1. Pulëbardha Beach – The Surprise Highlight of Ksamil

Pulëbardha Beach was, without question, the most unexpected discovery of my time in Ksamil. To reach it, you walk through a restaurant – and that alone is worth the visit: the setting is genuinely inviting, the sea views are beautiful, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable.

The beach itself offers plenty of space, and at the far end there’s a free area where you can set up your own towel and umbrella without booking a sunbed. But what truly sets Pulëbardha apart is its position. The orientation of the bay creates one of the most breathtaking sunset views I saw in Ksamil – the kind that makes you glad you made the effort to find it.

If you only visit one beach in Ksamil, make it this one.

How to get there: Drive out of Ksamil and take the third exit at the roundabout towards Kep Merli. Follow the gravel road until you reach a turning on the right that leads uphill – you’ll spot the first parked cars here. If you don’t have a 4×4, this is a good place to park and walk the remaining distance. That said, it’s also possible to drive all the way down to the beach if conditions allow.

Good to know:

• Access via a restaurant with direct sea views
• Free area at the back – bring your own towel and umbrella
• One of the best sunset spots in Ksamil
• Parking available at the turning or directly at the beach

2. Public Beach – Narrow, Loud, and Very Busy

The Public Beach is centrally located and draws crowds accordingly. The shoreline is narrow – and with the number of visitors it attracts, things get tight quickly. Add to that the surrounding beach clubs running at full volume, and any hope of a peaceful afternoon largely disappears.

The water is turquoise and clear – that part lives up to the hype. But for a relaxed beach day without noise and crowds, there are far better options nearby.

Good to know:

• Central location, easy to reach
• Narrow and heavily frequented in summer
• Loud due to surrounding beach clubs
• Turquoise water – the one genuine highlight

3. Ksamil Beach – Turquoise Water, Almost No Free Sand

Ksamil Beach is probably the most well-known stretch of coastline in town – and the main reason many travellers make the trip. One of its draws is the so-called Hand of Ksamil, a rock formation right on the beach that regularly pulls long queues of visitors waiting for a photo. The wait can stretch considerably longer than expected.

The beach itself is tight: rows of sunbeds cover almost every inch of sand, leaving very little room for anyone without a booking. The water shines in a striking shade of turquoise – there’s no arguing with that. But if you arrived imagining an open, unhurried stretch of beach like the ones that flood your social media feed, the reality will likely catch you off guard.

Good to know:

• The most well-known beach in Ksamil
• Hand of Ksamil rock formation – expect long waits for a photo
• Almost no free sand – largely covered by sunbeds
• Turquoise water remains the undeniable highlight

Practical Tips for Visiting Ksamil’s Beaches in 2026

Entrance fees & sunbeds (as of June 2026) At Pulëbardha Beach and the Public Beach, you’re welcome to bring your own towel and umbrella – no entrance fee, no mandatory sunbed rental. At Ksamil Beach, sunbeds take up most of the space across several rows, though a small strip of free sand right at the water’s edge does exist for those willing to look for it.

What I always bring to the beach in Ksamil:

• Sun protection – the Albanian sun is stronger than it looks
• Water shoes – even in Ksamil, the entry into the water can be rocky in places
• Goggles and snorkel – the water is clear enough to make this a genuine pleasure
• Plenty of drinking water – especially at Pulëbardha, where supplies on-site are limited
• Cash – useful for smaller purchases throughout the day

To help you pack smarter, I’ve put together my personal beach day essentials – everything I bring on trips for days at the beach, from water shoes to a lightweight towel and a waterproof bag for phone and camera.