Ksamil itself is a young village, built in 1966, and it lies within Butrint National Park, which protects the ancient city of Butrint and the surrounding wetlands and coast. Over recent decades the village has grown into a busy resort, welcoming visitors from across the Albanian-speaking world and, increasingly, from abroad.
The coastline is a string of small coves and beaches rather than one long strand, many of them lined with beach bars and sunbeds in summer. Just offshore lie the Ksamil Islands, a cluster of small islets that can be reached by boat or kayak, and by confident swimmers when the sea is calm. The water is clear and generally gentle, making it good for swimming and snorkelling, and the setting is especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. In July and August the beaches get very busy, so early starts or a visit in June or September bring a calmer experience.
Combine a lazy beach day here with a visit to the ruins of Butrint, only a few minutes away.
