Ksamil and Saranda form one of the most visited areas of Albania's southern coast. Ksamil is known for its shallow beaches, pale shades of blue and small islands close to the shore, while Saranda offers more accommodation, restaurants and services.
In this 2-day Ksamil and Saranda itinerary, you will discover the region's main beaches, walk along Saranda's waterfront and visit Butrint, one of Albania's most important archaeological sites.
Ksamil and Saranda are also part of the 7-day Albania itinerary, together with Tirana, Berat and the Albanian Riviera.
2-day Ksamil and Saranda itinerary: what to do day by day
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1 — Ksamil beaches, offshore islands and late afternoon in Saranda
- Day 2 — Butrint, nearby beaches and Saranda's waterfront
Day 1 — Ksamil and main beaches
Morning
Ksamil Beaches
The main attraction of Albania's southern coast, with shallow waters, a calm sea and small islands close to the shore. The best starting point for exploring the region.
Ksamil Islands
Small islands in front of the beach, reachable by boat, kayak or, at some points, by swimming. They form the most iconic scenery of Ksamil.
Afternoon
Ksamil Beach
The most central and organised area, with bars, restaurants, sunloungers and easy access. Usually the busiest part, especially in summer.
Ksamil nearby beaches
Around the main area there are smaller beach sections with clear water and a slightly quieter atmosphere. Worth walking around to find the spot that suits your pace.
Evening
Saranda
Coastal city with a good range of restaurants, cafés and services. A practical base for the overnight stay and a pleasant option for a walk along the waterfront at the end of the day.
Saranda waterfront
A pleasant area for dinner and ending the day with sea views. The area is lined with restaurants, bars and local activity in the evening.
Day 2 — Butrint and Saranda surroundings
Morning
Butrint
UNESCO-listed archaeological site a few kilometres from Ksamil and Saranda. The site preserves Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains amid natural surroundings.
Butrint National Park
The area surrounding the ruins combines history and natural landscape, with short trails, vegetation and views over the lagoon.
Afternoon
Mirror Beach
Beach close to Saranda, known for its clear water and as an interesting alternative to the busier Ksamil beaches.
Monastery Beach
Another beach in the area, with a quieter atmosphere and a good option to include on the second day depending on available time.
Evening
Saranda city centre
Good area for dinner, a walk along the waterfront and ending the itinerary with more amenities on hand.
View towards Corfu
On clear days, the Greek island of Corfu is visible from Saranda, creating one of the most distinctive scenes of Albania's southern coast.
Practical tips for visiting Ksamil and Saranda
Ksamil and Saranda are close together and work well as part of the same itinerary. Saranda is usually better as a base for accommodation and services, while Ksamil concentrates the region's most famous beaches.
Getting around
- A rental car makes it easier to get between Saranda, Ksamil, Butrint and nearby beaches
- Taxis work well for short trips between Saranda and Ksamil
- Buses and vans cover some local routes but can limit your time
- Ksamil can be explored on foot once you arrive in the central area
Beach access
- Most beaches have free access
- Sunloungers and umbrellas are usually paid in organised areas
- Ksamil islands can be reached by boat, kayak or by swimming at some points
- In summer, beaches get crowded and prices go up
Best time of day
- Ksamil — morning, when the sea is usually calmer and beaches less crowded
- Ksamil islands — morning or early afternoon
- Butrint — early in the day, before the stronger heat
- Saranda — late afternoon and evening, for a walk along the waterfront
Best views
- Ksamil — islands close to the shore and sea in pale shades
- Butrint — ruins surrounded by nature
- Saranda — waterfront with sea views and Corfu visible on clear days
- Mirror Beach — clear water and more open scenery