Himarë

The heart of the Albanian Riviera: Dhërmi and Jale beaches with clear water and white pebbles, and the old town of Himarë on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Himarë lies in Vlorë County in southern Albania and forms the core of the 'Albanian Riviera.' A roughly 30 km stretch of the SH8 coastal road links a series of white-pebble beaches and bright blue bays, running north from Palasë at the foot of Llogara Pass, through Drymades, Dhërmi, Gjipe and Jale, to the town of Himarë, and continuing south to Qeparo. Greek-speaking communities are present here, and the hillside villages of Dhërmi, Vuno and Qeparo, with their stone old quarters and small Orthodox chapels, offer a contrast to the beaches. The main activities are these: enjoy the lively beaches around Dhërmi and Jale; take a boat to the Pirate Cave and Gjipe Beach, or hike down Gjipe Canyon from the parking area; stay in the town of Himarë and climb to its old town for sunset; and spend your days swimming at Livadhi and Potami. June through September has the warmest sea, though July and August are crowded and prices are high. May and September–October are more comfortable, and in winter most beach facilities close. Getting there: Tirana to Himarë takes about 4 hours. Vlorë over Llogara Pass takes about 1.5 hours, and Sarandë about 1.5 hours. Minibuses run in summer, but the beaches are spread out, so driving or renting a car is the most convenient option. Plan 3–5 days. Mountain roads are steep and winding, and passing is difficult. Some beach descents are steep, and parking is tight in summer.

Top sights

• Dhërmi Beach – One of the most famous beaches on the Albanian Riviera, with white pebbles, bright blue water and the old white village of Dhërmi on the hi…
• Himarë Old Town & Castle – An ancient castle and stone old town on a hilltop above the sea, with church ruins scattered throughout and views over Himarë Bay and Livad…
• Gjipe Beach & Canyon – A hidden bay at the end of a canyon, reached on foot or by boat, where a white sand beach and bright blue water framed by cliffs make it a…
• Livadhi Beach – The longest pebble beach in northwest Himarë, with clear water and olive-covered hills behind it. It is much quieter than Dhërmi.
• Jale Beach – A popular beach tucked into a small bay, with emerald water and a row of beach bars. The Aquarium Bay next door is good for snorkelling.
• Drymades Beach – A long gravel beach north of Dhërmi, backed by pine woods, campsites and slow-paced beach bars. Ideal for a quiet holiday.
• Palasë Beach – A wide beach at the foot of Llogara Pass, said to be where Caesar landed, with many upscale resorts built in recent years.
• Dhërmi Village – An old Greek-speaking stone village on the mountainside with stone lanes, a bell tower and more than thirty small churches, overlooking Dhë…
• Pirate Cave, Dhërmi – A sea cave at the southern end of Dhërmi Beach that can be entered by small boat or by swimming. The water inside is a bright blue-green.
• Himarë Town Beach (Spile) – The urban beach and seafront promenade in front of new Himarë, with hotels and restaurants clustered here. It is the base for accommodation…
• Potami Beach – A beach at a small river mouth just south of Himarë town, where a mountain stream runs into the sea. The water is clear and it is quieter t…
• Vuno – A stone village on the hillside above Jale, where tiered stone houses overlook the sea. It is the starting point for hikes to Gjipe Beach a…
• Qeparo Old Village – A half-abandoned stone village on the coastal hillside, with atmospheric lanes, churches and views over the bay.

Where to eat

• Taverna Lefteri – A family seafood taverna established in 1998 that claims to be Himara's oldest, famous for its grilled octopus.
• To Steki sti Gonia – The most popular Greek-style charcoal grill on Himara's seafront promenade, offering affordable, generous skewers and s…
• Kafe Pasticeri Himara 1928 – Himara's first café, founded in 1928, with seaside seating where you can enjoy Greek orange pie and traditional dessert…

Itineraries

• Vlorë to Sarandë Albanian Riviera – Drive south along the Ionian Sea, connecting Llogara Pass, Himarë beaches, and Butrint.
• Southern Albania Historic Towns, Coast & Valleys 15-Day Grand Road Trip – A self-drive loop around the south, covering historic towns, the Riviera, Benjë Thermal Baths, and Korçë.