Where is Himare Located?

Himare is located in south Albania, along the stunning Albanian Riviera, and is part of Vlorё County. It’s actually populated by a mainly Greek community, with a Greek origin dating back to the 5th century BC.

The town consists of two parts—the Old and the Modern settlement. In the old town, you’ll see stone houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and untouched nature, while in the modern part, there are schools, health centers, sports facilities, and other services.

Being a coastal town, Himare is best enjoyed during the summer months, from June to September, with the peak being the middle of July until August. However, even during the peak of the season, Himare isn’t too crowded, allowing you to enjoy a quiet but enjoyable vacation by the sea.

How to Get to Himare?

Where to Stay When Visiting Himare

Take a look at the list below to find a few accommodation options that you can choose for your stay when visiting Himare:

10 Best Things To Do in Himare

Now, let’s see what the ten best things to do in Himare are to ensure you have the best vacation you’ll hardly forget:

#1. Visit the Himare Castle

The Himare Castle is a very significant monument that’s worth a visit if you’re in the village. The castle dates back around 3,500 years and is located on a small hill stretching over a courtyard. Among the castle ruins, you’ll see some small churches, including St. Sergius and Bacchus and the Church of All Saints.

The castle offers an amazing view of the surroundings, overlooking the Ionian Sea, Corfu, and the village of Himare.

You can reach the castle by foot or by car from Himare, and there’s also a parking lot available. The castle is open to visitors every day, with an entrance fee of about €3 per person.

#2. Take a Boat Trip

Taking a boat trip along the coast is one of the best things to do in Himare and the ideal way to experience the beauty of south Albania, with its crystal beaches, hidden coves, and rich marine life. There are tons of boat companies on the beach in Himare offering day trips to different locations, guaranteeing a time to remember.

You can explore some of the best-hidden gems of the south, like Grama Bay or the Blue Cave, which are only accessible by boat. You can even take a snack or some lunch with you, have a small picnic on board, and then jump in for a refreshing swim!



#3. Enjoy Delicious Seafood

No vacation is complete without some good food, so be sure to try out one of the many restaurants in Himare—they offer both mouthwatering seafood dishes and homemade traditional Albanian food.

The most popular options are obviously the restaurants on the seaside, giving you the chance to enjoy a meal with amazing views of the coast. You’re guaranteed only the freshest sea products, caught daily by the fishermen and prepared to perfection by the hardworking chefs.

#4. Go On a Scenic Hike

Offering a unique combination of untouched beaches, rocky cliffs, and breathtaking views, Himare is a perfect hiking destination for all the adventurous tourists out there. You can hike to the secluded Gjipe Beach, located at the foot of a canyon, part of the Ceraunian Mountains.

It’s an overall easy hike, taking around 30–45 minutes to complete, and the reward for your effort will be a refreshing swim in the waters of Gjipe Beach. Another trail you can take is from Himare to Jale Beach, which takes about an hour.

Make sure to pack water, sunscreen, a hat, and a few snacks to have handy at any time during your hike.



#5. Have Some Fun in the Sun

Himare is known for its amazing beaches, including Spile Beach or Potami Beach, with their clear waters and soft sand. You can have an amazing day of fun while sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the beauty of south Albania.

The beaches in Himare offer a more chill and serene experience with fewer crowds and noise, which is different from what you’d get if you were in Dhermi or Ksamil. There are a plethora of secluded places that you can explore, away from all the beach bars and restaurants.

#6. Visit Llogara National Park

Situated along the road from Vlore to Dhermi, Llogara National Park is the perfect place to make a quick stop and admire the Albanian Riviera. Before you, you’ll see the lush pine and oak forests, mighty mountains, and the majestic Ionian Sea.

The Llogara National Park is also an ideal place for animal enthusiasts and bird watchers, being home to many species of birds, foxes, deer, and more. You can visit the park at any time throughout the year, but it’s best to visit during the summer months when the south of Albania is in its prime.

There are some restaurants close to the park known for their delicious meat dishes and traditional Albanian food, such as kulac and lakror.

#7. Take a Day Trip to the Blue Eye

A magical natural phenomenon just south of Saranda, The Blue Eye is among the most visited destinations not only in south Albania but also in the whole country. It’s a beautiful spring of fresh turquoise and light blue waters, resembling the human eye when seen from above—hence the name “Blue Eye.”

It is known that this spring is at least 50 meters deep, but the actual depth isn’t known yet, as that’s the deepest a diver has ever gone. You can reach The Blue Eye by car, and there’s also a parking lot available.

The Blue Eye is open for visits every day, with an entrance fee of about €0.5 per person.

#8. Visit The Castle of Porto Palermo

Located between Qeparo and Himare, Porto Palermo Castle was built in the 19th century by the famous Ali Pashe Tepelena.

The castle is of a triangular shape, with three pentagonal towers in each corner. Inside the castle, there are numerous old paintings displayed, including portraits of Ali Pashe Tepelena. The terrace of the castle provides breathtaking views of the Ionian coastline and mountains.

Visiting this castle is among the most convenient things to do in Himare, too, considering you can see it every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for an entrance fee of just €3.

#9. Explore the Himare Old Town

Just above the main beach, you’ll find the Old Town of Himare. It’s located along a rocky hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. As soon as you step into the Old Town, you’ll feel like you’re in ancient times, with old monuments and castle ruins.

You’ll also find yourself wandering through narrow streets, small shops, and cute little cafes. It’s the ideal thing to do in Himare for a history lover or adventurer. Small churches, like the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus, are also worth a visit.

#10. Take a Day Trip to Dhermi

After just a 30-minute drive from Himare, you’ll find the charming village of Dhermi, often compared to the heavenly Santorini. It’s full of old white stone houses and small churches, along with welcoming cafes and restaurants.

In Dhermi, you can visit the monastery of St. Mary for some amazing views of the village, walk the Mills Trail to explore the nature and history of Dhermi, or just relax on one of the many beaches there.

Things to Do in Himare FAQ