The REAL 7 Best Beaches in Ksamil Without the Crowds

Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Oliver

Alright, I know this is going to make me sound like a hater, but the beaches in Ksamil… kind of suck. Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic, but we really didn’t have the best time there—and that’s probably because our expectations were way off.

Don’t get me wrong—the beaches themselves are stunning. We’re talking turquoise water, white sand beaches, and incredible scenery surrounding it. But the problem is you can barely see any of it because every inch is covered in umbrellas and sunbeds. It feels like you’re crammed in like a sardine, and good luck finding a single piece of public beach to actually put down a towel.

Ksamil has blown up with tourism (and yeah, we’re part of the problem), but the sheer number of visitors is just too much for such a small coastal town to handle. Now it’s full-on chaos, and locals are doing everything they can to cash in on it.

That being said, there is beauty in and around Ksamil—you just have to know where to look. In this guide to the real best beaches in Ksamil, we’ll share our personal favorites and the quieter spots that are actually worth visiting.

Tips & Tricks for visiting the best Beaches in Ksamil

Before you head off in search of Ksamil’s best beaches, here are a few things you need to know—because trust me, there are a few surprises that might catch you off guard.

• Service isn’t what you might be used to. If you’re coming from the U.S. (or honestly, most other Western countries), just lower your expectations. Service at the beach bars and restaurants can be slow, and let’s just say “customer-first” isn’t always the priority. Be patient, or better yet, bring snacks and drinks so you’re not relying on it.
• A car makes life way easier. Some of the better beaches aren’t within walking distance of Ksamil town, so unless you’re cool with expensive taxis or packed buses, renting a car is the move.
• Public beaches barely exist. If you’re imagining rolling up with a towel and claiming a free spot on the sand—yeah, that’s not happening. Almost every inch of beach is taken up by sunbeds that you have to rent. Some places will let you use them for free if you order food and drinks, but don’t count on it.
• Sunbeds can be ridiculously overpriced. Prices vary a lot depending on the location and season, and in peak summer, they can get absurd (€40+ for two beds and an umbrella in some spots). If you want a good deal, get there early before the best ones are taken.
• Cash is king. Some places take card, but many don’t—or they’ll conveniently claim their machine is “broken.” Bring enough cash so you’re not scrambling.
• Avoid peak season if you can. July and August? Absolute chaos. If you can, visit in May or September when the crowds aren’t as suffocating, and you might actually get some space to breathe.
• Some beaches have actual sand, some don’t. Ksamil’s main beaches have that nice, soft white sand, but some of the quieter spots (especially outside of town) are more pebbly.
• Bring water shoes. If you’re planning on exploring beyond the main beaches, water shoes are a lifesaver. Some areas have sharp rocks, sea urchins, and other fun surprises waiting to stab your feet.

What are the Best Beaches in Ksamil?

First off, every beach in Ksamil is undeniably beautiful—crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, the whole dream. But they’re also insanely overcrowded, which kind of ruins the experience. If you’re into the whole sunbed-and-service setup, where you can lounge, eat, and drink with waiters bringing everything to you, then you’ll probably love it. But if you’re looking for something quieter and more relaxing, this guide is for you.

We’re not here to talk about the packed beaches like Puerto Rico Beach Ksamil, Ksamil Beach, Lori Beach, or Paradise Beach—those are way too hectic. Instead, we’re focusing on hidden gems like Gjiri i Bliste, Barbarossa Beach Bar, and Edon-Bina Beach—places where you can still find some actual peace and quiet.

Just a quick heads-up: I’ll be sharing the beaches where we had the best experiences. This doesn’t mean they’re all hidden beaches with no tourists—some are beach bars and clubs that I think are worth visiting. These places offer great service and are usually not overpriced or overcrowded.

These beaches aren’t listed in any particular order. Take a look through them and choose the one that best suits what you’re looking for.

1.Edon-Bina Beach

In my opinion THE best beach in Ksamil

Edon-Bina Beach is, in my opinion, the best beach in Ksamil. Yes, it’s a private beach, and yes, it’ll cost you $20 for two sunbeds and an umbrella, but honestly, it’s worth it. The whole place just feels so much more relaxed compared to the rest of Ksamil—no loud music, no overcrowding, just a quiet, clean beach with crystal-clear water.

There’s a small beach bar where you can grab drinks, and parking is free, though you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes down to the beach. That little bit of effort keeps the crowds away, making it one of the most peaceful spots around.

If you’re looking for a beautiful, laid-back day on the Albanian Riviera without the usual chaos, this is one of the top beaches in Ksamil.

2.Barbarossa Beach Bar

Best Beach Bar in Ksamil

If you’re staying in Ksamil town and want a more affordable beach setup, Barbarossa Beach Bar is one of my top picks. While it’s not exactly a hidden gem, it tends to be much quieter than Ksamil’s main beaches, probably because it’s a little out of the way.

The beach itself is pebbly, so it’s not the softest for lounging, but the water is stunning—clear, bright blue, and perfect for swimming. Two sunbeds and an umbrella cost around $15, which is reasonable compared to the more crowded spots. The real highlight here, though, is the food. Their grilled fresh fish is actually one of the best I’ve had in Albania, so it’s definitely worth the visit for a nice lunch.

While there are more stunning beaches located outside of Ksamil, Barbarossa Beach Bar is one of the better options if you’re looking for the whole sun bed service vibe without it being too chaotic.

3.The Last Bay

One of the best beaches in Ksamil close to town

Like most beaches near Ksamil town, The Last Bay isn’t exactly sunbed-free, but at least here, you won’t be paying a fortune for one. If you head to the far end of the bay, you’ll only pay around $10 for two sunbeds and an umbrella, whereas spots closer to the entrance can charge up to $20. Parking is free, which is always a plus.

The beach itself is pebbly, so bring water shoes if you don’t love the feeling of rocks underfoot. The water, as expected, is that same stunning turquoise Ksamil is known for. There’s a small shop selling snacks, ice cream, and beer, which is convenient if you don’t feel like bringing your own.

What really makes The Last Bay stand out is the atmosphere. It’s noticeably quieter than Ksamil Beach—no blasting music, no overwhelming crowds—just a much more laid-back vibe.

4.Ohana Beach Bar

One of the best beach clubs in Ksamil

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale without crossing into full-on beach club territory, Ohana Beach Bar is a great choice. It’s livelier than other beach bars in Ksamil, with music playing and a crowd that’s definitely here to enjoy a few drinks, but it never feels over the top.

The cocktails here are actually worth ordering—no watered-down tourist drinks, just well-made cocktails from bartenders who know what they’re doing. The food is great too, perfect if you want a proper meal rather than just snacks.

As for sunbeds, you’ve got options. If you’re on a budget, stick to the third row, where you’ll pay around $10–$15. But if you’re feeling fancy, the sun deck is a cool setup, though it’ll cost you €30–€40 for two sunbeds. Overall, it’s a nice middle ground—more stylish and social than most Ksamil beaches but still laid-back enough to relax.

5.Gjiri i Bliste

Best hidden beach in Ksamil

If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, Gjiri i Bliste is one of the most secluded sandy beaches you’ll find near Ksamil. It’s a tiny little bay with the kind of clear, bright blue water that makes the effort to get there worth it. Most of the time, you’ll have the place to yourself—mainly because getting there is a bit of a hassle.

The beach is technically on the property of Arameras Beach Resort. The resort has its own private beach, which outside visitors can pay to use, but Gjiri i Bliste is separate.

The catch? You can’t park right at the beach. Instead, drive to the resort’s private beach, park there, and then walk back up the main road for a few minutes until you reach a small car park. From there, you’ll find an unofficial trail leading through the forest down to the beach. It’s not an easy walk—definitely not ideal for kids or older travelers—but if you’re willing to make the trek, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, quiet little cove.

There’s a chance hotel staff might send you away, especially if you park too close to the hidden path, but in the worst-case scenario, you just move on to another beach. Personally, I think it’s worth the gamble.

6.Pema e Thate

Only go here if you’re looking for something Instagrammable. It’s definitely not my favorite spot, but I still included it on the list because we had a fun experience.

Pema e Thatë isn’t your typical beach—it’s more of a beach club, and a pretty Instagram-famous one at that. Instead of soft sand, you’ll find concrete platforms with sunbeds, plus a few pebbly spots near the water. If you’re looking for a classic beach day, this might not be the place, but if you’re after a beach club vibe, you might enjoy it.

The prices vary depending on where you sit. Two sunbeds on the concrete cost around $10, but if you want the first row by the water, it’ll be closer to $20. And those overwater gazebos with floating nets cost around $100. A bit ridiculous for Albania, but people still pay for it.

We got here early, grabbed cheap sunbeds, and enjoyed the morning before the music got cranked up at 1 PM. If you’re into the party scene, you might love it, but if you’re just looking to relax, it’s better to leave before the DJ takes over. You can drive here and park for free, or even take a water taxi from Ksamil.

7.Gjiri i Hartës

Best Beach in Ksamil for Families

Gjiri i Hartës is perfect if you want a more relaxed beach just outside Ksamil. Unlike most beaches in the area, there’s actually space to throw down your own towel without paying for a sunbed rentals, which is pretty rare around here. If you do want beach chairs, they’ll cost you around $10 for two—not a bad deal.

This spot is great for families since it has good facilities like showers, toilets, and changing rooms. It’s usually not too busy, but I’d still recommend coming early in the morning if you want the best setup.

You’ll need a car to get here since it’s a bit outside the beach town, but that also means fewer crowds compared to Ksamil’s main beaches.

Ksamil Beaches That I would Avoid

Not every beach in Ksamil is worth visiting. Some are overcrowded, overpriced, or just not great overall. Here are other Ksamil beaches I’d personally avoid:

• Sunset Beach & Puerto Rico Beach – Way too packed, with barely any space to relax.
• Ksamil Beach & Lori Beach – Total chaos. Sun beds crammed together, loud music, and no real way to enjoy the water without feeling overwhelmed.
• Mirror Beach Ksamil – Beautiful, but completely taken over by people trying to sell stuff. Expect high prices and little space.
• Monastery Beach – Could be a great spot, but it was full of rubbish when we visited.
• Abiori Beach Bar Restaurant & Bora Bora Beach Ksamil – Overpriced food and an overcrowded beach/beach club. Definitely better options around.
• Ksamil Islands – These tiny islands just off the coast are beautiful and public, and you can swim, get a paddle boat or rent kayaks to get over. In the shoulder season, they might be worth checking out, but in August, they were jam-packed with people and sun beds covering every inch of sand. If you go, aim for early morning or the off-season.

FAQs About the Best Beaches in Ksamil Albania

Which is the best beach in Ksamil Albania?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a quiet, relaxing spot with crystal clear water and no loud music, Edon-Bina Beach is one of the best.

Are beaches in Albania good compared to the Greek islands?

Albania’s beaches, especially in Ksamil, have the same stunning turquoise water as the Greek islands, but the experience can be very different. Greece tends to have more organized, well-maintained, and lively beaches with better service, while Ksamil’s beaches can feel a bit more chaotic.

What are the best sandy beaches in Ksamil?

Most beaches in Ksamil are pebbly, but if you’re set on soft sand, Pulebardha Beach and parts of Ksamil Beach have some sandy areas. Just keep in mind that Ksamil Beach itself gets extremely crowded in peak season.

Are there public beaches in Ksamil?

Yes, but in practice, most beaches are lined with rent sunbeds, making it difficult to find a truly free public beach. That said, places like Gjiri i Hartës still have space where you can put down a towel without paying.

Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Ksamil

Ksamil has some of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, but knowing where to go can make or break your experience. Many beaches are packed with sunbeds, but if you’re willing to explore, you’ll find quieter, more relaxed spots. Prices are generally affordable, though some beach clubs overcharge for the setting.

If you visit during peak season, expect crowds—especially at Ksamil Beach and the nearby islands. Shoulder season is ideal for a more enjoyable experience. Whether you’re after a lively beach club, a secluded bay, or just a comfortable sunbed by the water, with this list of the best beaches in Ksamil, I’m sure you’ll find one that suits you.

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