Ksamil is a beach village 14 km south of Saranda with the best beaches in the immediate area: small sandy coves with water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue, and three small islands just offshore that can be reached by swimming or kayak. It is very popular in July and August — package holiday crowds from across the Balkans fill the beach bars and sunbeds — but outside peak season it is much more manageable.
The main beaches are within walking distance of each other. The islands are the real draw: they are close enough to swim to from the shore, and the water between them is strikingly clear. Boat trips around the islands, snorkelling, and kayak rental are available from beach operators. Ksamil is most easily reached by taxi or minibus from Saranda.