Ksamil with Children

October 31, 2026

Ksamil suits families who want a beach week with one or two easy outings. The sea is warm in summer, and several places are manageable with small children. The village is seasonal, and most businesses close from about October to April, so check that a hire shop or boat is running if you visit then. Prices are in Albanian lek (ALL).

Lori Beach

Lori Beach is about 700 m west of the village centre. The water is shallow and sheltered, which makes it the usual choice for small children. Sunbeds are paid, with two loungers and an umbrella costing about 1,500 to 3,000 ALL at the summer peak. Ask before you sit down whether that is a flat fee or a minimum spend. Elsewhere in the village you will find sea urchins and sharp rock at the water’s edge, so pack water shoes for everyone.

Butrint ruins

Butrint is an open-air site about 4 km south of Ksamil, with shaded paths through the woods and plenty of room to wander. Children under 12 enter free, ages 12 to 18 pay 500 ALL, and adults pay 1,000 ALL. Some parts are hot and unshaded, so bring hats and water, and visit in the morning in July and August. Opening hours change with the season, with last entry at 18:00 from April to October and 15:00 from November to March.

The cable ferry

A short cable-ferry hop crosses the Vivari channel beside the Butrint entrance. It is a private chain-hauled raft that also carries cars, so keep children close to the adults. Check the fare at the slip before you board.

The nearest islet

The nearest islet is about 70 to 100 m from the main bay, and it is tempting for older children. The crossing has no lifeguards, and pedalos, water taxis and motorboats share the channel in July and August. It is not a swim for children on their own. An adult should go with them, preferably in the calm of the morning, and the channel gets choppier after about 14:00. A water taxi costs about EUR 5 to 7 return in high season if you would rather ride.

Blue Eye viewing walk

The Blue Eye spring is about 40 km away, so allow about an hour each way by car. Entry is 50 ALL per adult. Swimming is not allowed, and the water stays at about 10 C. The walk from the car park is about 2 km, or 20 minutes, and an electric mini-train runs for about 300 ALL. The path is muddy after rain in winter, so wear shoes with grip.

Practical tips

Plan beach time before about 11:00 and again after 16:30, when the heat eases and many day-trippers leave. Carry cash, because sunbeds and buses do not take cards. The himara.net guide to the islands lists distances and hazards for the islets. See family-friendly day tours on GetYourGuide for organised options.