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Tucked between rugged mountains and the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea, Himare is the Albanian Riviera’s best-kept secret. Unlike nearby beach towns that have leaned into resort vibes or nightlife scenes, Himare offers something different – a mix of quiet coastal charm, local authenticity, and unspoiled natural beauty. If you’re wondering “Is Himare worth visiting?”, the short answer is yes, but how much you’ll love it depends on the kind of traveler you are. Here’s everything you need to know before you go, from beaches and day trips to what makes this little coastal town stand out.
Himare’s Vibe vs. Other Riviera Towns
With quite a few beach town options to choose from in Albania, why choose Himare? It’s located perfectly between Albania’s busier southern resort towns and its quieter, more local villages, making it an ideal middle ground for many travelers. It’s more relaxed than Saranda, which has a big-city feel and can feel overly touristy, yet livelier and more connected than Dhermi, which is smaller and more resort-style. Compared to Ksamil, which can get crowded and commercialized in summer, Himare feels authentic, with a mix of local charm, stunning beaches, and walkable convenience.
You’ll find enough restaurants and beaches to keep you entertained, but not the nightlife-heavy atmosphere of Saranda or the exclusive resorts of Dhermi. For solo travelers and couples, especially, Himare is the perfect mix of laid-back but not isolated.
Who Himare is Great For
Himare is great for so many types of travelers. Solo travelers, backpackers, families, and couples looking for a chill beach escape will all enjoy its beautiful beaches and laid-back vibe. If you like to stay in areas with tons to do and lively nightlife, Himare is NOT the place for you.
The Beaches Around Himare
Although Himare is small, it has five beaches within walking distance of the main town. They all have gorgeous, clear, bright blue water, but each offers a slightly different experience.
- Himare Beach: The main town beach, lined with cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses. It’s the most convenient option if you’re staying in the center and ideal for a quick swim.
- Spile Beach: Right next to the port and promenade, this family-friendly beach has calm, shallow waters and plenty of spots to grab coffee or lunch.
- Sfageio Beach: A small, scenic cove tucked just south of the main promenade, with a quieter vibe. Perfect for a peaceful dip close to town.
- Prinos Beach: A more secluded option on the northern side of Himare, popular among locals. Great for those who prefer a bit of space and fewer crowds.
- Potami Beach: Located at the southern end of town, this wide, pebbly beach is framed by dramatic cliffs and is ideal for sunset swims and photo-worthy views.
If you rent a car and want to explore even more pristine beaches, here are some of the best:
- Livadi Beach: 10 minutes north; long and wide with beach bars and loungers, great for swimming and relaxing all day.
- Jale Beach: 20-25 minutes north; lively and social, known for its beach clubs, glamping spots, and backpacker-friendly vibe.
- Gjipe Beach: 30-40 minutes north; one of Albania’s most famous beaches, accessible by a short hike or off-road drive through a canyon.
- Porto Palermo Beach: 10-15 minutes south; a tranquil cove beside a small fortress, perfect for a peaceful swim or picnic.
- Filikuri Beach: Just south of Potami Beach, Filikuri is only reachable by kayak, boat, or a steep hike (which is NOT recommended – people have died). It’s one of the most secluded and photogenic beaches on the Albanian Riviera.
What to Do in Himare
As I mentioned before, Himare is low-key and relaxed, but still has infrastructure to keep you fed and entertained. Here are the best things to do in Himare:
- Beach time, duh! Refer to the beaches around Himare section for guidance
- Go on a boat trip to Gramma Bay, a full-day journey up the coast
- Go on a boat trip to Pirate’s Cave, a half-day journey up the coast
- This is the exact one I did, and I loved the small group size and the knowledgeable captain. Highly recommend!
- Visit the nearby Himare Castle and Old Town, a 45-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the main town
- If you’re visiting the castles in Berat and/or Gjirokaster on your Albania trip, you can skip this one as it isn’t as impressive
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Where to Eat in Himare
One of my favorite things about Himare is the delicious food options. Here are some of the best:
- Eleni’s Country Breakfast: Eleni is an Albanian grandmother serving up the best breakfast in Albania, freshly cooked in her kitchen. From omelets to loukoumades (fried dough balls), eating in Eleni’s home is a wonderful and delicious experience. There are only a few tables, and Eleni cooks everything, so come with some patience.
- Astro Brunch: A modern and aesthetic brunch spot along Prinos Beach.
- Brothers Grill & Fast Food: Outstanding gyros at an affordable price with a pretty outdoor seating area.
- Fast-Food Burbo: Affordable and quick bakery with savory delights, including byrek (Balkan savory pie).
- Pastiçeri Delight: Gelato for €1 a scoop? This small patisserie has the best gelato in Himare (and the best I had in Albania) for a ridiculous price. You can also try delicious tri lece here, an Albanian take on three-milk cake.
- Taverna Velco: A 25-minute walk or short drive from the city center, this is often cited as the best Greek food in Himare.
The Downsides of Himare
While Himare is my personal pick for best Albanian beach town and many will agree, it’s not for everyone. Here are the downsides to staying in Himare:
- There is no nightlife
- It’s a small town, so options for food and drink are limited (but more than enough for just a few days)
- Getting there by bus often requires an extra transfer due to a lack of public transportation options
- Many attractions are nearby but not within walking distance, limiting those without a car rental
How to Get to Himare
If this guide to Himare has convinced you to give it a go (I hope it has!), here is how you’ll get there:
- From Tirana: Around 4.5–5.5 hours by car or 6-7 hours by bus, with direct buses running daily from South and North Albania Bus Terminal.
- From Saranda: About 1.5 hours by car and 2 hours by frequent minibusses along the coastal SH8 road – one of the most beautiful drives in Albania.
- From Gjirokaster: About 2–2.5 hours by car or 4 hours by bus with a required transfer in Saranda.
- From Berat: Roughly 3 hours by car or 5 hours by bus, with a required transfer in Vlore.
- From Shkoder: This is the longest journey, from Albania’s northern to southern-most points. By car, it takes about 5-6 hours, while the bus takes around 8 and requires a transfer in Tirana.
Where to Stay in Himare
The best place to stay in Himare is in the main town near Himare Beach. You’ll be centrally located to food options, boat tours, and the beach, while also being able to walk to all the other beaches.
How to book the best hotels in Himare?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Europe is Booking.com. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Himare is no exception. Book your Himare accommodation on Booking.com today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at these suggested properties. Properties marked with “$$$” are 4 or 5-star luxury properties, “$$” are 3 and 4-star mid-range hotels, and “$” are hostels.
$$$: Saint Nicolas Hotel
$$: Beleri House
So, Is Himare Worth It?
If a chill, authentic beach town sounds like your kind of vibe, Himare is absolutely worth visiting. It was one of my favorite stops on my 3-week Albania trip, and I met countless other travelers who loved it so much they changed their plans to stay longer. If you’re looking for gorgeous turquoise waters without the crowds of a more built-up resort town, Himare is for you.
Where Else to Visit on Your Albania Trip
I spent three weeks solo traveling across Albania, and Himare is just one of many incredible destinations. Whether you want to relax on a beautiful beach or hike the Albanian Alps, it’s a diverse country with so much to offer. Here are some of the other spots I enjoyed the most on my trip:
- Berat: Another UNESCO-listed gem, known for its white houses with many windows stacked up the hillside.
- Read my guide to the best things to do in Berat here.
- Gjirokaster: Another UNESCO-listed gem, known for its stone architecture, fortress views, and traditional bazaar.
- Read my guide to the best things to do in Gjirokaster here.
- Shkoder: The gateway to the Albanian Alps and Theth National Park.
- Ohrid (North Macedonia): Just across the border, this lakefront town is famous for its crystal-clear waters, monasteries, and charming old town. It’s a perfect side trip if you’re exploring southeastern Albania.
- Read my guide to the best things to do in Ohrid here.
So, is Himare worth visiting? Absolutely, especially if you’re craving a slower, more authentic experience in the Albanian Riviera. Whether you spend your days beach-hopping along the coast, taking a boat trip to hidden caves, or trying authentic local cuisine, Himare has a way of pulling you in with its simplicity. For travelers seeking laid-back beach days, Himare is one of Albania’s true hidden gems.
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