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The only guide you need to find the most stunning Himare beaches, which are some of our favourites on the Albanian Riviera! Get all the details of how to get there, what they’re like, and what facilities to expect when you visit.
The beaches of Himare were our introduction to the Albanian Riviera during our first trip to Albania back in May 2022.
And we immediately realised that this stretch of Ionian coastline, which seemed to have been flying under the radar for so long, was an absolute gem!
From long pebble bays to tiny coves only accessible by boat, we loved the variety of beaches that we were able to discover without having a car!
So much so that, before we’d even left, we knew we’d be back!
And a few years later we did return, visiting even more of the beaches in the area and uncovering almost all it has to offer.
So, we’ve created this guide to recommend all of our favourites and help you narrow down where to spend your beach time while visiting Himare!
What Are Himare’s Beaches Actually Like? Our Experience
When we first trundled into Himare on a local furgon from Vlore, our prior research had us expecting to find only pebble beaches, which many of the beaches on the Albanian Riviera are.
But we were surprised to find that the main beaches in central Himare, parallel to the promenade, are actually sandy until the shoreline, where it transitions into a large pebble seabed.
But, while walking into the water is uncomfortable barefoot and I felt as unsteady as Bambi on ice, most of the beaches have quite a steep drop off, which is perfect for swimming!
As we explored further from the town centre, the beaches (like Marcit, Prinos, and Potami) were made up of small pebbles, and even further (at Filikuri, Livadhi, and Guma), the pebbles became noticeably larger.
Large enough that we wished we’d had some kind of cushioning in addition to our beach towels!
But what’s consistent at all of Himare’s beaches is water that’s not only crystal clear (thanks to the pebble seabed), but an insane colour that I can only describe as electric blue! Only in neighbouring Greece have I seen such a vibrant colour!
Another thing we loved about Himare’s beaches, which we didn’t appreciate until after we’d been to the likes of Saranda and Ksamil, is the local vibe. There’s much less of the privatisation and beach club onslaught that’s taking over the coast, and a lot more public areas where beach goers rock up with a parasol under one arm and a tote bag in the other, ready for an old school beach day!
And this is the main reason why Himare remains our favourite beach town in Albania!
Where To Find The Best Himare Beaches + How To Reach Them
There are three excellent beaches right in the centre of town, parallel to the promenade, and a few more in the southern end of town, which is where Himare’s beach bars are.
However, we found some of Himare’s best beaches by venturing out of town (to the north and south), as well as a couple that are best reached as part of one of the popular boat tours.
All are realistic beach days in Himare though, and we managed to visit them all from Himare without a car.
Mostly we walked, apart from Porto Palermo Beach (which we took the bus to) and Grama Bay and Pigeon Cave Beach (which we visited as part of a boat tour).
However, some of those further away, such as Jale, Guma, and Aquarium Beaches, took us over an hour to get to so if you’re not up for a hike (especially during peak summer), then hiring a car or taking a taxi are more convenient options.
I’ve pinned all the beaches on the map below.
Our Favourite Beaches In Himare
Some are names that we heard often around town (and online), while others are lesser known, but they’re all beaches that we enjoyed visiting and recommend checking out!
If there are any spots that you cannot miss, they are the local vibe of Plazhi I Himarës in the heart of town and the (almost) untouched beauty of Filikuri Beach and Grama Bay, both of which we think are definitely worth the boat rides to get there!
1. Himare Beach (Plazhi I Himarës)
Location: Central Himare
Beach: Sand with pebble seabed
The largest of the three beaches that sit in front of the promenade in the centre of town, Himare Beach (or Plazhi I Himarës on Google Maps) is understandably one of the most popular choices for a beach day!
It’s completely public and due to the central location and easy step and ramp access, we saw everyone from old, young, families, friends, couples all soaking up the summer sun here.
This creates a wonderful summer holiday atmosphere while on the doorstep of all the cafes, restaurants, and other conveniences of the town centre.
We usually had some burek and snacks with us for a beach picnic, but Lucy would send me on a coffee run to San Giorgio cafe, which has our favourite coffee on the promenade!
There’s next to no shade in the heat of the day here, but it’s possible to rent parasols, relax without any loud music, and wash off at one of the three outdoor shower blocks.
The bay is also the perfect place for a paddle when calm, so I grabbed a kayak from Himare Sea The Day at the southern end of the promenade and paddled out from the beach one late afternoon.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I definitely recommend it!
2. Filikuri Beach
Location: 2km South of Himare
Beach: Large pebbles
A beach that we didn’t know about until our second visit to Himare is Filikuri Beach.
And thank goodness our good friend Sokratis let us know about it as it’s easily one of the most stunning beaches we’ve been to in Himare!
It has a truly majestic setting with sheer cliffs and a scenic headland surrounding a narrow strip of pebble beach. The raw beauty reminded us of Mirror Beach and Shpella E Pellumbave, two of the best beaches near Saranda.
We loved how rustic and unspoiled Filikuri Beach is, but this means that there are no facilities, so make sure to bring water, food, sun cream, a beach towel, and anything else you’ll need to enjoy this slice of pure paradise!
However, it does take a bit of effort to get here, but this only made our first dip in the crisp water even more rewarding!
Located 2km south of Himare, we hiked the trail from Potami Beach and made the sketchy and incredibly steep descent down to the beach from the cliff above.
However, since a tourist tragically died here in 2025, the safety rope has been removed, and a sign reading “Do Not Enter, Dangerous Overlook” has been installed to discourage this route.
Therefore, we no longer feel comfortable recommending hiking to Filikuri beach and instead suggest taking a water taxi, which can be booked online here, or kayaking around from Himare or Potami Beach if you’re up for it.
However you get there, Filikuri Beach is worth it!
Read Our Full Guide On How To Visit Filikuri Beach From Himare
3. Grama Bay
Location: Around 30km north of Himare
Beach: Large pebbles
Grama Bay is one of the most picturesque bays I’ve ever seen in my life and is one of the top highlights of our time in Himare!
But it’s also the furthest beach from town and, unless you fancy the 10km hike from Palase, the only way to get there is by joining a boat tour.
These are generally around five hours, make multiple stops on the route, and can be booked online here or with one of the tour companies that are set up on the promenade in the evening.
As soon as our boat entered the bay, we knew the tour was well worth the money!
The surrounding scenery is on another level, with towering mountains and headlands enclosing the bay, and with no vehicle access, it really feels like a remote paradise!
And this is rare these days with so much commercialisation along the coast.
However, even this remote bay can’t escape a little development. There’s a small restaurant behind the beach and loungers and umbrellas to rent during the summer, but this is all the more reason to visit in the shoulder months of May and October when it really feels untouched!
Whenever you visit though, an afternoon spent sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, and hiking to the viewpoint at Grama Bay is an afternoon well spent!
Read Our Guide On Visiting Grama Bay From Himare
Grab Your Place On Our Favourite Grama Bay Tour!
Experience the same epic boat trip to Grama Bay with GetYourGuide.
4. Sfageio Beach
Location: Central Himare
Beach: Sand with pebble seabed
Sfageio Beach is our go-to in the late afternoon as it stays in the sun for the longest of the three central beaches. So it’s perfect for clinging onto the sun’s last few rays!
This is where we liked to sit and savour our final coffee of the afternoon as golden hour approached, which was one of the simple yet wonderful pleasures of our time in Himare.
Even though Sfageio Beach is technically an extension of the main Plazhi I Himarës, they’re partially separated by the access ramp and a viewing platform, which makes the short and wide Sfageio Beach feel slightly more secluded.
But it shares the same characteristics of being sandy at the back and pebbly at the shoreline with a steep drop in the water.
Therefore, it’s another comfortable sunbathing spot in the centre of town, close to all the cafes and restaurants.
5. Porto Palermo Beach
Location: 9km south of Himare
Beach: Pebble
When we decided to make the short trip south to Porto Palermo, our main reason was to visit Porto Palermo Castle, not the beach.
However, we thought we might as well check out Porto Palermo Beach while we were there as it’s just a 15-minute walk south of the castle.
And this turned out to be a great decision as the tiny pebble cove is absolutely magical!
Surrounded by a rocky coastline, large hills, and the overlooking coastal road, we loved the scenic setting, intimate atmosphere, and of course the stunning turquoise water!
It felt like we were uncovering gem after gem as we explored Himare’s beaches, but this find on our final day was definitely one of the best!
There is also a small beach bar behind which means there are food, drinks, and toilet facilities but the beach itself is public and free to enjoy!
There is some limited parking next to the beach but we caught one of the buses heading towards Saranda, which dropped us next to the castle in the main part of the bay. We also caught the bus back from here too, just check the return times with the driver.
Related Post: Complete Guide To Visiting Porto Palermo Castle
6. Aquarium Beach (Gjiri I Akuariumit)
Location: 5km north of Himare
Beach: Pebble
When planning our second trip to Himare, we came across Aquarium Beach in our research and immediately knew that we had to visit this tiny pebble bay.
And when I say tiny, it’s only about 20 metres long and a few metres wide!
But with sheer rock faces and formations enclosing the bay, it’s a scene which is made for a postcard! So of course I climbed straight up the rocks on the left, where there’s a fantastic vantage point to photograph the beach from.
However, unfortunately it’s no longer a hidden gem or an escape from the crowds and, being so small, it can be hard to get a spot.
When we arrived mid-morning at the end of September, after hiking the coastal trail from Himare, we claimed the last little bit of free space in the back corner of the beach!
So, definitely try to arrive early! Or keep the nearby Livadhi Beach as a backup option as you won’t have trouble finding space there.
Oh, and pack a snorkel if you have one too as it’s a great spot for snorkelling in Himare!
The coastal walk took us just over an hour from Himare, but if driving, I’d recommend the road via Jale Beach and parking just before Guma Beach and then making the short walk from there. This is because the road down to Aquarium Beach from the south was in pretty bad condition when we were there and looked like 4×4 territory.
7. Livadhi Beach
Location: 3km (walking) north of Himare
Beach: Large pebbles
A few kilometres north of Himare, sitting between the town and Aquarium Beach, Livadhi Beach is one of the longest sections of pebble shoreline in the area.
It stretches for 1.5km and is enclosed at each corner by rocky headland and pine trees.
But as we emerged from the southern headland, after a 45-minute walk along the coast from Himare, what really wowed us was the epic backdrop of huge mountains and Himare’s old town, which sits perched on a large hill behind!
In the summer, the beach is split into public and private sections, with signs displaying which parts are public.
So, whether you want to enjoy the luxuries of a lively beach club or just find a spot to lie on your beach towel, Livadhi Beach is a great choice!
The only negative thing I could say is that the beach is one of the more uncomfortable to lie on your beach towel, as the shore has larger pebbles than some of the other beaches.
However, it didn’t stop us from enjoying this epic spot!
As well as some mini markets, campgrounds, cafes, and ATMs, there have been some hotel developments behind the beach. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more to come too so watch this space!
The only thing we couldn’t find was public toilets.
But we recommend Tonea’s All Day Brunch and Cafe, which is where to go for a nice coffee or something for lunch.
8. Pigeon Cave Beach
Location: 10km north of Himare
Beach: Pebble
Taking a boat to Pigeon Cave Beach is not only the best way to get there, but the only way to get there!
Backed by a cliff face with a large cave carved out of the rock (hence the name), there’s literally no way to get here overland!
But this is what makes it so epic and why it deserves a place on our list!
We visited Pigeon Cave Beach for 30 minutes as part of our Grama Bay boat tour (what most people do), and it’s a great way to see two of Himare’s most remote beaches on the same day!
We could have stayed a lot longer, but at the same time, it was the last stop on our tour and we were ready to cruise back to Himare.
There are no facilities at all here but plenty of shade can be found in the large cave, which offers some respite on the hot summer days. And we were craving this by the time we got there!
The sea can be a little choppy if the wind picks up, but once you’re in the water, it’s perfect!
We also saw some people jumping off the rocks on the right-hand side of the bay but I’ll sheepishly admit that we weren’t feeling brave enough!
9. Gjipe Beach
Location: 15km north of Himare (by road)
Beach: Pebble
Equal parts picturesque and epic, it’s no wonder that Gjipe Beach has gained a reputation as being one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania!
Backed by the impressive Gjipe Canyon, which snakes inland for around 800 metres, the beach sits at the point where the canyon opens up and meets the waves of the Ionian Sea.
It’s a tremendous sight, especially when we were looking back at it from our boat!
Like Grama Bay, it’s not just the stunning setting that attracted us to Gjipe, but also the remote location, which makes the beautiful beach a satisfying reward for making the effort to get there!
Similar to many of the beaches, there are sun beds to rent in the summer and a couple of restaurant bars with fairly reasonable prices, as well as public toilets.
To get to Gjipe Beach, the first option is to drive north towards Dhermi and turn left when you see the sign for Plaza I Gjipe. Keep following the signs and after 2.5km, you’ll find the Gjipe Beach Parking. From the car park you can follow the 1.5km track down to the beach, which takes 20-30 minutes.
If you don’t have a car, I wouldn’t suggest visiting by bus, as you’ll have to walk the full 4km from the main road. Instead, I’d recommend joining one of the boat tours that include a stop to enjoy Gjipe Beach.
Note: Some tours only pass by Gjipe en route to Grama Bay, so if you’d like to have time actually on Gjipe beach make sure to check that the tour includes this.
10. Prinos Beach
Location: Central Himare
Beach: Pebble
In the southern end of Himare town, there are a couple of beaches that are just a short 10-15 minute walk from the centre.
Our favourite of these is Prinos Beach.
A long, open, and wide pebble bay, the beach is backed by restaurants, hotels, mini markets, bars, ATMs, and a road that runs parallel.
There are also a couple of coffee and food trucks which were still open in late September when most beach bars had already closed.
We enjoyed a few strolls along the beach each time we were in Himare and liked that it’s a nice change of scenery from the promenade area.
Our visits were in May and late September and most of the beach was public with only a couple of beach bars open, so it was nice and relaxed.
However, we’ve read reports of there being no public space in the peak summer months, as well as the beach being overcrowded and on the noisy side.
So, if you’re visiting in the high season, Prinos Beach is a great shout if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, music, and the comforts of a beach bar lounger.
11. Jale Beach (Plazhi I Jalës)
Location: 7km north of Himare
Beach: Small Pebbles
The last stop on our coastal hike north of Himare was Jale Beach.
One of the most popular and busiest beaches in the Himare area, we actually saw it in a different light as on our visit in late September, the place was pretty much deserted with most beach clubs and restaurants having closed for the season already.
On one hand, this was great as there was hardly anyone to share this large pebble bay with and the atmosphere was more chilled than the lively summer vibe. However, on the other hand, the beach clubs hadn’t fully cleaned up and it felt hastily abandoned with broken parasols, loungers, and some rubbish strewn on parts of the beach.
This was disappointing to see as it’s just a lack of respect more than anything.
Saying that though, the beach still has a beautiful setting with rolling hills as a backdrop and the crystal-clear water was as inviting as ever!
I’d love to see it set up in the height of summer when the paved promenade behind the beach comes alive and I can just imagine the buzzing beach holiday atmosphere!
While most of the beach is made up of private sections in the summer, there is also a signposted public area. Although, the beach further round to the north is now part of a private resort and we were stopped at the entrance from exploring any further.
If, like us, you want to hike along the coast from Himare, it takes about two hours, but likely longer as I guarantee you’ll be stopping a few times for photos and possibly side-tracked by the other picture-perfect beaches on the way!
Alternatively, you can drive but I’d recommend taking the main road and turning off near Vuno as the road between Jale and Livadhi Beach is not in good condition!
12. Spile Beach
Location: Central Himare
Beach: Sand with pebble seabed
The last of the three beaches that make up the central bay of Himare is Spile Beach.
This narrow strip of sand is adjacent to Himare Beach (at the northern end) and the two are split by the pier.
I’d say this is my least favourite of the three (just personal preference), but I was mesmerised by how clear the water was, especially next to the jetty! And it’s a quieter alternative to Plazhi I Himarës too.
With a few sets of access steps down to the beach, it has the same sand and pebble seabed as Himare and Sfageio beaches as well as kayaks, paddle boards, and loungers to rent.
13. Guma Beach
Location: 5km north of Himare
Beach: Huge pebbles
Just around the corner from the wonderful Aquarium Beach is another picturesque little bay known as Guma Beach.
With a wild and rustic vibe, large white pebbles, and rocky corners, Guma Beach was a wonderful find while we were hiking to Jale Beach.
I’d hazard a guess that the huge pebbles, which were the largest we came across in Himare, are what make the narrow beach less popular than the others nearby. And while we preferred Aquarium Beach, Guma is worth checking out if Aquarium is too busy.
There’s a small beach bar which had already closed in late September and no other facilities.
As I mentioned, we discovered this bay on our coastal hike and it takes about an hour to get to from Himare, or you can drive and park at the small car park at the northern end of the beach (accessed via Jale Beach).
14. Potami Beach
Location: Central Himare
Beach: Pebble
In the southern outskirts of Himare is Potami Beach, which boasts some of the clearest turquoise water in Himare!
There are buoys that mark an enclosed swimming area and I’ll be honest, I don’t think it will be long until you’re diving in for a swim!
Our favourite part of Potami Beach is the southernmost point as the water is calm and it’s where we found the best view of Himare and the surrounding mountain range. This is also where you can enjoy the beach for free in the summer.
There are also various beach clubs which section off the beach in the summer, so you have the option to enjoy a comfortable lounger and music if that’s more your style.
Even when most had closed towards the end of the season, Varka Beach Bar was still open when we visited in late September and had their loungers out for rent.
Even though it’s at the southern edge of Himare town, it only took us 15 minutes to walk to Potami Beach from the centre. Therefore, it’s still a convenient place to spend the day with various restaurants and mini markets nearby.
15. Kico Beach
Location: 2km north of Himare
Beach: Rocky
Less of a beach and more of a platform built into the rocky coastline overlooking the clear water, Kico Beach is the most unique spot we found in Himare, and we knew we had to include it on our list!
It’s located on the headland to the north of town and we walked here in around 20 minutes by following the trail that starts at the stairs close to Spile Beach. Alternatively, you can park at Himare Stadium and walk down from there. I wouldn’t drive further as the road wasn’t great.
With no sand (only the platform) and steps leading down to the water, there’s also a restaurant opposite which opens during the summer season.
However, the standout feature is the grand-looking stone balconies on the opposite rock face next to the restaurant. They’re quite worn and rustic now but we could imagine how classy these would have once been!
Unfortunately, Kico Beach had already closed for the season when we visited in late September, but when it’s open, there is also a walkway installed which connects the sunbathing platform to the opposite side.
The unique and rustic charm really drew us in with the unfinished concrete giving a completely different feel to the pristine beach clubs.
So if you’re looking for a more luxurious beach day, then this probably isn’t the place.
Best Time To Visit the Beaches In Himare
We’re big fans of visiting places during the shoulder season and it was no different in Himare. As I mentioned, we visited in May and September, either side of the peak summer season, and found a great balance between perfect beach weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper boat tours.
Therefore, we believe June and September are the best months to visit the beaches in Himare, especially with them becoming more and more popular!
May and October are the best times of year to avoid the crowds and still sunbathe, but the caveat is that there are fewer, and sometimes zero, boat tours, which are needed to visit the likes of Grama Bay, Pigeon Cave Beach, and Filikuri Beach.
Most of the beach clubs are closed in May and October, but this just means that there’s even more public space on the beaches.
I’d recommend avoiding July and August (peak season) if you can as the beaches are incredibly busy, renting sun beds is more expensive, and the heat is intense, with temperatures pushing above 35 degrees Celsius in recent years!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are The Beaches In Himare Sand Or Pebble?
The beaches in Himare’s town centre are sandy with large pebbles at the shoreline, but the beaches in the outskirts are all pebble.
Are Himare’s Beaches Free?
Most of the beaches in Himare are public and free to access, apart from sections of Prinos, Potami, Maracit, Livadhi, Jale, and Kico beaches in the summer season.
Do You Need A Car?
No, we visited all of the beaches in Himare without a car, either by walking, joining a boat tour, or taking a bus.
To Finish
Whether you’re looking for a tiny cove, a large bay, or something in between, the choice of beaches in this charming Albanian coastal town and its surrounds are superb!
We weren’t disappointed with the beaches in Himare and we don’t think you will be either!
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Our Other Albania Guides
Find more inspiration, tips, and advice in our other Albania Travel Guides!
- Saranda Travel Guide: Things To Do, Day Trips, And More
- A Complete Guide To The Best Beaches In Saranda
- Essential Guide To Visiting The Blue Eye (Syri I Kalter)
- Corfu To Saranda By Ferry – Essential Guide
- Getting From Saranda To Ksamil – All You Need To Know
- How To Get From Tirana To Saranda
- Our Favourite Cafes In Saranda
