3 Best Things to Do in Ksamil, Albania (Don’t Miss These)
If you are planning a trip to Ksamil and wondering how to get the absolute most out of your time, a few key experiences should sit right at the top of your travel itinerary. Ksamil is compact and highly walkable, but it is packed with pristine beaches, deep history, and a vibrant culinary scene.
To help you skip the guesswork, here are the three must-do activities Max and I recommend to guarantee an unforgettable trip.
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1. Get out on the water: Ksamil islands boat tour
Ksamil’s most iconic feature is the cluster of four emerald islands sitting just off the main coastline. On a clear day, they look like a tropical paradise plucked straight out of Southeast Asia. Known locally as the Ishujt e Ksamilit, these islands are surrounded by incredibly shallow, calm water that makes them highly accessible.
How to reach the islands
If you are feeling active, you can easily rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) directly from the shore at popular spots like Lori Beach or Bora Bora Beach. Rentals typically run around €10 to €15 per hour, and the paddle across the transparent water only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the closest twin islands.
However, if you want to skip the workout and experience the outer, more secluded islands without battling the midday sun, booking a guided local boat tour is by far the best option.
What to expect on a boat tour
Taking a structured boat tour allows you to slip away from the crowded, music-heavy beach clubs and glide out into the open Ionian Sea. Most local captains will navigate you around all four islands, pointing out the famous twin islands that are connected by a narrow, submerged strip of white sand.
You will stop to swim and snorkel in the deeper, hidden coves where the marine life gathers, and the water is completely crystal-clear. It is the perfect way to get panoramic coastal photos of the Riviera landscape, find a quiet patch of beach all to yourself, and soak up some serious "Vitamin Sea" (get it? hahaha).
With so many boat captains offering rides along the shore, finding a reliable tour can feel a bit overwhelming. To save you the guesswork, we’ve vetted the options and compiled the best excursions available. These are the top-rated boat tours we highly recommend booking to secure your spot and guarantee a brilliant day out on the water:
2. Step into ancient history: Butrint National Park
Just a short 15-minute taxi or drive south of the Ksamil town centre lies Butrint National Park, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you think Albania is only about modern beach clubs, this place will completely change your perspective. It is widely considered one of the most important archaeological treasures in the entire Balkan region.
The ancient city dates back to prehistoric times and was heavily shaped by successive layers of history, including the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. What makes Butrint so incredibly magical is its microclimate and setting; the ruins are nestled inside a lush, heavily shaded forest right on the edge of a peaceful saltwater lagoon.
You can spend a few hours wandering along wooden pathways through a beautifully preserved Roman amphitheatre, walking past monumental stone city walls, and exploring the crumbling remains of old basilicas and public baths.
How to get from Ksamil to Butrint National Park
Because Butrint sits just 4 kilometres south of town, navigating your way there is relatively straightforward. You have three main transport options depending on your budget and how much flexibility you want:
Option 1: By rental car (our top recommendation): Driving yourself down via the SH81 highway takes less than 10 minutes, and there is a large, free parking lot located right outside the main park entrance gates. Having your own vehicle gives you total freedom over your schedule. We highly recommend booking your car through QEEQ to lock in the best local rental rates. It allows you to drive down early in the morning and explore the ancient ruins in peace before the massive tour buses arrive from Sarandë.
Option 2: Guided activity with transport included: If you want a completely stress-free experience without worrying about driving or navigating local transport, booking a guided tour is a fantastic choice. A professional guide will pick you up, handle your entry tickets, and walk you through the history of the ruins so you don’t miss the hidden details.
Option 3: By public transport (budget-friendly): There is a local public bus that runs from Sarandë through Ksamil to Butrint every 30 to 60 minutes. You can catch it from any of the four main bus stops in Ksamil town. A one-way ticket only costs 100 Leke (around €1), which you pay to the conductor in cash on board. Just keep in mind that these buses can get incredibly packed and hot during peak summer afternoons!
3. Unwind with a waterfront sunset dinner
There is no better way to end a sun-soaked day in town than watching the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and gold as the sun drops right behind the Ionian Sea.
For the ultimate romantic view, head over to Bar Restorant Luna. Located right on the water's edge, this cosy, authentic spot serves up incredibly fresh local seafood, rich shrimp pasta, and artisan wood-fired pizza. While the food is spectacular, the front-row sunset views are what truly steal the show. You can read our full breakdown of the experience in our dedicated review: Best Seaside Restaurant in Ksamil with Unique Sunset Views.
The outdoor tables fill up fast. Make sure to arrive about 45 to 60 minutes before sunset to secure the best seats in the house!
Looking for a lively sunset party vibe?
If you want a more social, upbeat atmosphere to kick off your evening, there is an incredible catamaran cruise that departs out of Sarandë (which is only a 20-minute taxi ride up the coast from Ksamil). It is an amazing way to make friends, grab a few drinks, and enjoy an evening swim while a live DJ plays music against the backdrop of the setting sun.
If you found this blog helpful, please leave a like, share and comment on which activity you plan on doing during your trip to Ksamil!
Keep planning your trip to Ksamil!
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Beachfront luxury: Hotel Panorama Ksamil (9.3/10)
- Resort vibes: ARAMERAS Resort (9.2/10)
- Private beach & half-board: King Hotel Ksamil (8.7/10)
