The branded ' Maldives of Europe' - The Albanian Riviera
Looking for Maldives or Caribbean blue seas minus the large price tag? Then Ksamil is the place for you!
This place will become more popular in the next while, which will mean the area becoming more busy and possibly an increase in the prices - so I do recommend to visit before this happens.
At this ferry terminal you can board either of the 2 options from Corfu to Sarande
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I opted for the second option, flying into Corfu and taking the Ferry
This below website is the site that I used to book my return tickets, don't worry about which option you choose (Ionian or Finikas) as they both take the same route. Please note there is a one hour time difference between both Corfu and Ksamil (Ksamil is one hour behind Corfu) - incase you need to manually set the time on your phone.
Nestled at the top of a small hill , I stayed at the beautiful 'Hotel Ajden Mira Mare' . This hotel is slightly located away from the hustle and bustle (a 7-10minute walk) which is ideal to be able to escape the noise, whilst still being closeby with a stunning rooftop view from this hotel of the sea and surrounding mountains.
The staff at this hotel make you feel like family and their warmth is enough of a reason to want to return to Ksamil. Super modern rooms with a spacious balcony (it is only a new hotel) , a delicious breakfast included in the stay and a cute pool area. Please do bear in mind if you are a female solo traveller, there did not seem to be security on the door at my time of staying (May24') or no need to scan a key to access the building - which I know some female travellers may prefer so please do bear this in mind - but none the less, I highly recommend!
I recommend visiting Butrint National Park while in Ksamil or Sarande. You can take the local bus here (it comes hourly) and will leave you just outside the park. You can prebook your tickets online or you can pay at the entry with CASH ONLY. There are no ATMs here so please make sure to have cash. I think it would be beneficial to hire a guide for here if you're into history however this was a last minute plan so I explored without a guide and still really enjoyed the beauty of the place. Collect a map on upon entrance to help you find your way around the park.
Bianco Beach Club. This place is small, but gorgeous with good views. I went in May when the prices are a little cheaper before the high season (June-September) and for a poolside bed, prosecco (or you can choose 2 cocktails instead) and a fruit salad it was 80Euro but you can stay here for the whole day. The music choices are good, attentive staff,luxury vibes and delicious cocktails. From around 10PM this place turns into a nightclub playing a mix of music from techno to reggaeton and everything in between.
This is another beautiful beach club with direct access to the beach (unlike Bianco). I didn't rent a beach bed here I did just have a drink at the bar but this place was a lot more croweded and vibey than Bianco. They had a live DJ playing music by the pool with a mix of different genres.
Enjoy the beautiful Bora Bora beach in Ksamil. Here you can rent a daybed for lower prices than you would pay at the beach clubs and with the same gorgeous view , along with being only steps away from the crystal clear water.
Did you even visit Ksamil if you don't visit the hand? Not only is this a perfect photo opportunity but the different shades of water here are such a gorgeous contrast. During May, this beach area seemed more quiet and less busier than Bora Bora beach
Enjoy a fine meal on the rooftop of this restaurant whilst watching the sky change colours over the town. I had a margharita pizza & a glass of white wine here which was the gorgeous end to a perfect day spent at the beach
Looking for a light snack with a friendly service and a local beer? This is the place for you! I can recommend the bruschetta from here along with an ice cold local beer.
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Tips for Ksamil
•I'd suggest to prebook a taxi unless you are ready to be firm in your price with the locals. When you leave the ferry port Taxis will be lined up (yellow reg means taxi) and they will try to overcharge you. If travelling to Ksamil pay between 20-30 euros (equivalent in lek) and don't settle for any higher prices.
•Take cash out and pay in lek for a better rate.
•Use the public bus to get between Sarande/Ksamil/Butrint but be aware the last bus is at 17:00 (or atleast it was in May)
•If you like to avoid high season and crowds but don't want to visit when it is too quiet I think May is the perfect time!
Hiiii👋
I'm Laurena, a 28year old from Dublin🇮🇪 working a 9-5 but who loves to travel 🛩In 2023 I quit my previous job to solo backpack from Colombia up to Belize for 4months🌏 The year prior, I went to Kenya a part of a group tour🦁 Naturally - some destinations I choose are 'outside the norm' and cause worry for people when they first hear of these trips.. my aim is to help more explore these places and see the beauty the world has to offer🌱
30 countries travelled before 30 - from destinations in Europe, USA, Africa, Central America and South America - I've got you 🤝
