7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
- Albania
Naomi van Hagen
Content
Ksamil, located in the far south of Albania, is a destination that enchants more and more travelers with its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Not for nothing is this resort often called the "Maldives of Europe. Ksamil offers a combination of beautiful nature, beaches and a touch of culture. Still, opinions about Ksamil are divided. In high season it can be quite crowded here, but in low season, like in late April when we were there, we found it to be an incredibly beautiful and quiet resort with beautiful beaches and fun hotspots. In this article we share the best things to do in Ksamil, as well as the most beautiful beaches, tastiest restaurants and our personal hotel tips!
Vacations to Ksamil in Albania
You probably came to this article because you Albania, especially Ksamil, have seen by on social media. TikTok and Instagram promise that you can find the most beautiful beaches and the cutest beach clubs here. And all for next to nothing. Unfortunately, for everything, when it gets a lot of fame, the prices also go up. So Albania is no longer as cheap as you might expect, and with so much attention online, the country is also becoming more and more touristy. That said, it is still an insanely beautiful destination. Especially in the low season (just before and after the summer vacations), the Albanian Riviera is a great place to be. Did you know that here you will find a coastline almost five hundred kilometers long? A topper of a destination for sun worshippers, then.
How do I get to Ksamil?
You are already in Albania within 2.5 hours of flying! There are Transavia and WizzAir flights from Amsterdam and Eindhoven to Tirana. After that it is still a long drive to Ksamil (about 4 hours). We actually recommend to combine a visit to Ksamil with other beautiful places in Albania. There is so much to see and discover. If you book on time, you can already have a airline ticket for about €50.00 score. Another option is to fly to Ioannina in Greece. This is about a 2.5-hour drive to Ksamil, but keep in mind that if you book a rental car, you cannot simply cross the border with the rental car.
1. Discover the most beautiful beaches in Ksamil
Ksamil is known for its beautiful beaches, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the real hidden gems. We found these to be the nicest beaches:
Bora Bora Beach: this is one of the most popular beaches in Ksamil, and for good reason. The water here is clear blue and the beaches are white and fine. Great for a relaxing day at the beach! Do keep an eye out for crowds in the summer months.
Pulëbardha Beach: this beach is a little further from the center of Ksamil, but is well worth the effort. It is surrounded by cliffs and greenery.
Kekova Beach: if you have a car, drive to Kekova Beach, just north of Ksamil. This beach is less known and offers you a chance to escape the crowds. With any luck, you'll have a private stretch of beach here in the off-season!
Tip: Are you visiting Ksamil in the summer? Then reserve a beach bed a day in advance, as the beaches fill up quickly. For a lounger you will pay about 1000 to 2000 LEK per day (between €10.00 and €20.00). In low season, beach beds are often cheaper and sometimes even free.
2. Explore the historic Butrint National Park
Just a 20-minute drive from Ksamil is the beautiful Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park gives you a glimpse into Albania's rich history with remains from Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times.
During your visit, you can wander around the ancient amphitheater, basilica and Venetian tower, among others. Butrint was once a thriving city and trading center, and you can easily imagine what life must have been like thousands of years ago. Butrint National Park is surrounded by beautiful nature. Consequently, as you walk through the park, you will look out over the hilly landscape and the surrounding lake.
It will cost you 1,000 LEK (9.70 euros) to visit Butrint National Park.
3. Enjoy Albanian cuisine at the best restaurants in Ksamil
Of course, as you have come to expect from us, we have also looked up the tastiest hotspots in Ksamil for you. You can find restaurants in Ksamil that serve both local and international cuisine. The local cuisine reminded us very much of Greek cuisine, with influences from the Balkans. Very tasty! These are the nicest and tastiest restaurants in Ksamil:
Restaurant Korca Ksamil (at Bora Bora Beach): this restaurant serves delicious fresh seafood, but you can also go there for typical Albanian dishes. If you love it, the octopus is a must, but the Greek salad is also very tasty.
Bar Restaurant Pizza Oxhaku: wherever we are, we always look for a tasty pizzeria! The place to be in Ksamil is Pizza Oxhaku. The pizzas are famous in the region and there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurant Panorama: For dinner with a breathtaking view of the sea, we recommend Restaurant Panorama. They serve fresh seafood and traditional Albanian specialties.
4. Stroll the boardwalk of neighboring Sarandë
Are you staying in Ksamil? Then we also recommend taking an evening trip to Sarandë. You can reach the lively coastal town in about 30 minutes by car. You can stroll along the beautiful promenade. With palm trees on either side and beautiful views of the Ionian Sea, it is a nice place to enjoy a leisurely evening stroll, especially when the sun sets and the sky turns into beautiful colors. Along the boardwalk and in the center of Sarandë, you will find all kinds of tasty restaurants and bars.
During our visit to Sarandë, we discovered Black Marlin, and this turned out to be without a doubt one of the best restaurants we found in the region. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes in an Italian twist. Among other things, we ordered fresh shrimp, highly recommended! Want to end the evening with a nice drink? Then head to one of the cocktail bars on the promenade.
5. Take a day trip to Gjirokastër and the Blue Eye
Highly recommended from Ksamil is a day trip to the impressive UNESCO city of Gjirokastër and the enchanting Blue Eye. Located on the steep slopes of the Drinos Valley, Gjirokastër is known as "the city of a thousand steps" and is full of history. Stroll through the charming stone streets of the Bazaar, explore the many traditional stores and enjoy local cuisine in restaurants such as Gjoça Traditional. Don't forget to visit Gjirokastër Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the valley.
Ready to move on? Just a short drive away is the Blue Eye, a breathtaking natural spring that pumps bright blue water up from an underwater cave. With its crystal clear water and unusual colors, it looks like a giant eye. Although swimming is prohibited, you can walk along the spring and river and enjoy the beautiful view.
The trip from Ksamil to Gjirokastër takes just over an hour. A rental car is ideal for this trip. We recommend booking through Sunnycars for a worry-free experience.
6. The best hotel tips for Ksamil.
Ksamil is becoming an increasingly popular resort and one accommodation after another is opening. But where is the best place to stay? There are several options to suit different budgets and preferences. For a luxury stay Arameras Beach Resort ideal, with stylish rooms, an insane pool and direct access to the private beach (average between €130.00 and €300.00 per night). Another beautiful and slightly more affordable hotel is Hotel Porta Ksamil (average between €50.00 and €90.00 per night). This hotel is also super well reviewed. For a cozy and cozy experience Hotel Ajden by Mira Mare (average between €70.00 and €150.00 per night) also a very fine choice!
Take a tour of Albania
Ksamil is a wonderful beach resort for a sun-drenched and relaxing vacation in Albania. But if you ask us, the country is actually too beautiful to limit yourself to just the coast. From historic cities and charming villages to impressive mountains and unspoiled nature: Albania has so much to discover.
Want to see more of the country? Then get inspired by our guide featuring The Most Beautiful Places in Albania for an Unforgettable Road Trip and discover which destinations you shouldn't miss. Are you a fan of hiking and adventure? Then be sure to read Our Experience with The Balkan Trail, a spectacular multi-day hike through the mountains of Albania, Montenegro, and Kosovo. And of course, a visit to the capital is a must: discover Things to Do in Tirana on a City Break.
On a tour of Albania, you’ll combine visits to historic cities, rugged natural landscapes, and idyllic beaches, and discover the surprising diversity of this beautiful country!
Plan your adventure in Albania
Want to explore Albania but need help planning your route? As personal travel advisors, we help you create a trip that matches your travel style, from an adventurous road trip through the Albanian Alps to a relaxing beach holiday along the Albanian Riviera. Would you rather leave everything to us? We can create a tailor-made Albania trip, including route planning, accommodations, and travel arrangements. Start planning your unforgettable Albania adventure and request your personalised travel proposal.
Naomi van Hagen
Curious, creative and passionate about travel, I’m always on the lookout for unique destinations where culture, gastronomy and adventure come together. As a travel blogger, I share personal stories and insider tips from countries like Brazil, Greece, Indonesia, Thailand and Peru, from hidden gems and rich traditions to unforgettable culinary experiences. My blogs are based on real travel experiences and in-depth local knowledge. Ready to plan your own adventure? As a personal travel consultant, I’ll help you create a tailor-made trip that perfectly suits your travel dreams.
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