Himara is where the Albanian Riviera becomes more than a beach holiday. The Ionian Sea lies below a hillside old town, while olive groves, stone villages and mountain roads lead visitors into a quieter side of southern Albania. It is an excellent base for travellers who want to combine time by the water with history, local food and the everyday life of the coast.

Discover Himara beyond the beach

Modern Himara sits beside the sea, with a waterfront, restaurants and easy access to the town’s beaches. Above it, Old Himara tells a different story. The lanes within the old castle area pass stone houses, churches and sections of historic walls, with wide views over the Ionian coast. Part of the old settlement is still lived in, so it deserves to be explored respectfully rather than treated only as a viewpoint.

For RakiYa Travel, this contrast is what makes Himara special: a morning spent walking through the old town can be followed by a swim, a leisurely lunch and an evening by the sea.

Things to do in Himara

Walk through Old Himara and the castle

Set aside time for the hilltop old town, often called Himara Castle or Kalaja e Himarës. Its narrow lanes and surviving buildings reveal layers of the area’s history. Go with a local guide if you want to understand the stories behind the place, not just photograph the view. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven in places.

Choose a beach that suits your day

Himara’s town beach is convenient for a relaxed swim close to cafés and restaurants. Livadhi offers a broader beach setting, while Potami and Llamani provide other options nearby. Beach facilities, atmosphere and access can change between seasons, so we recommend choosing the beach to suit your travel dates and preferences rather than trying to visit them all in one day.

Visit Porto Palermo

South of Himara, Porto Palermo brings together a sheltered bay, coastal scenery and the castle associated with Ali Pasha. It makes a rewarding stop on a journey along the Riviera, especially when combined with time in a nearby village rather than treated as a quick photo opportunity.

Explore the villages around Himara

Himara is also a gateway to villages with their own distinct character. Vuno, north of town, is known for its stone houses and lanes. South of Himara, Qeparo offers a contrast between its coastal settlement and the older village on the hillside. Pilur, above the coast, is associated with the region’s tradition of polyphonic singing. Visits and any cultural encounters should be arranged with local people, not assumed to be performances available on demand.

Local food and coastal life

A good Himara itinerary leaves room to slow down. Enjoy a meal at a locally run restaurant, look for seasonal produce and ask what is being prepared that day. Olive oil, seafood and ingredients from the surrounding hills are part of the area’s food culture, but the most memorable experience is often the conversation that comes with the meal.

That approach reflects how we prefer to introduce the Albanian Riviera: not as a checklist of beaches, but as a place shaped by communities, traditions and the relationship between the sea and the mountains.

When is the best time to visit Himara?

July and August are the busiest months and suit travellers whose priority is a summer beach holiday. For a more balanced trip combining swimming, village visits and cultural exploration, consider June or September. Spring and autumn can also be appealing for coastal scenery and walks, although some seasonal beach services may be limited outside the main summer period.

Is Himara right for your Albania itinerary?

Himara works particularly well for couples, families, small groups and travellers exploring the Albanian Riviera by road. It can be a two-night coastal stop or a longer base for discovering the surrounding villages and bays.

RakiYa Travel can include Himara in a tailor-made Albania itinerary or design a Riviera program for tour operators and travel agencies. We match accommodation, activities and the pace of travel to the group, leaving enough time to experience the destination rather than simply pass through it.

Planning an Albania journey that includes Himara? Contact RakiYa Travel to create a coastal itinerary with local character.