From the breathtaking sunrises to the golden sunsets, the crystal-clear waters to the exotic bays, as well as in the intimate beaches and among the numerous opportunities for sports and water activities, there is always something more to experience. Ksamil is a slice of paradise, a destination that you will always want to return to, where it will feel as special as it did the very first time.
The Mediterranean islands of Ksamil are considered a very important and popular Albanian tourist destination that entices and invites tourists from all over the world. Ksamil is home to those who love the sea, the sun and the Mediterranean climate. Speaking of which, the Nordics are the ones who most frequently visit the islands of Ksamil, as are the Russians, Poles, French, Italians, and many others.
Ksamil and its Beaches
Ksamil prides itself on its white beaches, Ionian dark blue seawaters, rocky shores and Mediterranean vegetation. The four islands of Ksamil create a rich ecosystem of oak trees, garigue, maquis, hills, gorges, wild almonds, buckthorn, sarsaparilla, daffodils and asparagus – all surrounded by beaches and bays, each more beautiful than the other. You can access these islands and beaches by small boats that you can find on the seashore or from the contacts you will find in this Magazine.
Ksamil is also known as a destination where you can do a range of aquatic activities, from windsurfing on windy days to diving accompanied by an instructor.
15 of the Best Ways to Experience the True Magic of Ksamil
1. Take a Ride from the Town of Ksamil to Pema e Thatë
The road that brings you from Ksamil to Pema e Thatë (“The Dry Tree”) can be considered a small adventure. It passes through hills and improvised paths. You can admire the beauty of the Ksamil shores stretching from Saranda until the Greek island of Corfu, which is on the opposite side of the bay. Spend a day at the beach of Pema e Thatë by organizing a picnic with a small barbeque and something cold to drink. We highly recommend cooking the fish that you catch that day!
2. Visit the Historical Site of Butrint
Being just six minutes away from Butrint, Ksamil is also known for its suburbs. It will be quite a separate experience to visit Butrint by spending one day within its old ruins and exploring its other natural resources.
3. Meet the Artisans of Ksamil
There are also small artisans in Ksamil who produce souvenirs with sea symbols and historical objects using small stones from the sea. You will find them at the city center.
4. Learn about Ksamil’s History
Go and visit the historian Halil Shabani, or make an appointment with him! He always has an interesting story about the area to tell you. He is the author of several historical books and has a lot of knowledge about the history of the area.
5. Experience the Nightlife of Ksamil
Several seaside clubs offer selected music and very good cocktails made with Mediterranean fruits. Some recommended clubs to visit are the Agrume Inn and Poda.
6. Go visit Vivari Castle by Boat
To go to Vivari Castle, contact a tourist boat easily found parked in front of Butrint. Mobile phone: 069 24 46 441. During the journey, you can admire the beauty of the shores, Butrint Park in front of you and the Castel built by Ali Pasha Tepelena in 1807 to protect himself from French invasions that were coming from Corfu Island.
7. Take a Local Tour in Zara (Zarë) and Konispol
Zara (or Zarë) is known as the natural greenhouse of Albania. You can take a local tour that will bring you first to Zara’s farms – especially known for growing vegetables, almonds and citrus fruits – and then continue to Konispol, where you will visit the centuries-old houses. This is a great opportunity to see the traditional Albanian way of life, to try authentic home cooking, as well as to meet locals from Çameria.
8. Try Some Local Products
Go to the “Family Hotel” to taste the organically handcrafted fig jam, prepared with lemons and oranges, from a recipe that is sold exclusively in Germany.
9. Explore Bays and Beaches
There are more than 50 bays and beaches around the shores of Ksamil and the islands. They range from “massive” – because of the high number of attendants every year – to “intimate,”
where you will be alone with the sea and nature. Choose carefully and plan where you want to go in advance. On the way to “The Dry Tree” is “The Last Bay,” a pretty beach with few tourists. In the same area, you will find some other beaches open to the public where you can get your own umbrella.
10. The Cultural Center “Dea”
It is located on the beautiful panoramic hill that faces the islands. It is a theater building festooned with decorations and sculptures of great world-famous artists. The center has a rich bookstore, and there are many activities organized mainly for children: piano and violin classes, fairs, exhibitions, concerts, etc.
11. Discover the Underwater World of Ksamil
The deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea at Ksamil are rich in colorful coral, relics, old ships, living creatures, and fish and rocks of many forms. If you would like to have an unforgettable experience and learn more about Ionian water resources, go deep and dive with an instructor.
12. Watch Some Windsurfing
Windy days are quite suitable for outdoor sea sports like windsurfing, a frequent activity in Ksamil.
13. The Magic Sunsets of Ksamil
The most beautiful moments in Ksamil are undoubtedly its sunrises and sunsets. Summer sunsets – when the sky and the sea dive into a deep orange color – are very romantic moments where you can enjoy a local drink and take beautiful photos.
14. Mussel Farming Tour
If you would like to see the famous mussels of Butrint up close, you should contact local agencies to organize a tour where you will be able to pull them from the water or try to cook the mussels yourself as is provided by the tour organizers.
15. Try the Local Culinary Delights
Like any other coastal town, Ksamil has a lot of seafood dishes which intertwine with other Mediterranean food and which are always accompanied by fresh vegetables. Some of our recommendations of places where you can try typical Albanian cuisine are: Restaurant “Islands,” where you will eat cooked fish on a tile; “Mussels House,” where you will try perfectly cooked mussels in many forms; and “Hotel Livia,” where you will find only organic products that come from the best farms in the southern part of Albania and where every local dish is served.
