Ksamil Islands

Island in Ksamil

Drone Shot Of Ksamil Islands

The Ksamil Islands are the sparkling jewels of southern Albania — four small, uninhabited islets that sit just a few hundred meters off the coast of Ksamil village, shimmering in the bright Ionian light. Their white-sand shores, rocky outcrops, and turquoise lagoons have made them one of the most photographed places on the Albanian Riviera. From the main beach, visitors can reach the islands easily by kayak, paddleboard, or small motorboat — the closest is just a five-minute paddle away. The moment you step ashore, the hum of the mainland fades, replaced by the sound of waves and the rustle of pine trees in the breeze.

Each island has its own distinct charm. The two closest — often referred to as the Twin Islands — are connected by a narrow sandbar that appears at low tide, creating a natural bridge of white sand and crystal water. The farthest islands are more rugged, covered in dense vegetation and perfect for travelers seeking peace and solitude. Swimming between them is a delight — the water is warm, clear, and filled with schools of silvery fish that dart through the shallows. It’s easy to spend hours here, floating lazily in the sun or exploring hidden coves that feel entirely your own.

The islands are not just about beauty — they’re an invitation to slow down. Unlike many popular Mediterranean spots, there are no hotels or crowds here, only a few makeshift wooden piers and small beach bars that appear in the high season. Visitors often bring picnic baskets and spend the day basking in the tranquility of nature. It’s the kind of place where time stretches — where lunch turns into sunset without realizing how many hours have passed. From the water, the view back toward the Albanian coast is breathtaking: the white arc of Ksamil Beach, the distant hills of Butrint National Park, and the faint outline of Corfu across the sea.

By late afternoon, the islands take on a softer, golden glow as the sun begins to set over the Ionian. The water turns glassy, reflecting the light like liquid amber, and the distant sound of music drifts from the mainland beach clubs. As evening falls, kayakers make their way back under skies painted pink and violet, their paddles cutting quiet ripples across the water. The Ksamil Islands remain one of Albania’s purest treasures — wild yet gentle, intimate yet expansive, a perfect embodiment of the Riviera’s unspoiled magic.

The Ksamil Islands appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ksamil!

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