Where are Ksamil Islands Located?

Ksamil Islands are located in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Albania, near the Greek island of Corfu. The islands are known for their turquoise waters and stunning beaches, making them a popular destination. The best time to visit the Ksamil Islands is during the summer months, from May to September. 

During the communist era in Albania, the Ksamil Islands were a forbidden area to visit due to the isolation of the country. This changed in the early 1990s when the country opened up for tourism, and the Ksamil Islands became an enormously popular destination for locals and foreigners.

Why Visit Ksamil Islands?

If you plan on visiting Albania, it would be a shame not to put the Ksamil Islands on your list. They are well-known for their amazing beaches, luring in more and more tourists every year for the following reasons:

• The amazing views and scenery are unmatched. There is no greater view than a full-on natural landscape, with only turquoise waters and vibrant greenery. What more can you ask for?
• The Ksamil Islands are home to the most beautiful beaches in Albania.
• There are plenty of relaxing or adventurous activities to enjoy on the Islands, such as swimming, kayaking, sailing, etc.
• The islands are steeped in rich history and culture, offering countless sightseeing opportunities, never leaving our history lovers bored.
• There are many good restaurants on the Islands offering delicious traditional cuisine, making sure your stomach is the happiest it has ever been.

The best time to visit the beaches is during the summertime, when the weather is perfectly warm. Be sure to stock up on snacks, sunscreen, and a protective hat for your trip; you’ll be spending lots of time on the beach. 

Don’t forget a first-aid kit; you never know what’s going to happen. As for clothing, mostly bring light clothes, but pack a few layers for the chilly summer nights.

How to Get to The Ksamil Islands?

You can get to the Ksamil Islands by various modes of transportation, including car, bus, or boat.

Durrës is located on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan nation of Albania. It's a coastal city that's just a short drive away from the capital of Tirana and a popular tourist destination. 

Durrës has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Tourism is a major industry there, with visitors coming to soak up the sun on the beaches, explore the ancient Roman ruins, visit the Durrës Castle, and enjoy traditional Albanian cuisine. The main economic drivers are fishing, tourism, and port-related activities.

Something interesting about the city? Durrës is home to some of the oldest buildings in the country, including the Venetian Tower, built in the 13th century, so if you're looking for an inspiring place to visit, Durrës is it!

#1. By Car

If you start your trip from Tirana, it will take you about 3 hours and 30 minutes to get to Saranda. From there, you’ll arrive in Ksamil for another 20 minutes. Driving there is not particularly difficult, as the roads are well-maintained and the views accompanying you along the way are beautiful, so be sure to rent a car if you feel like driving around and enjoying the views.

To get to the actual islands, you can swim there in just a few minutes because they are very close to the mainland and the waters are very calm and safe.

#2. By Bus

There is actually no direct bus line from Tirana to Ksamil, so you just have to take a bus from Tirana to Saranda. The trip costs around 13 euros and takes approximately 5 hours to get to the town of Saranda.

The journey is mainly hassle-free, except for the fact that if you’re visiting in the summertime, it can get quite hot inside the bus. So as soon as you arrive in Saranda, you can take another bus to get to Ksamil, which costs about 1 euro and will get you to your destination in around 10 minutes.

#3. By Boat

If you’re more on the adventurous side, you can rent a boat to get to the islands from Saranda, or if you’re lucky, you can find boatmen offering trips to the islands. 

Boat tours are also available from Saranda to Ksamil and the area around to get a better look at the islands and the nature around. An average boat tour varies from 30 euros or more.

Where to Stay When Visiting Ksamil Islands

Saranda and the Ksamil Islands are both popular beach destinations visited by thousands of tourists every summer, and most are puzzled about where to stay. 

The town of Saranda is larger and has more attractions, a vibrant nightlife, and countless restaurants. On the other hand, Ksamil Islands are more remote and offer a more peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a more lively atmosphere, Saranda is the place to stay. There are several hotels, guesthouses, or Airbnbs in the city, such as:

Where to Eat in the Ksamil Islands?

There are plenty of restaurants in Ksamil, bars, and coffee shops. Here are some of the best:

What to Do at Ksamil Islands?

There are many things to do in Ksamil to keep you excited about what you can do next. Here are some ideas:

#1. Visit the Blue Eye

The Blue Eye in Ksamil is nothing short of an oasis of beauty, known for its turquoise waters and vibrant surrounding nature, making it a must-visit for every tourist. You can go and witness the stunning waterfalls and the underground spring, which feeds the crystal water and creates a beautiful blue eye in the center of the lagoon.

#2. Visit Butrint National Park

Located in the southwestern corner of Albania, Butrint National Park is home to many archaeological ruins from different civilizations, like the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the ancient ruins, including the 4th century BC theater, the Venetian Castle, the Baptistery, and many more.

#3. Spend a Day on Greek Island of Corfu

The Greek island of Corfu is only 18 km away from Ksamil, making it easy to go there by boat. Corfu Island offers a large variety of activities for tourists, like exploring the island’s vibrant history and culture, enjoying its stunning beaches and water sports, and trying the delicious Greek cuisine. 

You can also take part in the festivals and events organized throughout the years, mainly in the summer, such as the Corfu Carnival and the Corfu Jazz Festival.

#4. Hike

For all our adventurers, Ksamil offers many hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Popular trails include the hike through the National Park of Butrint, where you can properly explore nature and amazing landscapes.

#5. Boat Tours

Boat tours are one of the most popular activities here, giving you the opportunity to explore the stunning coastline and nearby islands. Tour boats can usually be hired for a few hours or a full day and will take you to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches and bays.

#6. Relax and Swim

Last but not least, don’t forget to just lay back and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania. Take a refreshing swim from time to time, and then soak up the warm sun while sipping a cold drink. 

The beach has facilities such as showers, bathrooms, and bars, so you have everything you need nearby.

7 Best Beaches in Ksamil Islands

Here is a list of some of the best beaches in Ksamil, where you can relax in the sun, with nothing to worry about.

Don’t Forget!

• Ksamil Islands are located in the Ionian Sea off the coast of Albania, near the Greek island of Corfu, and can be visited by car, bus, or boat.
• The Islands are known for unmatched scenery, the amazing beaches, the many activities that are offered, and the rich culture and history.
• There are many accommodation options to choose from when visiting Ksamil, such as El Primero Hotel, Denni’s Home, etc.
• Many restaurants serve amazing local and foreign dishes to make sure you have a full and happy stomach.
• While visiting Ksamil, you can also visit the Blue Eye, Butrint National Park, spend the day at Corfu Island, go hiking, take a boat tour, or just relax on the beach.
  

Ksamil Islands FAQ