South · Riviera
BeachThe Riviera's most relaxed town — cliff-backed coves with clear water, a hilltop Greek-speaking village, and Porto Palermo's Ottoman fortress down the coast.
Best for
Quiet beaches, village life, snorkelling
Best time
June–September
Suggested stay
2–3 nights
Get directions
Himarë in pictures
South · RivieraQuiet beaches, village life, snorkelling
About this destination
Himarë is the locals' favourite on the Albanian Riviera — a string of cliff-backed beaches (Livadhi, Llamani, Aquarium Beach, Filikuri) and a Greek-speaking hilltop village above. Water taxis from Livadhi Beach reach Filikuri and Aquarium Beach without the hike. Porto Palermo Castle, a perfectly preserved Ottoman sea fortress, is 8 km south. Quieter and more authentic than Ksamil.
Top attractions
The main beach at Himarë — a long stretch of pebbles below the old village, with calm, clear water and a handful of good beach restaurants. Water taxis depart from here to Filikuri and Aquarium Beach.
A remarkably well-preserved Ottoman sea fortress built by Ali Pasha of Ioannina in the early 19th century, sitting on a small peninsula 8 km south of Himarë. Accessible by boat or road, entry free from the sea.
A secluded cove of exceptional beauty, reachable by water taxi from Livadhi Beach or by a steep dirt track. Brilliant turquoise water, no facilities, total quiet.
A sheltered snorkelling cove south of Livadhi, named for the clarity of its water. Reachable on foot or by water taxi — far less busy than the main beach and ideal for snorkellers.
The original hilltop settlement above the modern town, inhabited by a Greek-speaking community for centuries. Byzantine churches, stone houses and panoramic views of the coastline.
A quieter cove 3 km north of Himarë, popular with campers and snorkellers. Less developed than Livadhi and easy to reach by car.
Day plan
Morning
Explore Livadhi Beach — the main town beach, calm water
Afternoon
Porto Palermo Castle — Ottoman sea fortress, 8 km south
Evening
Dinner in Himarë — save the best viewpoint for last
Local tip
Himarë has no public transport — you'll need a car or taxi. Water taxis from Livadhi Beach reach Filikuri and Aquarium Beach without the hike. Porto Palermo Castle is a 20-min drive south — well worth it.
Nearby
Accommodation
Verified hotel links and stays for travellers who want to be close to the highlights.
Curated stays for Himarë are being reviewed.
We only list verified accommodation. While we review options, you can search directly on Booking.com.
Search Himarë on Booking.comDining
Traditional restaurants, modern Albanian dining, and local favourites with verified links where available.
Himarë
Verified LinkHimara's oldest restaurant, opened in 1998 and now run by the founder's three children. Tables sit close enough to the Spile waterfront to hear it over dinner. Order the octopus; it is the thing people come back for and the thing that runs out.
Himarë
Verified LinkGreek cooking rather than Albanian, which in Himarë is not a contradiction — the town has spoken both for centuries. Souvlaki off the grill, lamb with orzo, stone walls and wooden tables. Unpretentious and consistently full.
Himarë
Verified LinkAt the port end of the lungomare, and open from seven in the morning, which makes it one of the few places in Himarë that will feed you before the beach rather than after it. Seafood pasta and risotto are what the kitchen is built around.
Experiences
Verified activities for Himarë are being reviewed.
Browse all Albania experiences →Planning your journey? See practical transport options, approximate prices, travel times and seasonal advice.
Travel guides
Destination
Quieter than Sarandë, prettier than the postcards — the Riviera's best-kept secret.
Practical
Tirana Airport to Himarë on the southern Riviera — through Vlorë and over the Llogara Pass, with the same seasonal catch as the rest of the coast road.
Practical
How to travel the Albanian Riviera from Vlorë to Himarë over the Llogara Pass — Riviera buses, furgon, rental car or transfer. Honest, seasonal advice on frequency.
Turn Himarë into the starting point for your Albania itinerary — choose your travel style and let the AI planner build a route around it.
Tours are booked on GetYourGuide. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How this works.
