TIRANA, Nov. 1 – One of Albania’s most popular destinations, southern Ksamil has made it to the top 10 under-the-radar places to visit for 2019 in a rating by Booking.com, one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies and the number one destination to book any type of accommodation.
The Ksamil islands and the nearby beaches in southernmost Albania offer one of the most breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera and regularly make it to promotional spots of the country’s emerging tourism industry.
Ksamil is a popular destination only 15 kilometers south of Saranda, close to the archaeological UNESCO site of Butrint, just off the Greek island of Corfu.
The Ksamil islands remain covered in lush, green vegetation throughout the year and can be easily accessed by small boats, although environmentalists have voiced concern over lack of rehabilitation projects following the 2014 demolition of some illegal constructions that served as restaurant-bars.
“The world is getting smaller. Thanks to faster, cheaper, longer flights, far-flung destinations are easier to reach than ever before. That doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few stones left unturned, though. On the list are countries you may not have expected, like Uzbekistan, and places you may not have even heard of, like Ksamil in Albania,” writes the Business Insider portal referring to the booking.com rating.
The travel site used insight from over 163 million verified guest reviews and research from 21,500 travelers across 29 countries to come up with its travel predictions for next year.
“If you didn’t associate Albania with pristine white beaches and pristine waters before, then you may want to reconsider. Located on the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil is a peaceful village with three islands a stone’s throw from the shore. Booking.com users endorse the area for seafood, seaside, and friendly people,” the Business Insider reports.
Back in 2016, Brussels-based European Best Destinations organization rated the Ksamil islands in southernmost Albania along the country’s Riviera as one of Europe’s best beaches.
While a quiet village throughout the year, Ksamil becomes quite overcrowded with tourists during summer. The small islands are the main attraction, also featuring a number of isolated beaches.
During the past five years, Ksamil has been home to the mussel festival opening the tourist season in Saranda region in mid-May.
