Budget Friendly Paradise: A Guide to Visiting Ksamil Albania

 This little town has gained a lot of popularity over the last few years. The peak summer months now bring in many tourists and with such small beaches, it can feel over crowded. Ksamil is at its liveliest in July and August and this is when you will experience the hottest weather. We visited in May when the town was just starting to open up, the weather was good and the crowds hadn’t arrived yet. Visiting Ksamil in May, June and September when it will be less busy than peak summer, will offer a more relaxed stay. Ksamil pretty much closes down between October and March, so avoid visiting in these months.

 Ksamil is located in southern Albania, approximately 15kms from the city of Sarande. The closest international airport is actually in Corfu, Greece, from there you take a ferry across to Sarande. The nearest airport in Albania is in Tirana, which is a four hour drive away from Ksamil. Some people choose to do this and explore more of Albania en route. In this post I will discuss the route we took which was via Corfu.

Accommodation to consider : I have divided these into more luxe options and great options for tighter budgets. Note that Albania offers great value for money, so even the pricier options are excellent value when compared to many other European destinations you may be used to.

One of the main draws to Ksamil is its collection of stunning beaches and islands. The area is becoming famous for its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of a tropical paradise. There are lots of different beaches along the coast for you to explore, some attached to restaurants/bars. Be cautious of people offering free sun beds if you have lunch in their restaurant, go and check the restaurant prices first. It may work out good value if you planned to eat somewhere nice anyway. During the peak summer months the beaches are full of sun beds, making it difficult to find a place to just plonk a towel down. You may need to reserve a bed ahead of time, or get there early! Don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby islands of Ksamil. The nearest island is close enough to swim to! We hired a peddle boat for £8 per hour and peddled out to the different ones. The beaches we found on the islands pretty much had no one on them, but this was during May. I imagine this wont be the case in August!

A short distance from Ksamil you have the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Albania’s most significant archaeological sites. Butrint National Park is an extensive complex that dates back to the 8th century BC. We really enjoyed exploring the remains of the ancient city, including a Roman theater, a Venetian fortress, and early Christian baptisteries. We made it more interesting for Leo with imaginative play, getting him to put on a performing at the theatre and pretending to be a shop keeper in an old store! The park’s diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species, add to it being a wonderful place to visit. We spent a morning here, the entrance fee was 1000 lek for adults (just over £8) and free for under 12’s.

 You will find the Blue Eye Spring on most must visit lists for Ksamil. This was the reason we visited and to be honest, we found it a little bit underwhelming for the effort it took to get there. That’s not to say it isn’t an incredibly beautiful place (it really is) but a 40 minute drive followed by a good 30 minute walk, on a really hot day, with a 4 year old who decided not to walk – wasn’t my idea of fun! Blue Eye is a deep spring water pool set in a karst rock formation, with its name deriving from its resemblance to a human eye when you look down at it from the platform – the central ‘pupil’ a bright shade of blue, and the surrounding ‘iris’ a lighter shade. Swimming isn’t allowed although you will see lots of pictures of people swimming there..

 We visited Gjirokaster during an overcast day. The drive from Ksamil took around 55 minutes and was incredibly scenic. A lot of the drive was through picturesque countryside, passing olive groves and quaint villages. The drive was fine up until we arrived at the old town. The streets are quite narrow and steep in places. If it was busier, I can imagine it being chaotic as it was difficult for two cars to pass if traveling in opposite directions. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like stepping back in time. The city’s cobblestone streets, Ottoman-style houses, famous stone roofs and the imposing Gjirokaster Castle create a really interesting place to explore. We sat down for a coffee and some Byrek before mooching through the streets and heading up to the castle. The castle is 400 lek to enter (around £3.15) and you have to pay in lek. They don’t accept card or euros. The views from the castle are fantastic and there is a lot to explore inside. With its enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, visiting Gjirokaster is an unforgettable day trip which showcases the diversity of what Albania has to offer.

Overall, if you want stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality, visiting Ksamil is a great option that wont break the bank. Whether you’re looking for relaxation on pristine beaches, an adventure through ancient ruins, or just want to enjoy some amazing food, Ksamil has something to offer everyone.