Himarë, such a charming town on the Albanian Riviera, sits on a wide bay with beautiful sandy beaches. This beautiful village is surrounded by charming villages like Dhermi, Livadhi, Gjipe, Spillese, and Palase. Himarë offers stunning nature, lively Greek influence, and wild olive trees. With fortresses, great restaurants, breathtaking sunsets, and a unique coastal vibe, Himarë is the perfect base to explore the Riviera.
a love letter to 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.
We drove to Himarë and can absolutely recommend it. It offers complete flexibility, allowing you to stop at viewpoints, beaches, or small villages along the way and make the drive very relaxed. The route leads through stunning coastal scenery in some sections, making the journey itself an experience. However, there are other ways to get here.
Himarë is located on the Albanian Riviera, about 225 km south of Tirana. The drive takes approximately 3-3.5 hours, depending on traffic, stops, and breaks. We drove ourselves and found it perfect because you can stop flexibly along the way – for photos, to visit small villages, or to explore secluded coves.
Alternatively, you can also reach Himarë by bus or taxi. The bus journey from Tirana takes about the same amount of time but is less flexible, as you have to adhere to a timetable. A taxi or private transfer is faster but significantly more expensive.
Starting from:
Road conditions are mostly very good. Himarë is located directly on the sea, and the route becomes very mountainous and winding towards the end.
The bus is a straightforward and affordable way to get to Himarë. The journey from Tirana takes about 4-5 hours, and tickets can be bought directly from the driver for around 12€. Buses also run from other cities like Vlorë and Sarandë, making Himarë an easy addition to a longer trip. While it offers less flexibility, the journey is more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.
The best way to get to Himarë is through Llogara National Park. It's a fantastic route over the mountain, with winding roads through green forests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
It’s easy, beautiful and incredibly rewarding. The perfect mix of culture, nature and relaxation.
🌞Overall, for swimming, sunshine and the full coastal vibe, summer is the ideal time to visit.
The best time to visit Himarë is during the summer months from June to September, probably May and October are also not to bad. The weather is warm, the sea is clear and calm, and the town comes to life. In June and September, you get the perfect balance of sunshine and fewer crowds, making it ideal for exploring the old town, hiking to the castle or relaxing on the beaches.
July and August are the hottest and liveliest months, perfect if you want long beach days and that classic Albanian Riviera feeling.
In winter, many hotels and restaurants are closed, and the weather is often windy and rainy, so it’s not the best time to experience the beauty of Himarë.
The warmest and most pleasant water temperatures can be found from mid-July to mid-September. During this time, the sea is really warm, clear, and ideal for long days at the beach.
