Ksamil & Saranda

Ksamil — Albania's Caribbean

Ksamil is the place where most visitors stop in disbelief. Turquoise, crystal-clear water, white pebble beach, and three offshore islands that you can swim to in 10 minutes — it looks like the Caribbean, but it's in Europe and costs almost nothing. The small town at the southernmost tip of the Albanian Riviera, just 15 km from the Greek island of Corfu, has transformed in recent years from a sleepy fishing village to Albania's most popular bathing destination.

The beaches of Ksamil consist of fine white pebbles (no sand), and the water is of almost unreal clarity. There are three main beaches and numerous small coves. Sunbed and umbrella: 300–500 Lek (3–5€) per day, or simply lay your own towel on the free beach section. You can snorkel between the islands — fish are plentiful.

Note in high summer: July and August, Ksamil gets crowded — mainly with Albanian and Kosovar holidaymakers. For peace: arrive early in the morning (before 10 am) or seek out the more secluded coves south of the main beach. In September, you almost have Ksamil to yourself.

Saranda — The Coastal City

Saranda is the largest city on the Albanian Riviera and the tourist center of the south. The promenade (Lungomare) stretches along a horseshoe-shaped bay with views of Corfu — on a clear day, the Greek island seems within reach (only 18 km away). Saranda is less idyllic than Ksamil or Himara — the construction sins of the 1990s are visible — but the city offers the best infrastructure: hotels in every price range, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and a lively evening promenade.

Most day trips start from Saranda: to Butrint (20 min.), to the Blue Eye (40 min.), to Ksamil (15 min.), and by ferry to Corfu (30 min., from €19). The city is a good base camp for exploring the south.