m not so sure.
In my opinion, after visiting Ksamil and the Maldives, I don’t think it’s a helpful comparison as it just leads to incredibly high expectations that become near-on impossible to meet. And all this does is set people up for a letdown.
Through travel experiences, I’ve learned to just focus more on enjoying each destination for its individual beauty and characteristics rather than trying to compare it to others! You’re almost always guaranteed a better trip if you take this approach.
So, I’d encourage you to instead visit Ksamil with an open mind and enjoy it for what it is!
Important Things To Know Before You Go
Before getting stuck into the best beaches, there are a few things that are vital to be aware of before visiting the beaches of Ksamil.
First, almost all of the beaches are now privately owned. This means that you can’t just lay your towel down and enjoy a beach day, you need to pay for a sun lounger and umbrella or you risk being told to move on.
On the flip side, this does mean that most beaches come with facilities like a bar, loungers and cabanas, waiter service, music, toilets, and showers that are suited to the fancier crowd who enjoy these comforts.
The only dedicated free beach is the southern half of Paradise Beach. But as you can imagine, this isn’t the most desirable section in town. It’s not bad, but compared to the manicured private beaches, it definitely feels under par.
Want to enjoy Ksamil’s beaches without crowds or paying for sun loungers?
Consider visiting on the fringe of summer in May or October when the weather is still great but there are much fewer people! There are also more free beaches as some beach clubs close for the season.
Another thing to be aware of is that you might need to reserve sun beds in July and August – that’s how busy it can be! We haven’t experienced this ourselves as we’ve preferred to visit in the shoulder months, but there have been many reports and reviews about this!
A couple of other things worth noting are that the beaches are all fairly small as each bay is split into individual private sections, and the white sand that has become so famous is actually imported! The sand may not be natural, but it’s what makes the Ksamil beaches some of the most popular in the whole of Albania.
Overall, Ksamil is best suited to those who intend to hit the beach clubs most days and are happy to pay upwards of 20 euros for the facilities.
Where To Find The Best Beaches In Ksamil
Most of the beaches in this list are located in the town itself and spread along the town’s coastline. However, I’ve included two bonus beaches at the end which are up there with my favourites in Albania and are only a short distance north of Ksamil towards Saranda!
Within Ksamil, you’ll find the liveliest beaches to the north of town, around the main beach (Plazhi Ksamilit), while the more chilled beaches are located to the south.
I’ve included a map below which has all the beaches pinned to help you clearly see where they all sit in relation to each other.
Best Beaches In Ksamil
While the atmosphere varies from loud and lively to more chilled, what you can expect at almost every beach are sun loungers, restaurants, toilets, and shallow turquoise water – the kind that’s perfect for cooling off!
There’s no shortage of beautiful spots, so let’s dive right into the best of them!
1. Puerto Rico Beach
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 3000 ALL
Where else to kick off this list than with the beach we enjoyed the most, Puerto Rico Beach!
Located to the south of town, in a bay shared with a few other private beaches, tiny Puerto Rico Beach became our favourite as we loved the laid-back and boujee vibe.
As well as comfortable beige sun loungers, there are also cabanas with overwater nets along their raised wooden platforms that you can rent.
There’s only a tiny section of beach, with most of the cabanas and nets on the raised platforms, but you can easily get down for a dip whenever you fancy.
Backed by the restaurant, there’s even a small massage parlour at this beach too.
Puerto Rico Beach is a bit of a walk from the centre (around 20 minutes) but there’s parking right next to the beach if you’re driving.
Recommended Stay: Nobbu Hotel Ksamil is luxurious, immaculately clean and has sweeping panoramic views of the coastline.
2. Ksamil Beach 7 (Plazhi Ksamil 7)
- Location: Centre
- High Season Price: 3500 ALL
One of the largest sections of private beach in town with around eight rows of loungers, Ksamil Beach 7 is also the closest to the Ksamil Islands.
The islands are so close it looks like you can even swim over!
The beautifully manicured white sand beach stretches around the point which marks the edge of the main bay in Ksamil. It’s a great spot to enjoy a day split between sunbathing and cooling off in the turquoise water!
I think this beach definitely had a hand in Ksmail being added to the must-visit beach destinations for 2025!
There is a restaurant overlooking the beach and the central location means it’s easily reached from anywhere in town.
Recommended Stay: Hotel Resol is only a two minute walk from these incredible white sand beaches!
3. Bora Bora Beach
- Location: Centre
- High Season Price: 3500 ALL
Enjoyed by couples, friends, and families alike, Bora Bora Beach is a small yet famous beach in Ksamil.
It’s the largest private section in a small bay and is aesthetically pleasing with white sand, creamy beige sun loungers, and straw umbrellas.
The inviting water starts shallow and gets deeper with a steady slope which makes it perfect for all the family. Even if the water becomes less clear when the sand is kicked up, it still remains an exquisite teal colour!
Bora Bora Beach has an upbeat vibe with music but it’s not as loud as those in the main bay.
It’s also not too far from the centre of Ksamil and is actually located in the next bay to the south of the main beach. Therefore, it’s within easy walking distance.
Recommended Stay: Bora Bora Hotel is boutique, opulent and the perfect location.
4. Rilinda Beach
- Location: Centre
- High Season Price: 3500 ALL
With some of the nicest sand and comfiest loungers, Rilinda Beach adds a touch of elegance to your Ksamil beach day.
There are two small sandy beaches split by a high-end bar and restaurant of the same name, each backed by layered sunbed terraces. There’s also an overwater platform with sun beds as an option too.
While they both share the same pristine sand and central location, Rilinda is a cosier alternative to the adjacent Ksamil Beach 7.
If comfort and style is your top priority, Rilinda is the beach for you!
Recommended Stay: Feel at home at Vila Vasili and enjoy your spacious private terrace.
5. Ksamil Beach (Plazhi Ksamilit)
- Location: Centre
- High Season Price: 2000-7000 ALL
A list of the best beaches in Ksamil wouldn’t be complete without including the main beach in town.
With as convenient a location as you can get and plenty of restaurants and activities (like boat tours, kayaks, and paddle boards) nearby, the bay of Ksamil Beach is split into different private sections. Each are packed out with sun loungers and parasols available to rent.
It’s a stunning spot but being the most renowned beach in a wildly popular beach town, it’s incredibly busy and crowded. This adds to the lively beach holiday vibe, but I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re after somewhere more relaxed!
However, when we visited Ksamil Beach in May and October, there were some sections on the northern side that were open and free to put our towels down due to the beach clubs being closed for the off-season.
Recommended Stay: EMAR Beachfront Hotel has direct beachfront access!
The Best Way To Explore Ksamil!
Glide around Ksamil’s beaches and islands on this highly-rated paddleboarding tour!
6. Lori Beach
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 2500 ALL
Another popular choice for families and those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere is Lori Beach.
Located in the southern end of town, opposite Puerto Rico Beach, Lori is more protected than some of Ksamil’s other beaches. This means it still stays relatively calm even when the wind picks up.
The loungers are more basic compared to other beaches, with metal frames and thin canvases, but the raked sandy beach is no less beautiful!
You can opt for a lounger on the beach or on one of the two platforms on either side. With water access, the wooden platforms are ideal if you want to avoid sandy feet!
There is free parking and also a stylish open-air restaurant which overlooks the beach – we absolutely loved the chic furnishings inside!
Recommended Stay: Hotel Mira Mare has the perfect balance of value, comfort and location.
7. Ohana Beach Bar
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 1500 ALL
My top pick for couples who want a relaxed and intimate beach club vibe is Ohana Beach Bar.
Just a few minutes further south of Puerto Rico Beach, the large parasols and cushioned loungers didn’t feel as crammed together here as they did at some of the other beaches we visited.
Although Ohana Beach Bar is fairly small, we loved the multi-level design. Whether you want to be on a raised terrace, the beach, or the overwater wooden platform, the atmosphere is calm and chilled.
However, unlike most of the Ksamil beaches, Ohana Beach has pebbles rather than sand. This might not be as soft on your feet, but it means the water is clearer.
With an overlooking bar and restaurant, you won’t feel the need to move from this spot all day!
Recommended Stay: Unwind at stylish Hotel Olive and enjoy the stunning views over the bay.
8. Augusto Beach (The Last Bay)
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 1000 ALL
If you venture all the way to the very south of Ksamil, you’ll come across Augusto Beach – which is also known as The Last Bay.
While we didn’t think that Ksamil overall is that great for exploring underwater, Augusto Beach is the best beach for snorkelling if you do fancy it. This is because it’s a pebble beach and the furthest from Ksamil’s imported sand, so the visibility is much clearer.
It’s also the cheapest private beach in Ksamil (I’m assuming due to its outskirt location and lack of sand) which makes it good value for money. On our visit in September, half of the beach had actually been cleared of loungers which essentially made it a rare free option.
There’s a small cafe behind the beach but the menu is quite limited – although they do offer pizza and pasta dishes which are made off-site and delivered.
So if cheaper prices, a pebble beach with clear water, and quieter music sound good then I’d recommend heading along to Augusto Beach!
Recommended Stay: Relax with privacy and peace at Vila Osmanaj.
9. Paradise Beach (Ksamil Public Beach)
- Location: South
- High Season Price: Free
Now, let me start by saying that Paradise Beach isn’t as pristine or well-maintained as the other beaches on this list. And the only amenities are a portaloo toilet, changing hut, and street stalls selling snacks and drinks.
However, I had to include it as it’s the only dedicated public free beach in Ksamil.
While it may not be as beautiful as the others, it’s not too bad – especially considering it’s the only place that you can turn up, lay your towel down, and sunbathe without having to pay a penny or being told to move on.
The sand is more like fine gravel and the beach is very exposed with no shade, so you’ll need to bring your own parasol if you’d like any. There are some basic umbrella holders scattered around if you do bring one.
I’d only recommend Paradise Beach if a free beach is your priority.
Recommended Stay: Enjoy a fantastic bed and breakfast at Hotel Boutique Onix.
10. Poda Beach Bar
- Location: Centre
- High Season Price: 2000-120,000 ALL (VIP deck is very expensive!)
Located within the main white-sand bay in Ksamil, Poda Beach is a stylish and fancy choice while still being in the thick of the party atmosphere.
There’s a boho vibe which is reinforced by the rows of straw and netted umbrellas on the beach as well as the bar area decor – which features shades of beige and white and green tropical plants.
When we weren’t tanning on the beach, we also enjoyed drinking coffee at the beach bar overlooking all the action!
However, the standout feature here is the VIP overwater deck with its cabanas and nets. This is how to have a beach day in style!
Expect music and crowds as this bay is as lively as it gets in Ksamil!
Recommended Stay: Stay steps from the beach at Poseidon Hotel 2.
11. Cocoa Beach Bar
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 2000-7000 ALL
Cocoa Beach is not just a great choice for enjoying a beach day in Ksamil, but it’s also one for the Instagrammers. This is because it features the hand of Ksamil – a giant hand statue which provides the perfect photo opportunity.
The small beach also has the turquoise shoreline that has become synonymous with Ksamil and it gradually drops deeper, making it ideal whether you want to swim or simply float and cool off.
Choose between loungers on the beach or cabanas and loungers raised above the water on either side of the sand.
No matter which you choose though, it’s another perfect sandy spot to soak up some sun!
Recommended Stay: Enjoy simplicity next to the sea with Hotel Esmereld.
12. Castle Beach
- Location: South
- High Season Price: 2500 ALL
Just to the north of Cocoa Beach Bar is Castle Beach, another small sandy beach which isn’t too far from the centre of town.
The sun beds were quite tightly packed here but the netted umbrellas are stylish and adjustable – meaning you can put them down if you want to bake in the sun.
You also have the option to rent a cabana if that’s more your style, and these are lined down each side of the beach.
I do think there are better choices but Castle Beach is still worth considering, especially for families.
Recommended Stay: Be treated like royalty at the lavish Hotel Castle.
13. Mirror Beach (Plazhi I Pasqyrave)
- Location: North
- High Season Price: 2000 ALL
As I mentioned, the final two beaches aren’t in Ksamil itself, but are just a short distance away – 6km to be exact!
The first, and one of my absolute favourite beaches in Albania, is Mirror Beach (Plazhi Pasqyrave on Google Maps).
A stunning pebble bay corned by white cliff faces, the water at Mirror Beach is to die for! I mean, it’s actually been crowned as having the bluest in the world!
While it is a private beach, there isn’t the luxurious vibe that you get at most of the Ksamil Beaches, instead the main draw is the natural beauty. Yes the small bay does get packed out with sun beds in the summer, but even still, Mirror Beach is up there with the most beautiful beaches in Albania!
There’s parking available at the beach, or you can catch the bus heading to Saranda and get off where the main road meets the track to the beach (just tell the ticket man you want to go to Mirror Beach). You’ll then need to walk around 20 minutes from here, but I assure you it’s worth the effort!
Recommended Stay: Wake up overlooking the beach from Vila Bedro.
14. Shpella E Pellumbave
- Location: North
- High Season Price: 2500 ALL
Just around the southern corner of Mirror Beach is yet another picturesque spot – Shpella E Pellumbave Beach.
You can walk around the coast between the two at low tide, but when the tide’s in the water will be up to chest height!
Shpella E Pellumbave isn’t as wide as Mirror Beach with only a couple of rows of sun beds, but it’s backed by a steep cliff face which is pretty epic!
There’s a raised restaurant at the bottom and more of the same electric-blue water!
You can get here by taking the same track from the main road as Mirror Beach, just keep following the signs for Shpella E Pellumbave instead.
There are a couple of car parks close to the beach, but you’ll need to walk 10-15 minutes down a winding path to actually get to the beach.
Recommended Stay: Every room has a sea view at Vila Pasqyra!
Best Time To Visit Ksamil
The official summer season changes each year depending on the weather, but generally it runs from the beginning of June through the end of September. This is when the weather in Ksamil is the best for the beach with almost all hot and sunny days.
Personally, I believe June and September are the best times to visit and offer the best balance between weather, crowds, prices, and amenities.
We also enjoyed May and October as these months were much more relaxed and less chaotic – but you need to bear in mind that many restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels close out-with the summer season and there might be a couple of overcast days thrown in too.
The peak of summer (July and August) is just too busy these days but it’s the best time for those who enjoy a lively, upbeat and party atmosphere.
I understand that not everyone has the luxury of flexibility though, so even if you can only come in July or August, I would still recommend visiting. Or you could also consider other places on the coast like Himare and Dhermi.
Next Read: Our Complete Guide To The Best Beaches In Saranda
Is Ksamil Worth It?
So, the big question – is Ksamil and its beaches worth visiting?
In my opinion, yes, I think Ksamil is definitely worth it. Even though it’s far from the hidden gem it once was, you can’t argue with how stunning the beaches are!
However for some, the level of development, privatisation, and commercialisation ruins the beauty of the place so it’s important to be aware of what it’s like now and to consider your own preferences.
If Ksamil sounds too commercialised for you, I’d recommend instead heading up the coast and enjoying the beaches in Himare – my favourite beach town on the Albanian Riviera!
How To Get To Ksamil
There is no airport in Ksamil and the closest place you can fly into is the neighbouring Greek island of Corfu where you can catch a ferry over to Albania.
Alternatively, you can fly into Tirana, the capital of Albania, and make the five hour journey by renting a car, taking a bus or arranging a private transfer from there.
However, whether you fly in or want to travel from another city in Albania, you first need to make your way to Saranda and then catch the coastal bus which runs between the two towns.
Saranda to Ksamil
From Saranda, you can make the 30 minute journey to Ksamil by either taking the public bus for 150 ALL or a private taxi.
The bus is cheap and convenient with regular departures every 30 minutes in the summer and there are a couple of places to catch it in the centre of Saranda.
Get all the details in my complete Saranda to Ksamil transport guide.
Tirana To Ksamil
The easiest way to get to Ksamil from Tirana is to book a private transfer which will cost in excess of 150 euros. With door-to-door service, you don’t need to worry about connecting in Saranda and can just kick back for the whole journey.
The more budget-friendly option is to take one of the public buses from Tirana to Saranda that depart from the South and North Albania Bus Terminal. A ticket costs 1500 ALL and the trip takes 4-5 hours. From here, you can jump on the regular coastal bus for the remainder of the journey.
You can now conveniently book your tickets from Tirana to Saranda online through Gjirafa Travel.
Alternatively, many people choose to rent a car when visiting Albania, and this comes with the opportunity of a great coastal drive along the Albanian Riviera!
> Click To Book A Private Transfer To Ksamil
> Click To Book Tirana To Saranda Bus Tickets
> Click To Check Rental Car Prices
Corfu to Ksamil
As I mentioned, Corfu is the closest place to Ksamil that you can fly into. Which is a little surprising considering it’s a Greek island.
However, once you land you can catch the Line 15 bus to the Corfu ferry port and catch one of the ferries to Saranda. Then you can take a taxi or the bus onto Ksamil – which actually departs very close to the ferry terminal in Saranda.
> Click To Book Ferry Tickets Online Before They Sell Out!
Related Post: Corfu To Saranda By Ferry – Essential Guide
Where To Stay In Ksamil
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Ksamil, from five star luxury to simple low-budget hotel rooms and apartments.
Everywhere in the town is walkable and while the closer to the beach you are comes with convenience, you can get a cheap hotel if you don’t mind a walk.
Best Hotels In Ksamil
Arjana & Nelaj Apartments ($): With a central location, kitchens, balconies and a large shared rooftop, enjoy home comforts while being just minutes from the beaches. Perfect for travelling on a budget!
Blue Water Hotel Ksamil ($$): Enjoy this newly built boutique hotel with classy decor, private pool and sun terrace – only a 10 minute walk to the beach!
Hotel Alexander ($$$): Just steps from the beach, this luxurious hotel features a swimming pool and high end modern decor. Perfect for travellers looking for luxury!
Arameras Beach Resort: This peaceful and quiet high-end luxury resort has individual villas, scenic views towards Corfu, private beach and infinity pool. Ideal for those looking to escape the noise of the town centre.
Where To Eat – Restaurants in Ksamil
A top choice for authentic Albanian food is Mendra Traditional Restaurant which is queued out along the street during summer – for good reason. You can try traditional dishes paired with local wine in a beautiful outdoor garden setting under fairy lights and vine leaves.
The Black Pearl Restaurant is one of the most reasonably priced waterfront restaurants in Ksamil. You can expect large portions, fresh seafood, and cocktails from 600-800 ALL.
Craving a burger? Head to Key-21 Burger and Grill! With a buzzing atmosphere, bar stool seating, and great value compared to other restaurants in Ksamil, you can choose from a variety of burgers and grilled meats which can be washed down with a beer or cocktail!
Coffee In Ksamil
There wasn’t too much choice for coffee in Ksamil, especially compared to Saranda, but there are a couple of cafes that we recommend to get your caffeine fix.
The first is Sweet Corner which as well as coffee, has a great selection of tasty sweet treats (as the name suggests). I recommend the tres leches or orange cake!
The second is Uma Beach Bar and Restaurant which has a nice terrace overlooking Bora Bora. It has a stylish chic vibe complete with polished concrete and fringed umbrellas. There are also salads, light lunch options, pasta dishes, and cocktails served here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The Beaches In Ksamil Man-Made?
Ksamil has a natural coastline but the white sand is actually imported so yes, the beaches are essentially man-made.
Are All Beaches In Ksamil Private?
Almost all beaches are private during the summer season, with the exception of Paradise Beach – the only free beach in Ksamil.
Do You Have To Pay For Beaches In Ksamil?
In the summer season you will have to pay to access almost all the beaches in Ksamil, with the exception being the public section of Paradise Beach.
Which Beaches Are Not Crowded In Ksamil?
While it’s difficult to find a beach that isn’t crowded during the summer, the beaches furthest from the main Plazhi Ksamilit (such as Augusto Beach) are the quietest.
Can You Swim In Ksamil?
Yes, Ksamil’s beaches are great for swimming with easy sandy access and crystal-clear water.
Can You Visit Ksamil From Saranda In One Day?
Yes, the regular public bus from Saranda to Ksamil takes 30 minutes and costs 150 ALL. You can enjoy Ksamil for the day before returning in the late afternoon.
To Finish
So there you have it, the complete list of the best beaches in Ksamil to enjoy on your visit to this bustling seaside town!
No matter when you visit or how busy it is, you’re guaranteed the white sand and turquoise water it’s gone viral for!
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More Albania Travel Guides
Check out my other Albania posts to help plan your trip to this intriguing Balkan destination!
- Saranda Travel Guide: Things To Do, Days Trips, And More
- A Complete Guide To The Best Beaches In Saranda
- Essential Guide To Visiting The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter)
- Getting From Saranda To Ksamil – All You Need To Know
- Corfu To Saranda By Ferry – Essential Guide
- Himare, Albania: A Guide To The Riviera’s Best Beach Town
- Best Himare Beaches To Visit
