Plazhi i Livadit
Himara's longest beach – 1.5 km of pebbles on the Ionian Sea coast
Livadi Beach (Livadhi) is the largest beach in the Himara area, located 2 km north of the town center on the Ionian Sea coast. It stretches about 1.5 km long and up to 30 m wide. The beach is covered with fine to medium pebbles, and the water is clear with a turquoise tint. From the beach, you can see the walls of Himara Castle perched on the hill above town.
Getting there from central Himara takes 20–25 minutes on foot or a quick taxi ride for 800–1,200 ALL (≈ $8–12). By car, it's 10 minutes on a paved road with signage. Parking near the beach is paid – 200–300 ALL (≈ $2–3). You can also walk along a scenic coastal trail from Spile Beach via the headland – about 30 minutes.
Beach access is free. Sunbed and umbrella rental costs around 1,000 ALL (≈ $10) per day. There are free sections where you can set up your own towel. Allow 3–5 hours for swimming and relaxing.
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.
Beach access is free.
Beach rentals:
Sunbed + umbrella: 1,000 ALL (≈ $10) per day
Daybed at a beach club: from 2,000 ALL (≈ $20)
Free zones for your own towels available, especially in the northern section
Water activities:
Kayak: from 1,500 ALL/hour (≈ $15)
SUP board: from 1,000 ALL/hour (≈ $10)
Boat tours along the coast: from 3,000 ALL (≈ $30) per person
Payment – cash (ALL). Card acceptance is limited.
No special restrictions. Beach clubs may require a minimum order for sunbed use. Photography is unrestricted. Water shoes recommended for comfortable entry over pebbles. The trail to Aquarium Beach runs along cliff edges – not suitable for young children without supervision.
On the beach:
Restaurants and bars along the entire waterfront (seafood, Mediterranean cuisine)
Mini-markets and bakery
Toilets at restaurants
Campsites on the shore
Parking: Paid near the beach – 200–300 ALL (≈ $2–3). Free parking further away near Bakehouse – 10-minute walk.
Connectivity: 4G works reliably. Wi-Fi available at restaurants and hotels.
Accessibility: Approach to the beach is on flat road. The beach itself is pebbles with no specialized equipment for visitors with limited mobility.
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.
Practical answers about visiting, routes and time on site.
Beach access is free. A sunbed with umbrella costs about 1,000 ALL (≈ $10) per day. The northern section has free areas where you can use your own towel.
Walk 20–25 minutes by road or via the coastal trail from Spile Beach. Taxi costs 800–1,200 ALL (≈ $8–12). In summer, water taxis run from the central beach – from 500 ALL.
Recommended. The beach is pebbly – fine to medium pebbles. Water shoes make entering the water much more comfortable. For the trail to Aquarium Beach, wear sneakers, not flip-flops.
Partially. The water gets deep quickly – within 3–5 meters. Waves are usually minimal. Pebbles can be uncomfortable for small children without shoes. There are no lifeguards on duty.
A dozen restaurants line the waterfront serving fish and Mediterranean food. Average lunch costs 1,500–2,000 ALL (≈ $15–20). Bakehouse bakery offers burek from 100 ALL. Mini-markets available for water and snacks.
Yes. The trail goes from the northern end of Livadi through Aquarium Beach (30 minutes) and continues to Jale Beach (another 20 minutes). About an hour total. The trail is marked but runs along cliff edges – proper footwear is essential.
Paid parking near the beach costs 200–300 ALL (≈ $2–3). Free parking further away near Bakehouse – about a 10-minute walk. Summer weekends, parking fills up by 11:00 AM.
Himara Castle – 15 minutes uphill on foot with coastal panoramic views. Aquarium Beach – 30 minutes via trail, a secluded cove great for snorkeling. Porto Palermo Castle – 20 minutes south by car.
