How Expensive is Ksamil? What to Expect for Your Trip
Planning a trip to the Albanian Riviera but not sure how much it’ll cost? We recently spent a long weekend in Ksamil, Albania, and were honestly blown away by how affordable it was, especially for a European beach destination, but of course, timing is key.
In this post, we’re breaking down exactly what we spent for 3 days and 2 nights, so you can plan your own seaside escape without any surprises.
Why Visit Ksamil?
Ksamil is a tiny town in southern Albania, near Corfu, best known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, laid-back island vibe, and affordable prices. It's often referred to as the "Maldives of Europe", and while it's definitely grown in popularity, it still feels like a hidden gem.
If you're coming from the US, the UK or elsewhere in Europe, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive spots like Greece or Italy, without sacrificing beauty.
Flights to Albania
We flew Ryanair from London Stansted to Tirana, and return flights cost us £195 for two people. Prices may vary depending on the time of year, but even in summer, deals can still be found if you book early. Because it was a quick weekend getaway, we only travelled with one small backpack each, and it was more than enough.
Getting to Ksamil
From Tirana airport, you have three main ways of getting to Ksamil.
The first option is by bus, which is the most affordable, costing around £30, but it’s the longest, taking around 6 hours.
The second option is by Taxi, which can be the most expensive, costing just under £200 one way. It’s important to mention that you need to take into account the way back, and please, agree on the cost up front, so that you don’t get any surprises once you arrive.
The third option, and the one we chose: renting a car. Tirana airport to Ksamil is roughly a 4.5-hour drive. Our car rental for three days was £81, but we were surprised at pickup to learn our pre-paid insurance didn’t count. We had to pay an extra £93 for mandatory local insurance, which is something to keep in mind! We later discovered that this is a common scam that happens with many car rental companies around the world, so stand your ground.
One of our top tips is to rent your car through QEEQ. With this platform, you can pay a small extra fee during booking that protects you in case the rental company refuses your insurance. In this case, QEEQ will refund you if that happens. They also have the best prices in the market, which is always a plus.
We also spent £70 on fuel, which covered the round-trip and driving around Ksamil.
Hotel by the Beach
We stayed at the Emar Beachfront Hotel Ksamil, right on the beachfront in Ksamil. It cost us £85 for 2 nights, and honestly, it felt like such good value. We had sea views, and the location was perfect, just steps from the sand. Having breakfast included was a huge bonus as we didn’t have to worry about finding a restaurant each morning. It’s important to mention that we went just before the peak summer season.
Check out our full review of Emar Beachfront Hotel Ksamil: Best Place To Stay In Ksamil? Affordable Beachfront Hotel.
For those seeking luxury, upscale resorts are available at a fraction of the cost compared to other European destinations (depending on the season). These are 4 incredible hotel recommendations in Ksamil:
Eating & Drinking in Ksamil
Albanian cuisine is both flavorful and budget-friendly. In Ksamil, a typical meal at a local restaurant ranges from £5 to £15 per person. Seafood dishes, a local speciality, might be on the higher end, but they are worth every penny.
We spent £58 in three days on food and drinks, which included:
A delicious shrimp pasta and pepperoni pizza at Bar Restorant Luna (highly recommend for sunset!)
Beach snacks and drinks
A couple of casual meals around town
Eating out in Ksamil is super affordable, and portion sizes are generous.
Fun Extras
We also hired a kayak for €25 (we haggled the price down from €40) and explored the nearby islands with it. A must-do if you visit! We even picked up a small souvenir for €4 (because who doesn’t love fridge magnets?).
If you are looking to pre-book activities in Ksamil, like day trips, water activities and more, find out things to do below.
Our 3-Day Cost Breakdown (May Weekend)
We visited Ksamil in early May, which is just before the high season kicks off. That means lower prices, quieter beaches, and still plenty of sunshine.
Here’s what we spent for two people:
That’s £305.50 per person for flights, transport, accommodation, food, and activities. (It would have been much less if we had avoided the car insurance scam)
Additional Costs for Longer Trips
We had a very tight itinerary during our trip to Ksamil, but if you are planning a longer trip, then you will likely have other costs to account for, such as beach umbrella rentals, activities and more. If we had more time, here are 10 Things We Wish We’d Tried in Our Trip to Ksamil, Albania.
Popular Reads for Planning the Perfect Ksamil Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Ksamil, these blogs will help you make the most of it. From where to stay to the best boat tours and even full Albania itineraries.
🏖️ Best Hotels in Ksamil with a Private Beach (2026 Guide)
Discover beachfront hotels that actually come with private access and reserved sunbeds. Top-rated picks for location, style and value.⛵ Private Boat Tours in Ksamil: Worth It? + Top Picks
Sunset cruises, secret island stops, and swimming in crystal-clear waters. We’ve reviewed the most popular boat tours so you can pick the right one.🇦🇱 Best Albania Multi-Day Tour Packages (2026 Itinerary Picks)
Want your whole trip planned for you? These multi-day tours cover beaches, mountains and UNESCO towns for a great value and zero stress.
Watch Our Detailed Cost Breakdown
For a more in-depth look at our expenses and experiences in Ksamil, check out our YouTube videos:
Our Albania Videos
I Planned a SURPRISE Vacation for my Girlfriend's Birthday! Her Happiness Means The World
Exploring the Deserted Islands of Ksamil, Albania 🇦🇱 Europe's Hidden Paradise
We Stayed in this AMAZING Beachfront Hotel in Ksamil, Albania 🇦🇱 (SUPER CHEAP)
6 Things You NEED TO KNOW BEFORE Visiting Ksamil 2024 🇦🇱 Plan The Best Trip to Ksamil, Albania
How Expensive is a Trip to Ksamil? 🇦🇱 This is What we Spent in 48 Hours
