Himara is one of those places that makes you slow down without trying. Set between the mountains and the Ionian Sea on the Albanian Riviera, it is made for travellers who want clear water, small beaches, relaxed meals and a little history in between. You can spend the morning on a sunbed, take a short drive to a hidden cove, then end the day with dinner by the promenade. Here are the best things to do in Himara when you want more than just a beach holiday.
Start with a swim at Himara Beach and Potami
The town beach is the easiest place to begin. It sits beside the promenade, so coffee, lunch and a sunset stroll are always close by. Continue towards Potami Beach for a longer stretch of pebbles, deep blue water and a more open coastal feel. Both are ideal for an unplanned first day: arrive, swim, eat, repeat.
Spend a day at Livadhi Beach
Livadhi Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Himara because it offers room to settle in for the day. The bay is broad, with a mix of organised spots and more relaxed stretches. It works especially well for couples, families and anyone who likes the convenience of beach bars without feeling trapped in a busy town centre.
Visit Himara Old Town and the castle
Above the modern town, Himara Old Town has narrow lanes, stone houses, small churches and views that make the uphill route worth it. The castle area is less about a polished monument and more about atmosphere: old walls, quiet corners and the feeling that the coast is far below your feet. Go late in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the heat has dropped.
Take a boat trip to hidden beaches and sea caves
Some of the most memorable parts of the Himara coast are difficult to reach by car. A boat trip can take you towards small coves, caves and swimming stops around the Riviera, often including places such as Filikuri, the Aquarium area or the Gjipe coastline. Choose a licensed local operator, ask which stops are planned and bring water, sunscreen and a dry bag for your phone.
See Porto Palermo Castle
South of Himara, Porto Palermo combines a dramatic bay with the well-known fortress associated with Ali Pasha. It is an easy half-day outing: explore the castle, take photos from the peninsula and swim nearby if the sea is calm. It is one of the few places on the Riviera where history and beach time fit naturally into the same stop.
Explore Gjipe Beach and Canyon
Gjipe is a striking beach where a canyon meets the sea. Reaching it usually involves a walk or a boat ride, so it feels more adventurous than the central beaches. Wear shoes suitable for uneven ground, avoid the hottest part of the day and keep enough water with you. The reward is a dramatic landscape and a beach that feels distinctly different from the wider bays around Himara.
Drive to Jale and Dhermi
Himara is a strong base for day trips along the Albanian Riviera. Jale is known for its lively beach setting, while Dhermi offers a different mix of long coastlines, mountain views and evening options. The road itself is part of the experience, but drive carefully: the scenery is distracting in the best possible way.
Try the local food by the sea
A Himara holiday should include slow lunches. Order grilled fish when it is available, seasonal vegetables, Greek-influenced mezze, olive oil and local wine or raki if that is your thing. The best approach is simple: choose a table near the water, ask what is fresh and do not over-plan the evening.
Watch the sunset from the promenade
The waterfront changes character after sunset. Families come out, restaurants fill up and the coast feels less like a checklist of sights and more like a real town. A walk from the marina towards Potami is an easy way to end the day, especially after a swim or dinner.
Use Himara as your Albanian Riviera base
Himara is compact enough to feel relaxed but central enough for beach-hopping. Stay for at least three nights if you can. That gives you time for one town day, one beach day and one day to explore Porto Palermo, Gjipe, Jale or the villages inland.
Himara is at its best when you leave space in the plan. Pick one main outing a day, keep the rest flexible and let the sea decide the pace. That is the real itinerary here.