Amazing Things to do in Himara, Albania + Himara City Guide
Last Updated on June 5, 2023
This site contains affiliate links for products and services we recommend. Read my disclaimer for more information. If you make a purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission (for which I am very grateful).
Along the Albanian Riveria lies a small coastal town of Himara (Himarë in Albanian).
It’s one of the must-see stops as it is more relaxed than the seaside city of Saranda and a perfect base to relax in without getting too bored.
There’s plenty of things to do in Himarë city (especially the Himare beaches) and lots of things to see nearby too.
In fact, Himara is one of my favourite go-to places and somewhere I always recommend tourists to stay for a night or three!
Below is my full travel guide full of lots of things to do in Himara! Read on for the best Himare restaurants, the best hotels in Himare, what to do in Himare, and everything in between.
📚 P.S. Grab access to my Travelling Albania Guide on Amazon to get a comprehensive insight into the best places to visit in Albania (including secret spots that are not recommended in the usual guides!)
You can also find a Himare Albania map here so that you can follow along and see where everything is.
Table of Contents
Where is Himara
Himara is located along the Albanian Riviera. Its only a 54km drive from Saranda and 73km from Vlora, another popular seaside city.
Himara city is a chilled version of both places. In recent years it has become popular but it’s still very much a quiet spot and one that’s great for a relaxing holiday.
How to get to Himara
If you’re coming to Himare city from Saranda then you can easily catch a bus. In the summer there are a few buses that go from Saranda to Himara.
During the other times of year there is one bus that leaves at 1 pm. You can also hitchhike which is very popular with backpackers.
If you have a car then be prepared for the most scenic drive, you have ever been on. I can guarantee you will stop several times during your drive.
There are some stunning views to see on the way. The drive takes around 1.15 hours. On a bus it can take a little longer.
To get from Tirana to Himare, you can also catch a bus from the bus station just outside the centre of the city. This will take you straight to Himara city center!
Check out my up-to-date article on the Albania bus timetables.
The nearest airport to Himara is in Corfu, Greece, and you can easily get a ferry from Corfu to Himara.
The Corfu to Himare ferry is straightforward, and I have a full guide on getting from Corfu to Albania (and vice versa) to make it easy.
Things to do in Himara
1. Visit the Old Himare Castle
Up in the hills, there is a beautiful village with a castle and a few Himare accommodation options. The Himara castle is worth a visit. You can catch a bus ride or walk.
The Himare castle is in ruins but its still beautiful in my eyes. Within the Himarë castle walls is an old stone village and cobbled walkways. From the top you gain stunning views over Himara.
This area is also known as Himare old town as it is the oldest remaining part of the city. The first time I visited Himara I stayed in the Himara old town and it was so peaceful!
2. Enjoy the beachfront
Himara has a couple of great beaches – namely Livadi and Prinos. And they are the highlight of any trip to Himara.
The Himare beach in the city center is nice, but I personally love the two other beaches either city of the center better.
💡PACKING TIP: Make sure you bring a good snorkel, water shoes and a fast-drying towel for all of the beach-going you’re about to do!
3. Eat at Enigma restaurant
This is one of the best Himara restaurants to enjoy a bite to eat with a great view.
This delicious Himara restaurant is located on the boulevard and does superb pizza! I can highly recommend the Italian here.
4. Enjoy fresh seafood
As you are in the Albanian Riviera you absolutely must try the seafood in Himarë. Some of the best restaurants in Himare are Taverna Lefteri or Cibo Mare E Terra.
5. Enjoy a Xhiro along the boulevard
A Xhiro means walk and this is something that you will notice all the locals do around sunset.
Not only in Himara but all over Albania the locals wake up from their afternoon naps and gather along the main boulevards around the country to catch up with friends and enjoy the beginning of the night.
👡 PACKING TIP: Looking for the best shoes for travelling? I highly recommend getting a pair of Chaco’s – They are my favourite!
6. Hire a kayak and go to the secret beach ‘Gjiri i Filikurit
Just south of Himara centre is a beach listed on Google as Gjiri i Filikurit (it is often unnamed on Himara maps). It can be accessed by a dodgy walk and a bit of abseiling down a rope.
Alternatively, you can catch a boat or a kayak!
Day Trips from Himara
There are a lot of things to do near Himara too which is why many people make it a base to see nearby features.
- Porto Porlemo
- Qeparo
- Borsh
- Jale
- Gjipe Beach
Can you day trip from Saranda to Himara? Absolutely! Himare to Saranda or vice versa makes for a great day trip as it’s just over an hour’s drive.
Although Himara is for relaxing, so you might not get the full experience in just a day trip.
Tours in Himara
There are multiple options for Himare tours that will take you in and around Himara town. Make sure you check out Viator for great tours in Himara.
🚲 Click to check out the best tours to take in Himara, Albania
Places to Stay in Himara
No matter what budget you have, there’s something for you in Albania. There are many great hotels in Himare to choose from to suit any type of traveller.
Backpackers: I recommend staying at Himara Downtown Hostel or Himara Hostel. Both are great options when visiting Himara.
If you are travelling with a friend/s it’s sometimes even cheaper if you get a place to yourself using Airbnb (click here to get your free $35 credit) or Booking.
When I came to Himara with 2 of my friends we rented a room for a total of €10 near the castle. It came with breakfast too, so it was cheaper for us than to stay in a hostel!
Mid-budget: There are lots of apartments and rooms to rent in Himara. And you’re sure to find a fantastic, affordable Himara hotel that works for you.
I stayed just out of the center called Villa Marine blue. My partner and I rented a room for 2000lek a night (in summer it’s double). It was lovely, right on the beach and the owner is super lovely.
Luxury: There are a number of beautiful luxury accommodations in Himara including Scala Bungalows and Sea View Hotel.
Himara During the Off-Season
July and August are the busiest months in Albania. Slowly June and September are becoming busier too.
If you come during the off-season, be aware that a lot of the Himare restaurants and Himare accommodation options are shut.
Along the boulevard, there are still Himarë restaurants open and it’s definitely still possible to have a nice holiday.
Just don’t expect any wild parties and for Himare town to be buzzing. I prefer it in the off-season as it’s incredibly peaceful!
🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. My #1 recommendation is SafetyWing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Although many visitors come via Tirana, the nearest airport to Himara is actually on the Greek island of Corfu. From there you can easily catch a ferry to Himare.
Two days is a pretty good amount of time to see all the sites and enjoy the beautiful Himare beaches. However, as there are a lot of Himare accommodation options, it’s also a good base for seeing the rest of the Albanian Riviera.
Himara Albania is one of the best destinations for a relaxing holiday! If you love the beach, you must visit Himara. You’ll also find some amazing historical sites and delicious restaurants when you visit.
Do you have any questions about Himara? Make sure you leave them below. Alternatively, join my Facebook group ‘Travelling Albania’ and leave your question. Someone might have already asked it for you!
Other articles you will love:
- Guide to the Albanian Riviera: Best Beaches, Villages & Transport
- Best Things to do in Saranda, Albania
- Albania Itinerary: 1 week in Albania (7 days)
Love this post? Pin it for later!
