Ever leave a place and think, “How did we miss that?” or “I wish we did that!”. That was us after visiting Ksamil. As much as we loved our trip, there were a few things we didn’t get round to doing, and now they’re definitely on our list for next time. So if you’re planning a trip to this stunning beach town in the Albanian Riviera, learn from our travel regrets and make your trip even better with these 10 things we wish we had tried.

1. Visiting Butrint National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a short drive from Ksamil, about 15 minutes, and we still can’t believe we didn’t go. It’s packed with ancient ruins, an amphitheatre, castle, and views over the surrounding wetlands. If you like history and nature or just wandering through unique places with hardly any crowds, this is a must.

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2. Early morning beach dips

We only spent one weekend in Ksamil, but we quickly noticed that the beach would get pretty busy by mid-morning. Imagine going for a swim at sunrise! The water is calm, the beaches are quiet, and the light over the sea is unreal. It’s the perfect way to start your day before the crowds arrive.

3. Renting a private boat

Instead of just kayaking (which was incredibly fun by the way), next time we’d rent a small motorboat to explore the nearby islands at our own pace. It gives you way more freedom to find hidden coves and quiet swimming spots that you can’t get to otherwise, plus you don’t have to paddle back!

4. Eating fresh seafood at seaside restaurants

We were a bit lazy to explore and ended up sticking to the central restaurants, which were still really good, but after eating some delicious seafood slightly outside the centre, we realised we could have tried way more. Think freshly grilled octopus, whole seabass, and that salty sea breeze while you eat.

5. Taking a day trip to Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

This natural spring is famous for its unbelievably blue water, and it’s not far from Ksamil at all. We kept saying “we don’t have time,” and suddenly tomorrow was our flight day. It’s now one of our top regrets. Don’t skip it, as it looks like something from another planet.

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6. Paddle boarding between islands

We did rent a paddle board for a few hours to paddle to the islands, and it was such a dream come true, but because we didn’t take suncream we toasted up like tomatoes and the water in the afternoon was a little bit intense at some points. We’d recommend going early in the morning for a more peaceful paddle and also less damaging UV rays. Not just the tiny islands off Ksamil’s shore, but also a great activity for awesome photos.

Carol paddleboarding in Ksamil with Corfu greece in the background blue water blue background daylight

7. Staying for a sunset dinner at Lori Beach

We visited Lori Beach during the day but left before sunset, and apparently, that’s when the magic happens. Picture golden skies, chilled drinks, and a table right by the water. Next time, we’re staying until the last ray disappears.

8. Snorkelling in the Crystal-Clear Waters

We didn’t have snorkels with us… and we didn’t want to pay extra to rent them. Major fail. The water around Ksamil is known for being incredibly clear, and we totally missed the chance to see what’s below the surface. A simple pair of goggles would’ve opened up a whole new world.

9. Bringing Water Shoes

This one sounds small, but we ended up doing some very awkward crab-walking over rocky beaches. Some of Ksamil’s shores are pebbly, and water shoes would’ve not only saved our feet but also enjoying the time. Getting back in the water was a moment of debate if we wanted to go through the pain again. Lesson learned: don’t forget them.

10. Visiting Benja Thermal Baths

Not in Ksamil itself, but it’s a popular day trip from the area and well worth the journey. These natural thermal springs are surrounded by mountains and have a famous Ottoman stone bridge nearby. Relaxing in warm, mineral-rich waters with that view? Yes, please.

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Are you planning a trip to Ksamil or have visited in the past? Would you add any of these to your itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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