Himare, Albania
Riviera Escape
Discover Himarë, a laid-back coastal town with
crystal-clearwaters and beautiful beaches along the Albanian Riviera.
Himarë awaits you! A coastal town with a charming old town, a hilltop castle and a coastline of crystal-clear, turquoise waters.
Where is Himarë?
Himarë is a picturesque coastal town located in southern Albania along the Ionian Sea, nestled between dramatic mountains and crystal-clear waters. About 210 kilometers southwest of Tirana, it can be reached in roughly three to four hours by car, winding through scenic hills and olive groves that hint at the region’s natural beauty.
The town is famous for its peaceful beaches, charming old houses, and vibrant seaside promenade. Walking through Himarë feels like discovering a hidden gem, where local life flows gently alongside breathtaking views of turquoise waters.
How to get to Himarë?
Getting to Himarë is part of the adventure. Whether you drive along the spectacular Albanian Riviera or arrive by bus, the journey offers beautiful coastal views and a first taste of what makes southern Albania so special.
→ *Looking for a rental car in Albania? Having your own car gives you much more freedom to explore Himarë, the surrounding beaches and the Albanian Riviera at your own pace.
🚗 By Car
Driving is our preferred way to get to Himarë. From the north, the coastal road takes you through some of Albania’s most scenic landscapes, while coming from the south means following the Riviera road towards Himarë. Having a car also makes it much easier to reach the smaller beaches and villages around town.
🚐 By Bus/Van
Himarë can also be reached by bus from other parts of Albania, including Tirana and Sarandë. Buses are a good option if you do not want to drive, although schedules can be limited, especially outside the main summer season. For a more flexible trip, we would choose a rental car.
Arriving by Car in Himarë!
Parking in Himarë can become difficult during the busy summer months, particularly close to the waterfront and central areas. If your accommodation offers private parking, we would definitely take advantage of it. Otherwise, arriving earlier in the day gives you a much better chance of finding a convenient spot. But always still manageable to find a free parking space.
Traffic & Road Conditions
The roads around Himarë are generally manageable, but the coastal routes can be narrow, winding and busy in summer. Take your time, especially on mountain sections, and expect slower traffic when heading through popular coastal areas. The views are beautiful, so there is really no reason to rush.
Our Albania Essentials
What to See and Do
Are you planning your trip to the Albanian Riviera? Himarë is the perfect place for a relaxed yet unforgettable day. We spent half a day here, starting with history, continuing with beach time and exploring the coastline, it turned out to be one of our highlights in Albania. Here’s exactly how our perfect day in Himarë looked and what you shouldn’t miss.
Start Your Morning at Himarë Castle
We started our day early with a hike up to Himarë Castle. We came all the way from Dhermi, which is like 15 kilometers away. The old stone paths are so peaceful in the morning, and watching the sunrise from the top was magical.
From up there you get panoramic views over the coastline, the mountains and the small villages around Himarë – a quiet, atmospheric moment that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Our Albania Interactive Map
When we travel through Albania, we always save the places that make us stop and think, “wow, we need to remember this one.” From hidden viewpoints and cozy cafés to beautiful beaches and unforgettable spots, our Albania map brings all our favorites together in one place. Simply open the map and explore the places we’ve personally visited along the way.
Relax at Himarë Beach & Explore the Town
After the castle, we headed down to the Himarë beach area. The small town is perfect for a slow walk along the promenade, grabbing a coffee and just enjoying the calm morning vibe.
The beach itself is beautiful and clear, a great place to cool off after the walk and enjoy a few hours in the sun.
Lunch with a View at ELÉA Restaurant
Only a five minute drive from Himarë town you will find a great restaurant with awesome food and views. We stopped at ELÉA Restaurant and it was such a good choice. The food was delicious and fresh, but the absolute highlight was the stunning view over the sea.
It’s one of those places where you naturally stay a little longer because the atmosphere is so relaxing.
Scenic Coastal Drive to Sarandë
In the afternoon, we continued our trip along the coastline and this road is truly beautiful. Driving south from Himarë gives you endless sea views, small bays and winding roads that make you want to stop every few minutes.
→ Quick Facts:
- Length: 60km
- Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
- Road: SH8 – one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Albania
- Road quality: mostly good, but winding – perfect panoramic road
We first visited Porto Palermo Beach, a small but incredibly picturesque spot close to the historic fortress. The water here is unbelievably clear, and it’s the perfect place for a short swim stop.
After that, we continued towards Borsh Beach, one of the longest beaches on the Albanian Riviera. The stretch of coastline seems endless, and the scenery along the way is truly spectacular. From here it’s just like half an hour to Sarandë. The whole route is just nice to drive with spectacular views, beaches and places.
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Why Himarë Is Perfect for a One-Day Trip
Himarë is a truly coastal gem with beautiful beaches. It combines everything you want from a day on the Albanian Riviera. But to be honest, during summer (high season) the beaches are packed with sun loungers and umbrellas. Nevertheless, Himarë is a great place on the Riviera that you should definitely visit.
Here is what to expect when coming to Himarë:
- history and viewpoints at the castle
- a relaxed beach and charming small-town vibe
- a coastline full of scenic stops
- great food with sea views
It’s easy, beautiful and incredibly rewarding. The perfect mix of culture, nature and relaxation.
Where to Stay in Himarë
Finding where to stay in Himarë depends on what you want from your time on the Albanian Riviera. Stay near the waterfront for easy access to the beach and restaurants, or choose a quieter spot if you prefer sea views and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Himare Center - Best for First-Time Visitors
If you want to be close to restaurants, cafés, shops and the promenade, Himare Center is the easiest choice.
Everything is within walking distance, making it especially convenient if you are traveling without a car. It is also a great base for exploring the Albanian Riviera.
Best for: first-time visitors, restaurants, nightlife and car-free travelers.
Livadhi Beach - Best for a Relaxing Beach Stay
Just outside Himare, Livadhi Beach is perfect if your priority is sun, sea and a quieter atmosphere.
You will find accommodation close to the beach, while Himare town is still only a short drive away. For us, Livadhi is one of the best choices if you want to slow down and enjoy the coast.
Best for: beach lovers, couples and families.
Old Himare - Best for Views
For something completely different, stay in Old Himare.
High above the coast, you will find old stone houses, narrow streets and beautiful views over the Ionian Sea. It is less convenient for beach days, but much more atmospheric.
Best for: history, views, photography and romantic stays.
So, Where Should You Stay in Himare?
It really depends on your travel style:
- Himare Center: best overall and easiest without a car
- Livadhi Beach: best for a relaxing beach holiday
- Potami Beach: best for couples and beachfront stays
- Old Himare: best for views and atmosphere
- Dhermi: best for beach clubs, nightlife and village stays
Himarë Travel Tips
Himarë is the kind of place that looks easy on the map, turquoise water, beautiful beaches, a charming old town and the Albanian Riviera right outside your door. But once you arrive, a few little things can make the difference.
Bring Cash - Especially for Beach Days
Our first Himare travel tip: always carry some Albanian Lek (ALL).
While many hotels and restaurants accept cards, smaller places, beach services, parking areas and local businesses may still prefer cash. Therefore, we never head out for a full beach day without having some cash with us.
It is also a good idea to keep smaller notes handy. That way, you can grab a coffee, pay for parking or enjoy something spontaneous without having to search for an ATM first.
Our tip: Use your card where possible, but treat cash as your backup , especially when exploring beaches outside the town.
Best Time to Visit Himarë
In general, the best time to visit Himarë is probably between May and October, as most people come here for the beaches. While Himarë does have a small old town and a few sights, in our opinion, the small town is very quiet in winter.
👉 April – May
- Mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine make spring ideal for exploring.
- The beaches are still relatively quiet, so you can enjoy Himarë without the summer crowds.
- May is a great time for hiking, road trips and exploring the surrounding villages.
- The sea can still be refreshing, but on sunny days, swimming is definitely possible.
- Perfect if you want to experience the Albanian Riviera before the main tourist season.
👉 June – August
- June is one of our favourite months in Himarë: warm, sunny and lively without feeling completely packed.
- July and August bring the hottest weather and warmest sea temperatures, making them perfect for long beach days.
- This is peak season, so expect more visitors, higher prices and busier beaches.
- On the plus side, almost everything is open, from beach bars and restaurants to boat trips and nightlife.
- If you love sun, swimming and that classic Mediterranean summer feeling, this is the time to go.
👉 September – November
- September is another sweet spot for visiting Himarë, with warm days and a beautifully warm sea.
- The biggest summer crowds start to disappear, while the town still has plenty of life.
- October is quieter and cooler, making it better for hiking, sightseeing and road trips than for guaranteed beach weather.
- The changing light and quieter coastline make autumn especially beautiful for photography.
- For us, September might be the best overall month to visit Himarë.
👉 December – March
- Winter is the quietest time of year in Himarë, with fewer tourists and a much slower pace.
- The weather is generally mild compared with much of Europe, although this is also the rainiest period.
- Many seasonal beach businesses close, so the atmosphere is very different from summer.
- It is a good time for peaceful walks, discovering local life and exploring Himarë Old Town and the surrounding mountains.
- If you are looking for beach weather, however, we would choose another season.
Book ahead in High Season
If you are visiting in July or August, accommodation can fill up quickly. Outside the busiest months, however, you can usually enjoy a little more flexibility.
Don’t stay only at the main beach
Himare is more than Spile Beach. Take some time to explore Livadhi, Llamani, Gjipe and the Old Town, each has a completely different atmosphere.
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