Himare Holidays

Booking one of our Himare holidays is the first step toward experiencing one of the Albanian Riviera’s most captivating seaside escape hubs, famous for its twin crescent-shaped bays framed by ...

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IDEAL STAY

3-5 days

Vibe

Laid-back Riviera town with a stunning seafront promenade

Best For

Beach hopping, sunset dining, exploring the old town and castle ruins

Closest Airport

Tirana International Airport (4 hr drive) or Corfu Airport (1 hr ferry + 1 hr drive)

Booking one of our Himare holidays is the first step toward experiencing one of the Albanian Riviera’s most captivating seaside escape hubs, famous for its twin crescent-shaped bays framed by dramatic olive-covered hills and laid-back, authentic Greek-influenced coastal village atmosphere. Whether you are planning a relaxed week-long escape or a sun-drenched coastal getaway, maximizing your time here means diving straight into the local culture, scenery, and cuisine. To help you map out an unforgettable itinerary, we have put together the ultimate guide to the absolute best things to do in Himare, from the crumbling hilltop ruins of Himare Castle to swimming the crystalline shallows of Livadh Beach.

Things to Do in Himare

From historic landmarks to stunning natural landscapes, Himare packs an incredible mix of experiences into one unforgettable destination. Dive into our handpicked selection below to discover the top-rated attractions, local spots, and must-add activities for your upcoming itinerary.
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Where to Stay in Himare

Himare stretches along a horseshoe-shaped bay with three zones:

  • Himare Beach (Spile): Main town beach with a promenade lined with tavernas, bars, and palm trees.
  • Old Himare (Kastro): Medieval hilltop settlement 200m above the bay with stone alleys, Byzantine churches, and spectacular sunset views.
  • Livadh Beach: Quieter stretch 3 km north with a wide pebble beach and secluded atmosphere popular with campers and long-stay visitors.
  • Himara Castle Hotel: Boutique rooms inside old castle walls with sea views and a stone courtyard. Doubles from EUR 45.
  • Sea View Hotel: Beachfront on Spile Beach with modern rooms and terrace. Doubles from EUR 40.
  • Guesthouse Beleri: Family-run in the old town with homemade breakfast. Doubles from EUR 25.

How to Get to Himare

From Tirana: 4 hours by car via SH4 and coastal SH8 through Llogara Pass and Dhermi.

From Saranda: 1 hour north on SH8 along the coast.

By Bus: Regular buses connect Tirana and Saranda via Himare (5 hours from Tirana).

Best Time to Visit Himare

June-September: Peak season with warm weather and swimming. July-August busiest and hottest (30-35C).

May and October: Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent for hiking and old town exploration.

November-April: Many beachfront businesses close. Old town remains accessible for mild winter exploration.

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Plan Your Trip to Himare

Table of Contents

Map of Himare

Himare Road Trip Route Advisor

The SH8 drive from Vlore through Llogara Pass to Himare is a Riviera highlight. After cresting the 1,027m pass, the road descends through pine forests with turquoise Ionian views at every turn. Dhermi is 30 minutes north. Road is fully paved with guardrails on dramatic sections.

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Albania Road Trip Route Advisor

Check localized driving times, road conditions, and safety tips

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Local Road Conditions & Insider Tips: Select your target destination above to load tailored driving recommendations for this specific route.

⚠️ Are Albanian Roads Actually Safe? From navigating the cliffside switchbacks of the Llogara Pass to understanding unwritten local right-of-way rules, driving here is an adventure. Avoid common local rental loop-holes and read our Comprehensive Guide to Renting a Car & Driving in Albania safely ↗.

Himare Travel Budget Estimator

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Albania Travel Budget Planner

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🍇 Taste the Slow Food Movement: Since you’re planning a comfortable stay, don’t miss Albania’s incredible farm-to-table culinary scene. Discover the Top Agritourism Farms & Boutique Vineyards in Albania ↗ to book your lunch spots well in advance

Albania Holidays Himare

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Plan Your Holiday in Himare

⁠Albania Holidays is a premier Destination Management Company and tour operator based in Tirana. We specialize in inbound bespoke itineraries, offering curated cultural tours, adventure travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) services across Himare, Albania and the broader Balkan region

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From 5-day highlights to 2-week grand tours. Browse our fully escorted Albania holiday itineraries with premium transport and local English guides.

People Also Ask - FAQs for Himare

Is Himare better than Saranda?

Himare is smaller, quieter, and more authentic with its castle-top old town. Saranda is larger with better dining and nightlife.

Are there sandy beaches?

Main beaches are pebble but the water is exceptionally clear. Livadh has a sand-pebble mix.

Is English spoken?

Yes in tourist-facing businesses. Italian is also common due to historical ties.

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The Sunniest Riviera

The Albanian Riviera, stretching along the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, boasts around 300 days of sunshine annually. Coastal towns like Ksamil, Dhërmi, and Sarandë are renowned for their turquoise waters and pristine white sands, rivaling more crowded European destinations

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Ancient Civilizations

Albania’s rich tapestry spans Illyrian, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman civilizations. Historical hubs like the ancient city of Apollonia, the UNESCO-protected “City of a Thousand Windows” (Berat), and Butrint National Park are steeped in thousands of years of preserved heritage

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Unbeatable Value

Albania remains one of Europe’s most affordable holiday spots. High-quality hotel stays in major beach destinations and delicious, fresh seafood dinners can be enjoyed for a fraction of Western European prices

Where to Go After Himare

Dhermi (20 km north, 30 min): The Riviera’s trendiest beach destination with crystal-clear coves, summer beach clubs hosting international DJs, and the quieter Drymades Beach. The hillside old village with its 16th-century church offers panoramic sea views.

Porto Palermo Castle (10 km south, 15 min): Ali Pasha’s well-preserved triangular fortress on a small peninsula. Free to explore and rarely crowded. The adjacent bay offers excellent swimming.

Gjipe Beach (15 km north, hike or boat): A dramatic canyon beach with 70m limestone walls. Reach by a 30-minute hike through the canyon or boat taxi. Pack supplies as facilities are minimal.

Qeparo (15 km south, 20 min): A traditional dual-level village. Upper Qeparo is the medieval hillside settlement with Byzantine churches; lower Qeparo is the modern beachfront with tavernas and guesthouses.

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