Himarë serves as an uncrowded base along the Albanian Riviera, offering direct access to dramatic coastal scenery. Hiring a local boat from the town harbor is the most efficient way to visit isolated spots like Filikuri Beach, which sits enclosed by high cliffs, as well as the massive Pirate's Cave. Further south, the coast holds Ottoman-era history at Porto Palermo Castle, built by Ali Pasha, set alongside cold-water mountain stream bays and communist-era military bunkers.
Many of the surrounding beaches can also be reached on foot. Aquarium Beach is accessible via a walking trail starting from Livadhi Beach. To experience a wilder stretch of coast, travel north to Gjipe Beach. Reaching Gjipe requires a 30-minute hike along a rocky, unpaved path, opening up to a wide beach backed by the steep limestone walls of Gjipe Canyon.
In town, small family-run seafood joints along the coast serve fresh local catches, including seasonal sardines, calamari, and shrimp. Before dusk, head up to the 2,500-year-old Himarë Castle. The hilltop ruins feature inhabited stone homes, Byzantine church remnants with surviving wall frescoes, and expansive sunset views across the Ionian Sea toward Corfu. From Himarë, winding mountain roads lead inland directly toward the UNESCO-listed city of Berat.
Guide adapted from Malini Angelica's video "ALBANIA IS THE NEW CROATIA!!."