The beaches in Ksamil are the reason most people visit southern Albania. Unlike the pebble coastline that defines Himara and most of the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil has something genuinely rare for this country: soft sand, shallow turquoise water, and small islands you can swim or pedal-boat to. Corfu sits just a few kilometers offshore, and the same Ionian water that makes the Greek islands famous laps at Ksamil's shore.
But Ksamil beach is not one beach. It's a collection of bays and stretches of sand spread along a peninsula, each with its own name, crowd level and price point. Picking the wrong one can mean spending your day packed shoulder-to-shoulder on a narrow strip with 1,500-lek sunbeds and thumping music, when a 5-minute walk would have landed you somewhere calm.
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Quick overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Ksamil village, far southern Albania, 14 km south of Saranda |
| Distance from Himara | ~1.5 hours by car via Saranda |
| Named beaches | About a dozen stretches, plus four islets offshore |
| Beach type | Sandy (rare for Albania), with rock platforms between the bays |
| Water | Shallow, warm, turquoise |
| Best for | Island swims, families, sandy beach seekers |
| Peak season | July-August (extremely crowded) |
| Sunbed prices | 1,500-3,000 ALL (~€13-26) a set in peak season, see Ksamil sunbed prices |
| Nearby landmark | Butrint National Park, about 4 km south |
Ksamil beach overview
Ksamil sits on a small peninsula at the southernmost point of the Albanian Riviera, just north of the Greek border. The village has grown fast and not always gracefully, but the water and sand are exceptional.
The key facts:
- Sandy beaches. Most Albanian Riviera beaches are pebble or mixed. Ksamil's main beaches have genuine fine sand, which makes them popular with families and anyone who doesn't want to wear water shoes.
- Offshore islands. Four islets sit off the main bay, the nearest about 70-100 metres out. They're the defining feature of Ksamil and the shot you've seen on every Albania travel blog.
- Shallow, warm water. The bays are protected and the water stays shallow for a long way out. Kids can wade safely, and the sea runs around 24-27°C from June through September.
- Crowds. There's no sugarcoating this. In July and August, especially on weekends, the beaches in Ksamil are packed. Albanian domestic tourism peaks here, and the beaches are not large.
- Almost all of it is run by a bar. Nearly every stretch of sand belongs to a beach bar or club that rents loungers, and most "beaches" are known by the bar's name. That is why you'll see Bora Bora, Poda or Lori on maps rather than a place name.
For transport details on getting here from Himara, see our Ksamil day trip guide. If you're coming from Saranda, the Saranda to Ksamil bus guide covers the short transfer.
Ksamil beaches by name: Bora Bora, Poda, Beach 7 and the rest
The names on Google Maps are what you'll actually be looking for, so here they are in order, from the main bay facing the islands, round the western tip, then south and north of the village. Distances are from the centre of the village.
| Beach | Where | Sand | Crowds in August | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beach 7 (Plazhi Ksamil 7) | Main bay facing the islands, ~600 m NW | Powdery white sand | Very high | The classic view, the island swim |
| Poda | North end of the main bay, ~400 m N | Sand, wooden walkway | Very high | Being in the middle of it |
| Bora Bora | Centre-west, ~450 m NW | Sand | Very high | Lively, social, close to everything |
| Kamay and the Hand of Ksamil | West side, ~450 m W | Sand and platforms | High, with a queue for the hand | The photo |
| Principote | South-west, ~550 m | Sand and decks | High | A beach club day |
| Lori and Puerto Rico | West side, ~700 m W | Soft light sand, decks | Moderate | Families, calmer mornings |
| The Last Bay (Augustus) | The far western tip, ~1 km | Coarse sand to pebbles | Moderate | Quiet, very clear water |
| Foga | North edge by the main road, ~900 m | Sand | High | Staying at the top of the village |
| Pema e Thatë and Laguna | South coast, ~3 km SW | Sand and decks | Lower | A long lunch away from the centre |
| Gjiri i Hartës, Kep Merli, Pulëbardha | Coast road north, 2.7-3.5 km | Pebble and sand coves | Lower | A car and a quieter swim |
| Mirror Beach | Coast road north, ~4 km | Pebble and sand, very clear | Moderate-high | Snorkelling |
Beach 7, the main bay
Ksamil Beach 7, Plazhi Ksamil 7 on signs and maps, is the main bay in the heart of the village, directly opposite the islands. Powdery white sand, a wooden jetty where the water taxis wait, and the view everyone came for. It is also the busiest and fullest beach in Ksamil from mid-morning in summer. Rilinda beach and the Guvat bar sit on the same stretch. If you visit in June or September, this is the only Ksamil beach you need. "Beach 9" turns up in searches too, but there is no separately pinned Beach 9 on the ground; people usually mean the central sand next to Beach 7.
Poda beach
Poda is the biggest beach on the main bay and the first one you reach from the third bus stop in the village. Sand, crochet parasols, a wooden walkway, and Greg Beach Club working the same stretch. It is open year-round and crammed with sunbeds in August, and its service has a reputation for being slow. The rope swings over the water that turn up in photos as "the Ksamil swing" belong to this part of the bay.
Bora Bora beach
Bora Bora is the long-time favourite in the centre of the village: sand, a big bar-restaurant behind it, and a social, noisy atmosphere. Jet skis and boats work just off it, which adds to the noise. Lovely out of season, hard work in mid-August. For a quieter version of the same sand, walk ten minutes west to Lori.
Kamay beach and the Hand of Ksamil
The Hand of Ksamil is a large white sculpture of an open hand on the rocks at Kamay Beach, on the west side of the village, rising over the water with the islands behind. It belongs to the beach bar, so expect to buy a drink to reach it, and expect a queue: visitors report waits of 30 minutes to an hour in summer. Go early in the morning or around sunset. Our things to do in Ksamil has more on getting the photo without the wait.
Principote
Principote takes its name from the islands just offshore and is one of Ksamil's best-known beach clubs, known for net beds hung over the water. It sits at the upper end of the price range, and front-row cabanas cost several times a standard set. Good for a dressed-up day, not for a cheap swim.
Lori and Puerto Rico
On the western side of the village, Lori has soft, light sand, raised wooden decks and sheltered, shallow water that suits small children; it is calmer in the morning, and the water can turn cloudier in the afternoon. Puerto Rico, next door, is larger and you can wade between the two. Both are paid; prices sit in the middle of the Ksamil range.
The Last Bay (Augustus Beach)
At the far western tip, The Last Bay has coarse white sand turning to larger pebbles, no loud music and some of the clearest water in Ksamil. Sunbeds here have been among the cheapest in the village. SUP and canoe rental work from this end.
Foga beach
Foga is on the northern edge of the village, close to the main road in from Saranda, with several bars sharing the Foga name. Convenient if you're staying at the top of Ksamil; less scenic than the main bay.
More beach-club names: Paradise, Fourth Island, Sunny Hill, Mango, Blue Diamond
Some names people search as beaches are really the bar that runs a stretch of sand. Paradise Beach is on the west side near Lori, about 700 m from the centre; part of it is public. Fourth Island, Sunny Hill Beach and Mango Beach Ksamil sit along the north side of the main bay, 350-700 m from the centre. Blue Diamond is one of the two bars on Puerto Rico beach. Ratings, prices and what each is like after dark are in our Ksamil nightlife guide.
Pema e Thatë and Laguna beach, south of the village
About 3 km south-west of the centre, on the coast running down towards Butrint, Pema e Thatë and Laguna Beach are beach clubs with decks, sunbeds and restaurants, and much more space than the main bay. Pema e Thatë has a boho style and premium prices; Laguna is reviewed for clean, clear water and sunset views. You need a car or a taxi.
North of the village: Gjiri i Hartës, Kep Merli, Pulëbardha and Mirror Beach
The coast road between Saranda and Ksamil passes a string of coves 2.7-4 km north of the village: Gjiri i Hartës, Kep Merli, Pulëbardha and Mirror Beach (Plazhi i Pasqyrave). They're pebble and sand rather than Ksamil's white sand, wilder, and less crowded, though Mirror Beach is now largely covered in sunbeds. They're the right choice with a car and the wrong one without.
Is there a free public beach in Ksamil?
Only a little. The village has two or three public stretches: a small pebble beach with a sanded deck by the main road at the entrance to the village, and part of the sand south-west of the centre. Everywhere else, sitting on a lounger costs money, though you're free to lay a towel on the open sand at the waterline. The sunbed guide covers how to sit for free.
The best beach in Ksamil, by what you want
| If you want... | Go to | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| The postcard view and the island swim | Beach 7 before 10:00 | Beach 7 at noon in August |
| Space and calm water for small children | Lori or Puerto Rico | Bora Bora, for the jet skis |
| A beach-club day with service | Principote, Pema e Thatë | Expecting a cheap set |
| The clearest water | The Last Bay | The middle of the main bay after 14:00 |
| Something free | The public stretches, early | Front rows anywhere |
| The Hand of Ksamil photo | Kamay at 08:00 or at sunset | Midday, when the queue peaks |
Island beaches
The islets offshore are Ksamil's signature. Four are usually counted; the three small ones people photograph sit closest in, the nearest roughly 70-100 metres out and the others 200-400 m depending which beach you leave from. The full breakdown is in our Ksamil islands guide.
Getting to the islands
- Pedal boat: 1,500-2,500 ALL per hour. The classic way. Available from the main bay.
- Motorboat taxi: 500-1,000 ALL per person round trip. Agree on pickup time before they leave you.
- Swimming: The closest island is roughly 70-100 metres offshore, comfortable for anyone with basic ability. Bring a dry bag for your phone.
- Kayak/SUP: Rental on the main bay and at The Last Bay. Good for reaching the further islands at your own pace.
Island 1 (closest)
The nearest and most visited, roughly 70-100 metres out. A small strip of sand with turquoise water on all sides. In peak season, sunbed rentals and a small bar operate here. Still, sitting on a tiny island with Corfu in the distance is a genuine experience.
Island 2 (middle)
Slightly further out, less crowded than Island 1. Similar setup: sand strip, clear water, some seasonal sunbed operations. Worth the extra pedal-boat time for the breathing room.
Island 3 (furthest)
The most remote and least visited. Rougher edges, less sand, but the clearest water of the group. Best reached by motorboat or kayak.
Tip: The islands have no shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Sunburn on a treeless island with no shop is a bad situation.
Shpella e Pëllumbave: Ksamil's Pigeon Cave (and the "blue cave")
Worth naming clearly, because two places on this coast share it. Shpella e Pëllumbave near Ksamil is a small cove reached by road via the Mirror Beach area, south of Saranda. A rocky inlet rather than a sandy bay, and quieter than the central beaches for that reason.
It is a different site from the Pigeons Cave near Himara, which is boat-only, sits on the Riviera coast north of Himara town between Jale and Pirate's Cave, and shares nothing but the name. Searching the Albanian name returns both, which is how people end up an hour's drive from where they meant to be.
For the Ksamil one, treat it as a short detour off a Mirror Beach trip rather than a destination in itself: no facilities to speak of, rocky entry, and best in the shoulder months.
People also search for a "blue cave" in Ksamil. There isn't one in the village. The Blue Cave that boat tours sell is on the Riviera coast up near Himara, see the Blue Cave boat stop; around Ksamil the nearest cave worth the name is this one.
Everything else on Ksamil
The rest of the guide library, if you are planning a full trip rather than picking a beach:
- The islets, one by one, which is swimmable, water-taxi prices, when to cross.
- Boat tours, and why the short "island tour" is poor value when you can swim it.
- Sunbed prices, what a row costs by season, and where to sit for nothing.
- Parking. The peak-season problem and the times that solve it.
- Things to do and day trips, for the hours the sand is unusable.
- With children, shallow water, no shade, and the timing that makes it work.
- Where to eat and after dark.
- Month by month: May, June, July, August, September, October.
Everything about the village in one place: the Ksamil hub.
When to visit Ksamil beaches
| Period | Crowds | Water Temp | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | Very low | 18-20°C | Cool water, empty beaches. Good for exploring, cold for long swims. |
| June | Low-moderate | 21-23°C | Best month. Warm enough to swim, uncrowded, everything open. |
| July | High | 24-26°C | Busy but manageable on weekdays. Avoid weekends if possible. |
| August | Very high | 25-27°C | Peak Albanian holiday month. Packed. If you must come, arrive at 8 AM. |
| September | Moderate | 23-25°C | Crowds thin fast after Labor Day. Water still warm. Excellent month. |
| October | Very low | 20-22°C | Many facilities close mid-month. Quiet and beautiful if weather holds. |
June and September are the sweet spot. You get warm water, open facilities, and beaches that feel like the travel photos. August is an endurance test unless you genuinely enjoy crowds.
Ksamil beaches vs Himara beaches
Here's how the two main Albanian Riviera beach destinations compare.
| Factor | Ksamil | Himara |
|---|---|---|
| Sand vs pebble | Sandy (Albania's best) | Pebble and mixed (water shoes recommended) |
| Water clarity | Excellent | Excellent (some beaches even clearer) |
| Crowd levels | Very high in summer | Moderate (more beach spread across more coastline) |
| Number of beaches | About a dozen named stretches + 4 islets | 13+ beaches within 25 min drive |
| Atmosphere | Tourist-focused, developed | Mix of lively and quiet, more local character |
| Best for families | Yes (sand, shallow water) | Yes (Livadhi Beach especially) |
| Food scene | Tourist restaurants, higher prices | Better variety, better value |
| Nightlife | Limited | Emerging scene, beach bars |
| Day trip options | Butrint, Saranda, Blue Eye | Gjipe, Dhermi, Porto Palermo, many coves |
| Getting around | Walkable core | Car or scooter recommended |
Bottom line: Ksamil wins on sand quality and the island experience. Himara wins on variety, atmosphere, and value. Many travelers do both. Ksamil as a day trip from Himara works well, or as a stop on a broader comparison trip.
For a direct comparison, see our Himara vs Ksamil guide. And for an unfiltered take on what Ksamil is actually like, read our honest Ksamil review.
Practical tips
Parking
- Main beach area: Paid lots charge 300-500 ALL per day. They fill up by 10 AM in August.
- Mirror Beach: Roadside parking along the access road. Arrive early.
- General strategy: Park once and walk. The distances between beaches are short. Driving between beaches in peak season is a losing game.
Crowds and timing
- Arrive before 10 AM in July-August to claim sand space on main beaches.
- Weekdays are dramatically less crowded than weekends, especially in July.
- Late afternoon (after 4 PM) is the second-best window, because some day-trippers leave and the light is better for photos anyway.
- The Last Bay, Lori and the coves north of the village stay manageable longer than Beach 7, Poda and Bora Bora.
Money and prices
- Sunbeds: 1,500-3,000 ALL per set (umbrella + 2 loungers) in peak season, roughly half that in late September. Negotiable off-peak.
- Food on the beach: 600-1,500 ALL for mains. The places one street back are usually better value.
- Water sports: jet skis, SUPs and pedal boats rent from the main bay; things to do in Ksamil covers them.
- Cash is king. Many beach operations don't accept cards. ATMs in central Ksamil run out in peak August, so withdraw in Saranda.
What to bring
- Sunscreen and shade. Limited natural shade on beaches, none on the islands.
- Water shoes for The Last Bay, the rock platforms, and the island beaches where the surface gets rocky.
- Cash in lek. Don't rely on card payments at beach operations.
- Snorkel gear if you have it. The water around the islands is clear enough to enjoy without diving.
- A dry bag if you plan to swim to the islands.
Getting to Ksamil
- From Himara: 1.5 hours by car via the SH8 through Saranda. There's no direct bus, so transfer in Saranda. See our day trip guide.
- From Saranda: 20-25 minutes by car or taxi, 20-30 by the roughly hourly local bus (150-200 ALL). Details in our Saranda to Ksamil bus guide.
- From Tirana: 4.5-5 hours by car, or bus to Saranda then transfer. From Tirana, you'll need to transfer in Saranda; see our Tirana to Ksamil bus guide.
For hotel recommendations, see our best hotels in Ksamil guide.
Frequently asked questions
Are Ksamil beaches really sandy?
Yes. Beach 7, Poda, Bora Bora and Lori have fine white sand, genuine sand rather than crushed pebble. This is unusual for Albania, where most Riviera beaches are pebble or mixed. The Last Bay turns to pebble at its far end, and the coves north of the village, Mirror Beach included, are pebble and sand.
Is Ksamil too crowded to enjoy?
In August, the main beaches are extremely crowded. But timing and beach choice make a huge difference. The Last Bay, Lori, the coves north of the village and the islands are manageable even in peak season if you arrive early. June and September are far better. See our honest Ksamil review for a candid take.
Can you swim to the Ksamil islands?
Yes. The closest island is roughly 70-100 metres from the main bay, a comfortable swim for anyone with basic swimming ability. The water between the beach and the islands is calm and shallow most of the way. Bring a dry bag for valuables. The further islands are better reached by pedal boat, kayak, or water taxi.
What is the best beach in Ksamil?
For the classic view and the island swim, Beach 7 on the main bay, as long as you arrive before 10:00 in summer. For families, Lori or Puerto Rico on the west side, with calm, shallow water. For the clearest water and the least noise, The Last Bay at the western tip. Bora Bora and Poda are the liveliest, and the most crowded.
Where is the Hand of Ksamil?
On the rocks at Kamay Beach, on the west side of the village about 450 metres from the centre. The sculpture belongs to the beach bar, so you will usually need to buy a drink to reach it, and queues of half an hour or more are common in summer. Go early in the morning or at sunset.
How does Ksamil compare to Himara for beaches?
Ksamil wins on sand and the island experience. Himara wins on variety (13+ beaches spread along 25 minutes of coast), atmosphere, food, and value. Ksamil is more tourist-focused; Himara has more local character and range. Many travelers visit both. See our full comparison guide.
Is Ksamil worth visiting for a day trip?
Absolutely, especially from Saranda (20 min) or Himara (1.5 hours). A day trip lets you hit the main beach. Take a pedal boat to an island, swim, and eat. It's enough to experience the best of Ksamil without navigating the accommodation scene. See our Ksamil day trip from Himara guide for logistics.
For more Albanian beach options beyond Ksamil, see our guide to the best beaches in Albania.
