The south of Albania is like a dream, full of incredible bays, coves and mountain ranges that will make you feel like you’ve stepped foot on another planet.
And the beaches Himarë offers are among the best in all of Albania. This small village has exploded in popularity in recent years as more tourists discover its charm and natural beauty..
But did you know that Albania is more than just beaches? This country has a full-bodied and incredible intangible cultural heritage, which you can experience at Albanian Night, the country’s version of a Flamenco evening show, where you’ll dress in traditional costumes and experience a reenacted Albanian wedding! If you’re spending a night in Tirana, don’t miss it.
But let’s face it – with all the newfound buzz Albania’s generated, you’re probably asking: what are the best beaches in Himarë? Our personal favorite is Filikur, and you’ll see why, below.
We’ve put together this Himarë beach guide to help you pick among our five favorite Himarë beaches for your next Albania summer trip.
Without much further ado, here are the 5 best Himarë beaches for you to consider on your upcoming trip to Albania:
1. Himarë Public Beach
Free | Modern Amenities | Clear Water
The Himarë public beach is simply a pleasure to behold. Located right next to the restaurant, bar and shop-filled boardwalk, it’s easily accessible and provides plenty of room for visitors to this small town. You can bring your own umbrella and towel and enjoy crystal-clear waters, in which you can still see fish swimming most of the year. Boat tours depart from here for day trips to the remote caves, and you can easily switch between beach-mode and grabbing a quick souvlaki from nearby fast food restaurants or sitting down for a proper lunch. This is the perfect spot if you just want to be a beach bum, not move far from your accommodations and soak up the sun.
2. Filikur Beach
Remote & Secluded | No Amenities | Rugged Landscape
If the Himarë Public Beach is easily accessible and offers plenty of modern amenities, Filikur Beach is the exact opposite. This breathtaking destination requires a half-hour kayak ride from the shores of the Himarë Public Beach, a boat ride or a hike from Filikur. The hike requires going down hill with the help of a rope, but the views from the top of the trail are among the best in all of Albania. The kayak ride is pleasant and takes you past small coves and beaches along the way, and once you get to Filikur, you won’t regret making the trek: the waters here are stunningly clear and very cold, especially on the left-hand side, where an underground spring spews out water. There are plenty of small coves to discover around here, and there are some small caves offering shade during the day. This is the perfect spot for those who want to disconnect (cell service here is spotty) and simply take in Albania’s majestic natural beauty.
3. Livadhi Beach
Commercial | Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals | Long Beach
This beach is perfect if you want to experience a slightly more upscale and party-like vibe. Livadhi is a long, half-crescent beach located a five-minute drive away from Himarë that offers plenty of excellent restaurants and sunbed and umbrella rentals. Prices here are slightly higher than in Potam. If you’re looking to mix up the activities, you can climb up the sides of the cliffs and take some amazing pictures of the beach from the top of the rocks that line the bay. The water is a dazzling array of blues and greens that are super inviting.
4. Gjipe Beach
Laidback Vibes | Wilderness | Beautiful Gorge Hiking
The canyon and beach of Gjipe are the most tranquil and remote spots you will find next to Himarë, with a gorgeous trail going alongside and through its gorge that will show off the raw beauty of Albania’s nature as you trek alongside a river. This destination used to be mostly frequented by backpackers and is today a little more commercial, but it hasn’t yet lost its authentic touch, with crystal-clear waters and beautiful coves dotting its landscape. It takes 25 minutes to hike from the parking lot before the trail begins, and about an hour from the beginning of the entrance to the canyon. Once you’re there, you can also swim to nearby Pigeon Cave if you are okay with being in open water for 20 minutes – it’s worth it, to see the massive cave right by the water! You can also visit this beach by boat on a day trip from Himarë. Walking through its gorge from the beach is a beautiful experience, with birdsong filling the air and trees growing out of the sheer rock adding to the exotic feel of the location.
5. Kico Beach
Beachfront Restaurant | Beach Chairs | Private Access
This tiny beach can be reached by walking west from Himarë and trekking for 20-25 minutes. It’s a small, intimate restaurant right by the water that’s perfect for enjoying fresh seafood with a scenic background. Its opening hours vary, and it’s sometimes closed off-season, but when it’s open, swimmers can order food and go in and out of the water as they please, discovering small corals and a nearby cave with sparkling crystals on the walls. The water here is calm and clean, making this another excellent spot for soaking up the Albanian sun.
That’s it for Himarë; if you want guides on the rest of the country’s beaches, check out our other blog posts:
What is the Best Beach in Albania?
