Hey everyone, it’s finally time to chat about the European summer! I’m here to give you some extra scoop on one of my favorite beach towns in Europe right now. Everyone’s always raving about Greece and Italy, but let’s be real, there are some way better options for Euro summer 2024.
Albania is definitely one of the hottest spots this summer, and Himare is my top beach town pick. Located on the Albanian Riviera right by the Ionian Sea, it’s packed with stunning beaches and amazing restaurants. Plus, it’s not swarming with international tourists yet.
I know you’re wondering what the best things to do in Himare are, so to help you out, I’ve jotted down a list of my personal faves.
- What are the Best Things to do in Himare Albania?
- Visit the Beautiful Beaches
- Take a Boat Trip to Gjipe Beach
- Relax in the Beach Clubs
- Go Camping in Himare Albania
- Discover Himare Old Town
- Take the Ferry to Corfu
- Enjoy the Fresh Seafood and Local Delights
- Take a Day Trip to Ksamil
- Explore Butrint National Park
- Discover Himare Castle
- Best Things to do in Himare – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Things to do in Himare Albania?
As I’ve already mentioned, Himare is a small, stunning beach town, so most activities are gonna be beach and summer-related. But don’t think it’s all about beach hopping on the Albanian Riviera.
There’s a lot of culture in the region too! The beautiful beaches here are definitely the star of the show, making Himare the perfect spot for a relaxing beach vacation. You can take boat trips, relax in beach clubs, and also visit Himare Castle, join a coastal hike, or check out a UNESCO World Heritage site! There’s plenty to do here, so let’s dive right into the best things to do in Himare.
Visit the Beautiful Beaches
Himare, Albania, is packed with an insane number of stunning beaches, making it super tough to decide which ones to check out! Right in the heart of town, you’ve got Himare Beach, the main beach of the town, which is definitely decent if you just want something close by. But if you’re up for a little adventure, there are plenty of fantastic nearby beaches within walking distance, like Livadhi Beach and Filikuri Beach.
Filikuri Beach is definitely one of my top picks—you really have to visit! You can get there by kayak or boat, or if you’re feeling adventurous (and a bit daring), you can climb down to it. It’s a bit sketchy, but totally doable if you’re into a little athletic challenge! Just a heads-up, climbing back up the cliffs is the real test! At one point, there’s a little rope you’ll need to use to haul yourself up. If that sounds a bit too intense, no worries—just rent a kayak and paddle from Himare Beach instead.
And if you venture a bit further from Himare, you’ll find even more secluded gems like Aquarium Beach, Spile Beach, and the famous Gjipe Beach.
Aquarium Beach is a beautiful sandy beach and one of the best secluded beaches in the area. It’s a bit further from Himare Beach (about a 20-minute drive), so I’d definitely suggest renting a car or scooter while you’re in Himare—and honestly, throughout Albania. It makes exploring so much easier and more fun!
Take a Boat Trip to Gjipe Beach
As I mentioned earlier, Gjipe Beach is one of the most popular spots in Himare—and for good reason! You can only get there by boat or a pretty intense hike down from the cliffs, so taking a boat trip is definitely a must-do. Honestly, the boat trip was half the fun! You’ll be cruising down the stunning Albanian Riviera, catching amazing views of beautiful secluded beaches and charming small coastal town along the way. It’s absolutely worth the trip.
Most tours will take you to other gorgeous beaches, hidden coves, and secret gems along the Albanian coast. I thought our boat trip was totally worth it, especially since it only cost $35 for a solid 2.5 hours of adventure.
Click here for our boat trip to Gjipe Beach
Relax in the Beach Clubs
Not sure how familiar you are with Albania, but there are some popular beach towns down south on the Albanian coast. Himare is super chill and family-friendly, while Ksamil is packed with beach clubs, restaurants, and hotels. If beach clubs are your thing, Ksamil is probably the spot for you.
That said, Himare has some awesome spots too if you’re into enjoying a sunbed and some good food and drinks right on the beach. Definitely check out Varka Beach Bar in Himare. It’s a great low-key spot for a cheap drink and lunch, and they won’t charge you extra for sunbeds like they do in Ksamil. Perfect for enjoying the day without breaking the bank.
If you’re down for a short drive, Mumbas Beach Club is my favorite spot in Himare. Just a 5-minute drive from town, it’s got plenty of sunbeds, great cocktails, and awesome music all day long. Honestly, I went there more than once!
Go Camping in Himare Albania
Yes, you heard me right—go camping in Himare! When we visited, we were already deep into our backpacking adventure and planned to keep going for quite some time, so naturally, we were broke like most backpackers. The best way to save some cash? Camping in Himare instead of splurging on fancy hotels. And honestly, I’m so glad we did—it was one of the most wholesome and beautiful experiences in Albania.
We stumbled upon this gem called Pine Side Camp, nestled in the woods on a cliff right next to Himare Beach. It’s a cozy little camp with pre-set tents, a tiny kitchen, a small café, and even showers and bathrooms—all right by the water. There’s no beach, but you get cliffs with sunbeds and some awesome cliff-jumping spots, which is super fun.
We got lucky and snagged a tent in the front row, so every morning, we woke up to the ocean right outside our tent. If you’re traveling on a budget, I totally recommend Pine Side Camp in Himare.
Click here to check out Pine Side Camp
Discover Himare Old Town
Himare’s old town is like stepping into a charming maze of cobblestone streets, traditional stone houses, and colorful flowers spilling out from every corner. Seriously, it’s an afternoon well spent just exploring and soaking in its charm.
The old town is basically the cute little area surrounding Himare Castle, so if you’re already planning to visit the castle (which you totally should!), definitely carve out some time to wander around the old town too.
Okay, it’s not as lively as the old town in Corfu—don’t expect a bunch of shops, cute cafes, or boutiques—but trust me, it’s worth it. Strolling through those little cobblestone streets gives you a real sense of what Himare used to be like before they jazzed up the beach promenade.
Take the Ferry to Corfu
Ok, hear me out, I’m not saying Himare isn’t incredible, but when you’re in Albania, you’re so close to Greece! It’s honestly so tempting and worth it to check out Corfu. I wouldn’t really recommend it for just a day trip, but if you have the time, a little weekend getaway within your vacation is absolutely worth it!
So here’s the plan: take a ride up to Sarande, which is super close to Himare. From there, you can catch a ferry straight to Corfu. The normal ferry takes about 1hr 40min and costs around $18, while the fast ferry takes just over an hour and costs $21 one way.
Fares & Timetable for the Ferry
Once you arrive, you’ll be in Corfu Town, which is amazing! Spend a day wandering around, admiring the architecture—Corfu Town’s old town is super cute with its small cobblestone streets, boutiques, and cafes. Check out the markets and enjoy some great food.
We took the very first ferry at around 6am, so when we arrived, we were ready for some breakfast and coffee. We headed to Favela No 17, a cute little cafe that serves incredible pancakes and really good coffee.
If you’re planning on staying a bit longer in Corfu, I totally recommend renting a car and checking out some of the other small beach towns, especially in the north where it’s less touristy.
Enjoy the Fresh Seafood and Local Delights
One of the coolest things about Himare and the surrounding areas is the abundance of fresh seafood. Being right on the coast, it’s no shock that you can find some amazing fish and seafood dishes at almost any restaurant.
If you’re into oysters, make sure to try them here! They’re super fresh and delicious, and you can even watch them being shucked right in front of you. And definitely don’t forget to pair your meal with a cold glass of local white wine—it’s the perfect combo.
Aside from seafood, there are plenty of other local treats to dive into. Traditional dishes like fergese (a baked dish with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese) and byrek (a savory pastry filled with goodies like meat, cheese, or spinach) are must-tries. And of course, no trip to Albania is complete without trying some raki—a strong drink made from grapes.
Take a Day Trip to Ksamil
I spent quite a bit of time in Himare and Ksamil, and let me tell you, it’s totally worth heading down to Ksamil for the day! It’s just a 45-minute drive from Himare, and you can either rent a car or hop on a bus.
Ksamil is famous for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters—perfect for relaxing and catching some rays. Plus, you can take a boat tour to explore the nearby islands and coves, which are absolutely breathtaking.
Honestly, I’m not the biggest fan of Ksamil because it’s often packed with tourists, but you can’t deny that the beaches and the ocean are simply gorgeous. There are plenty of cool beach clubs and restaurants, so if you’re in the mood to splurge a bit and enjoy the beach, it’s definitely worth the trip.
If you’re considering staying a little longer in Ksamil, be sure to check out our guide on ‘Where to stay in Ksamil‘.
Explore Butrint National Park
If you’re visiting Himare, you absolutely can’t miss out on a bit of culture. The best way to soak it all in is by heading to Butrint National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is just a short drive away and trust me, it’s a must-visit.
Butrint is basically a little town with ancient ruins from the 4th century BC, including a Greek amphitheater, Roman baths, and an early Christian baptistery. Walking among these ancient structures is like stepping back in time—it’s simply incredible to imagine life thousands of years ago.
Getting there is a breeze! You can easily book a day tour from anywhere in Himare or Ksamil. Plus, there are plenty of car rentals in Himare where you can snag a car or a scooter.
The best part is that the tickets are only around US$10 each, so it’s a super affordable and fun day trip.
Click here for tickets & more information
Discover Himare Castle
Another must-see attraction in Himare is the ancient castle perched on top of a hill overlooking the town. The castle dates back to the Byzantine era and offers stunning views of the coastline.
You can either hike up to the castle or take a taxi from downtown Himare. I highly recommend visiting during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Inside the castle, you’ll find old chapels, towers, and walls that have stood the test of time. It’s fascinating to explore and imagine what life was like within these walls hundreds of years ago.
My favorite part was definitely the food and drinks we had afterward! We stumbled upon this little gem called Cafe Butterfly, a vegetarian cafe with amazing views over Himare and the Albanian coast. It’s the perfect spot for an afternoon beer and watching the sunset after visiting Himare Castle.
Best Things to do in Himare – Frequently Asked Questions
đźš— How do I get to Himare?
Getting to Himare is pretty easy, though there aren’t a ton of options, so I’d definitely recommend driving there. Albania’s only airport is the Tirana International Airport, which is about a 3 to 4-hour drive from Himare. Grab a rental car at the airport and head straight down—it’s a beautiful drive! Plus, you’ll need a car once you’re in Himare to explore the region since public transport in Albania isn’t the best. Trust me, renting a car is the way to go!
đź’° Is Himare expensive?
Yes and no! Himare and Albania definitely aren’t expensive compared to their European neighbors like Greece or Croatia. However, prices can vary depending on when you visit. Summer months are pricier due to the high tourist season. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly trip, spring and fall are fantastic times to explore Himare.
Just a heads up—watch out for some of the clubs and bars that might try to charge you 8-10 USD for a beer. I mean, that’s pretty outrageous for a place like Albania, right? So, keep an eye on those prices and enjoy your adventure!
🥂 Is Himare touristy?
Absolutely not! I mean, it’s not really a hidden gem, especially since Albania has seen a bit of a tourism boom over the past few years, but trust me, it’s still nowhere near as touristy as certain spots in Greece or even other beach towns in Albania like Ksamil.
Of course, this also depends on the time of year you’re visiting. I definitely recommend visiting in spring or fall to avoid the big crowds that you would encounter in mid-summer.
Most tourists you find in Himare are Albanians heading to the coast to enjoy their vacation. So, if you’re looking for a more authentic and less crowded beach experience, Himare is definitely worth a visit!
⛱️ Where should I stay in Himare?
Himare is fairly small, but it’s split into two main areas: Himare town and the Livadhi beach area. Both have their own charm and appeal, so it really just depends on your preferences.
Himare town is nestled in between the mountains and offers a more traditional feel with narrow streets, local restaurants, and charming guesthouses. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby beaches like Gjipe or Jala.
On the other hand, Livadhi beach is just a short walk from town and is lined with various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly apartments to luxurious resorts.
Check out our full guide on ‘Where to stay in Himare’
Best Things to do in Himare – Final Words
All in all, I have to say that Himare is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression on you. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery, the warm and welcoming locals, or the delicious food, there’s something about this coastal town that just draws you in.
What really sold me on Himare is how much quieter it is compared to other beach towns in the area. Ksamil is insanely crowded, and Sarande feels more like a city than a beach town. Himare strikes the perfect balance.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Albania, be sure to consider these best things to do in Himare. Trust me, you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen and swimsuit because, with crystal clear waters and sunny skies, you’ll definitely want to spend some time at the beach. Happy travels!