Tours and Attractions Near Ksamil

October 31, 2026

Most people who book something in Ksamil end up choosing between five attractions. The questions below cover what each one is, what it costs in Albanian lek (ALL) and what to check before you hand over cash.

Which attraction is the one to prioritise?

Butrint, for most visitors. It is a UNESCO site about 4 km south of the village, and the others are smaller outings by comparison. Guided visits are sold by many operators, and the park also has site guides, with prices agreed on the spot. Look at Butrint listings on GetYourGuide to see what each tour bundles.

What does a Butrint ticket cost and when is it open?

Adults pay 1,000 ALL and visitors aged 12 to 18 pay 500 ALL. Younger children enter free, and groups of ten or more pay 800 ALL per person. Visitors from abroad pay the same as Albanians. In the summer season (1 April to 31 October) the gates open at 08:30, with entry stopping at 18:00. From 1 November to 31 March they open at 09:00, with entry stopping at 15:00. Official details are on butrint.al .

Is there a tour of the mussel farms?

Yes. Operators run boats on Lake Butrint for 2 to 3 hours, usually with a meal of fresh mussels. A Ksamil operator quotes about 3,900 ALL per person including lunch, and about 4,900 ALL with transfers. Season is limited, so reserve in advance rather than hoping for a seat on the day.

Can I visit a castle at sunset?

Lekuresi Castle, above Saranda and about 18 km from Ksamil, is the usual choice. Its walls date from the Ottoman 16th century, with 1537 as the traditional year. Two towers and some curtain wall remain. The grounds cost nothing to enter, and the restaurant in the walls follows its own timetable, generally afternoon into the evening. Book a sunset table if you want one.

How does a Corfu excursion work?

Boats sail from Saranda port. The hydrofoil takes 30 to 45 minutes and the ordinary ferry 55 to 70 minutes. Carry a passport, and set your watch an hour forward for Greece. From 1 July to 30 September the Ionian Seaways schedule offers up to 12 or 13 sailings daily in each direction, which makes a day trip workable. From 11 November to the first week of March, one boat each way is the whole service, with no same-day return. A single fare runs roughly EUR 20 to 35. The Ionian Seaways timetable lists current times.

What about the Blue Eye and Gjirokaster?

Combined tours leave from both Saranda and Ksamil. The Blue Eye gate charges 50 ALL per adult in cash. Swimming in the spring is not allowed, and the signs say so. Gjirokaster, a UNESCO town, is about 1.5 hours from Ksamil by road, and its sites cost about 200 to 400 ALL each, so confirm the price at the gate.

What should I ask before booking?

What is included: tickets, food, transfers?
Does it run in your month? Many do not between November and April.
Where does it start, in Ksamil or in Saranda?