Himara
The Albanian Riviera's main beach town without the crowds of Ksamil or the price tags of Dhermi
Himara. Overview
About the city
Himara is a small town on Albania's Ionian coast, squeezed between mountains and the sea along the SH8 highway. The old town sits on a hill: stone houses, Orthodox churches, and the ruins of Himara Castle. Below lies the promenade, beaches, and the main tourist infrastructure. The town retains a Greek character – part of the population is ethnic Greek, and taverna menus are often bilingual. Beaches here are pebbly with crystal-clear water. Within a 20-minute drive you'll find Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach, and Livadi Beach. To the south – Porto Palermo Castle, to the north – Llogara National Park with its pass at 1,027 m elevation.
The nearest airport is Tirana (TIA), 220 km away. There are no direct buses from the airport: you need to get to Tirana's bus terminal and catch a service to Himara (4.5–5.5 hours, around 1,200 ALL / ~€11). Buses run 2–3 times daily with unreliable schedules – check with operators Olgeno Travel or RivieraBus. The alternative is renting a car (from €20/day) – the route through the Llogara Pass takes 3–3.5 hours and is a spectacular drive in itself. A taxi from the airport costs around 17,000 ALL (~€160). Best time for beach holidays is June and September: warm water, lower prices than July–August. For connectivity in Himara, arrange a SIM card or eSIM in advance – EU roaming doesn't apply here.
Weather now · Himara
26°
ClearTue27°/24°
Wed26°/24°
Thu29°/25°
RegionAlbanian Riviera
When to goApril – October
AirportVlora (VLO)63 kmLocal time—Albania
Himara. What to see
Top sights
What you should not miss in the city and around it.
Himara Castle
A fortified settlement from the 8th century BC perched 240 m above the Ionian Sea
Porto Palermo Castle
A triangular Ottoman fortress from 1804 on a peninsula in an Ionian Sea bay
Gjipe Beach
A secluded pebble beach in a canyon between cliffs, accessible only on foot or by boat
Livadi Beach
Himara's longest beach – 1.5 km of pebbles on the Ionian Sea coast
Jale Beach
Turquoise pebble bay between Himara and Dhermi – the Albanian Riviera's party beach
Llogara National Park
Mountain park at a 1,027 m pass – Ionian Sea panoramas and pine forests above the Riviera
Himara. Map
On the map
Key sights and surroundings — to plan your walk and gauge distances.
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Himara. Services
Plan your trip
Everything you need — connectivity, transport, stay and tours.
Himara. Questions & answersFAQ
Popular questions
Answers about seasonality, routes, neighbourhoods and basic trip planning.
What currency is used in Himara, and do they accept euros?+
The official currency is the lek (ALL). Euros are accepted almost everywhere in the tourist zone, but change is given in lek at an unfavorable rate. ATMs are available in the center, with fees of 500–1,050 ALL per withdrawal. It's cheaper to bring euros in cash and exchange at currency offices.
How do I get from Tirana to Himara?+
Bus from Tirana (East Terminal) – 4.5–5.5 hours, ~1,200 ALL. Services run 2–3 times daily. Renting a car is the most convenient option: 3–3.5 hours via Llogara Pass. A taxi from the airport costs ~17,000 ALL. You can also fly to Corfu (Greece) and take a ferry to Saranda, then a one-hour bus to Himara.
Which area of Himara is best to stay in?+
For beach access – the Livadi Beach area or Potami Beach along the waterfront. Hotels, restaurants, and everything is walkable. The old town on the hill is for those who prefer quiet and views, but the climb is steep. Book ahead for July–August: options are limited.
Is Himara safe?+
Yes, Himara is a peaceful resort town. Crime is virtually nonexistent. Main risks are standard for beach destinations: watch your belongings on the beach. The road through Llogara Pass requires careful driving, especially at night.
How much does eating out cost in Himara?+
Lunch for two at a taverna with fish and wine – €15–25. A gyros or burek – €1.5–3. Coffee – €0.6–1.5. Seafood here is fresh and noticeably cheaper than on neighboring Greek islands.
Which beaches near Himara are worth visiting?+
Livadi Beach is the main town beach, sandy-pebbly and long. Gjipe Beach is wild, reachable on foot or by boat. Jale Beach is a bay with turquoise water and sunbed rentals. A sunbed + umbrella at equipped beaches costs €5–15.
Where can I go on a day trip from Himara?+
Porto Palermo Castle – 15 minutes south, entry ~200 ALL. Llogara National Park – 40 minutes north, pine forest at 1,000 m altitude. Saranda and Butrint – 1.5 hours south, you can book a tour.
Does mobile internet work in Himara?+
4G coverage in town is stable. EU roaming doesn't apply in Albania – expect high charges. Buy a local SIM (Vodafone Albania or One) or get an eSIM before your trip. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes.
Do I need a visa to visit Himara?+
For Russian citizens – visa-free entry during summer season (April–October). Outside the season, check current rules. Insurance isn't legally required but is strongly recommended: the nearest serious hospital is in Vlora (2 hours away).
When is the best time to visit Himara?+
Beach season runs June–September. Peak is July–August: hot (up to 35°C), pricier, more crowded. Optimal – June or September: water at 23–25°C, prices 20–30% lower. May and October suit hiking, but swimming is for the adventurous.
Himara. Nearby
Nearby cities
Towns nearby — easy to add to your route for a day trip.
