Ksamil Itinerary 7 Days: Sun, Sand, and Ancient Ruins (2026)

Welcome to Ksamil! Upon your arrival, settle into your accommodation and get ready to hit the beach. Your first day is all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery. Head to the main beach, Plazhi Ksamilit, a beautiful stretch of white sand and turquoise water. While it can get crowded, especially in the summer, its beauty is undeniable. Rent a sunbed and umbrella from one of the many beach clubs and spend the afternoon relaxing by the sea. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and wading. Take a dip in the refreshing Ionian Sea and let all your travel stress melt away. As the afternoon wears on, consider taking a boat trip to one of the three small islands in the bay. These islands are a must-see in Ksamil and offer a more secluded and peaceful beach experience. You can hire a small boat to take you there, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can even swim to the closest ones. Once on the islands, you can relax on the beach, go for a swim, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the coastline. As the sun begins to set, head back to the mainland and find a spot at one of the beachfront bars to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sky turn into a canvas of beautiful colors. For dinner, indulge in some fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants.

Today, we're taking a trip back in time to the ancient city of Butrint. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania and a must-visit for any history lover. Located just a short drive from Ksamil, Butrint was once a thriving city inhabited by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. The ruins are incredibly well-preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. Spend the morning exploring the ancient theater, the Roman forum, the baptistery with its intricate mosaics, and the Venetian castle. The site is quite large, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. After a morning of exploring, head to one of the nearby restaurants for a traditional Albanian lunch. Many of these restaurants offer stunning views of the Vivari Channel and the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, you can either return to Ksamil for some more beach time or continue exploring the area around Butrint. The Vrina Plain, located just across the channel from Butrint, is home to the ruins of a Roman aqueduct and a late-antique villa. You can also visit the triangular Venetian castle, which offers panoramic views of the area. As the day comes to an end, head back to Ksamil and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Today, we're venturing further inland to discover two of Albania's most incredible natural and historical wonders: the Blue Eye and the city of Gjirokastër. The Blue Eye, or Syri i Kaltër, is a natural spring of mesmerizing beauty. The water is a stunning shade of blue and is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, which is over 50 meters deep. The spring is surrounded by lush vegetation, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Take a dip in the icy cold water if you dare, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery. There are also a few restaurants and cafes near the spring where you can grab a bite to eat or a refreshing drink. In the afternoon, we'll continue on to the city of Gjirokastër, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Known as the ‘City of Stone,’ Gjirokastër is famous for its unique Ottoman-era architecture. The city is built on a hillside and is dominated by a massive castle that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Spend the afternoon wandering through the narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the beautiful stone houses, and exploring the castle. You can also visit the Ethnographic Museum, which is located in the former home of the Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, and the Skenduli House, a beautifully preserved Ottoman-era house. As the day comes to an end, head back to Ksamil and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Today is all about exploring the stunning coastline of the Albanian Riviera. Rent a car or a scooter and head north from Ksamil to discover some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Your first stop should be Pasqyra Beach, also known as Mirror Beach. This small, secluded beach is famous for its crystal-clear water, which reflects the sun like a mirror. The beach is a bit difficult to get to, but it's well worth the effort. From there, continue on to Monastery Beach, another beautiful and secluded spot. The beach is located at the foot of a hill, and there is a small monastery on top of the hill that you can visit. In the afternoon, continue your journey north to the town of Himarë. Himarë is a larger and more lively town than Ksamil, and it has a long and beautiful beach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea, or exploring the town. You can also visit the Himarë Castle, which is located on a hill overlooking the town and offers stunning views of the coastline. As the day comes to an end, you can either have dinner in Himarë or head back to Ksamil. If you choose to stay in Himarë for dinner, be sure to try some of the fresh seafood at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

Today is a day for you to choose your own adventure. If you're feeling adventurous, you can go on a kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tour of the Ksamil Islands. This is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace and discover hidden coves and beaches. You can also go on a jet ski tour or try your hand at parasailing. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxing, you can spend the day at one of the many beach clubs in Ksamil. Rent a comfortable sunbed, order a refreshing cocktail, and simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Many of the beach clubs also have restaurants, so you can enjoy a delicious lunch without having to leave the beach. In the afternoon, you can either continue relaxing at the beach or explore some of the other attractions in the area. You can visit the Lekuresi Castle in Saranda, which offers stunning views of the city and the Ionian Sea. You can also go for a walk along the Saranda promenade and enjoy the lively atmosphere. If you're interested in history, you can visit the ruins of the ancient city of Phoenice, which is located just a short drive from Saranda. As the day comes to an end, head back to Ksamil and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of your favorite restaurants.

Today, we're taking a day trip to the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Located just a short ferry ride from Saranda, Corfu is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the Albanian Riviera. The island is famous for its stunning beaches, lush green landscapes, and charming Venetian architecture. Spend the morning exploring the Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the beautiful Venetian buildings, and visit the Old Fortress and the New Fortress. You can also do some shopping at the many souvenir shops or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes. In the afternoon, head to one of the many beautiful beaches on the island. Paleokastritsa, with its crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs, is one of the most popular beaches on the island. You can also visit Glyfada, a long sandy beach with plenty of beach bars and restaurants. If you're looking for something a bit more secluded, you can head to one of the smaller, less-known beaches on the island. As the day comes to an end, take the ferry back to Saranda and then head back to Ksamil. Enjoy a relaxing evening and reflect on your amazing day trip to Corfu.

Enjoy a final Albanian breakfast and take one last dip in the Ionian Sea. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or to relax on the beach. When it's time to leave, you can either take a taxi to the Saranda port to catch a ferry to Corfu or take a bus to Tirana to catch your flight home. As you leave Ksamil, you'll be filled with unforgettable memories of your amazing trip to the Albanian Riviera. From the stunning beaches and ancient ruins to the delicious food and friendly people, Ksamil is a destination that will stay with you long after you've left. We hope you've enjoyed this 7-day itinerary and that it has helped you to make the most of your time in this beautiful part of the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Albania, Ksamil is a destination that is sure to capture your heart. So until next time, safe travels and enjoy the memories of your incredible Albanian adventure!