Where Greece and Albania meet, lie two of the most beautiful seaside resorts in Southern Europe. Despite being located in two different countries, separated only by a narrow strip of sea, the island of Corfu (Greece) and the town of Ksamil (on the Albanian coast) are in fact twins, not strangers. So much so that both use Corfu Airport (CFU) as their main tourist hub. Different worlds, different cultures, even different religions… but the same dream sea, the same beaches that leave visitors spellbound. Corfu and Ksamil are a holiday to be enjoyed in tandem, with the joy of enjoying a truly « Mediterranean » summer.
How to get around
Once you land in Corfu, you can easily get around the island using public transportation provided by the state, or alternatively you can book a private transfer, with a driver at your disposal for the entire duration of your holiday. From the port of Corfu, you can board public ferries to Saranda, the Albanian city whose municipality includes the beaches of Ksamil, before continuing to your destination by taxi or land transport. The journey takes two and a half hours.
Splendid Corfu
Corfu is one of the most fascinating islands in Greece and is located in the Ionian Sea, off the country’s northwest coast. Known to the Greeks as Kerkyra, it boasts a millennia-old history that has left profound traces in its culture, architecture, and traditions. Thanks to its strategic location, Corfu has been contested and governed by numerous powers over the centuries, giving it a unique identity.
The island’s capital city is considered one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through its narrow streets (the « kantounia »), you can admire elegant Venetian-style buildings, charming squares, and ancient fortresses that bear witness to the island’s rich past. Among the most important monuments are the Old Fortress and the New Fortress, built to defend the city from enemy attacks.
Beyond its historical and cultural heritage, Corfu is famous for its natural landscapes. The island offers an extraordinary variety of environments, with olive trees, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Places such as Paleokastritsa, Sidari, and Kassiopi are just a few examples of what you’ll find along these beautiful, rugged coastlines dotted with hidden coves! Don’t forget to enjoy Corfu at the table, too! The local cuisine combines traditional Greek ingredients with Italian influences, especially Venetian.
What to see in Corfu: monuments and beaches
If you could choose from so much beauty, the most iconic beaches in Corfu are undoubtedly:
• Paleokastritsa – on the west coast – much loved by tourists for its five coves! It’s also a popular diving spot.
• Continuing west, Port Timoni is an almost secret beach you shall reach via a not-so-easy path, in the vegetation.
• Glyfada is another « VIP » beach on the island, beloved for its spectacular sunsets.
• Canal d’Amour, to the north, offers views of blue and white thanks to the sandstone.
• Halikounas (to the southwest) overlooks a lagoon separated only by a strip of sand.
• To the east, here is Barbati, with its white gravel that plunges into a crystal-clear sea.
Beyond the sea, Corfu offers charming corners full of simple yet traditional life. If you prefer less crowded places, explore Kavos—the southernmost village on the island (about an hour’s drive from the capital), famous for its colorful shops; or climb to the viewpoint in Pelekas, a small inland village perched on a rocky hill overlooking the island’s panorama; Agios Gordios, a typical Greek fishing village, will captivate you. More impressive, however, is the Akilleion Palace—a 19th-century Italian-style building surrounded by a wonderful park. In Corfu Town, you can admire the churches (Agios Spyridon, Agios Jason and Sosipater, Pantokrator, etc.), the Museum of Asian Art, the Esplanade—a square lined with the most beautiful buildings and city parks—and the two fortresses.
Ksamil and the wonders of the sea
Ksamil is part of the municipality of Saranda, a city in southern Albania overlooking the Ionian Sea. Beyond its port, crystal-clear sea, and millennia-old history, Saranda boasts a festive and cheerful Mediterranean atmosphere that has attracted an increasing number of visitors from across Europe in recent years. Beyond its urban beaches, Saranda offers easy access to places of great interest, such as the archaeological site of Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Blue Eye natural spring, famous for the extraordinary color of its waters.
About 15 kilometers south of Saranda lies Ksamil, a seaside resort renowned for the beauty of its beaches. Often nicknamed the « Maldives of Albania », Ksamil is characterized by golden beaches with fine sand and incredibly clear waters reminiscent of tropical destinations. Adding to its charm are four small islands located a short distance off the coast, which can be reached by boat, kayak, or even swimming on calmer days.
What to see in Ksamil: monuments and beaches
Ksamil’s beaches are among the few on the Albanian Riviera to offer large sandy beaches, making them particularly popular with families and those looking to relax in shallow, calm waters. During the high season, especially in July and August, tourist numbers are very high, which is why many travelers prefer to visit the area in June or September. The most famous beaches are Bora Bora, Ishujt (or Three Islands Beach), and Pulebardha (the wildest and most remote). The islets also offer small, pristine beaches that are easily accessible.
In addition to the beaches, around Ksamil you can admire the Butrint Archaeological Park and the nearby lagoon, making this historic walk a delightful blend of culture and nature. Once you reach the center of Butrint, climb to the top of Ali Pasha’s Castle, an experience that will offer spectacular views of the coast!
When to go
If you enjoy the nightlife and the festive atmosphere among the crowds, summer is your ideal season. If, on the other hand, you prefer a quieter vacation, come to Corfu and Ksamil in autumn. Orthodox Easter in Corfu is certainly a must-do experience.
In Albania, don’t miss the Music and Dance Festival in Saranda—between May and June—and the Mussel Festival in Ksamil, in early summer, where you can taste these local products, the pride of the community.
