Laid-back vibes, beaches, and castles – we instantly fell in love with the small coastal town of Himara in Albania.
Himara, also spelled Himarë or Himare, is a small coastal town on the Albanian Riviera. According to 2020 statistics, it has just over 3,000 residents. And while it is a popular summer destination, the atmosphere here is much more relaxed than in places like Saranda and Ksamil.
Himara in Albania is the perfect place for those looking for lazy days on the beach and a great base for exploring the stunning Albanian coastline.
We only visited Himara in Albania on a day trip, but we’ve heard that there’s not much happening here in the evenings. If you like sipping drinks at a bar or dancing into the night, you’ll find more nightlife in Durres, Saranda, or, of course, Tirana.
Porto Palermo Fortress
45 kilometers north of Saranda, just before you reach Himara, lies Porto Palermo Fortress. It sits on a small island connected to the mainland, so you can walk or drive directly to the castle.
The fortress has a triangular shape, and historians are unsure when it was built. Some believe it was constructed in 1804 by the notorious Ali Pasha of Tepelenë, who left his mark on numerous castles, fortresses, bridges, and aqueducts across Albania. Others think the Venetians built it even earlier.
During World War II, the fortress was used as a prison and military base. From the top, you can see the entrance to an underwater tunnel, believed to be a submarine bunker built during the communist era.
The interior of the fortress is like a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors and tunnels. The walls feature images of historical figures and events, including Ali Pasha himself.
From the top, you get a fantastic view of the surrounding hills and sea, and just below, there’s a nice beach where you can take a dip before continuing your journey.
The graffiti at the entrance creates an exciting contrast to the historical atmosphere inside the fortress.
Himara Castle and Old Town
Himara Castle and Old Town are located about 3 km uphill from the newer part of the city. Here, you’ll find the ruins of the castle and the town that was founded 3,500 years ago. There have been both Greeks and Byzantines living within the city walls, before the area was abandoned in favor of the coastal settlement.
At first, we didn’t see a single soul, making the place feel like a ghost town. But as we continued through the abandoned cobbled streets, past the crumbling stone houses overgrown with flowers and greenery, we started to see signs of life.
At the top, we were greeted by a green lizard lurking under a rock and the sound of bells from mountain goats climbing in the distance. From here, you get a spectacular view of Livadhi Beach and the Ionian Sea, Visha and Kole Midhari Canyon, and the Ceraunian Mountains.
You can also visit the ruins of the churches of St. Mary Kasopitra, All Saints, and St. Sergius and Bacchus, where frescoes can still be seen on the walls.
The Beaches of Himara in Albania
The beaches in Himara are not as stunning as those in Ksamil, but they are perfect if you prefer a calmer and more “down-to-earth” atmosphere.
There are many beaches to choose from, ranging from sandy to pebbly, busy to secluded, with private beach clubs and public areas where you can lay your towel directly on the beach.
Here are some beaches in Himara:
– Spile Beach: A very popular sandy beach among both locals and tourists, offering various water sports activities.
– Livadhi Beach: Quieter and slightly more secluded with coarse sand/pebbles.
– Maraçit / Marachi Beach: More exclusive style, where you must rent a sunbed.
– Himarë Beach: The main beach in town. A sandy beach divided into several areas along a promenade with restaurants and bars.
Restaurant Tip:
We ate at the Greek restaurant Steki sti Gonia, located right by the promenade. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but the food was excellent.
More from Albania:
- Travel guide to Durres
- Top things to do in Saranda
- Tirana – Albania’s Quirky Capital
- Exploring Berat: A Journey Through Albania’s History
- Experience Gjirokaster – The Stone City
- Guide to Driving in Albania
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