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Albania has exploded in popularity over the past few years, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Ksamil in particular has become the poster child for that shift — crystal-clear turquoise water, a genuinely relaxed vibe, and prices that make the rest of the Mediterranean look overpriced by comparison. I fell in love with this place during my stay here, and it’s easy to understand why so many travelers are now putting it on their radar instead of the usual Greek or Italian coastlines.
10 beaches in Ksamil, Albania — from Poda to Bora Bora, with sunbed prices, family-friendly picks, activities, and where to stay.
Ksamil Itinerary
1.Poda Beach
2. Three Islands Beach
3. Bora Bora Beach
4. Principotes Beach Club
5. Hand of Ksamil
6. Africana Beach Club
7. Paradise Beach
8. Horizont Beach
9. Paradise Beach
10. Plazhi Ksamilit
1. Poda Beach
My favorite in Ksamil. Tucked in the same main bay as the central beaches, it has a more laid-back, boho feel — a nice contrast to the busier strips nearby.
Sunbeds run similarly to the rest of Ksamil, around 1,000 lek (roughly €10) for the day. Good for couples or anyone wanting a quieter vibe without straying far from everything else.
2. Three Islands Beach
Named for the view out to Ksamil’s little offshore islands, which look close enough to swim to (and often are). Great for families — shallow, calm water close to shore — and a natural launch point if you want to rent a kayak or grab a water taxi out to the islands themselves.
Sunbeds run around 1,000 lek (roughly €10) for the day, in line with most of Ksamil’s standard beaches.
3. Bora Bora Beach
Sits in its own cove right alongside the main Ksamil beach strip, with a livelier, more social atmosphere — closer to beach-club energy than family-beach energy. Water here lives up to the name. Sunbeds run around 1,500-2,000 lek (roughly €15-20) for the day, a bit above Ksamil’s standard rate given the more upscale beach-club feel.
4. Principotes Beach Club
Ksamil’s most talked-about luxury beach club, and priced accordingly — expect noticeably more than the standard €10 sunbed rate elsewhere, often 2,000-4,000 lek (roughly €20-40) or more depending on the season.
Polished loungers, a proper cocktail menu, and a scene rather than a swim spot. Book ahead in peak season.
5. Hand of Ksamil & Castle Beach
One of the smaller, more tucked-away beach spots along the Ksamil coastline, Hand of Ksamil has that classic Ksamil combination of bright turquoise water, rocky edges, and little pockets of sand. Sunbeds are around 1,000 lek (€10), which is fairly standard for Ksamil.
It’s also home to the “Hand” — a giant sculpture that’s become the busiest photo spot in town. Fair warning from experience: we went twice and both times the queue was so long we gave up on getting our own shot.
If arriving early in the morning during peak season, you’ll have a better chance of finding both a free spot near the edge and a shorter wait for the photo.
6. Ksamil Beach (Main/Beach 7)
The main, most iconic stretch — powdery white sand and shallow, brilliantly clear water. It’s the postcard shot everyone comes for, which also means it’s the most crowded, especially July-August. Family-friendly thanks to the shallow water, but come early if you want space. Sunbeds around 1,000 lek (€10).
7. Africana Beach Club
One of Ksamil’s most highly rated beach clubs, known for its comfortable sunbeds (mostly shaded), stair access straight into the water so you skip the sand entirely, and some of the best sunset views in the area.
The African-inspired decor and music give it a distinct atmosphere compared to the more standard beach setups nearby. Expect to pay around €25-30 for a set of two loungers with an umbrella, on the pricier end for Ksamil — and bring cash, as sunbeds here are cash-only.
8. Horizont Beach
Sits right between Africana Beach Club and Bora Bora Beach, in front of the Beach-Bar-Restaurant Horizont. A good option if the busier clubs on either side are full, without straying far from the main strip.
9. Paradise Beach
A half public, half private stretch with a small wooden dock a few feet above the water — perfect for jumping straight in.
Narrow and limited on space, but the turquoise, calm water makes it a solid pick, especially for families. Parking sits just behind the beach. Standard Ksamil sunbed pricing applies, around 1,000 lek (roughly €10) for the day.
10. Plazhi Ksamilit
The broader “Ksamil Beach” area itself — technically the umbrella name locals use for the main central stretch, tying the whole list back to where most people start their day in Ksamil. Sunbeds run around 1,000 lek (roughly €10) for the day, consistent with the standard Ksamil rate.
Right next to this stretch, Orange Beach Club Ksamil has its own infinity pool overlooking the marina — a nice option if you want a proper pool alongside sea access, rather than just sunbeds on the beach.
Getting to Ksamil
Ksamil sits at the southern tip of the Albanian Riviera, about 15 km south of Saranda and close to the Greek border.
- By car: the most flexible option, and how most visitors get around once they’re there too, since the beaches are spread along a few kilometers of coastline. If you’re flying into Corfu or Tirana, renting a car is the easiest way to cover this whole area at your own pace.
- By bus: regular minibuses run between Saranda and Ksamil — cheap and frequent, though less convenient if you want to bounce between several beaches in one day.
- By air: the nearest airport is Corfu (CFU) in Greece, followed by a short ferry crossing to Saranda — often faster than flying into Tirana and driving the whole length of the
Where to Stay
Most of the beaches on this list are within walking or short driving distance of central Ksamil, so basing yourself there keeps everything easily accessible. Browse hotels in Ksamil to compare options across every budget.
Useful Tips
- Arrive early: most of the beaches on this list get genuinely packed by mid-morning in July and August — before 9am is the sweet spot for the popular ones like Ksamil Beach and Castle Beach.
- Bring cash: smaller beach bars and sunbed rentals often prefer lek in cash over card.
- Sunbed pricing varies: budget roughly 1,000 lek (~€10) per day at most standard beaches, more at beach clubs like Principotes, and extras like floating nets or gazebos cost more on top.
- Pack water shoes: several of these beaches lean pebbly rather than sandy — worth having something on your feet if you’re sensitive to that.
- Shoulder season is worth it: June and September get you the same water and weather with a fraction of the July/August crowds.
Activities in Ksamil
Beyond just beach-hopping, Ksamil’s coastline and islands make it a good base for a few water-based activities:
- Jet Ski: rent one yourself and explore the coast and hidden coves independently, or book a guided ride if you’re new to it. Expect roughly €60-90 for a short 20-30 minute session, though pricing varies by operator and season — worth comparing a couple of rental spots before booking.
- SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding): guided tours around the Ksamil islands typically run 1.5-2 hours and cost around €50-60 per person, usually including a local guide/instructor and sometimes a coffee or tea stop. Morning and sunset departures are both popular.
- Boat Tours: the easiest way to see Ksamil’s islands, hidden coves, and spots like Blue Eye Spring or Butrint in one trip. Prices vary a lot depending on group size, duration, and whether it’s a shared or private boat — shop around at the harbor or book ahead online during peak season.
Loved Ksamil? Check out more of my favorite European beach guides: Top 10 Beaches in Tenerife, Best 10 Beaches in Crete, Greece, and The 10 Most Trendy Beaches in Europe for 2026.