I enjoyed my trip to Ksamil to the fullest and I promised myself to return to this Albanian jewel the next year. Ksamil is the perfect place, in case you want to rest and relax on a gorgeous beach, surrounded by amazing views.
If you are able to ignore the unfinished buildings and the unpaved roads, you might perceive this small village as a piece of heaven. As I have already said, Ksamil is blessed with spectacular beaches and landscapes which make up for its simple and common appearance.
This small village lies on the coast of southern Albania and it is bordered by a range of rocky hills. Even though this picturesque village has a peaceful vibe and it seems to be hidden from the world, you will not get bored here. These are a few things you could do or experience in Ksamil, in case you decide to visit this part of Albania:
1.You could delight yourself with the beauty of its gorgeous beaches because every beach in Ksamil is unique in its own way. Stretches of gray pebbles or fine white sand, washed by clear green or blue water and surrounded by high cliffs are just a few of the words that perfectly describe the scenery of these beaches.
Whether you prefer a lively and crowded beach or a more intimate and peaceful one, Ksamil can satisfy your tastes. My favorite beaches in Ksamil are Pulebardha Beach, Ksamil Beach and Lori Beach, but these are just a few of the treasures of this picturesque village. Paradise Beach and Pema e Thate Beach are two other beaches that are highly appreciated by tourists. In case you want to try delicious seafood specialties, Gjiri I Hartes Beach is the perfect option because it has its own oysters and mussels farm.
Ksamil Beach
Lori Beach
Pulebardha Beach
Pema e Thate Beach
Gjiri I Hartes Beach
2.You could visit the National Park of Butrint, a place with a tumultuous history which will pull you out of everyday reality. Butrint was home to various civilizations including the Greek, the Roman and the Byzantine one and each of them has a great influence on the evolution of the city.
Nowadays, this ancient city has become an archaeological site which shelters a complex of ruins, still shrouded in a unique vibe. From its mysterious baptistery and temples to its interesting theater and basilica, Butrint reveals its beauty through each of its ruins. The icing on the cake is the castle which is situated at the top of the hill and which shelters a small museum where you can admire a collection of statues and objects from the glorious past of the city.
3.The Blue Eye is considered a monument of nature and it really deserves your attention. Situated 35 kilometers away from Ksamil, this water spring is considered one of the most famous sights in the country. In the Albanian language, this place is called Syri I Kalter. The clear blue water of the Bistricë River comes out from a deep pool whose depth is still considered a mystery. The light blue color of the water seems to change its shade in front of your eyes, depending on the intensity of the light. This pool is the water source of the 25-kilometer long river which is the most important source of drinking water for the locals who live in this area.
In case you decide to visit this place, you should take your time to leisurely admire the beauty of the entire area. A perfect place from where you can admire the surroundings is a small restaurant situated above water, not very far from the parking lot. It is true that you have to drive on a country road in order to get to the Blue Eye, but it is worth the effort, if you take into account the uniqueness of this place and all the landscapes you can admire on your way there.
4.Even though Ksamil has a simple and common architecture and it doesn’t seem to stand out with anything at first glance, my advice is to venture into its small and tiny streets. Exploring the village will offer you the chance to see how the locals live and also enjoy beautiful and interesting landscapes.
If you take a walk near the shore, I can assure you that you will be delighted by some gorgeous views. The perfect moment to enjoy these views is in the evening, when the sun sets because the blend of colors is simply spectacular. The souvenir shops are another major attraction in the village, because you can find quality products at really good prices.
5.Last but not least, you could take a walk in the town of Sarande or Saranda, as it is also called by the locals. This small town is situated along the Albanian coast, about 15 kilometers away from Ksamil. Unfortunately, this little town is not blessed with the same beautiful beaches as Ksamil, but it offers instead some wonderful landscapes. The range of high mountains blends with the beautiful Ionian Sea and creates the scenery of this lively tourist resort.
It is worth taking a walk on the seafront in order to enjoy some gorgeous views. In addition, you can stop for a few moments and drink a cup of coffee or eat an ice cream in one of the chic restaurants and cafes situated on the seafront.
All things considered, there is only one thing left to do. Plan your trip and enjoy it to the fullest.
