Himarë Travel Guide | Beaches, Food, Boat Tours & My Experience | Albania Traveller

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Himarë

My personal guide to beaches, boat tours, food, hidden spots, groceries and exploring Himarë.

Discover Himarë

Himarë is actually one of my favorite places in Albania. It's in a beautiful little bay along the coast, and the scenic route from Sarandë to Himarë, or from Vlorë to Himarë, is absolutely stunning.

Himarë is very small, but that's part of what makes it so nice. It's much more of a chill place where you can enjoy the beaches, explore the coastline and slow down a little.

You can find different beaches, including hidden public beaches that you can reach by hiking. Himarë is also known for its boat tours, which are often available at very good prices.

There are a few restaurants and bars, but it's mainly a place to chill and enjoy. If you're lucky, you might even find fresh figs growing from the trees while exploring some of the more off-the-radar areas.

Himarë is just stunning and is definitely one of my favorite places along the Albanian coast.

🛏️ Find a Place to Stay in Himarë →

MY EXPERIENCE

Why Himarë Stood Out To Me

When I was in Himarë, one of the things I really appreciated was getting the chance to speak with a few locals. It gave me a better idea of what Himarë is like beyond the busy summer season that most visitors see.

For me, Himarë is one of those places where the surroundings are just as important as the town itself. You have the sea, the mountains and the coastline all together, and I found the whole area incredibly beautiful.

I also liked that Himarë doesn't feel like a huge city. It's small enough that you can slow down, spend time near the water, explore the surrounding coastline and just enjoy being there.

If you're travelling through southern Albania, I think Himarë is definitely worth putting on your itinerary rather than only using it as a quick stop between other destinations.

☀️ WHEN TO VISIT

When I Would Visit Himarë

The time of year makes a big difference in a coastal destination like Himarë. Based on my experience and the conversations I had with locals, this is how I would plan it.

MY RECOMMENDATION

April To September

If I were planning a trip to Himarë, I would personally choose April through the end of September.

These months make the most sense to me if your main reason for visiting is to enjoy the coast, spend time outside, explore the beaches and take advantage of the beautiful scenery around Himarë.

I spoke with a few locals while I was there, and they explained to me that winter is very different along the coast. The area can become much wetter and stormier, and some people spend more time toward the main town during the colder months.

Because of that, I personally wouldn't choose winter for my first visit to Himarë. I think the warmer season gives you a much better opportunity to experience what makes the coast special.

My tip:

If beaches, swimming, boat tours and outdoor exploring are important to you, I would plan your Himarë trip between April and the end of September.

🏖️ BEACHES

Hidden Beaches Around Himarë

One of my favorite things about Himarë is that you can find beaches that are a little more hidden and peaceful. Some require a hike or a boat to reach, but that's part of the adventure.

Filikuri Beach near Himarë

Filikuri Beach

Filikuri Beach is one of those hidden beaches that makes the trip feel like a little adventure. The water is incredibly clear and turquoise, and it is much quieter than some of the easier beaches around Himarë.

Hidden beach with very clear turquoise water
Can be reached by boat or kayak
You can also hike down to the beach
Kayaking from Potam Beach takes around 20–30 minutes
Kayak rentals can be around 500 lek per person per hour
The hike is challenging and the terrain can be uneven and slippery

📍 Open Filikuri Beach in Google Maps →

Hidden Beach Adventure

If you're looking for something more adventurous, Himarë has several beaches and little coastal spots that are harder to reach but can be completely worth the effort.

Some beaches require a short hike
Others can be reached by boat
You can often find quieter spots away from the busiest beaches
Bring proper shoes if you're hiking
Be careful on steep, rocky or slippery terrain

⚠️ Be careful: Some of the trails to the hidden beaches are not easy. The terrain can be steep, rocky and slippery, so don't attempt the hike in flip-flops and take your time.

My tip: If you're willing to put in a little extra effort, the hidden beaches around Himarë can be some of the most beautiful and peaceful places you'll find.

🌊 EXPLORE THE COAST

Don't Stop At One Beach

One thing I really like about the Himarë area is that you can use the town as a base and explore more of the Albanian Riviera.

Llaman Beach

Llaman is one of the coastal spots south of Himarë that can be included when you're exploring the area. If you have your own car, it's worth looking beyond the main beach in Himarë and seeing more of the coastline.

Porto Palermo

Porto Palermo is a particularly interesting stop because it's not just about swimming. You get beautiful coastal scenery combined with a historic setting, which makes it a nice change from spending the entire day on a beach.

Borsh

Further south, Borsh gives you another option if you want to explore more of the Riviera. I like the idea of making the drive part of the experience instead of rushing from one destination to another.

Lukovë

Lukovë is another area you can consider when exploring south of Himarë. The coastline changes as you travel, which is one of the things I enjoy about travelling through this part of Albania.

My tip: If you have a car, don't plan your entire Himarë trip around one beach. Some of my favorite moments when travelling through the Albanian Riviera come from simply driving the coastline, stopping for a view and exploring somewhere new.

📍 THINGS TO SEE

Hidden Spots & Views

Himarë isn't a place where you need a huge list of attractions. A lot of the beauty comes from the coastline, the views and the little hidden places you discover along the way.

Cape of Rigon near Himarë

01 — ADVENTURE

Cape of Rigon

Cape of Rigon is a really interesting place to visit if you want to get a little off the beaten path. It isn't the easiest place to reach, but that's part of the experience.

There is around a 1 km trail once you leave the car behind. The last part involves walking over rocky terrain, so proper shoes are definitely recommended.

One of the coolest things about this spot is that there are old tunnels that you can explore. You can also get down to the water, making it a nice combination of exploring and enjoying the coast.

If you're up for a little adventure, I think it's definitely worth checking out.

⚠️ Be careful: The trail is rocky and not the easiest to access. Take your time and wear proper shoes, especially around the tunnels and rocky areas.

📍 Open Cape of Rigon in Google Maps →

02 — VIEWPOINT

Himarë Viewpoint

If you want one of those beautiful views over Himarë, definitely make your way up to one of the viewpoints overlooking the bay.

The views over the coastline are beautiful, but I would especially recommend going around sunset. The combination of the mountains, sea and sunset is absolutely stunning.

The road can be a little narrow and bumpy, but it is possible to get there by car.

It's definitely worth the drive if you want a beautiful panoramic view of Himarë and the surrounding coastline.

My tip: Go around sunset if you can. The views are beautiful during the day, but the sunset makes it even more special.

📍 Open Viewpoint in Google Maps →

View over Himarë

🍽️ FOOD

Eating In Himarë

Food is another part of the Himarë experience that I really enjoyed. I found some great places to eat, and being on the coast means there are plenty of opportunities to try fresh fish and seafood alongside traditional Albanian dishes.

Grecco

A great little spot to grab a coffee and something sweet. They have really good pastries, but my personal favorite was the chocolate-filled croissant.

Seriously, the chocolate croissant was SO good. I don't know what they put in it, but I completely fell in love with it.

📍 Open Grecco in Google Maps →

Valo's Fish Taverna

This is, by far, my favorite traditional restaurant in Himarë. If you're looking for traditional Albanian food and fresh fish, I would definitely recommend coming here.

It has that traditional Albanian restaurant feeling and is one of my favorite places to eat in Himarë.

📍 Open Valo's in Google Maps →

Tres Leches

You HAVE to try tres leches while you're in Albania. I don't know why, but I completely fell in love with tres leches desserts.

I had it a few times during my trip and it was honestly so good. So if you see tres leches on a menu, just try it!

Fresh Fish & Local Food

Because Himarë is right on the coast, I would definitely make room for seafood and local dishes during your stay. Fresh fish and simple traditional food fit perfectly with the relaxed coastal atmosphere.

I also like looking for local dishes rather than ordering the same food I would normally eat at home. It makes the experience of travelling through Albania much more memorable.

Food and coffee in Himarë

Traditional food in Himarë

My tip: Don't be afraid to try traditional Albanian dishes while you're in Himarë. And if you see tres leches on the menu, I would absolutely try it.

🍴 MORE LOCAL IDEAS

Places I Came Across

While researching and talking with people about Himarë, I also came across several other restaurant recommendations. I'm including them here as ideas to look into rather than as personal reviews.

Taverna Lefteri

A name that came up more than once when people were talking about restaurants near the main promenade in Himarë.

Elea

Another restaurant recommendation I came across, particularly for people looking for a meal with views over the Himarë area.

Fig + Olive

Fig + Olive was also recommended when I was looking for restaurant ideas in Himarë.

Taverna Velco

A restaurant outside the main town area that I came across while looking into local food recommendations, particularly for a sunset meal and sea views.

Cibo Mare & Terra

Another name that came up for seafood and dining in Himarë. If you're interested in trying different restaurants during your stay, it's another one to put on your list to research.

Sunset Serenity

This is a guesthouse that I came across which is also known for pizza and its sunset setting. It could be interesting if you like combining accommodation and a meal with a view.

Important: Restaurant menus, prices, opening hours and quality can change, especially in a seasonal coastal destination. I would check the current information before making a special trip to any one restaurant.

🚤 BOAT TOURS

Explore Himarë By Boat

One of the things Himarë is really known for is its boat tours. If you're staying here, this is definitely something I would recommend doing.

Boat tour around Himarë

Himarë coastline from a boat

Boat Tours

There are many different boat tours available around Himarë, often at very good prices. It's a great way to see the coastline from the water and discover beaches and hidden spots that you can't easily reach by road.

Why I Recommend It

Himarë is already beautiful from land, but seeing the coast from a boat gives you a completely different perspective. If you have the time, I would definitely add a boat tour to your Himarë trip.

💡 My tip: Himarë is much more about relaxing and enjoying the coastline than partying. A boat day fits that vibe perfectly.

🛒 PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Supermarkets & Groceries In Himarë

One of the practical things I noticed during my time in Himarë is that you don't have to rely completely on restaurants for food.

Several Supermarkets

There are a few supermarkets around Himarë. They aren't the huge grocery stores you might find in a large city, but you can still find almost everything you need for a normal stay.

If you're staying in an apartment, guesthouse or somewhere with access to a kitchen, it's quite practical to pick up food and drinks for yourself.

Prices Are Still Affordable

I found that supermarkets in Himarë can feel a little more expensive than grocery stores in some other parts of Albania.

That said, I still found the prices very affordable overall. If you're travelling on a budget, buying some basic groceries can be a good way to reduce how much you spend on eating out.

My tip: If you're staying for several days, I would buy some basic groceries when you arrive and then combine that with eating out when you actually want to enjoy a restaurant.

🏕️ ACCOMMODATION

The Sea Cave Camping

If you're looking for something different from a normal hotel, this is a really cool experience to consider around Himarë.

The Sea Cave Camping near Himarë

Sea Cave Camping Himarë

The Sea Cave Camping

If you're looking for a different kind of experience, The Sea Cave Camping is a really cool option. It gives you more of an outdoor, nature-focused experience rather than a traditional hotel stay.

My Take

I think this is especially nice if you want to experience the more relaxed side of Himarë and spend some time surrounded by nature and close to the sea.

My tip: If you're into camping or just want to try something different during your Albania trip, this is a very cool experience.

💡 PRACTICAL TIPS

Things I Would Know Before Visiting Himarë

These are the little things I would keep in mind when planning a trip to Himarë based on my own experience.

Plan Around The Season

If beaches and outdoor activities are your priority, I would choose the warmer months rather than winter.

Bring Proper Shoes

If you're planning to explore hidden beaches or rocky trails, don't rely on flip-flops. Some of the terrain can be uneven, steep or slippery.

Explore Beyond Town

Himarë itself is beautiful, but the surrounding coastline is part of the experience. If you have a car, give yourself time to explore.

Keep Your Schedule Flexible

I would leave some flexibility in your itinerary for weather, especially if you're planning a boat trip or beach day.

Buy Some Groceries

The supermarkets may be smaller than what you're used to, but you can still find most everyday essentials.

Don't Rush Himarë

For me, one of the best parts of Himarë is its slower atmosphere. I wouldn't try to fill every hour with activities.

🚌 TRANSPORTATION

Getting From Himarë To Sarandë

If you're travelling through southern Albania, Sarandë is an easy next destination to add to your route.

By Bus

The bus from Himarë to Sarandë costs approximately €10 per person.

During the tourist season, there are approximately six departures per day, making the bus one of the most affordable ways to continue south.

The departure times I have noted are: 08:00, 11:40, 14:00, 14:40, 17:00 and 19:40.

By Taxi

If you prefer a private and more comfortable journey, you can take a taxi from Himarë to Sarandë.

A taxi typically costs around €50–70 per car, depending on the driver, season and exact destination.

For groups of several people, splitting the taxi fare can make this option more affordable.

💡 Bus tip: Arrive a little early, especially during the busy summer season. Bus schedules can change, so I would confirm the departure time locally before travelling.

💡 My route tip: If you're travelling south through Albania, combining Himarë with Sarandë and Ksamil can make a really nice coastal itinerary.

❤️ MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Would I Recommend Himarë?

Absolutely.

Himarë is one of those places that I would happily return to. For me, the combination of the mountains, the Ionian Sea, the beaches and the relaxed atmosphere is what makes it so special.

I also really liked that there is more to discover than what you see in the center of town. You can hike to hidden beaches, take a boat along the coast, drive to viewpoints, explore nearby areas or simply sit down and enjoy the scenery.

Speaking with locals also made me appreciate the town more because I got a better understanding of how different it can feel outside the main tourist season.

If you're planning an Albania trip and you're wondering whether Himarë is worth adding to your itinerary, I would definitely say yes.

It's beautiful, it's relaxed, and for me it has that perfect combination of being somewhere you can actually slow down while still having plenty of coastline to explore.

My final tip: Don't try to see everything in Himarë in one rushed day. Give yourself time to enjoy the coast, eat something local, watch the sunset and simply experience the town. That's what I think makes Himarë so special.