Is Ksamil Worth Visiting? A Couple’s Weekend Getaway
If you’re wondering whether Ksamil is worth adding to your travel list, we’re here to tell you. Our weekend trip to this little slice of paradise in Albania turned into a rollercoaster of surprises, beautiful moments, and a few bumps along the way (including some very bad sunburns). But in the end, it was one of those trips where we just couldn’t stop saying, “We wish we had more time!”
Here’s how our trip unfolded…
The Surprise Trip That Almost Didn’t Happen
It all kicked off on the morning of Saturday, 11th May 2024. Max had planned the whole thing as a surprise for Carol’s birthday, but things didn’t exactly go to plan. We’d booked an early flight out of London with Ryanair, all excited and ready to go. Everything seemed fine when we boarded the plane, but after about an hour of sitting on the runway, the cabin crew dropped some unexpected news: everyone had to deboard due to technical issues with the plane. Nothing like flight delays to start a relaxing weekend!
We all angrily got off the plane and waited in the terminal for updates. After a solid 40 minutes of waiting, we finally got the green light to board a different aircraft. This time, we were actually on our way, but Carol still had no clue where. Max was keeping it all a big secret, besides the extremely complicated clues he came up with, nothing could help her guess the answer.
Even after landing in Tirana, Albania, Carol still didn’t know where we were…and then we were off on the 4-hour drive to Ksamil (with Carol blindfolded for most of the journey!).
Driving In Albania: An Adventure In Itself
Let’s be real for a second—driving in Albania is an experience. The roads can be a bit chaotic, with drivers swerving in and out of lanes, and some areas where road rules seem optional. But the drive from Tirana to Ksamil is also incredibly scenic, winding through mountains and along the coastline. It’s the kind of road trip that feels like part of the adventure itself. Plus, having a car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, whenever you want, making the trip even more enjoyable.
That being said, you’ll definitely encounter some interesting driving styles, so you’ve got to be a confident driver like Max to handle it. You will encounter a mix of friendly locals and tourists navigating through narrow streets, as well as the unexpected animals on the roads here and there.
Have you ever rented a car in a foreign country? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments!
Now, here’s where things got a bit dodgy for us. Unfortunately, the flight delay wasn’t the only bump in the road. Before we even got out of Tirana, we had some drama with the car rental company. We’d booked a car with Okmobility through Ryainair while purchasing our flights, thinking everything was sorted and it’d be a breeze to explore Albania. But when we arrived at the rental desk, the person at the counter claimed the insurance we had already paid for didn’t cover everything.
They insisted we’d need to pay an additional €100 to cover the "necessary" insurance. At that point, after hours of travel, we weren’t in the mood for an argument, so we reluctantly handed over the credit card.
But here’s where it gets worse—later on, after the trip, we discovered through videos on social media that this is a common scam some car rental companies’ employees pull on tourists. Essentially, they pressure people into buying unnecessary insurance. So, if you’re renting a car in Albania, or really anywhere, make sure you do your research beforehand. Hold your ground, and come prepared with all the paperwork and proof of what you’ve already purchased to avoid falling into the same trap we did!
In the end, despite the hiccup, renting a car was still the best decision.
Kayaking and Exploring Ksamil: A Perfect Day in Paradise
Once we left the chaos of car rentals behind, we finally arrived in Ksamil, and let me tell you, it was breathtaking. Imagine crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and a chilled-out, laid-back atmosphere—it felt like we’d stumbled onto the perfect beach escape. After the travel delays and rental car stress, this place was exactly what we needed to relax.
Max had booked us into EMAAR Hotel, which was right on the beachfront. Waking up to the sound of waves and stepping straight onto the sand was surreal. The hotel itself was fantastic—and you can read more about it in our blog post "Best Place To Stay In Ksamil? Affordable Beachfront Hotel” - You can check availability below.
By the time we reached the hotel, it was late, and after such a long travel day, we were absolutely knackered, but we still made some time to take stunning photos. Sunday, the next day, was our only full day, so we wanted to make the most of it.
The crystal-clear water looked too tempting to ignore, so we decided to rent a kayak and go island hopping. Now, if you’ve never kayaked before, don’t worry—after a few minutes, you’ll get the hang of it, and the waters around Ksamil are mostly calm, making it the perfect spot for first-timers. Plus, the views? Absolutely stunning. The sea around Ksamil’s small islands is like something out of a dream— the kind of blue that you just don’t see every day.
We paddled around for hours, exploring some of the little islands just off the coast. There’s a sense of peacefulness when you’re out on the water, far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Most of the islands are uninhabited, but some have small beaches where you can chill out and take a dip in the warm, clear waters. We made sure to stop every now and then for a swim—it’s one of those experiences that makes you forget about everything else. Floating in the Ionian Sea with hardly anyone else around was an absolute joy. We found our own little spot on one of the islands to just sit, take in the views, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Honestly, this is exactly the kind of experience you picture when you think of a dreamy Mediterranean getaway.
If you’re visiting Ksamil, kayaking is a must-do activity. Whether you want to visit the islands or just paddle around the coastline, it’s the best way to see this beautiful part of Albania. Just make sure to bring sunscreen—trust us, the sun is no joke here. We thought we could get away without it, but after a day on the water, we were sunburned to a crisp!
After our kayak adventure, we spent the late afternoon wandering around Ksamil on foot. For a small town, Ksamil has such a chill vibe. The streets are lined with small restaurants, cafes, and beach bars, all with that relaxed, local feel.
We strolled through the town, dipping in and out of some shops on the hunt for some souvenirs, we did notice that things are a bit pricier in the touristy spots. So, if you’re planning on buying anything, maybe stock up beforehand in one of the bigger cities like Tirana or Sarandë.
There’s not a ton of hustle and bustle in Ksamil, which is exactly what makes it so special. The pace is slow, and it’s easy to spend hours just wandering around the beachfront, and soaking up the views. The beaches themselves are picture-perfect, with lounge chairs and swings right in front of the water, giving you plenty of spots to relax and take in the scenery. One of our favourite things about Ksamil was how walkable it is. You can easily get from one end of town to the other in no time, and there’s always something beautiful to see along the way.
Even though we ended up looking like boiled lobsters, the kayaking adventure and exploring the town was the absolute highlight of our trip.
Have you ever had a “travel fail” moment? Share your worst sunburn story below!
That evening, after our sun-soaked day, we headed back to our hotel, tired but happy. We treated ourselves to dinner at a cute beachfront restaurant, diving into delicious local dishes while watching the most stunning sunset. The sky transformed into beautiful shades of orange and pink, casting a magical glow over the sea. We couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky to be in such a gorgeous place.
The Only Downside: Time Flies
The one thing we wish we’d had more of? Time. Since we arrived late Saturday and had to head back early Monday, we really only had one full day to enjoy everything Ksamil has to offer. Despite being sunburned, we couldn’t stop thinking how much we loved this place.
Relaxing Days, Lively Nights
Ksamil has this incredible ability to be both relaxing and lively at the same time. By day, it’s all about chilling on the beach or exploring the nearby islands, but by night, the town comes alive with bars and restaurants lining the beachfront. We spent our evening enjoying some incredible seafood, with the sound of waves crashing in the background. It was a really nice way to end our day. However, if you are looking for more of a party vibe, you can also find this here, plenty of bars and beach clubs to enjoy a night filled with music and dancing.
The One Thing You Want To Avoid When Travelling
But just when we thought the trip was winding down smoothly, things took another unexpected turn. On Monday morning, the day we were supposed to drive the 4 hours back to Tirana for our flight, Carol woke up sick—like really sick. Whether it was food poisoning or sun poisoning, we’re not sure, but let’s just say there were a lot of pit stops on the drive back for her to be sick. Not exactly the smooth journey we had in mind!
By the time we got to the airport, we had to ask the paramedics for some paracetamol (we only had ibuprofen), and they took her temperature, and we were shocked to find out Carol had a 39°C fever! We were so nervous they weren’t going to let her board the flight.
Luckily, the paramedics were super understanding, and after some quick checks, they gave me the all-clear to fly. But the stress didn’t stop there; Carol ended up feeling terrible for the next three days. So, it looks like our wish for not having to go to work came true—but definitely not in the way we wanted. Carol spent the following days in bed, trying to recover from whatever had hit her.
So, Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?
Despite the rocky start, the car rental drama, the epic sunburn, and Carol’s unfortunate illness, the charm and beauty of Ksamil made every challenge worthwhile. The gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious food created an unforgettable experience. We can honestly say that Ksamil is 100% worth visiting, especially for a couple’s weekend getaway. Whether you’re kayaking, lounging on the beach, or exploring the islands, you’ll find it hard not to fall in love with this place.
Even with just one full day to explore, we managed to make memories that will last a lifetime. Kayaking, sunsets, and the warm hospitality of the locals made us fall in love with this hidden gem. If you’re looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure, Ksamil is definitely the place to be.
Just remember to pack your sunscreen, watch out for rental car scams, and be ready for a few unexpected twists along the way! Trust us, you’ll want to enjoy every moment of this beautiful destination.
Have you been to Ksamil? If so, what was your favourite part? And if not, does it sound like a place you’d add to your travel bucket list? Let us know!
Safe travels from Carma Adventures! 🌍✨
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