The four Ksamil Islands sit 200 to 400 metres offshore from Ksamil Beach, and on a clear July morning the water between them is so turquoise it looks chemically altered. It is not photoshopped. The colour is the result of a white limestone seabed, shallow depth, and exceptional water clarity. You can wade to the nearest island in chest-deep water. For the further three, you will need a pedal boat, kayak, or a strong breaststroke.
Each island has a different character. The nearest island has a seasonal beach bar and sunbeds. The middle two are scrub-covered and essentially empty. The furthest island, Isole Gemelle, has a small bar, scattered pine trees for shade, and the best snorkelling on the seaward side. In peak season, the nearest islands fill up by 11:00 AM, but the furthest island stays quiet until the first pedal boats arrive around noon.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Best For | Island hopping, pedal-boat adventures, Maldives-style shallows |
| Accessibility | Wade or swim to nearest island; pedal boat or kayak for the rest (500 to 800 LEK per hour) |
| Ideal Months | June and September for crowd-free paddling; August for peak beach club energy |
| Cost Tier | Budget (boat rental only cost beyond standard beach day) |
| The Secret Factor | Rent a kayak instead of a pedal boat and paddle past the fourth island toward the open sea. There is a tiny fifth islet, unnamed and barely more than a rock, where you can beach the kayak and have an island entirely to yourself for an hour |
How to Get There
The Ksamil Islands are accessed from Ksamil Beach, 15 minutes south of Saranda on the SH81. Park anywhere in Ksamil town and walk to the shore. Pedal boats and kayaks are available from operators along the main beach for 500 to 800 LEK per hour. No advance booking required in low season; reserve a day ahead in August. You can also hire a local fishing boat for a negotiation-based trip if you want a captain to shuttle you. Ksamil itself is served by regular furgons from Saranda (100 LEK, every 30 minutes in summer).
What to See and Do
- Pedal-boat to the furthest island: Isole Gemelle is a 15-minute pedal from shore. It has a small bar, limited shade, and water that grades from ankle-deep shallows to a sudden deep blue drop-off on the seaward side.
- Snorkel the seaward rocks: The far sides of islands two and three have rocky outcrops where the depth increases sharply. Good for spotting small reef fish and the occasional octopus.
- Picnic on the middle islands: The two middle islands are unserviced. Bring your own food and water. You will likely be alone or sharing with one other group.
- Sunset paddle: Return your boat by 18:00 in summer, but linger on the nearest island until sunset. The view back toward the mainland with Corfu silhouetted on the horizon is the best photo on the Riviera.
The Insider Checklist
- Pedal-boat rentals are cash only. No card machines at the beach kiosks.
- Water shoes recommended. The seabed is a mix of sand, rock, and sea urchins in patches.
- The sun is relentless. The furthest island has scattered pines for shade. The middle islands have none.
- In August, pedal-boat queues start by 09:30. Rent early or go after 14:00 when the first wave returns.
- The current between islands can be surprisingly strong. Paddle perpendicular to the current, not against it.
