Most people first come to Himara for the water, but the coast has another side: old villages, defensive walls, churches, forts and wide views across the Ionian Sea. A day split between Himara Old Town and Porto Palermo is one of the best ways to understand the character of the Albanian Riviera beyond its beaches.
Why Himara is more than a beach town
Himara sits on a coastline shaped by mountains, sea routes and centuries of local life. The modern waterfront is relaxed and welcoming, but the older settlement above it tells a different story. The contrast is exactly what makes the destination interesting: breakfast by the sea, then a few hours among stone walls and quiet lanes.
Exploring Himara Old Town
Himara Old Town is uphill from the modern centre. Its narrow streets, old houses and small churches reward a slow visit. This is not a place to rush through with a rigid list. Walk carefully on uneven stone, respect private homes and take time to look out across the coast from the higher points.
The castle area and coastal views
The remains around Himara Castle offer a sense of the town’s long history and one of the strongest panoramic viewpoints in the area. You do not need to be a history specialist to appreciate it. The setting does much of the work: rugged hills behind you, sea in front of you and the modern town far below.
How to visit Himara Old Town well
Visit in late afternoon or early evening, especially in the warmer months. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and avoid treating the area like a drive-through attraction. If you are visiting with children or anyone with limited mobility, check access and parking conditions locally before you go.
Porto Palermo: the Riviera’s iconic fortress stop
Porto Palermo is a sheltered bay south of Himara, best known for the fortress linked to Ali Pasha. The castle’s position on a small peninsula gives the visit a cinematic quality. The sea, the walls and the surrounding hills create one of the most recognisable scenes on the Albanian coast.
What to do at Porto Palermo
Explore the fortress, take your time with the views and make room for a swim or a quiet lunch nearby. The location is ideal for travellers who want one stop with several layers: history, photography, coastal scenery and a chance to get back in the water. Opening times and access arrangements can change, so check locally on the day.
A simple half-day route from Himara
Leave Himara in the morning or mid-afternoon, stop at Llamani Beach on the way if you have time, then continue to Porto Palermo. After the fortress, follow the coast slowly back towards town. The journey is short enough to stay relaxed, but scenic enough to feel like a proper Riviera outing.
Combine history with local food
Finish the day back in Himara with dinner by the sea. The contrast makes it satisfying: old stone and high viewpoints first, then grilled fish, a local salad and the sound of the promenade in the evening. It is a simple way to experience both sides of the destination.
Himara Old Town and Porto Palermo prove that the Albanian Riviera is not only about finding the clearest water. Take a day away from the sunbed and you will see a coastline with real depth.