Albania’s Ksamil draws early surge of foreign tourists

Beaches with crystal‑clear water and white sand are attracting increasing numbers of foreign visitors, who are choosing Ksamil even during the spring season.

Considered one of the gems of Albania’s Riviera, Ksamil continues to lure international tourists who are full of praise for its nature, food and hospitality, and many say they plan to return, CE Report quotes ATA.

The tourist season on Ksamil’s beaches appears to have started earlier than usual this year, with foreign visitors arriving in April to enjoy spring temperatures and the waters of the Ionian Sea. Their presence from the beginning of the month has already given new momentum to seaside businesses.

Restaurants, bars and accommodation facilities are intensifying preparations and reporting early bookings — a clear sign of rising demand for one of the pearls of Albania’s Riviera.

An early influx of foreign tourists is confirming a new trend in Albanian tourism — the extension of the season beyond the traditional summer months. A British family with two young children said they chose Ksamil in spring for its tranquility, away from the peak summer months.

Although they arrived only a day earlier, Genevieve, 46, from the United Kingdom, said the family’s experience in Ksamil had already surpassed expectations. “We have been here one day. It is absolutely beautiful. I am with my children, one six years old and the other three, and my husband. It is very beautiful here, fantastic,” she told Albania’s state news agency ATA.

Visitors from Northern Europe and Latin America described Ksamil as a destination they would choose again. Kristina, 30, Vaida, 26, and Zydre, 56, from Lithuania said they plan to return to Albania to further explore both the north and south of the country.

“We will stay here for four days. We are based in Saranda and came to visit Ksamil. The weather is wonderful, amazing. We will come back again to explore the north and more of the south,” Kristina, Vaida and Zydre from Lithuania told Albania’s state news agency ATA.

Two young tourists from Brazil, Guilherme and João, said they were amazed by their experience in Albania.

“We have been here for three days and we are from Brazil. So far we have liked it very much. It is wonderful. I was in Croatia two years ago, but now I prefer Albania over Croatia. Yes, it is wonderful. We will return in summer,” they told ATA.

A group of three tourists from Galicia, Spain — Olalla, 33, Hadrian, 38, and Dani, 38 — all art students, said they began their visit to Albania in Tirana and will remain for two months. They told Albania’s state news agency ATA they intend to explore the country’s culture, traditions and authentic destinations that preserve its “roots.”

Olalla, 33, from Galicia, Spain, said she and her companions Hadrian and Dani intend to remain in Albania for one to two months.

“We like the landscape, the traditional things and will try to find interesting places. We will return, of course, and want to stay as long as possible.” The group added that they feel at home in Albania, noting many similarities with Galicia.

Two visitors from Belgium, Aina Maria, 45, and Justina, 17, said they were amazed by what they found in Ksamil. Initially planning only a short visit, they told Albania’s state news agency ATA they are now considering extending their stay in Albania.

“We are from Belgium, we have one week here in Albania. We will return to Belgium and talk about you. We like it very much here, people are very kind. The sea is very clean and beautiful. We want to stay three or four more days, maybe seven more. The food is excellent. I have not met people so friendly and welcoming. Come to Albania. Ksamil is paradise on earth,” they told ATA.

Lisa, 70, from France, said she has been in Albania for two weeks, visiting Tirana, Gjirokastër and Berat, and highlighted the sea in Ksamil as particularly impressive. With its mild climate, affordable prices and natural beauty among the most striking in the region, Ksamil is consolidating its position as a destination that attracts visitors throughout the year.

ATA reports that the early influx of foreign visitors to Ksamil is reinforcing a new trend in Albanian tourism: extending the season beyond the traditional summer months. Travelers from the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Brazil, Spain, Belgium and France have praised the Ionian coast’s mild climate, clean sea, one of a kind hospitality and affordable prices. Many said they plan to return or prolong their stays, while some described Ksamil as “paradise on earth.”