Ksamil Beach, Albania — A Practical Travel Guide with Map & Tips

Ksamil beach feature white sand, turquoise water, and scenic islands. Ksamil offers ideal conditions for a beach holiday.

It is located 17 km from Saranda — a shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes.

Overview of Ksamil Beaches

Briefly About Ksamil

The town of Ksamil is a compact, thriving settlement that has become a favorite holiday destination for tourists from all over the world.

• The population of Ksamil is about 3,000 people, and during the season it reaches 10,000 people.
• Ksamil belongs to the municipality of Saranda and the Vlora district.
• It is located in the south of Albania, 8 km from the border with Greece, on the coast of the Ionian Sea.
• The Greek island of Corfu is about 2 km away by sea.

The beaches of Ksamil stretch in a continuous strip along the seashore.

You’ll be amazed by the great variety of equipped spots for rest and dining.

The Main Beach of Ksamil

Bora Bora Beach

Along a convenient lagoon lies the main beach of Ksamil — Bora Bora.

Bora Bora is the main beach of Ksamil, which is packed with tourists during the season.

There is a restaurant on the beach with the same name.

Panorama of Bora Bora Beach

The right side of the beach stretches to a cape, from which you can swim to a small island.

The distance to the island is about 70 meters.

There are three islands within the lagoon.

One of the islands consists of two parts connected by a short isthmus.

It is this one that confuses people, creating the impression of four islands.

Hammock Relaxation on the Beach

On the left side of the lagoon are beaches equipped to suit any tourist whim.

For example, here are hammocks made of nets for resting above the sea.

A Stilt Wigwam

Along the Ksamil shore, there is an enormous variety of options for seaside relaxation.

There’s everything imaginable along the coast — from shapeless loungers and nets above the water to stilt wigwams.

Where to Grab a Bite

All along the coast there are plenty of cafés and restaurants of every style.

You will definitely find a place where you can eat.

Your preferences and means will determine your choice.

For example, here below is a Thai cuisine restaurant.

How to Get to Ksamil

First, get to Saranda.

Then, take a regular bus, which runs every half hour all daylight hours, and you’ll easily reach Ksamil or Butrint.

Route: Saranda–Ksamil–Butrint

So, the regular bus runs from Saranda to Butrint, passing through Ksamil.

• On the way, it makes about 10 stops, including several stops in Ksamil.
• Travel time: 20–30 minutes, depending on where you board and get off.
• Ticket price: 100 lek (1.0 euro) to Ksamil and 150 lek (1.5 euro) to Butrint.

In the season:

• interval: every 30 minutes;
• first bus: 07:00 AM;
• last bus: 09:00 PM.

Tip: In the off-season, be sure to check with the drivers for interval times and the schedule of the first and last trips.

Coordinates of the final stop in the center: 39.873210, 20.001963

Valuable Tips for Tourists

Ksamil is geared toward wealthy, upscale tourists. There are no budget accommodation options there.

In Saranda, you can find accommodation for every budget and all levels of affordability, including the most modest. For example, from 10 euros/night in a hostel with all amenities.

As a vacation option — alternate relaxing in Ksamil with beach days in Saranda.

The strategy for budget travelers in Ksamil is to stay overnight in Saranda and head to Ksamil beaches in the morning.

I hope you enjoy Ksamil beaches and that you’ll have something to remember.

As a reminder, the ancient city of Butrint — Albania’s most visited cultural site — is a 10-minute bus ride away.

For a complete overview of all the beaches on the Ionian coast, see Beaches in Southern Albania.

Shorts: Ksamil’s Bora Bora Beach in Albania near Saranda

Shot date: September 5, 2024

This video shows a view of Bora Bora Beach in Ksamil from a seaside café. Umbrellas, crowds of people, and a beautiful panorama of the Ionian Sea and its islands.

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