Preview
Why Visit
On Albania’s southernmost tip, the former fishing village of Ksamil has emerged as one of the Balkan’s most idyllic coastal escapes. This seaside jewel enchants visitors with its turquoise waters lapping pristine beaches, spectacular sunsets setting the sea aflame in crimson and gold, and alluring islets dotting the Ionian’s glassy surface.
Ksamil’s Beauty Compared to Mediterranean Hotspots
Ksamil boasts many attributes of jet-set destinations like Capri, St. Tropez, or Mallorca – postcard panoramas, balmy weather, copious charm – yet it has somehow remained under the radar. But not for long. Word is getting out about this showcase of aquatic wonders by the Butrint National Park. Pine-fringed beaches unfurl for miles, deserted save a few melody-humming anglers hauling in silvery catches. The sea’s many moods astound – frothy, untamed, or tranquil as a millpond mirroring sugar-cube dwellings backdropped by the majestic Llogara Pass.
Delve into a Rich Historical Legacy
The legacies of ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans permeate sites around Ksamil like Butrint – a resplendent ruin harboring eerie burial grounds and an ancient theater overlooking hypnotic lakes. Glacier-blue pools beckon for a bracing dip at the ethereal Blue Eye spring, with mineral-rich upwellings bubbling from the depths. In Ksamil village, narrow lanes wind up sunbaked slopes, revealing cozy tavernas and panoramic vista points.
Top Things to Do in Ksamil
Beach-Hop the Pristine Shores
Crystal waters lap onto pebble beaches, perfect for lounging, paddling, and combing for cowrie shells and sea glass. Beach cabanas and thatched umbrellas line Pasqyra and Ksamil beaches. Take your pick or spend days traversing them all. The bracing sea entices deeper, promising bounties of scarlet starfish, glinting schools of fish, and dolphins frolicking in the swells.
Explore the Spectacular Ksamil Islands
Offshore awaits the beguiling Ksamil Islands, haunts of fishermen and pirates through the centuries. Take a kayak or boat to these rocky outcrops mantled in sage, rosemary, and prickly-pear cacti. You’ll find secluded sands perfect for picnicking, secret grottoes to escape the midday heat, and endeavoring trails with panoramas of Ksamil receding into the heat-haze distance.
Partake in Water Sports
This aquatic wonderland entices topaz waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling over beds of swaying seagrass, and joining sailing trips to hidden coves. Many beaches feature equipment rentals for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, pedalos, and more – procure them early as supplies are limited. For offshore adventures, join boat excursions or wetsuit-clad scuba divers exploring ancient wrecks and colonies of Technicolor reef dwellers.
Wander Through Butrint National Park
The evocative ruins at Butrint immerse into the histories of Greeks, Romans, and Venetians who once dwelled here. Explore Hellenistic temples, columned gateways dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, and a 3rd-century BC theatre overlooking a serene lake – you can almost hear the crowds cheering on long-forgotten productions. Sitting regally yet forgotten amid a wilderness of trees and rushes, the site’s lonely grandeur pulls heavily on the heartstrings.
The vast Butrint National Park envelops Ksamil, safeguarding a mosaic of wetlands, woodlands, and archaeological treasures spanning 2,500 years. Meander along walking trails shaded by pines, oaks, and cypresses – you’ll likely glimpse shy chukar partridges, pointy-eared deer, or golden jackals. Elsewhere, spy on cormorants and kingfishers from bird hides beside mirror-still lakes and saltwater lagoons.
Admire the Mystical Blue Eye Spring
In a wooded valley half-hour’s drive from Ksamil, discover the otherworldly Blue Eye. This deep blue whirlpool spring surges with mineral-rich waters from aquifer depths – some say reaching the underworld. Enveloped in mystery and legends, the pool’s unearthly shades – from periwinkle to cobalt – astound, while cool-scented breezes sigh through surrounding willow and mulberry trees. Change into your swimsuit if you dare dip into its bracing beneficial waters.
Where to Eat and Drink in Ksamil
Sample Ultra-Fresh Seafood
Expect only the freshest catches at Ksamil’s harbor-front restaurants – sea bass, bream, and mullet delivered daily from bobbing fishing boats. Simple preparation allows natural flavors to shine through – relish just-grilled specimens flavored with lemon, olive oil, and oregano served with hectares of golden fries or bursts of lemon. Be sure to ask for recommendations on the seasonal specialty – you can’t go wrong.
Dine with a View
Weave your way up hilly lanes to tucked-away terraces affording sublime vistas of Ksamil’s red-tiled rooftops descending to the cobalt sea. Sip Aperol spritzes or chilled Albanian wine as you absorb the hypnotic perspective of forested slopes rippling to meet scattered isles turned purple in the long shadows of late afternoon. For romantic sunset dining, reserve waterfront tables and toast this jewel-hued haven as a fiery sky heralds the velvet cloak of night.
Where to Stay in Ksamil
As an emerging tourist destination, Ksamil offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets when visiting the area.
Luxury Hotels ($$$)
For upscale travelers, a few recently constructed boutique hotels are directly situated along Ksamil’s spectacular beaches. Amenities at these high-end options include infinity pools, in-house spa services, elite restaurants, and 24-hour guest assistance. Nightly rates average around $150-250.
Mid-range Hotels ($$)
Several family-owned and operated hotels offer quality lodging for mid-range budgets around $70-100 per night. Located in town within walking distance to beaches, these personable establishments may feature nice gardens, decent restaurants, swimming pools, and concierge services.
Holiday Rentals ($$)
Travelers seeking a more independent experience can consider the many private holiday apartments available for weekly rentals during the high season. These self-catering units allow visitors to live like locals do and often provide amenities similar to hotels, including pools, lounges, and helpful owners.
Guesthouses/Hostels ($)
For budget-conscious travelers, Ksamil has an expanding network of small guesthouses and backpacker hostels with nightly rates as low as $30 per person. While basic in terms of facilities, these sociable lodgings provide guests with insider travel tips and opportunities to meet other young adventurers.
Plan Your Visit to Ksamil
The best times to visit Ksamil are late spring through early autumn when sunshine prevails, the sea beckons for swimming, and crowds are manageable. Be aware that the tiny village fills up quickly during July and August peak season – make accommodations well in advance.
Transportation Logistics
Fly into the Greek island Corfu airport and take a 30-minute ferry to Saranda, then take a shuttle or rental car down to Ksamil. You can also fly into Tirana International Airport in Albania’s capital. Buses connect from Tirana or neighboring towns like Saranda and Butrint; however, I don’t recommend public transportation in Albania as it tends to be outdated. Once in Ksamil, it is easily explored on foot.
Budgeting Expectations
One of Ksamil’s selling points is its value compared to the overblown prices of more famous Mediterranean resort towns. Mid-range hotel rooms hover between $60-100 in high season, while private apartments or guesthouses can drop as low as $30. Generous meals at seaside restaurants cost around $10-15 per person, including alcoholic beverages. Activity splurges like boat trips to Virgin Beach or scuba expeditions cost around $50 per person.
Health & Safety
Ksamil is safe, especially within the village center and tourist areas. Exercise normal precautions as anywhere else, like locking valuables in hotel safes and not walking in isolated areas alone at night. Also, note that very few locals speak English, so come equipped with handy Google Translate phrases or pick up a guide.
Nearby Destinations to Explore
The Ksamil area offers a wealth of natural and cultural attractions for easy day trips or as a base for exploring southern Albania’s highlights. Top stops within an hour’s drive include:
- Saranda – a busy international harbor town with active nightlife/dining scenes.
- Gjipe Beach is an isolated, pristine beach framed by dramatic cliffs.
- Llogara National Park is a mountain wilderness perfect for hiking and paragliding.
- UNESCO Berat is called the ‘city of a thousand windows’ for its Ottoman architecture.
- Apollonia ruins is an ancient Greek and Roman city and a UNESCO World Heritage contender.
The Allure of Albania’s Emerald Coast
Lapped by the Balkans’ cleanest, clearest waters, Albania’s unspoiled Ionian coast captivates us with deserted pebble beaches, crumbling castles, and colorful fishing villages imprinted on our imaginations through tales of legendary kings, warriors, and gods. The relics of great civilizations litter this sunny shoreline, tempting explorers to uncover their mythic secrets. Envelop yourself within Ksamil’s warm, sublime beauty, then continue tracing the mysteries along the emerald shore towards eagles’ aeries and siren songs echoing over the waves.
