Where?

Ksamil, Albania.

Why now?

Kissing the border of Greece and separated from sun-baked Puglia by a slither of water, the craggy
coastline of Albania is fast becoming a favourite destination among
serenity-seeking travellers. Blessed with tranquil shores and
rugged cliffs, plus a striking autumn leaves season, the region
offers plenty of pretty towns to explore. Our choice? The sleepy
and stunning Ksamil.

Sitting pretty on the country’s southern tip, Ksamil’s
white-sand beaches, crystalline waters and hip hangouts rival those
of many better-known Ionian hotspots, at just a fraction of the
price – and with a fraction of the crowds, too. Spend September
days rambling around ancient ruins, dancing beneath bamboo-clad
beach shacks and feasting in ridiculously cool restaurants with our
pick of the town’s best bits.

Don’t miss

A 15-minute drive south of Ksamil lies Butrint National Park.
Spanning some 94sq km, the Unesco World Heritage site is home to
wetlands, freshwater lakes, salt marshes and open plains. But this
isn’t your average green space – it also contains the ruins of the
ancient city of Butrint, which dates back to the eighth century BC
and was once a thriving fortified city with an acropolis.

Where to stay?

Let’s be honest, accommodation isn’t quite up to The Ned levels
in this area of the world just yet. What Ksamil stays lack in
design kudos, though, they more than make up for when it comes to
dinner with a view. Bed down at the centrally located Poda Boutique Hotel and
head straight to its shoreside kitchen for a tempting array of
frozen cocktails, fruit platters and grilled specials. You won’t be
disappointed.

Where to go for dinner?

A sea-facing restaurant that serves the freshest fish in town?
It’s got to be Ostro Beach Bar & Restaurant. Combining the
best of Ksamil’s no-frills attitude with sunny island style,
interiors showcase seagrass pendant lights, wooden screens, braided
chairs and corner sofas – and that’s not even mentioning the
covetable crockery. Our order? A caesar salad, fried calamari and
crab croquettes to start, followed by the seafood risotto and
linguine shrimps zucchini, with a slice of crumbly cheesecake being
the pièce de résistance. There’s also a superb sushi menu, if
that’s what you’re in the mood for.

And for a drink…

Head to Bora Bora Ksamil. As old-school as they come,
this low-key wooden kiosk sits on the edge of white-sand Plazhi
Bora Bora beach. Wrapped in a gorgeous green blanket of wild flora,
the bamboo canopy provides welcome shade from the midday sun – grab
a seat under it and enjoy a refreshing cocktail. But it’s also just
as perfect at sunset, when twinkling lights and a house playlist
draw a crowd of relaxed bohemians.

Who to take with you?

That friend who is always up for an adventure, who will have no
qualms about setting sail and exploring the neighbouring Greek isles. After your Albanian stay, head to
Corfu next – it’s just across the sea.

Essentials to pack

A pair of stylish open-toe shoes hardy enough to allow for a
proper trek? We’ll have three pairs, please. Pack these Balenciaga Tourist embroidered two-strap
sandals for the ultimate level of comfort when stomping around
town. Crafted from hard-wearing ripstop and complete with a chunky
rubber sole, you’ll smash your daily step target in no time.

How to get there

Take a direct flight from London Gatwick to Corfu International Airport, from where Ksamil is just
a one-hour catamaran crossing away.