If you dream of beautiful beaches, but there is no money for the Maldives, go to Ksamil, in the south of Albania! Find out about the prices in Ksamil for holidays, what reviews are left by tourists about the resort and what hotels are advised.
Resort experience
A small resort town on the Ionian coast is located near the border with Greece. Ksamil is famous for its picturesque white sand bays. Tourists from neighboring countries like Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia like to rest here. Russian tourists are rare.
There are hotels in Ksamil and popular campsites. Many cafes and restaurants along the coast have free parking. Tourists are happy to spend their holidays in a mobile home, swim in the sea and eat in a cafe.
Find out what tourists think of Albania.
Julia: "Snow-white beaches, clear water, I have not seen such beauty anywhere: neither Sochi, nor Anapa, nor Mallorca, nor Salou, nor Sicily. As for me, most people come there not for sunbathing and relaxing on the beach, but for beautiful photos. The views are really worth it. "
Best hotels
In Ksamil you can stay in campings, apartments, family mini-hotels and 2-5 * hotels. The service is quite European, and the prices are two times lower. Look for tours to Albania on Travelata.
The best hotels in Ksamil, according to tourists' reviews:
Villa Diamond 3 * is an excellent option for a budget holiday at the resort.
Driloni 3 * - an inexpensive hotel 5 minutes walk from the sandy beach.
Utopia 4 * is a stylish hotel with good breakfasts and a swimming pool.
Citrus 4 * is one of the most beautifully decorated hotels in Ksamil.
King Hotel Ksamil 4 * - comfortable hotel 150 meters from the sandy beach.
Poseidon 5 * - luxurious rest in rooms with a patio and a view of the garden.
Ksamil beaches
For its beautiful sandy beaches and clear sea, Ksamil is called the Albanian Maldives. The sea water at this resort has a stunning blue color. The longest beach, Sunset Beach, is 450 meters long, the rest are in small bays. The coast is closed with islands, so there are no big waves.
It is almost always crowded on equipped beaches and near the embankment. Secluded beaches are quieter and quieter, but there is no shade or vegetation. For wild recreation, we recommend stretching the awning.
Olya Moskovina: "I really liked the beaches. White sand, clear blue water - a fairy tale. We were at the very end of the season, there weren't many vacationers. For two sun loungers they paid 5 euros. We took a boat, swam to neighboring islands - 20 euros for four. It's mega cool there. There are practically no people, the water is very warm. Only positive emotions. "
Karusades: "Lori Beach was the closest beach we stayed. There are lots of sun loungers and space. The sand is fine and clean, making the sea look bright blue. The owner and his team work late to clean the sand. The beach bar and tavern are welcoming. with friendly staff. "
Food prices
Albania is an inexpensive country! The average bill for a dinner for two is $ 12-15. For this money, you will be brought two servings of spaghetti with shrimps or salmon, pizza, fresh juice and ice cream. Dinner with wine will cost $ 20-25. In a restaurant for tourists, an omelet or scrambled eggs cost $ 2, a meat or fish dish - $ 5-8, cheesecake - $ 2, and ice cream with a cupcake - $ 2.
Mariam Tigieva: "The food is delicious, inexpensive, fresh. We always ate grilled fish, Greek salad, the serving was lame, of course, but the taste made up for the aesthetic omission. All the cafes where we ate had stunning views of the sea."
Things to do
A beach holiday in Ksamil should be diversified by walking along the coast, traveling to the mountains and excursions in Albania. We advise you to take a bus yourself to the Butrint Archaeological Museum-Reserve. According to reviews, excursions to the islands, to the monastery of St. George, the city of Gjirokastra, the resort of Saranda and the capital of the country - Tirana are popular from Ksamil.
Elena: "We walked to the beach, which is located on the border with Greece. It took about 1.5 hours to walk, but what kinds of views opened up along the way! Grazing cows, stunning beauty of meadows and in the distance - a blue sea. Just unexplored horizons." ...
When is the best time to go
Swimming in Ksamil begins in May, but the water in the Ionian Sea is not as warm as in the Mediterranean. For families with children, it is better to come in June or early autumn. July and August are the hottest months of the year. At the height of summer, the small beaches of Ksamil are not crowded! Beach activities end at the end of October, and then the long off-season begins at the resort.
Tatiana: "September turned out to be unforgettable thanks to a vacation on the Ionian coast, in Ksamil. This is the most beautiful place in Albania. The climate is maritime, but in June, and especially in July, it is hot, even the sea is hot. The temperature during the day can rise to + 45 ° С and higher! It is most pleasant to have a rest in September - early October ".
Conclusions: is it worth going
Ksamil is ideal for a beach holiday in Albania and relaxation in nature. If you love nightlife, entertainment and hangouts, it is better to choose a larger resort, such as Saranda.
There are enough hotels in Ksamil, and prices for housing and food are below the European average.
The main disadvantage of the resort is that too many people rest on the sandy beaches during the peak season.
If you are going to rent a car, be careful! Albanian drivers are happy to overtake them in the oncoming lane.
