The autumn climate could also be creeping in, however that does not imply you have missed your likelihood to expertise a European summer season. Actually, there’s one small city within the Balkans the place the warm-weather vibes stretch nicely into autumn—incomes it the nickname “the Caribbean of Europe.”
Positioned on the southernmost tip of Albania, the village of Ksamil presents solar, sand, and laid-back allure in a compact, 5-square-mile bundle. Regardless of its measurement, it packs in beautiful surroundings at each flip, with huge, sandy seashores lapped by calm, crystal-clear water. One native spotlight, Pasqyra Seashore, is even dwelling to what’s been referred to as the statistically bluest water on the earth.
Ksamili is not any secret. Within the heigh of summer season, the seashores are sometimes fully blanketed with umbrellas and seashore towels, leaving little room to really see the sand. That is why now—Albania’s shoulder season—is the proper time to go to. By early September, the crowds have thinned, however the climate stays balmy, with temperatures within the 70s nicely into October. And due to the towering cliffs that defend the shoreline from robust winds, the seashores typically keep heat even because the air cools.
Regardless of its small footprint, Ksamil presents a shocking variety of seashore choices. Ksamil Seashore 7 is lined with chaise loungers accessible for lease, whereas Bora Bora Seashore, a peaceful and small inlet, is particularly in style with households.
When you’re finished with the solar, head to one of many many seashore bars for a sundown drink. Poda Seashore Membership options seashore loungers hanging over the water, completely satisfied hour specials, and reside music. Ohana Seashore Bar serves up tiki-style cocktails, and Laguna Seashore presents bites, drinks, and even an inflatable impediment course proper within the water.
There are many waterfront stays to select from, too. Manta Resort boasts personal seashore entry and a restaurant overlooking the water’s edge, whereas the Limni resort, with simply 11 rooms and a tranquil central pool, presents a extra customized expertise.
And this is yet another perk: you’ll be able to island-hop to a different nation. From Ksamil, vacationers can catch a 30-minute ferry straight to the Greek island of Corfu—excellent for a day journey crammed with beach-hopping, coastal eating, and inland hikes.
So whereas Ksamil is likely to be extra of a trek for many American vacationers, it is also a spot the place summer season begins early and lingers just a bit bit longer—very similar to the Caribbean.