Rich with castles, chapels, monasteries, fortresses, and beautiful beaches.
Himare, or Himarë, is found in Vlorë County in Southern Albania, surrounded by 1243-mile high mountains on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other.
If you haven’t heard about Himarë in Albania, then keep reading to find out why you should visit this beautiful, quiet beach town on your next travel trip.
Why Visit
Growing in popularity, Himare is a nice tranquil town to take a break from the world and soak up some sun for a few days or weeks. There are many small bed and breakfasts and midsize hotels in the area, and the prices are very affordable.
Family-friendly beaches such as Llamani beach are just a short drive away. You can also easily travel to nearby villages such as Jale, Dhermi, and Palase from Himare.
The best time to visit Himare is in the summer; however, you can visit either the Spring or the Fall for a more comfortable temperature if you’re sensitive to hot weather. The hottest month of the year is July, so plan your trip accordingly.
The ancient country of Himare belonged to the Kingdom of Epirus under the rule of the Molossian Aeacid dynasty, including King Pyrrhus of Epirus.
During the Roman Republic’s conquest of this area in the 2nd century BCE, the region’s settlements were severely damaged, and Roman General Aemilius Paulus destroyed some.
The city was later renamed Himara after the region was accepted into the Albanian state.
What to See & Do
If you’re asking yourself “what to do in Himare Beach, Albania,” you won’t be disappointed. Himare is a town rich with many things to do, both on the sea and land. Below are some activities that you may enjoy during your visit.
There are so many things to do in Himare; you certainly won’t be left with anything to do (unless that’s why you’re on holiday, that’s ok too!). From mountain biking to hiking to sightseeing and even bunker exploration!
Full-day tours can be up to 6+ hours and include lunch. Tours like this one will cost around $103 per adult.
If you’re up for it, there are 14-day bus tours that will allow you to see Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, costing anything up to $2,400 per adult.
If you’re looking for something fun to do for an hour or two, there is a range of sea coast trips you can get for as little as $40 per group.
If relaxing on the beach sounds like the perfect vacation, then Himare will not leave you disappointed. If you like adventuring to some spectacular beaches, pay a visit to Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach, and Livadhi Beach (though there are many more!).
Each beach has its tour guides and attractions, so boredom will never be an issue for you. However, if you want a particularly secluded beach, head to Filikuri Beach.
Another beach growing in popularity is Aquarium Beach. This secluded, private beach is accessible from Jale and Livade Beaches via a dirt track (hiking, anyone?). Unfortunately, this beach has no facilities, so bring your food and drinks.
The Himara region is rich with castles, chapels, monasteries, and fortresses for you to visit. However, a must-see that you shouldn’t miss seeing is the ruins of the Monastery of St. Theodore in Ilias. It’s a 2600-year-old Castle city with walls reaching 66 feet.
If being organized is your Thing, then guided excursions will be right up your alley. From single-day tours with an Himare Beach guide to week-long tours, there is something in Himare, Albania, for every budget.
Himare is known for its day beach clubs. One of the more popular is on Llamani beach. A family of former shepherds runs this little stretch of beach. Before the development of foreign tourism in Albania, circa the 2000s, the gorgeous Albanian Riviera coast was nothing more than fields of grazing sheep and endless olive groves.
You do not need a boat to get to some of the beautiful snorkeling spots; however, you can explore further if you hire one.
While out on the water, you can explore some hidden caves and secluded beaches. One is Sazan Island, where you can swim at Shen Nicolo Bay (also known as Saint Nicolo Bay). It’s a perfect and quiet place to relax.
Paddling around by kayak is a unique way to see the local area. Forge your route as you paddle through the bay. Sea kayaks are available for rent on most beaches and will set you back a mere $70 for a day trip.
Himare is an excellent place for fishing and offers a few options when it comes to fishing activities. A few companies offer fishing charters, and all are within a modest budget, making these trips something the whole family can enjoy. The trips last between 3 to 5 hours.
Food & Drink
For the “foodies” out there, Himare has got your back with so many delicious places to dine. From the freshest seafood dishes to authentic Greek food, you’ll undoubtedly find something to tickle your tastebuds. Here are some we’ve found enjoyable. So let’s check out where to eat in Himare Beach, Albania.
Known for its amazing desserts and cakes, this is the place to be if you have a sweet tooth. And of course, no holiday is complete without ice cream, so head to this quaint restaurant immediately. They also offer free wifi and off-street parking.
This restaurant should suit any traveler by serving a range of Greek, Mediterranean, BBQ, and Albanian food. According to TripAdvisor reviews, To Steki is considered some of the best food in Himare, and you have to try their original Greek Souvlaki. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner and has vegan and gluten-free options.
The oldest restaurant in Himara, founded in 1998, this family-run dining establishment serves up local cuisine, seafood, and a healthy selection of Mediterranian dishes. Open for lunch and dinner; they also offer takeout if you prefer. However, something to note is this restaurant is listed as cash only, so do make that accommodation if you visit. Taverna Lefteri – Since 1998, is also vegan-friendly.
Getting to Himare
If you’re looking to get to Himare, Albania, from the USA, you will want to book a flight. Once you have arrived, you will land at Tirana International Airport, and from there, you can hire transportation to Himare Beach.
Flights from the USA will cost you around $900 for a round trip per adult, and the driving distance from Tirana to Himare is 142 miles.
You can hire a car, where costs depend on the type of vehicle you hire or grab a bus or shuttle. A bus will be the most extended trip at around 6.5 hours and cost between $55 and $75. A shuttle is slightly shorter at just over 4 hours and will cost $47.
Accommodations
You are spoilt for choice regarding places to stay in Himare, as there are affordable hotels, guest houses, and Airbnb all along the bay.
Hotels
Pack Your Bags
With all the wonderful things to do in Himare, you should add this destination to your bucket list. With its pristine, quiet beaches, delectable cuisines from around the world, and amazing attractions you can’t afford to visit.
If this sounds like a holiday destination for you, then book your flight immediately.
