7 Best Things to Do in Himare, Albania
Are you looking for the best things to do in Himare, Albania? Himare is one of the best beach destinations on the Albanian Riviera, so don’t miss it on your Albania Itinerary.
Wondering what to do in Himare? Visit Himara Castle, explore the best beaches, take a day trip to Dhermi, go on a boat tour, and walk along Gjipe Canyon.
This ultimate guide to visiting Himare includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Himare.
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Best things to do in Himare, Albania
Himare is a beautiful beach destination on the Albanian Riviera with stunning pebble beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, hidden coves, unique rock formations, and exciting water activities. In addition, it is less crowded than the popular Ksamil.
1. Explore the Best Beaches in Himare
There are many beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful beaches in Himare.
Good to know
Most beaches are public, so you can leave your towel on the ground, while in Ksamil, you usually have to pay for a sunbed.
Recommended post → Albania Itinerary
Himare Beach (Plazhi i Himarës)
If you are looking for free things to do in Himare, visit the beaches. Around the beach, you will find many cozy restaurants, bars, local vendors, and shops.
We suggest you visit Himara Castle in the morning and then spend the day relaxing on the beach. You can easily book epic boat tours and water taxis or rent kayaks at the beach.
Gjipe Beach (Plazhi i Gjipesë)
Gjipe Beach is located in the Gjipe Canyon, between the coastal towns of Himare and Dhermi. This is one of the most inaccessible beaches on the Albanian Riviera, but well worth the effort. The beach can be reached by car, bus, water taxi/boat tour, or a scenic hiking trail.
The Gjipe Beach car park is about a 30-minute drive from the town. You cannot get directly to the beach by car, so you have to hike from the parking lot down to the beach.
Read the full post → Gjipe Beach & Canyon
Kico Beach
Kico Beach is one of the best hidden gems in Himare. The best way to reach Kico Beach is by car, but we recommend leaving your car at the top of the hill, as the road is unpaved, rocky, and very bumpy. After parking, you have to take a steep walk, which takes about 15 minutes.
Access to the beach is only recommended by a 4×4 car. If you arrive on foot, you can reach it in about 20-25 minutes via a narrow path.
The water is super clear, so it’s the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. There is also a platform to jump into the water. You can also rent an umbrella with two sunbeds for 1000 LEK (10 EUR).
Aquarium Beach (Plazhi I Akuariumit)
The Aquarium Beach is a small, secluded pebble beach with crystal clear water in a small cove among the rocks.
The beach is very small, so arrive early in the morning and avoid weekends. The beach is ideal for swimming, cliff jumping, and snorkeling.
This was our favorite beach on the Albanian Riviera, which can easily combined with nearby beaches, such as Jale Beach, Livadhi Beach, and Guma Beach. Although still a hidden gem, it is becoming increasingly popular with tourists.
Recommended post → How to Visit Aquarium Beach
2. Himara Castle
The historic center of Himara is perched on a 240 m high hill. Since the castle is about 1-hour walk from Himare Beach, we recommend you go there by taxi or car. The castle is just a 10-minute drive from the city center. If you arrive by car, there is a large parking lot where you can leave your car for free.
The entrance fee to Himara Castle is 300 LEK (3 EUR) per person. The Himara Castle is open from 9 AM to 7 PM during the high season and from 9 AM to 4 PM during the shoulder season.
At the entrance to the castle, an old gentleman waits for visitors from whom you can buy local products.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
Himara Castle is a significant historical site with 3,500 years of human presence. We enjoyed visiting the historic old town, walking along the winding paths, and admiring the beautiful panorama of Livadhi Beach. You can relax at Café Butterfly and enjoy the fantastic view.
We still think this place should not be missed during your visit to Himare. However, in our opinion, Berat Castle and Gjirokastra Castle were much more impressive.
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For the best experience, visit the castle at sunset.
3. Join a Boat Trip
Looking for more things to do in Himare, Albania? Plunge into the turquoise waters, snorkel among vibrant marine creatures, and allow the enchanting beauty of the Albanian Riviera to captivate your senses.
Join an unforgettable speedboat adventure between Himare and Dhermi, explore the stunning beaches and hidden caves, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Experience the magic of the Albanian Riviera sunset on a boat trip along the coast.
You can easily book an epic private or group tour of the coast. On a boat tour, you can visit stunning places like Grama Bay, Pirate Cave, Pigeon Cave, Porto Palermo Beach, Filikuri Beach, and Submarine Tunnel.
4. Visit Dhermi
Dhermi is a picturesque village just a 30-minute drive northwest of Himare. Most people just pass by Dhermi, but we think it’s worth a visit.
Don’t miss the incredible view of the old village of Dhermi from the Monastery of St Mary. You can drive to a small car park and then take the stairs up the hill, which takes less than 10 minutes.
There will be a big blue door in front of the church entrance, which is usually closed, but feel free to open it and look around this old Orthodox church. Once you enter the door, you will see a small cemetery.
After your visit, relax on Dhermi Beach. Dhermi Beach is a beautiful pebble beach surrounded by beach clubs, hotels, restaurants, and shops. Spend a few hours relaxing on the beach, drinking a refreshing cocktail, or trying delicious Albanian food.
Recommended post → Best Beach Hotels in Dhermi
Did you know that there are more than 40 churches in Dhërmi? We loved walking around the cobbled streets of Dhermi and visiting the nearby beaches.
5. Take a Coastal Walk
One of the best things to do in Himare is hike along the coastal trails and enjoy the magnificent views. There are several hiking paths near the town.
Take an unforgettable coastal walk during your trip to Albania. Starting from Himare, the tour first passes through Livadhi Beach, and from there, you can continue the coastal walk to the stunning Jale Beach.
Between Livadhi and Jale Beach, there is a hidden gem called Aquarium Beach, which we think is the most beautiful beach in Albania. Spend some hours on this small, secluded pebble beach and then continue to Jale Beach. If you want to take a shorter walk along the coast, head to Gjipe Beach.
Read our detailed post on where to stay in Albania.
6. Porto Palermo Castle
It is a triangular-shaped castle on a small island surrounded by the sea and Porto Palermo Bay. You can park for free in front of the beach, and the castle is just a short walk away.
Porto Palermo Castle was built by Ali Pasha Tepelena in the early 19th century. The castle is unique with its beautiful architecture, which combines Ottoman and Venetian influences.
Since the castle is cool, it is a perfect refreshing experience in the summer heat. After your visit, relax at Porto Palermo Beach or try the fresh seafood at the nearby restaurant.
The entrance fee to Porto Palermo Castle is 300 LEK (3 EUR) for adults. The entrance ticket can only be paid in local cash (LEK). Free admission for children.
Embarking on a journey to Albania?
With our guide, you will not only save a lot of time, but you will also make sure that don’t miss out on any spots.
7. Head to Ksamil
Ksamil is known as the ‘Maldives of Europe’ for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. People often ask: Which is better to visit Himare or Ksamil? But why should you choose? The two popular beach destinations are only a 1.5-hour drive away. In our opinion, both are unique and well worth a visit during your visit to the Albanian Riviera. While Himare has pebble beaches, Ksamil has soft white sand beaches.
During your visit, you can explore the pristine Ksamil Islands, take a day trip to Corfu, relax in the popular beach bars, enjoy the magical sunsets, and visit the Butrint National Park.
Recommended post → Ksamil Guide
Where to Stay in Himare
In fact, it is not a big town, so you can easily walk to the beach from anywhere. The city center can also be a good choice if you are looking for affordable accommodation and are arriving in the city by public transportation. But hotels by the beach always give you the feeling of a real holiday and relaxation.
Recommended post → Best Areas and Hotels
It has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. Alternatively, stay in Dhermi, a 30-minute drive away. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Dhermi
- Luxury: La Brisa Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Nassau Hotel or Empire Beach Resort – Adults Only
- Budget: Sofo Hotel Dhermi
Best hotels in Himare
- Luxury: Miamar Luxury Hotel & Spa or Rea Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: First House
- Budget: Alex Boutique Hotel
How to Get to Himare, Albania
Himare, also known as Himara, is about a 3.5-hour drive from Tirana, 1.5 hours from Saranda, and 30 minutes from Dhermi. Most people come from Tirana, Vlore, or Saranda. The nearest airport in Greece is Corfu International Airport (airport code CFU). But most travelers to Albania arrive at Tirana International Airport (airport code TIA), as you can get cheap flights there.
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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights.
We rented a car in Tirana and arrived in the town from Berat.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Tirana to Himare with all the information you need.
How to Get Around
Although you can reach Himara Castle and the main public beach on foot. But the best way to get around is to rent a car or scooter. Alternatively, you can join boat trips, travel by water taxi, or use local buses.
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If you arrive by car, book accommodation that has parking.
Best Restaurants & Bars
You can find many great restaurants with sea views, vegetarian options, and the best places to eat with all budgets. These are our recommendations.
- Pizzeria Bella Italia (Delicious pizza)
- Restaurant “Merkur Merkuri” (Fresh seafood)
- Pizzeria “Napoli” Himarë (Best döner kebab)
- To Steki sti Gonia (Heavenly Greek dishes)
- Lefteri’s Tavern (Perfect place for dinner)
Best Time to Visit Himare, Albania
Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for swimming, boat trips, and exploring the nearby attractions. The hottest months are July and August. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C.
The summer months are the peak season in Albania when hotel prices are higher and attractions are busier. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the low season. The average annual temperature is 23°C. We visited Himare at the end of May and had fantastic weather.
How many Days do you Need in Himare?
It was one of our favorite places in Albania. So we recommend you spend at least 3 days and enjoy the best things to do in Himare. Then travel to Ksamil or Saranda.
We hope our list of the best things to do in Himare will help you plan your next trip to Albania. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
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