If you are planning a summer escape to Albania, then a Ksamil beach road trip should be on your list. Ksamil is a coastal village in the south, famous for its turquoise waters and soft white sand. The easiest way to explore the beaches of Ksamil is by car. When you rent a car in Albania, you can visit every cove, hidden bay, and nearby island at your own pace. The drive takes around 4 hours from Tirana, and you will pass scenic landscapes and coastal towns before reaching Ksamil. Our Ksamil day drive guide will show you the beaches you should not miss and what to expect at each one.
Ksamil is one of the most visited coastal areas in southern Albania. The region has over 20 beaches, each with its own character, from family-friendly shores to stylish clubs with overwater cabanas. To help you plan, we’ve narrowed it down to the 10 best beaches in Ksamil that you should explore.
The heart of Ksamil is its Central Beach, often called Ksamil Beach or Plazhi Ksamilit. This is the busiest and most popular place in town. The sand is white, the water is shallow, and it’s easy to rent sunbeds and umbrellas for the day. Families especially like this beach, as the calm sea is safe for children, and shops, restaurants, and beachside cafés are nearby.
You’ll also find wooden docks stretching into the water, where boats wait to take you to the Ksamil Islands. Kayaks and paddle boats are available right on the sand for more active visitors. The beach becomes extremely crowded in July and August, so arrive before 9:00 am to secure a prime spot near the shoreline. During the off-season months, some sections are open and free to use, making it easier to relax without paying for loungers.
Among the best beaches in Ksamil, Ksamil Beach 7 is the most photographed. The soft white sand and turquoise water create the postcard-perfect view that has made the area famous. This beach stretches along a wide bay, with rows of sunbeds filling up quickly as the day progresses. By midday in July and August, it is almost impossible to find an open spot unless you arrive very early.
During the high season, you must pay for loungers and an umbrella. Renting a kayak here is also popular, as you can paddle to the nearby Ksamil Islands and swim privately. Restaurants and bars line the shore. The beach is lively and crowded in the peak months, but the atmosphere is more relaxed and enjoyable if you come in May, June, or September.
Ksamil Beach 9 is one of the larger beaches in the town center and a favorite for travellers who want convenience. The sand is soft, and the shallow turquoise water is calm enough for families with children. Like most of the beaches of Ksamil, the area is technically public but is almost entirely covered with private sunbeds and umbrellas. Chair rentals are cheaper in May and September, while costs are higher in the middle of summer, and chairs fill up by late morning.
One of Ksamil Beach 9's advantages is its complete set of facilities. Toilets, small markets, and restaurants are directly behind the beach. The only drawback is how closely packed the loungers get in peak season. Despite the crowds, Ksamil Beach 9 is one of the best beaches in Ksamil for its central location, safe waters, and easy access to facilities.
Bora Bora Beach is a 26-kilometer beach often compared to tropical resorts. It has rows of straw umbrellas, soft white sand, and clear teal water. The range of water sports available makes Bora Bora Beach stand out. Jet skis, kayaks, and pedal boats constantly move across the bay. The shallow water near the shore is safe for children, while adults can enjoy paddling further out or relaxing under the umbrellas. The atmosphere at Bora Bora Beach changes with the season. In off-season months like March or April, the beach is calm, and you can appreciate the scenery without the crowds. The area becomes very crowded in August, and service at bars and restaurants can be busy.
If you are looking for one of the calmer beaches of Ksamil, then Lori Beach is a great choice. Located at the southern end of town, this beach sits in a protected bay with shallow, turquoise water and fine white sand. The natural shape of the cove shelters the water from wind and waves.
To enjoy the beach, you can choose a spot directly on the sand or relax on one of the raised wooden decks built over the water. These platforms are popular with visitors who prefer not to deal with sand but still want direct access to the sea. The limited space fills quickly in July and August, so arrive early. It is less crowded and more relaxed in shoulder months like May or September.
Good facilities support the area, including a stylish open-air restaurant above the beach. This spot serves seafood, snacks, and cold drinks, with chic furnishings that give it a modern and cozy atmosphere. From Lori Beach, you can also see nearby Puerto Rico Beach, which has a livelier beach club setting with music and raised cabanas over the water.
Puerto Rico Beach is one of the most stylish and beloved spots in Ksamil. Though small, it stands out for its chic design, with soft beige loungers, wooden cabanas, and floating overwater nets. The atmosphere here is calm and comfortable. During the day, it attracts families but is especially popular with couples who want a more private and exclusive beach experience.
There is a small massage corner where you can unwind to the sound of the waves. One of the highlights of Puerto Rico Beach is its connection to the nearby bar, which serves food and drinks right by the sea. It takes around 20 minutes to walk from the town center. Parking is available close to the beach if you are driving.
Ohana Beach is a small but beautifully designed spot that feels like a boutique retreat. The layout is built on multiple levels, so you can choose between sitting directly on the sand, relaxing on a shaded terrace, or enjoying the view from an overwater platform. Unlike many of the sandy beaches in Ksamil, Ohana is made up of pebbles. While it is not as soft underfoot, it keeps the water exceptionally clear. This makes it the perfect environment for swimming and snorkeling because the visibility is good throughout the day. Large parasols and cushioned loungers line the terraces and platforms.
Abiori Beach is one of the most photographed beaches of Ksamil because of its iconic, rounded red deck stretching over the sea. With soft sand, calm water, and a dramatic view of the islands in the distance, the setting looks almost unreal. The beach is managed, offering friendlier service compared to many other places in town. You will find stylish cabanas and overwater nets where you can rest directly above the sea. Abiori gets crowded in July and August, but it’s one of the best beaches in Ksamil to visit at least once.
Rilinda Beach is located in the central part of Ksamil. This spot has soft sand, thick cushioned loungers, and overwater platforms to spend the day above the turquoise water. The beach is managed, offering a more stylish and upscale experience for visitors. In Rilinda, you can enjoy waiter service directly from the restaurant above. Despite being in a central location, the beach is calmer than Ksamil Beach 7.
Rilinda also has a reputation for being family-friendly and inclusive, making it popular for Muslim travellers. The water is crystal-clear, the facilities are well-maintained, and the food at the restaurant is often praised for being tasty and reasonably priced. On the other hand, the beach is mostly private, so you will need to secure a lounger, and prices can vary depending on the season. Even if you cannot find room on the sand, you can still sit at the restaurant terrace and enjoy sweeping views of the Ionian Sea.
Augusto Beach is located at the far southern edge of Ksamil. It is more commonly known as The Last Bay. The small bay is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs, creating a peaceful atmosphere with stunning coastal views. The sand is golden in parts and mixed with pebbles. Because of its clear seabed, Augusto is considered the best beach in Ksamil for snorkeling. The calm waters make it easy to swim and explore the marine life.
A small café just behind the sand serves pizza and pasta, often delivered from outside. Several nearby restaurants also prepare fresh seafood and traditional Albanian dishes, so you won’t be far from a good meal. Although the beach is relatively small, you can rent loungers and umbrellas. When the crowds thin in September, parts of the bay may even be free to use. Augusto Beach is also notable for being the last sandy stretch before the Ksamil coastline transitions into rugged cliffs and rocky formations.
Exploring the beaches of Ksamil is one of the best experiences you can have in Albania. From the lively Central Beach to the peaceful Last Bay, each spot allows you to enjoy the soft sand, snorkel in clear water, or spend a quiet day. With so many options close together, you can enjoy more than one beach during your stay. Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals for a comfortable beach trip. You can choose from compact cars to SUVs, book online in minutes, and pick up at Tirana Airport.
