in Albanian Riviera, Albania
Himara Beach
A charming coastal town with a beautiful pebble beach, clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. The old town perched on the hillside offers traditional architecture and tavernas serving fresh seafood.
Himara is a coastal town on Albania's Riviera, situated between Vlorë in the north and Sarandë in the south, roughly midway along the Albanian Ionian coastline. The town beach stretches in front of the modern lower settlement, offering a mix of pebble and coarse sand along a clear bay sheltered by the Ceraunian Mountains rising behind it. The water is calm and shallow near the shore, turning a deep cobalt blue further out, and is consistently rated among the cleaner beaches on the Albanian Riviera. The beach spans roughly 500 metres and is flanked by a promenade lined with cafés, restaurants, and sunbed rental operators. Sunbed and umbrella hire typically runs 5–10 EUR per set per day, with prices highest during the peak July–August season. Several beachfront restaurants specialise in grilled fresh fish, octopus, and seafood sourced locally from small fishing boats that still operate out of the bay. The old fishing harbour at the northern end of the beach offers a quieter alternative to the main stretch and remains largely free of commercial development. Perched on the rocky hillside directly above the modern town is Himara's Old Town, a compact cluster of stone houses, a Byzantine-era church, and a small fortress whose ramparts command panoramic views over the bay. The Old Town is a 15–20 minute uphill walk from the beach and is largely unrestored, giving it an authenticity increasingly rare on the Albanian coast. Visitors who combine a morning on the beach with an afternoon walking the Old Town's stone lanes get the most complete picture of Himara. Water taxis operate from the main beach throughout the summer season, offering short trips north to Livadhi Beach or south to Potami Beach, both of which are smaller and less developed. The boat trips typically cost 5–10 EUR per person and depart when enough passengers have assembled. Snorkelling is rewarding close to the rocky outcrops at either end of the bay, and kayak and paddleboard rental is available from operators on the beach. Himara is generally less crowded than nearby Ksamil or Dhermi, making it a practical base for exploring several sections of the Riviera without the intensity of the more tourist-heavy resorts.
Hours: 24/7
Best for: beach lovers, families, food enthusiasts
Location
Himara, Vlorë, Albania
40.1017, 19.7453 — View on map
Highlights
- Clear Ionian bay with pebble-and-sand beach and calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling
- Old Town castle ruins perched on the hillside above, with sweeping panoramic views of the coastline
- Fresh seafood restaurants along the beachfront promenade serving locally caught fish and octopus
- Water taxis to nearby secluded beaches including Livadhi and Potami
- Less crowded than Dhermi or Ksamil, with an authentic fishing-town atmosphere
Tips
- Explore the old town for authentic tavernas
- Water taxis offer trips to hidden beaches
- Less crowded than Dhermi or Ksamil
FAQ
Is Himara Beach sandy or pebbly?
The beach is predominantly pebble and coarse sand. Water shoes or sandals are useful for entering the water comfortably. The pebble base keeps the water notably clear and clean.
How long should a visit to Himara last?
A full day allows time for a morning swim, lunch at a beachfront restaurant, and an afternoon walk up to the Old Town. Those staying overnight can take a water taxi to a nearby beach or explore the surrounding coast in more depth.
Is Himara suitable for families with children?
Yes, the beach is family-friendly. The water is calm near the shore and the shallow entry point makes it accessible for children. The promenade has cafés and ice cream vendors, and the setting is relaxed compared to more party-focused resorts on the Riviera.
When is Himara busiest?
The peak season is July and August when Albanian and Kosovan domestic tourists arrive in large numbers. June and September offer warm water, good weather, and noticeably fewer crowds.
Accessibility
The main beach is accessible via a flat promenade, and the sunbed area on the pebble beach can be reached on foot. The Old Town above is reached by a steep uphill path with uneven stone steps that are not wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs are not known to be available for rental.
When to visit
June and September offer the best combination of warm sea temperatures, reliable sunshine, and manageable crowd levels. July and August are the hottest and most crowded months; the beach becomes significantly busier on Albanian public holidays.