Need a relaxing beach vacation but want to travel abroad? Then this travel guide of Himara or Himare, Albania is for you! Simply put, Himare is a charming, relaxing and absolute stunner of a small beach town. I had big plans to travel all over the Albanian Riviera but when I sat in front of that gorgeous bay my plans quickly changed. I wanted to spend as much time as possible; soaking up the sun and exploring this beautiful town. There were barely any other Americans and some amazing beaches nearby. I have included the best hotel in Himare, tips and tricks, the best things to do and best restaurants in Himare. So keep scrolling for the ultiamte travel guide to Himare, Albania.
Here at Pragmatic Travelers, I only recommend what I have actually done. Pictures were taken with my phone. This page contains affiliate links of products/hotels that I trust. This means I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase/book a hotel through my links, at no cost to you. Again, I only recommend products and places that I have used/stayed and trust.
Need more travel guides to Albania? Check out our Tirana and Berat travel guide.
Tips and Tricks for Himare
- Make sure to have cash on you. (Not credit card friendly.)
- Bring water shoes. Most beaches are pebbly.
- Decide what type of vibe you want. I went at the end of the shoulder season (end of September). This meant NO crowds at the beaches and no waiting for restaurants. It was peaceful and so relaxing. BUT several restaurants were closed and some parts of the beaches looked messy because they were breaking down beach beds, etc. If you want more of a party vibe, then the shoulder season is not for you. If you are like me and want quiet then go at the end of Sept. Also, it was perfectly warm for enjoying the beach.
- Go soon. This area is too beautiful and will get busy with Americans soon. Go before everyone else figures it out.
- Rent a car. It is the easiest way to get around the area. HOWEVER, if you are just staying in Himare, there are local buses and water taxis.
- Do your research on beaches. I don’t know how many travel blogs said, “I found a hidden secret beach.” Most of them are not secret. Water taxis advertise taking you to these “secret” beaches.
Best Hotel in Himare
Rea Boutique Hotel: Oh Rea Boutique, how I love you. This small boutique hotel sits right on the water. There are no words to describe how amazing the sea view rooms are. The view is just insane with a comfortable bed, stylish room and bathtub that shares that amazing view. The breakfast requires a small fee but it was plentiful and delicious. Many of their ingredients came from their own garden. I would 100% stay here again. It is is one of my favorite hotels of all time.
Haven’t convinced you to stay at Rea? Check out other hotels in Berat. I don’t have a different recommendation since I only stayed at my favorite, Rea Boutique Hotel.
Best Restaurants in Himare, Albania
- Esperia Restaurant, Himare: This is the restaurant in Rea Boutique. It is excellent. I ate there twice. Several freshly made options with local ingredients. Such as (my favorite) the squid ink pasta. Several fresh local seafood options. Great local wine. Absolutely a must visit.
- Enigma Restaurant Pizzeri, Himare: Excellent view of the beach with decent pizza. Very affordable.
- Happy Crepes, Himare: Affordable crepes with a view.
- To Steki sti Gonia, Himare: Very nice owner, decent Greek food and affordable.
- Soren Restaurant, Himare: A very nice walk along the waterfront brings you to Soren. Excellent service and seafood! The baked feta was, also, delicious. Highly recommend.
- Blue Bay Restaurant, Livadi Beach: About a 15 minute drive from the center of Himare. Located on Livadi Beach. I was blown away by the quality of the food. The shrimp was delicious and cocktails, excellent. Highly recommend.
Best Beaches in Himare
- Filikuri Bay: Only two ways in: by water taxi or by climbing down a very steep cliff holding onto a rope.
- Goat Beach: Need a water taxi to get there.
- Gjipe Beach: Gorgeous beach. Take a water taxi or park at their parking lot at the top of the cliff. The drive is steep and most cars can’t climb it. It is a good walk down. Avoid doing this in the midday sun.
- Himare Town Beach: Small beach next to the main stretch of restaurants. Really beautiful. No lounge chairs (might be some available during the high season?).
- Livadi Beach: Short drive from the center of Himare. Beautiful beach. The lounge chairs near Blue Bay had the best scenery.
- Dhermi Beach: Only at the very end of the beach. Drive as far down as you can go, past the resorts.
What to do in Himare, Albania
- Spend ample time on the beach or sitting on the balcony of Rea Hotel (which I did). The beaches in and around Himare are gorgeous.
- Walk along the water and explore Himare. I loved the pedestrian area.
- Book Himare Beach Hopping Tour and explore the breathtaking coastline of the Albanian Riviera. Our guide brought us to multiple beaches and explained the history of the area. It was also a private boat tour. Excellent price!
- Explore Himare Castle and Dhermi Old Town.
Your Thoughts…
This is the definitive travel guide to Himare, Albania. What are you most excited for? What are your favorite beaches in the area? Leave a comment below!
