Livadi Beach

Livadi is a long, gentle bay framed by low hills dotted with olive groves. The beach curves from south to north along the shore. The southern end is livelier, with beach bars, restaurants, and music. The northern end is quieter, with more open space and fewer tourists. A concrete jetty at the southern end provides a spot for jumping into the sea.

The water gets deep fairly quickly – within 3–5 meters you're waist-deep. The seabed is fine pebbles, so water shoes are recommended for comfortable entry. Along the beachfront, restaurants serve fish and Mediterranean cuisine. An average lunch runs 1,500–2,000 ALL (≈ $15–20). There are mini-markets and a bakery (Bakehouse) nearby.

From the right (northern) end of the beach, a hiking trail leads to Aquarium Beach – 30 minutes along a dirt path above the cliffs. Trail markers are white-red-white. The path runs along cliff edges in some sections – wear proper shoes, not flip-flops. Along the way, a former military bunker serves as a viewpoint over the sea. From Aquarium, you can continue to Jale Beach – another 20 minutes.

Length – approximately 1.5 km, the longest beach in the Himara area

Surface – fine to medium pebbles with clear turquoise Ionian Sea water

Facilities – restaurants, bars, mini-markets, campsites, and hotels right on the shore

Trail to Aquarium Beach – 30-minute marked hike along coastal cliffs

Cost – free access, sunbed with umbrella around 1,000 ALL (≈ $10/day)

Livadi was historically agricultural land – the name derives from the Greek word "livadi" (meadow, pasture). The Himara area has been inhabited since antiquity: ancient Greek and Roman sources mention this stretch of coastline as part of Epirus. The beach remained little-known until the early 2000s, when the Albanian Riviera began attracting international tourists.

Active development of the Livadi area began in the 2010s. Hotels, restaurants, and beach bars appeared, though guidebooks note that haphazard construction has accompanied the growth. By 2025, Livadi had become the second most popular area in Himara after the central beach, with its own tourist infrastructure and a dedicated restaurant strip along the shore.

From central Himara (2 km, 10 minutes):

– On foot – 20–25 minutes by road or via the coastal trail from Spile Beach

– Taxi – 800–1,200 ALL (≈ $8–12)

– By car following signs, road is paved

From Vlora (75 km, 1.5–2 hours):

– Bus to Himara – 600–800 ALL (≈ $6–8), then taxi or walk

– Rent a car – via Llogara Pass or the new tunnel (free in 2025)

From Tirana (220 km, 4–5 hours):

– Bus from the terminal – 1,200–1,500 ALL (≈ $12–15), departures 5:30 AM–6:00 PM, several daily

– Taxi – from €170 per car

– By car via Vlora and Llogara Pass

From Saranda (75 km, 1.5 hours):

– Bus – 600 ALL (≈ $6), 1.5 hours

On site:

From the parking area to the beach – 2–5 minutes on foot.

Season: June–September is swimming season. Water temperature 22–26°C (72–79°F). May and October are warm enough for walks but water is cooler at 18–20°C (64–68°F). In winter, the beach is empty and most establishments are closed.

Time of day: Before 10:00 AM – the beach is nearly empty with calm water. Sunset – beautiful light and restaurants start serving dinner.

Duration: 3–5 hours for swimming and relaxing. With a hike to Aquarium Beach – a full day.

Avoid: July–August weekends – peak crowds, sunbeds taken by 11:00 AM. Loud music from beach bars can be disruptive.