Things to Do in Ksamil: Islands, Beaches, and Butrint
Updated 2026-11-01 · 6 min read · Prices and schedules change — check locally.
How to Visit the Ksamil Islands
- Travel to the main beachfront along the Ksamil village coastline.
- Locate the watercraft rental operators stationed on Bora Bora Beach or Beach 7.
- Rent a sea kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or pedal boat to reach the outer Twin Islands.
- Swim only to the two closest islands if you are a confident swimmer and sea conditions are calm.
- Pack drinking water and a bag for refuse, as the uninhabited islands have no facilities or waste collection.
How do you reach the Ksamil Islands?
The two closest Ksamil Islands can be reached by swimming from the mainland shore, while the outer Twin Islands require a kayak, pedal boat, or water taxi.
The Ksamil Islands are four small, rocky limestone islets located just off the village coast. The two inner islands sit between 60 and 100 meters from the mainland beach. Confident swimmers can cross the water safely during calm mornings, though swimmers must watch for motorized boat traffic in the channel between June and August.
Reaching the two outer islands, often called the Twin Islands, requires water transport. Visitors can hire a local boat taxi or rent sea kayaks and pedal boats directly from vendors on the beach. Rental prices generally range from 1,000 to 2,000 ALL (10 to 20 EUR) per hour, but prices change depending on seasonal demand.
What are the best beaches in Ksamil?
The main beaches in Ksamil include Lori Beach, Bora Bora Beach, and Beach 7, alongside outlying options like Pema e Thatë.
Beaches in the center of Ksamil are primarily operated as private concessions with sun loungers and umbrellas installed over white gravel and sand. Lori Beach offers shallow, clear water sheltered in a cove, making it popular for visitors with children. Bora Bora Beach and Beach 7 provide direct views of the central islands and easy access to seaside restaurants and boat rentals.
Free, unserviced public beach space is limited in Ksamil during the summer season. Most visitors rent a set of two sunbeds and an umbrella, which typically costs between 1,500 and 4,000 ALL (15 to 40 EUR) per day, depending on the specific beach and row position. Note that prices change between low and peak season.
| Beach Name | Best For | Average Sunbed Cost (Pair) |
|---|---|---|
| Lori Beach | Families and calm waters | 1,500 - 3,000 ALL (15 - 30 EUR) |
| Bora Bora Beach | Central location and island access | 2,000 - 4,000 ALL (20 - 40 EUR) |
| Pema e Thatë | Quiet location facing Corfu | 2,000 - 4,500 ALL (20 - 45 EUR) |
| Monastery Beach | Snorkeling and natural surroundings | 1,500 - 2,500 ALL (15 - 25 EUR) |
How do you visit Butrint National Park from Ksamil?
Butrint National Park sits 5 kilometers south of Ksamil and can be reached in roughly 10 minutes by local public bus, taxi, or car.
Butrint is a major UNESCO World Heritage site preserving archaeological layers from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian eras. Major structures include a 3rd-century BC Greek theater, an early Christian baptistery with mosaic floors, Roman baths, and a Venetian castle on the acropolis housing a museum. The park is situated on a peninsula between Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel.
The public bus operating between Sarandë and Butrint stops along the main road in Ksamil every hour during the daytime, with fares costing approximately 150 ALL (1.50 EUR). Entry tickets to Butrint National Park generally cost around 1,000 ALL (10 EUR) per adult, though prices change periodically. A standard walking circuit takes between 2 and 3 hours.
What is the best time of year to visit Ksamil?
The best time to visit Ksamil is during June or September, when the weather is warm and beaches are far less congested than in peak summer.
July and August represent the peak tourist season in Ksamil. During these two months, traffic on the two-lane road connecting Sarandë to Ksamil and Butrint can be heavily congested, sunbed rentals sell out early in the morning, and music from beach bars is loud throughout the day.
Visiting in May, June, September, or early October offers sea temperatures suitable for swimming, with daytime highs between 24°C and 29°C. Most restaurants and water sports services remain open during these shoulder months, while accommodation rates and beach rental costs are lower than in midsummer.
How do you get to Ksamil from Sarandë or Corfu?
You can reach Ksamil by taking a 20-minute bus or taxi from Sarandë, which is connected to Corfu by daily passenger ferries.
Travelers arriving internationally often fly to Corfu Airport in Greece and take a passenger ferry to the Port of Sarandë. Hydrofoils make the crossing in approximately 30 to 45 minutes, with one-way tickets costing roughly 19 to 30 EUR, though prices change across different operators and seasons.
From Sarandë, Ksamil is located 12 kilometers south. The public bus departs from central Sarandë near the port area every hour, charging around 150 ALL (1.50 EUR) per trip. Taxis between Sarandë and Ksamil usually cost between 1,500 and 2,500 ALL (15 to 25 EUR) each way.