Ksamil
Turquoise water, tiny islands and the ruins of Butrint next door
Ksamil is the most photographed beach village in Albania: shallow, clear water facing three small islands, 15 minutes south of Sarandë. It gets very busy in July and August, so come early or in June and September.
When to go
June and September for warm sea without the August crowds. Many places close from November to April.
Getting there
Buses run from Sarandë roughly every hour in summer (about 20–30 minutes). Corfu ferries arrive in Sarandë, and the nearest airports are Corfu and Tirana.
Must-see spots
Wikimedia CommonsButrint National Park
UNESCO site with Greek, Roman and Venetian ruins in a lagoon forest. Allow two to three hours.
Ksamil Islands
Small islands a short swim or pedal-boat ride from the main beaches.
Pasqyra (Mirror) Beach
Pebble cove north of Ksamil with very clear water.
Lake Butrint mussel farms
Lagoon shore where local mussels are farmed and served.
Where to eat
Lagoon-side seafood
Try: Butrint mussels, grilled fish
Order the local mussels; ask the price per kilo before choosing a fish.
Sunset & evening spots
Hikes nearby
- Llogara to Gjipe · 12 km · Moderate