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Are you looking for the best Himare beaches? I’ve got you covered!
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Albania, then look no further than Himare. Located on the Albanian Riviera, this seaside town is home to some of the most stunning coastline, hidden coves and the best secluded beaches in all of Europe.
With its crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches, and lush green hillsides, it’s easy to see why beach hopping around Himare is a favourite pastime among backpackers looking for adventure.
I spent a month in Albania exploring secret coves, swimming in turquoise waters, relaxing in luxury beach clubs and sunbathing on secluded shorelines – there are so many amazing experiences waiting for you here!
Join me as I share my experience of beach hopping around Himare and discover why this charming coastal spot and European hidden gem should be at the top of your bucket list!
Himare, Albania Essentials
🏨 Where to stay in Himare: Rea boutique hotel – I love the views from this hotel! It’s great value for money too.
📌 Best Himare tour: Check out this Half day trip to Himare from Saranda
🚙 Best day trip from Himare: Visit nearby Gjipe Beach
🚗 Rent a car: Public transport can be unreliable – consider renting a car
💸 Get insured for your trip to Albania with Ekta Travel insurance
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
Beaches in Himare
Himare (also known as Himara or Himarë) is a popular beach town located on the stunning Albanian Riviera. It is surrounded by a lush green landscape, crystal clear waters, and stunning beaches. The town of Himare serves as the perfect base for exploring the Riviera’s many natural wonders and attractions.
Not only can you find beautiful beaches here, but there are also plenty of other activities to enjoy in Himare and within a short day trip distance.
From swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding to kayaking or simply lounging with a good book and a cocktail in hand – Himare has plenty of charm and things to do to keep even the most restless travellers happy!
There are some great beaches in Himare itself such as Spile beach, Prinos beach, and Potami beach. These beaches are public and free to use.
Himare is also well placed to explore the rest of the Albanian Riviera. It’s within easy reach of some of Albania’s best beaches including Gjipe, Dhermi, Borsh and Grama Bay. Some of these beaches can be difficult to reach so check out the tours below to travel there hassle-free.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Private tour of Himare Beaches
✅ Private tour of hard-to-reach beaches
✅ Lounger rental and lunch included
✅ Hotel pickup/drop off
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Speed boat tour to secret beaches
✅ Visit beaches only accessible by boat
✅ Snorkel and scuba dive with provided equipment
✅ Enjoy onboard alcoholic beverages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✅ Swap busy beaches for hidden gems
✅ Drinks and snorkel hire included
✅ Explore Haxhi Ali Cave, Grama Bay, and more!
22 Best Himare Beaches
1. Plazhi i Himares (Himarë Beach)
This is the main public beach in Himare. It’s sometimes called Himara Beach Albania or Himara city beach.
It’s a long stretch of pebble beach backed by the town’s main promenade. It’s a really nice beach with crystal clear water and some nearby beach bars.
There are plenty of sunbeds to hire if you’d like to relax in the sun.
How to get to Himare Beach: Himare beach is the main beach, it’s right in the centre of town and runs parallel to the main promenade.
Facilities: Sunbeds, umbrellas, kayak rental, lots of restaurants and bars nearby.
2. Spille Beach Albania
Spille Beach is a quiet beach that merges with the main Himare beach. It’s used mainly by locals. It’s a nice place to just chill out and read in peace for a while.
From Spille Beach, you can take a water taxi to some other nearby beaches, such as Gjipe. This is also a good place to rent pedalos, kayaks and SUP boards.
How to get to Spille Beach: Spille beach merges with the main Himare beach. To get to it just keep walking to the North end of the beach.
Facilities: Kayak rental, water taxi, umbrellas
3. Prinos Beach
This is one of the beaches at the Southern end of Himare, close to where most of the big hotels are located.
It’s a sandy beach with lots of loungers and umbrellas to rent. Sandy beaches in Albania are quite rare so make the most of this one!
Since it is so close to the Himare beach hotels it tends to be one of the most popular beaches for tourists. It’s a nice alternative to the main beach if you prefer sand over pebbles.
How to get to Prinos Beach: Head to the South end of town
Facilities: Loungers and umbrellas
4. Potami Himare Beach (Potam)
Potami Beach merges with Prinos Beach. To be honest, I wasn’t really sure where one ended and the other began. Both beaches are great.
There are sun loungers here but there is also plenty of space to just spread out with a beach towel or picnic blanket too.
How to get to Potami Beach: Once you get to Prinos Beach just keep going.
Facilities: Sunloungers and umbrellas
5. Sfageio Beach
This is one of my favourite Himare beaches. It’s small and sandy with great views.
You’ll find the Sfageio beach tucked between Himare’s main beach and the cliff. There’s a nice beach bar here so you can relax with a cocktail in hand.
Sfageio is also one of the best spots to watch the sunset in Himare and personally, I think that it is the best beach in Himare.
How to get to Sfageio Beach: Walk to the southern end of the main beach. Sfageio beach is the small beach by the cliff.
Facilities: Beach bar/restaurant
6. Marachi Beach Himare (Plazhi i Maracit)
Marachi Beach (also known as Maracit Beach) is the next beach along from Sfageio Beach.
It’s a nice beach but it is privately owned so you have to pay a daily charge to enter and rent a lounger. When I went the price was incredibly cheap but since there are plenty of nice public beaches that I could use for free I decided to skip it.
How to get to Marachi Beach: Follow the road from Sfageio Beach. Marachi is the small bay before you reach the cliff with the bunker.
Facilities: Private beach – Has everything you need
7. Lambjano Bay, Himare, Albania
This beach is definitely a hidden gem and seems that not many people are aware of it. It’s hidden off of a little gravel track.
There are no facilities here as it is a completely wild beach. It’s a great place to wild camp as you will likely have the whole place to yourself.
The best way to find it is to ask a local to show you the way.
How to get to Lambjano Bay: The beach is located between Llamani beach and Porto Palermo. Head to the Palermiti Luxury Rooms Resort and from the main road there you should be able to see a small gravel track. Follow this track to the beach. The walk from the main road takes around 25 mins.
Facilities: None – this is a wild beach
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
Best Beaches Near Himare
8. Livadi Beach
A gorgeous 20-minute hike through the forest north of Himara will take you to Livadhi Beach.
Livahdi Beach is a charming, unspoiled beach with a couple of hotels and restaurants, alongside some cabana-style beach bars that offer picturesque views of the pristine waters.
The walk here is half the fun as it will take you past some gorgeous viewpoints.
How to get to Livadhi Beach:
Follow the trail through the forest, north of Spille Beach
9. Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is one of my favourite beaches on the Albanian Riviera, and maybe even the world!
It’s only accessible by hiking or boat so getting there feels like a real adventure! I chose to hike down through the Gjipe Canyon and was rewarded with some of the most spectacular views I have ever seen.
How to get to Gjipe Beach:
Gjipe is only accessible by foot or boat. You can take a water taxi from Himara but I recommend hiking down through Gjipe Canyon. To get to the start of the trail, jump on one of the furgons that are heading to Dhermi and ask to be let off at the Gjipe trail.
The driver will know what you mean and there is a sign to mark the trailhead on the side of the main road.
10. Dhërmi Beach
People often ask “Should I visit Himare or Dhermi?” honestly, the answer is both! Both beaches are great. They are popular for a reason after all.
Dhermi has plenty of fun and lively beach bars where you can spend the day lounging, swimming, dancing and enjoying all the good food and cocktails on offer!
If you’re feeling active and up for an adventure then there’s an epic coastal hike from Himare all the way to Dhermi which is one of the best things to do along the Albanian Riviera.
How to get to Dhermi Beach:
There are regular furgons running between Himare and Dhermi. Any furgon that is heading North should be able to drop you off in Dhermi.
11. Filikuri Beach – Gjiri i Filikurit – Also know as Filikuri Bay
Filikuri is sometimes referred to as the Himara secret beach, due to its secluded location. it’s a completely secluded beach, tucked away in a little cove.
I recommend renting a kayak or SUP board in Himare and paddling your way to it.
How to get to Filikuri Beach:
Filikuri is the next bay south of Potami Beach. It’s a short hike from Potami, or you can rent a kayak and paddle around the headland to reach it.
12. Ksamil Beach
Ksamil is the most popular and well-known beach on the Albanian Riviera.
Getting from Himare to Ksamil is easy as there are furgons (minibuses that function as shared taxis) that run between the two.
Ksamil is popular for its many beach clubs and beach bars which will provide you with everything you need for the perfect beach day. It’s also one of the best places to go snorkelling as the waters are so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.
How to get to Ksamil Beach:
Ksamil is about a 1.5 hour drive south of Himare. You can take a furgon but you might have to stop and transfer in Saranda. I recommend hitchhiking for the best way to get there.
13. Porto Palermo Beach
Porto Palermo Beach is a small hidden gem located to the south of Himare.
It’s an incredibly beautiful, secluded beach close to Porto Palermo Castle, which is also worth a visit. If you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and away from the crowds then this is it!
How to get to Porto Palermo Beach:
Porto Palermo is a short 10 minute drive south of Himare. It’s an easy route to hitchhike.
14. Llamani Beach
Located around 5km south of Himare, Llamani Beach is just a 10-minute drive away.
This private beach has sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire so you can relax in comfort on the pebble shore. It’s worth noting that you need to buy food or a drink from the restaurant if you want to use the beach.
How to get to Llamani Beach:
Drive 10 minutes south of Himare. Lamani Beach is 5km from Himara.
15. Jalë Beach
Jale Beach looks like something you would see on a postcard or in a holiday brochure – it is so picturesque!
Jale is one of the most popular beaches near Himare because there are loads of beach bars and there’s often a party atmosphere on the beach.
I came here on an evening and partied until 2 am. It’s definitely the best party beach on the Albanian Riviera!
Just be warned that since Jale is quite boujee, the facilities here are more expensive than many other beaches on the Albanian Riviera. Sunbed rental for the day costs around 1000 LEK (€8.50).
How to get to Jale Beach:
Jale Beach is a 15 minute drive north of Himare.
16. Grama Bay
Grama Bay is a really beautiful pebble beach. It’s totally secluded and the only way to reach it is by boat.
Most people come here on a boat tour from Himare or Vlore so there’s a good chance that your tour group will have the beach all to yourselves.
How to get to Grama Bay:
Grama Bay can only be reached by boat. The best way to see it is to take a boat tour.
🚤 I highly recommend this fun speedboat trip to Grama Bay
17. Qeparo Beach
Qeparo Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the Albanian Riviera.
The beach has become somewhat of a tourist attraction due to its line of Cold War domed concrete bunkers, now painted in bright pinks, yellows and blues!
This shingle beach is perfect for relaxing on a budget, as it’s free from beach furniture, but there are some parasols for hire and shady areas created by the orange and olive trees.
Be sure to check out the nearby abandoned village whilst you’re here too.
How to get to Qeparo Beach:
Qeparo Beach is located south of Himare. It’s the next beach after Porto Palermo.
18. Borsh Beach
I love Borsh Beach! I spent a night wild camping here and woke up to see dolphins leaping out of the sea in front of me. It was a magical experience that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Borsh is one of the biggest beaches on the Riviera. It can be crowded near the entrance to the beach but if you wander further down you should be able to find a quiet spot for yourself.
How to get to Borsh Beach:
Borsh is 30 min drive south of Himare. It’s just south of Qeparo. I chose to hitchhike to and from Borsh.
19. Bunec Beach
Bunec Beach is a secluded spot near Saranda, Albania. With a backdrop of mountains and crystal clear waters, this beach is the perfect place to get away from it all and reconnect with nature.
Littered with pretty white pebbles, Bunec offers an opportunity to take in the beauty of the Ionian Sea.
How to get to Bunec Beach:
Buneci Beach is 45 mins south of Himare. Furgons running from Himare to Saranda should be able to drop you off on the main road here and then you can walk down to the beach.
20. Lukova Beach
Lukova Beach is one of the most stunning beaches near Himara. It’s a secluded spot which is ideal for those that want to avoid the crowds and just relax in peace.
This stretch of coast is beautiful, I love the way in which the road connecting the villages and coves is lined with olive trees.
How to get to Lukova Beach:
Lukova is the next beach south of Buneci Beach.
21. Akuarium Beach (Aquarium Beach)
This is one of the best beaches for snorkelling, I saw so many fish here!
The beach is called Aquarium Beach due to its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life.
It’s a great spot for those who want a break from the crowded beaches closer to Himara, as it can only be reached by boat or by hiking 30 minutes from Livadhi beach.
How to get to Aquarium Beach:
Head to Livadhi Beach and then follow the trail from there.
22. St. Andreas Bay
St. Andreas Bay is another extremely secluded beach that is not easy to get to. It’s well worth the effort though as you will likely have the whole beach to yourself.
There’s a 30-minute hiking trail down to St. Andreas Bay which starts in Llogara national park. It’s a challenging hike but well worth the effort if you are looking for adventure.
How to get to St. Andreas Bay:
You can hike to St. Andreas Bay from a trail which starts in Llogara national park.
How To Get To Himare?
The easiest way to get to Himare is by car. It takes about 3 hours from Tirana or a little over an hour from Sarande. You can rent a car in Albania or try hitchhiking.
There are also daily buses that connect Himare with other parts of Albania. If you’re coming from further abroad, the nearest airport is Tirana International Airport. From there you can book a private transfer to Himare.
Best Time To Visit Himare?
Himare weather is generally mild and sunny. The summer season usually starts in May and ends in September, with temperatures rarely above 30°C (86F).
The best time to visit Himare is during the summer months of June through August when you can expect warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and many activities.
The peak season usually sees more crowds, so if you’re looking for a quieter beach getaway, consider visiting Himare in the shoulder seasons in May or September.
How Long To Spend In Himare Albania?
I recommend spending 2 – 3 days exploring Himare itself and then spending at least a week beach hopping around the rest of the Albanian Riviera. This will give you enough time to fully explore a few different beaches.
The beaches are all quite different, and there is lots to do in each but you should definitely plan to spend some quality time relaxing in the sun.
What to do in Himare
There are lots of things to do in Himare asides from enjoying the beaches!
From exploring Himara old town and watching the sunset from Himare Castle to taking a boat tour around the coastline, there are plenty of exciting things to do here to keep you busy.
Swimming is one of the most popular activities for tourists here, with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches at your fingertips. There are plenty of nearby beach bars where you can grab a drink or two as well!
You can also try out some watersports such as kayaking and paddle boarding if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous.
Hiking is also an option, with some spectacular views of the Ionian Sea available. There are trails of varying difficulty levels, so there’s something suitable for everyone from beginners to experienced hikers.
Finally, don’t forget to take time out to explore the town of Himare itself. There are plenty of places to eat, shop and sightsee – you may even find a hidden gem or two. The Himara nightlife is pretty good too.
Himare Restaurants
Wondering where to eat in Himare? There are plenty of great restaurants, bars and cafes that line the promenade in Himare town.
Here are my favourite Himare restaurants:
I love Souvlaki – a Greek restaurant right by the beach. Cheap and tasty food with nice views.
UMI Sushi – I came here for cocktails and really enjoyed the atmosphere on the rooftop terrace.
Restaurant Odissea – Cute little restaurant with nice sea views.
Restaurant Piazza – I had some really good pasta here. It’s located in a good spot right on the promenade.
Best Hotels in Himara Albania
These are my favourite places to stay in Himare:
Prado luxury hotel – A beautiful luxury hotel. This is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Rea boutique hotel – I love the views from this hotel! It’s great value for money too.
Arxontiko Hotel – This Himare hotel has friendly, welcoming staff and a beautiful location.
FAQs: Best Himare Beaches
Which is the best wild beach in Albania?
One of the best wild beaches in Albania is Filikuri Beach, near Himare. It’s accessible by foot or boat only and there are no beach bars or other facilities, so it’s perfect for those looking for a secluded spot to relax away from the crowds. It’s also a great spot for wild camping.
Can I rent sunbeds in Himare?
Yes, many of the beaches in Himare have sunbeds available for rent. Prices vary depending on the beach and location but you can expect to pay around €2-3 per day for a sun lounger and an umbrella.
Does Albania have good beaches?
Yes, Albania has some stunning beaches! Himare is particularly popular and well-known for its beautiful coastline. It’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for a beach getaway. Some of the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera are Livadhi Beach, Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach and the Himare beaches.
Are beaches in Albania public?
Yes, there are many public beaches in Albania. Himare has many public beaches with free access, and most of the other beaches in the Albanian Riviera are open to the public. However, there are some private beaches, so be sure to check before deciding which beach to go to.
Final Thoughts: 22 Best Himare Beaches
Himare is a stunning beach destination in Albania, with plenty of options to suit everyone’s needs. From wild beaches that are accessible by foot or boat only, to public beaches with sunbeds for rent and private spots along the coast – you’re sure to find your perfect beach here.
Whether you want an adventurous holiday filled with hiking trails and watersports or just some time lounging on the sand – the Himare beaches have it all! There’s no better place than Himare to experience the beauty of the Albanian Riviera. Be sure to check out my guide to things to do in Himare so that you can make the most of your time here and if you need more travel tips then check out all my other guides to Albania.
ebook: Albanian Riviera Guidebook
✅Just £5!
✅ Detailed 7 day itinerary
✅ Hidden gems!
✅ Printable ebook
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