Ksamil Islands, Albania: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
The four uninhabited Ksamil Islands are located in the Ionian Sea, near the Greek island of Corfu. Surrounded by untouched nature and crystal clear waters, the islands offer the perfect escape from the tourist crowds, where you can spend a few relaxing hours in the picturesque surroundings.
This ultimate guide to the Ksamil Islands includes the best time to visit, how to get there, what to expect during your visit, and practical information.
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How to Get to the Ksamil Islands
There are several ways to visit the islands when you are staying in Ksamil. You can swim to the nearby islands, but you will need a water taxi or pedal boat to reach the other 2 islands.
You can easily book water taxis or rent a kayak, jet ski, or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) at the beach. Alternatively, rent a pedal boat, which costs around 15 EUR per hour.
Four Ksamil Islands
Ksamil Beach and its small islands are among the best beach destinations in Europe. The islands are covered with lush green vegetation, where you can easily spend a few hours relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing.
The four islands are an essential part of the National Park of Butrint, a park of worldwide significance lying in the southermost part of Albania, east of Corfu island just across the straits.
- Isole Gemelle di Ksamil: Two islands are connected by a skinny line of sand, mostly washed away by the tide. This island is the furthest from the beach, and most people get there by water taxi or pedal boat. The water taxi costs around 15 euros per person for a round trip. The water taxi will drop you off on the island, and then it will return to Ksamil. So if you want to go back, you need to send them a message and wait for the boat to arrive. Since it is a small island and most people visit here, you can’t really enjoy the peace and quiet.
Recommended post → Things to Do in Ksamil
- Small Island: You can walk to this island from Ksamil Beach, you don’t have to swim. There are also sun loungers here that you can rent for 5 euros, but there is nothing else on the island.
- Bigger Island: This island is the largest, and it is also close to the beach, but you have to swim across to get there.
Facilities at Ksamil Islands
On the Isole Gemelle di Ksamil, there is a small bar where you can get drinks, and at lunchtime, you can order pizza, which will be delivered by boat from Ksamil. The other islands do not have any facilities, so bring food and drinks with you.
Best Islands View Hotels in Ksamil
- Hotel Meta: The property has accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace, a bar, and a restaurant. The best choice for families and groups of friends.
- John’s Guesthouse: The hilltop hotel offers stunning views of the islands, and the beach is a short walk away. The hotel has a perfect atmosphere and is a good choice for budget travelers.
- King Hotel: Beautifully designed rooms with stunning views and top-quality amenities offer maximum comfort and relaxation.
In the center, you’ll find plenty of affordable accommodation such as the Blue Eye Hotel or the Area Hotel, from where you can easily walk to the beach. But if you want to dive into where to stay in Ksamil, read our post.
Best Time to Visit Ksamil
The best time to visit Ksamil is from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the nearby islands.
We visited Ksamil at the end of May and had fantastic weather. In addition, there were few tourists.
Read our → Ultimate Albania Itinerary
The hottest and most crowded months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance! If you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit the Ksamil Islands in the low season.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
- Swimsuit
- Snorkeling equipment
- Dry bag
- Hat and sunglasses
- Camera gear
- GoPro
- Snacks
- Plenty of Water
- Local money (LEK) or EUR
We hope you found our guide to the Ksamil Islands useful and will inspire you to visit Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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