13 Incredible Himare Beaches We Absolutely Loved (2025)

Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Oliver

The Albanian Riviera is an absolute gem that’s been flying under the radar for way too long, especially if you’re hunting for an affordable beach getaway in Europe. One of our favorite spots is the charming small beach town of Himare. It’s far less crowded with international tourists compared to Ksamil (which, let’s be honest, can feel a bit overrun).

If you take the time to explore, you’ll find some untouched, beautiful beaches around Himare. Here, you’ll find crystal-clear waters, white pebbles, and total Greece or Croatia vibes (just for cheaper).

We just got back from an amazing road trip along the Albanian Riviera, checking out both the famous beaches and the lesser-known ones around Himare. Here’s our list of the 13 best beaches in Himare—we hope you love them as much as we did!

Tips for Visiting the Himare Beaches

• Bring cash – Many beach bars and restaurants don’t accept cards, especially at beaches that are only accessible by boat. Always have some cash on hand just in case.
• Rent a car – Most of the best beaches around Himare are much easier to reach by car, and public transport won’t get you to the more remote spots. Honestly, I’d recommend renting a car for traveling around Albania in general.
• Pack food and drinks – Some beach bars and restaurants are overpriced, and a lot of beaches don’t have any facilities at all. Bring snacks and plenty of water so you’re not stuck paying a fortune for a bottle of soda.
• Bring water shoes – Most beaches in Himare are pebbly or rocky, and trust me, water shoes make a huge difference when getting in and out of the sea. I know they look a little goofy, but your feet will thank me.
• Arrive early – Even the more hidden beaches can get busy in peak season. If you want a good spot (or just some peace and quiet), it’s best to get there early.
• Be prepared for hikes – Some of the most beautiful beaches require a bit of effort to reach. A short but steep hike is common, so wear decent shoes if you’re heading to places like Filikuri or Gjipe Beach.
• Check beach chair prices – Sunbeds typically cost around $10 for two with an umbrella, and it shouldn’t be more than that. If someone tries to charge you $25, they’re ripping you off.
• Watch out for sea urchins – At some of the rockier beaches, you might find sea urchins in the water. That’s another great reason to wear water shoes. Oliver actually stepped on one, and it took forever to get all the needles out—definitely not fun.

What are the Best Himare Beaches you must visit?

There are countless beaches all over southern Albania, many of them absolutely gorgeous and perfect for beach lovers. Expect white pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning backdrops.

In this guide, we’ve put together our favorite and most beautiful beaches in Himare. From popular spots like Gjipe Beach to hidden gems and unspoiled beaches like Aquarium Beach and Kico Beach weve got the best beaches in Himare.

Just a quick heads-up: many Albanian beaches are pebble beaches, so they can be a bit rocky. I highly recommend bringing a thicker beach blanket instead of just a towel for extra comfort!

1.Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach is easily one of the most stunning beaches in Himare, but getting there takes some effort. You’ll need to hike about 30 minutes from the nearest car park (which feels a lot longer in the heat) or take a boat tour from Himare or Jale.

Gjipe Beach is a beautiful, secluded beach with towering cliffs and unbelievably clear water. The shore is a mix of fine pebbles and sand, and there’s usually a tiny beach bar in peak season, but it’s best to bring your own food and water.

It’s definitely one of the most popular beaches in Himare. While it’s usually not too crowded, during peak season you’ll see plenty of people arriving on boat trips from Himare.

If you want to enjoy the beach with fewer crowds, I’d recommend coming early in the morning and taking the short hike down. For those of you with experience driving a 4×4 or a large SUV, you can even drive closer to the beach.

2.Aquarium Beach

The Best Beach in Himare for Snorkeling

Aquarium Beach is a true hidden gem along the Himare coast, but it’s not as empty as you might think. The beach is super tiny, and you’ll often find campers scattered around the area, making it a great spot if you’re camping yourself. The only way to get here is by hiking about 20 minutes from Livadhi Beach or driving a 4WD SUV—otherwise, the hike is your best bet.

The water is unbelievably clear, perfect for snorkeling, and the shore is made up of small white pebbles. In high season, there’s a tiny bar selling cold drinks, but other than that, there are no facilities, so bring your own food and a beach towel since there are no sun beds.

Even though it’s tucked away, it fills up quickly, especially in summer, so if you want a peaceful experience, I’d recommend getting here early.

3.Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is one of the best beaches in Himare, especially if you like having some amenities nearby. It’s a long, wide stretch of mostly white pebbles with some sandy patches, and the water is perfect for swimming. A big chunk of the beach is occupied by sun beds, which you can rent for around $10 for two beds and an umbrella—worth it since it’s the only real shade here.

There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants, and one the best Himare beach hotels, the Miamar Hotel, is right on the beach. It’s easy to access with free parking, and you can even rent kayaks or paddleboards.

The only downside is that in the low season, the beach isn’t always well-maintained—you might see some construction debris lying around. If you want to experience Livadhi at its best, I’d recommend waiting until the high season when everything is cleaned up and ready for visitors.

4.Porto Palermo Beach

One of my absolute favorite beaches near Himare has to be Porto Palermo Beach! It’s a little outside of town, so you’ll definitely need a car to get there. The beach is right next to Porto Palermo Castle, which is definitely worth a quick stop to explore.

What I love about this spot is how peaceful it usually is—it’s never too crowded. There are a few beach chairs you can rent for about $10 a day, and I’d totally recommend getting one because the beach is pretty rocky. There’s also a small bar and restaurant nearby, but I’d suggest packing your own snacks and drinks for the day.

Parking here is super limited, and you’ll likely have to park along the road and then take a 10-minute walk to the beach. I think that’s part of the reason it stays pretty quiet here—less parking means fewer people.

5.Kico Beach

Best Beach in Himare for low crowds

Let’s talk about a real hidden gem in Himare, Albania—Kico Beach. For starters, it’s not a typical beach, so don’t expect white sand to lie on. Instead, it’s a little restaurant built into the cliffs with a small pier where you can jump straight into the crystal-clear water.

The whole place has a super rustic, natural vibe, with stone-built terraces on multiple levels where you can eat, drink, and relax. The owners are incredibly friendly, and the food is simple but delicious—not to mention cheap. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back local lunch with an unbeatable view.

They also serve cold drinks, making it a great place to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet without any other tourists. Coming here is definitely one of our favorite things to do in Himare!

6.Filikuri Beach

Filikuri Beach is another incredible hidden spot just outside Himare, and the best part is that it’s within walking distance—perfect if you don’t have a car. Just follow the road south along the coast, and at some point, you’ll spot a steep path leading down to the beach. Heads up—it’s a bit of a climb, and getting back up requires using a rope they’ve installed (trust me, you’ll need it). I also recommend not wearing flip-flops!

If that sounds like too much effort, you can also rent a kayak from the main beach in Himare and paddle over, which is a much easier (and more fun) way to get there.

Because of the tricky access, Filikuri Beach is rarely crowded, and its secluded location makes it one of the most beautiful beaches around. Just a heads-up—since it’s so hidden, a lot of people treat it as a nude beach, so don’t be surprised if you see some bare skin!

7.Grama Bay

Our favorite Himare Sand Beach

Grama Bay is one of the most famous beaches near Himare, right up there with Gjipe Beach. Technically, it’s only accessible by boat, and most boat tours give you around 1.5 hours to enjoy the beach.

The trip is absolutely worth it—the water is insanely clear, and the beach itself is pretty sandy, so you can just sit on the shore without needing to rent beach chairs. There’s even some natural shade near the rocks, which is a bonus. In high season, a small beach bar opens up where you can grab a cold beer or soda. If you’re up for a little adventure, there’s also a short hike up the cliffs leading to an incredible viewpoint.

While most people visit by boat, there is another way to get here—a 5–6 hour hike through Llogara National Park. But be warned, it’s seriously tough and definitely not for the faint-hearted!

8.Spile Beach

Spile Beach is one of the main beaches in Himare and a great option if you’re looking for a convenient spot without the hassle of driving or parking. It’s right in town, so you can just walk over and be on the sand in minutes.

The beach itself is pretty wide with plenty of space, and there’s a solid lineup of restaurants and cafes just behind it, making it an easy place to grab a bite. While it’s not my top pick in Himare, it’s a great choice if you’re short on time or just want a quick, no-fuss beach day.

9.Potami Beach Himare

Potami Beach is another solid option if you want to stay in town but avoid the crowds. It’s at the southern end of Himare’s bay, right along the route to Filikuri Beach. Compared to Spile or Prinos Beach, it’s usually much quieter, which is a big plus. There are also a few beach clubs here, making it a great spot if you’re in the mood for a more laid-back, social vibe.

I wouldn’t necessarily come here just to lay on the beach, but if you’re looking to grab a sunbed, sip on some drinks, and make a whole beach club day out of it, Potami Beach is a great choice.

10.Jale Beach (Jala Beach)

Jale Beach is one of our favorite beaches near Himare. It’s located in the tiny town of Jala, which has just a handful of hotels, restaurants, and bars. It’s never as busy as the beaches in Himare, and honestly, it’s even more beautiful. If you want a beach with facilities but don’t feel like dealing with the crowds in town, this is a great option.

The restaurants and bars here can be a bit hit or miss, especially when it comes to food, so it’s worth checking reviews on Google Maps before picking a spot. For drinks and sunbeds, Marinero Beach Bar is a solid choice with a good vibe and music. If you’re looking for seafood at reasonable prices, Restaurant Kapiteni is a great bet.

11.Borsh Beach

Many people consider Borsh Beach to be one of the best beaches in Albania, and I can see where they’re coming from, but I’d say it’s only partly true. Borsh Beach is located outside of Himare, far from any major tourist spots or towns, and it’s incredibly long, which makes it feel less crowded. The fact that it’s so spacious also means it’s not covered in sun loungers, hammocks, or bars, which is a refreshing change.

It’s definitely a beautiful, quite spot if you’re looking to relax by the water with amazing views of the Ionian Sea and want to enjoy some peace and quiet. However, it doesn’t have the same iconic vibe as somewhere like Gjipe Beach, so if you’re looking for a place with a bit more character, it might not be your top choice.

12.Dhermi Beach (Dhërmiu Beach)

Dhermi Beach isn’t technically one of the Himare beaches, but it’s definitely worth a proper visit if you have the time. If you’re short on time and can’t make the trip, it’s still worth driving up for a day to enjoy the beautiful Dhermi Beach. The beach itself is stunning, with its crystal-clear water and long stretches of pebbly shore, offering plenty of space to relax.

On top of that, the drive up to Dhermi is beautiful, with some really great views of the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass a handful of other small beaches and quieter towns, so it’s a fun road trip.

13.Prinos Beach (Himare Beach)

Prinos Beach is another one of the main beaches in Himare town, and it’s super easy to get to—perfect for a laid-back day by the sea. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset. My favorite Himare beach club is here, Namos Beach. The vibe is really cool, with a bohemian-inspired decor that feels relaxed and stylish.

The whole area is always clean and organized, making it a pleasant place to hang out. Renting sunbeds here is a bit pricier, typically around $15 to $20 for two, but I think it’s worth it if you’re after that full beach club experience with great service and a chilled atmosphere.

FAQs About 13 Himare Beaches

Are Albanian beaches good compared to other Mediterranean coasts?

Absolutely! We think the Albanian beaches are definitely on par with other Mediterranean spots. They’re stunning and still relatively undiscovered, which means fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

What are the beaches like in Southern Albania?

Southern Albania is home to some of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever visited. The waters are crystal clear, and the surroundings are stunning. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience with fewer tourists.

Are there sandy beaches in Albania or only rocky ones?

You’ll find both here! While some beaches have pebbles or rocky sections, there are definitely sandy beaches too, like the long stretch at Borsh Beach.

Are Himare beaches worth visiting?

100% yes! We absolutely loved the beaches in Himare. The water is so clear, and it’s still relatively quiet compared to other places. Especially after visiting Ksamil, we have to say that the beaches in Himare and Dhermi are far superior simply because they’re less crowded.

Final Words About the 13 Best Himare Beaches

These are our favorite beaches in Himare, and honestly, we think many of them are some of the best in all of Albania. While the beaches in Ksamil are stunning, they can get a bit overwhelming, especially in peak season. Sunbeds are everywhere, the prices skyrocket, and it just doesn’t have the same vibe.

Himare, on the other hand, is way more laid-back and less crowded. It’s a perfect mix of beauty and tranquility, making it an affordable and much more enjoyable beach destination.

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