In 60 seconds
Centred around a broad crescent bay against the imposing Ceraunian mountain range, Himarë is the vibrant heart of the Albanian Riviera. High above the modern seaside town sits Old Himarë (Kastro), a fortified hilltop labyrinth of stone alleys, Byzantine churches, and olive presses overlooking the azure sea. To the north and south lie the Riviera's most striking beaches, including the dramatic Gjipe Canyon, the sweeping golden sands of Livadhi, and Ali Pasha's triangular fortress at Porto Palermo.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You prefer flat sandy beaches; the Riviera consists almost exclusively of deep turquoise waters and smooth white pebble shores.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Himarë & Albanian Riviera fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Secluded turquoise cove reached via a 30-minute hike down a rugged limestone canyon dotted with cold war bunkers
Hike into the mouth of the canyon where dramatic red cliffs meet crystal-clear Ionian waters.
Ancient stone acropolis atop a rocky spur with Byzantine frescoes, stone gateways, and panoramic coastal views
Wander the silent stone corridors of the upper town to explore the 16th-century Church of the Episkopi.
Massive triangular stone fortress built by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë on a peninsula in a deep natural harbour
Climb up to the stone roof battlements overlooking the turquoise sheltered waters where submarines once anchored.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Revered town tavern serving grilled Ionian red mullet, wild chicory greens, homemade tzatziki, and fried local cheese
Order whole grilled sea bream seasoned with mountain sea salt, wild oregano, and freshly pressed olive oil.
Shaded wooden beach pavilion right on the white pebbles serving espresso freddo, fresh orange juice, and fruit bowls
Sip an iced Greek-style freddo espresso while dipping your toes in the clear gentle surf.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Picturesque tiered mountain village clinging to cliffs above the sea, featuring thirty stone Orthodox churches
Walk up the stone steps through bougainvillea arches to Saint Mary's Monastery above the village.
After dark
Chic open-air cocktail bar directly over the rocks in Spille bay with ambient music and handcrafted gin cocktails
Unwind on outdoor beanbags listening to acoustic melodies as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
The central beachfront core of Himarë, lined with family-run tavernas, olive-oil shops, and bakeries
Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along the pedestrian walkway when fishermen bring in their late catch.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Relaxed beachfront boutique hotels and stone cottages set directly behind the white pebble shores
Choose a room with an sea-facing balcony in Livadhi for morning swims just steps from your doorstep.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The Chaonian Greek tribe settles the fortified acropolis of Chimaira on the hilltop above the bay.
Gjon Kastrioti II, son of Skanderbeg, lands in Himarë to spearhead an anti-Ottoman coastal rebellion.
Himarë transitions from an isolated coastal fishing outpost into the premier eco-destination of the Riviera.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Stunning 1,027-metre coastal highway pass through pine forests offering staggering views plunging into the Ionian Sea
Stop at the viewing balcony for the unforgettable panorama of the entire Riviera coastline stretching into the haze.
