Visit Himare Castle & Old Town
Perched like a time capsule on a rocky hill, Himare’s old town isn’t just a detour—it’s a destination in itself. Wandering through its narrow, winding alleys lined with traditional stone walls feels less like sightseeing and more like slipping into another century. At the summit sits the Himare Castle, a monument older than most European capitals—over 3,500 years, to be exact. While it was free when I visited, I later learned it may cost 300 LEK during peak season (June to September), so carry cash just in case.
Inside the castle grounds, the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus quietly holds centuries of stories, its 10th-century origins visible in the intricate frescoes hugging the altar. After soaking in the sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Ceraunian Mountains, I ducked into Cafe Butterly right next to the ruins. Run by a warm local couple, it served cappuccinos and homemade cakes that tasted like hospitality in edible form. Their terrace? One of the best sunset perches in town.
Go to the beach / Laze at one of the beaches
Himare’s coastline isn’t just pretty—it’s purposefully peaceful. Unlike Ksamil’s crowded coves, here you’ll find azure waters lapping against pristine white sand with room to breathe. Spile Beach, the town’s main stretch, sits conveniently next to the city center and some of the best restaurants. Its shallow water makes it ideal for families or tentative swimmers, and kayak rentals let you paddle toward hidden gems like Filikuri.
Livadhi Beach, just a couple of kilometers north, trades convenience for calm—long, sandy, and refreshingly uncrowded. Bring your own towel unless you’re okay shelling out for a chair and umbrella. Then there’s Gjiri i Akuariumit (Aquarium Beach), the crown jewel. Accessible only by foot or 4×4, this secluded cove feels like your private slice of Albanian paradise—white sand, dramatic rocks, zero facilities. Pack food, water, and a sense of adventure. Oh, and don’t forget Prinos Beach—it’s quieter, local-feeling, and framed by mountain views that make every photo look like a postcard.
Take a boat trip
If you want to see the Albanian Riviera the way the gods intended, go by boat. Some of the region’s most magical spots—like Grama Bay—are invisible from the road. Near Spile Beach, operators like Himare Seas The Day offer both private charters and group tours. I booked last-minute in May, but if you’re visiting in July or August, reserve ahead; demand spikes fast. Without a car, this is also your golden ticket to otherwise hard-to-reach beaches. Just imagine bobbing past cliffs, diving into crystalline coves, and having lunch on a boat with nothing but sea and sky around you.
Go on a coastal hike / Hike to Livadi Beach & Jala Beach / Visit nearby Gjipe Beach
Hiking here isn’t exercise—it’s elevation of the soul. The coastal trail from Himare to Jale beach (passing Gjiri i Akuariumit) is easy to moderate, taking 1–2 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to gawk. I packed water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks—shade is scarce, and summer heat doesn’t play. Livadi Beach is just 30 minutes away on foot, a quiet escape with cute tavernas and lower prices. Push another half-hour, and Jala Beach rewards you with some of the clearest, calmest water I’ve ever floated in—though sunbeds lean toward the pricey side.
Then there’s Gjipe. Iconic. Rugged. Remote. This canyon-mouth beach is the Albanian Riviera’s best-kept secret, though “secret” is relative in high season. From the car park 2.5km away, a rocky trail delivers panoramic sea-and-island views in under 45 minutes. You can technically walk all 14km from Himare, but I tried part of that route—steep climbs, overgrown trails near Jala—and wouldn’t recommend it. Scooter, taxi, or car? Yes, please.
Visit the Porto Palermo Castle / Visit Porto Palermo
Fifteen minutes south by car (or a very committed 2-hour walk), Porto Palermo Castle rises from a rocky promontory like something out of a pirate legend. Built in the early 19th century by Ali Pasha during Ottoman rule, this triangular fortress once housed a military garrison. Today, for 300 LEK (cash only), you can wander its ancient walls, towers, and dungeons while gazing at the bay once known as Panorama Bay—a powerful ancient harbor now framed by Mediterranean mountains.
I spent barely an hour there, but the blend of history and scenery made it worth the detour. Nearby, Porto Palermo beach offers a quiet place to cool off afterward. Just don’t expect crowds—this isn’t a tourist hub, and that’s precisely its charm.
Visit the nearby town Dhermi
Dhermi feels like Himare’s artsy cousin—smaller, quainter, draped in cobblestone charm. Just 30 minutes north, it’s perfect for a half-day escape. The real draw? The Monastery of Saint Mary, perched on a hill with 18th-century frescoes glowing inside its 13th-century shell. The staircase leading up offers the best views of the town’s old stone houses and winding lanes. The beach, though, is a 45-minute walk downhill—or 8 minutes by car. Buses run from Himare; just tell the driver your stop. I went on a whim and ended up lingering over coffee longer than planned—classic Dhermi magic.
Eat some delicious Mediterranean food & fresh fish / Eat at a quaint Greek taverna / Brunch in a colourful cafe
Himare’s food scene punches far above its weight. Thanks to its ethnically Greek population, Greek tavernas line the promenade—think gyros for $3, moussaka, lamb dishes, and stuffed peppers that taste like summer. Fresh fish is non-negotiable: grilled sea bass, shrimp pasta, calamari so tender it melts. Don’t skip byrek either—especially the spinach version (a.k.a. spanakopita), best grabbed from Furre Himare, a tiny bakery run by a smiling local woman.
For dinner, Taverna Velco, tucked just off the main strip, serves wine grown on-site and food so fresh it practically introduces itself. Book ahead—it fills fast. Brunch lovers, head to Kafe Pasticcieria 28 for cake and coffee on a sun-dappled terrace, or Hercules Restaurant for avo on toast with sea views. And if you’re chasing the best meal of your trip? ELÉA Restaurant, run by a mother-daughter duo, cooks everything in front of you—worth the short drive out of town.
Kayak to one of the nearby beaches / Stand up paddle boarding
Renting a kayak at Spile Beach (1,000 Lek/hour) turned a lazy afternoon into an adventure. Paddling toward Aquarium or Livadhi beaches offered solitude and sea-level views no trail can match. For something calmer, stand-up paddle boarding around the coves near Spile Beach is surprisingly serene—the water’s calm, and the rental agency (Himare Stand Up Paddle Board and Kayak) charges 30 Euros per person (kids free as of 2024). I wobbled at first, but within minutes, I was gliding past cliffs, feeling like the only person on the coast.
Experience xhiro at sunset / Take a stroll along the promenade
Don’t just walk—xhiro. This Albanian tradition, akin to Italy’s passegiata, transforms sunset strolls into social rituals. Along Himare’s 2km promenade, locals gather to chat, laugh, and watch the sky burn orange over the Ionian. I joined in on my third evening, ice cream in hand, camera ready for golden hour shots. It’s not exercise; it’s belonging. And with no high-rises or tacky bars marring the view, the vibe stays unpretentious, laid-back, and deeply human.
Take a day trip
Himare’s the perfect launchpad. Head south to Ksamil for turquoise waters or Butrint National Park—a UNESCO site brimming with ancient ruins. Vlore offers city energy plus beaches and monuments like the Independence Monument. Llogara National Park delivers mountain hikes through forests with panoramic payoffs. And Borsh? Home to the Riviera’s longest beach and a hilltop castle with views worth the climb. All are manageable as day trips, especially with a rental car.
Spend the day at a beach club
Prefer lounging with service? Mumbas Beach Club, nestled in a small eastern cove, offers two sunbeds and an umbrella for 1,000 LEK—reasonable by European standards. For more options, Jala Beach has a few upscale clubs. It’s not Mykonos, and that’s the point: glamour without the pretense.
Play volleyball
In high summer, Prinos Beach hosts impromptu volleyball games—relaxed, friendly, never serious. I joined once with a borrowed ball from the nearby supermarket. No teams, no score, just laughter and sea spray. Pure, unscripted joy.
Drink cocktails at sunset
Himare’s nightlife whispers rather than shouts. Lido Cocktail Bar offers smart vibes right by the water. Thea Rooftop Bar heats up later with panoramic views. For barefoot elegance, Rescue at the Beach blends cocktails with the sound of waves. No cheesy clubs—just good music, good company, and sunset hues that outshine any filter.
Which beach is best in Himare, Albania?
Gjiri i Akuariumit wins for seclusion and surreal beauty—crystal-clear water, white sand, zero crowds (if you go off-peak). Just remember: no facilities, so bring everything.
Which sea is in Himare, Albania?
The Ionian Sea—part of the Mediterranean, bordered by southern Italy, Sicily, western Greece, and Albania. Famous for deep blue waters perfect for swimming, boating, and soul-soothing gazing.
What is the difference between Dhermi and Himare?
Himare is larger, more cosmopolitan, with more restaurants and amenities. Dhermi is smaller, quieter, with a party reputation thanks to beach clubs and summer festivals—but also old stone houses and pebble beaches. Choose Himare for convenience, Dhermi for vibe.
Himare or Saranda?
Saranda’s bigger and more convenient, but Himare wins on charm, natural beauty, and laid-back energy. Better as a base.
Himare or Ksamil?
Ksamil’s busier and more developed. Himare offers calm, authenticity, and fewer crowds. Both are beautiful—but if peace is your priority, Himare.
Are there ATMs in Himare?
Yes, but they charge steep fees—5 to 8 Euros per withdrawal. Bring cash from home if you can.
Are the beaches public in Himare?
Mostly yes—unlike Ksamil, where private beaches dominate. A rare win for public access.
Best time of year to travel to Himare?
Late June or early September: warm weather, open restaurants, fewer crowds. July–August = peak season (higher prices, packed beaches). May can be rainy and cool.
How many days should you spend in Himare?
Minimum 3 days to cover beaches, hikes, and castles. Ideal: 5–7 days to truly unwind. It’s the best base for exploring the Albanian Riviera.