11 Best FREE Things To Do in Himarë Albania (with map)

If you’re looking for a beautiful coastal town with stunning beaches, look no further than Himarë on the Albanian Riviera! With turquoise waters and plenty of places to relax, it’s no wonder this town has become so popular with tourists. And best of all, many of the top attractions in Himarë are completely free! In this Himarë travel guide, we’ll show you the 11 best free things to do in Himarë Albania.

Plan your trip: Here are our Himarë Albania top recommendations:

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Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.

Car Hire: for great value car rental in Albania we recommend Localrent.com

Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.

Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.

Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.

Top free things to do in Himarë Albania

We love a good bargain, and there’s no better bargain than getting something for free! For ease of reference, here is our list of the top free things to do in Himarë Albania.

1. Gjipe Beach
2. Livadhi Beach
3. Jale Beach
4. Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa
5. Aquarium Beach
6. Filikuri Beach
7. Marachi Beach
8. Spile Beach
9. Porto Palermo Beach
10. Sfageio Beach
11. Potami Beach

Keep reading to find out more about each destination.

Secluded beach near Himarë Albania: Gjipe Beach

About Gjipe Beach Albania

Gjipe Beach, or Plazhi i Gjipesë in Albanian, is a pebble beach with crystal clear water. It is also a popular camping spot. Additionally, there are some cafes, toilet facilities and there are also beach umbrellas, sunbeds, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for rent. The path leading to the beach is dotted with bunkers that are remnants from Albania’s communist era. There are two car parks available, one that is a steep 20-30 minute walk from the beach and another that is closer but requires a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, the beach is accessible by boat.

Why visit Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach is a secluded beach surrounded by steep cliffs. Its vivid blue water is very inviting. There are also some caves at the far end of the beach that you can explore. Additionally there is the nearby Gjipe Canyon if you feel like going for a one hour hike. For those interested in camping, Gjipe Beach is an ideal spot. While it is an effort to get here, the upside is that it is generally less crowded as a result.

How long to spend at Gjipe Beach

This is a great place to spend a day at the beach. It’s a stunning area with lots to explore. There’s also facilities like restaurants and rental gear available to keep you well-fed and entertained. Furthermore, if you’re interested in camping, you could easily spend a few days here.

Opening hours for Gjipe Beach

Gjipe Beach is open at all hours. We recommend visiting during the day, but you can also camp overnight.

If you have money to spend in Gjipe Beach

There are a number of cafes on the beach. There’s also umbrellas, sunbeds, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for rent. If you want to park in one of the car parks, be sure to bring cash for that – the car park costs 300 lek for the day or 600 lek for overnight parking (price as at 2023). Alternatively, if money is no object, an easier way to get here is to hire a boat and come by water.

Gjipe Beach address

Plus Code: 4MGC+V6, Iljas, Albania

Longest beach in Himarë Albania: Livadhi Beach

About Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach, also known as Livadi Beach or Plazhi i Livadhit in Albanian, is Himarë’s longest stretch of beach. It is also quite a wide beach and has areas with sunbeds and beach umbrellas for rent as well as plenty of open space. There are a number of bars and restaurants overlooking the beach as well as some mini marts and a campground. This is a pebble beach surrounded by beautiful blue water.

Why visit Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is a pretty beach with a relaxed atmosphere and a good selection of bars and restaurants. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset.

How long to spend at Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is the perfect base for a Himarë vacation. It has everything you need for an enjoyable beach holiday. You could spend anywhere from a couple of hours to a week here and be very happy.

Opening hours for Livadhi Beach

Livadhi Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend at the Livadhi Beach

There are bars, restaurants and shops all along the waterfront. Additionally you can rent sunbeds, umbrellas and beach equipment.

Livadhi Beach address

Livadhi Beach, Himarë 9425, Albania

Plus Code: 4P4H+G7 Himarë, Albania

Most beautiful beach in Himarë Albania: Jale Beach

About Jale Beach

Jale Beach, or Plazhi i Jalës in Albanian, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera. With calm crystal clear azure water and picturesque mountains in the background, it makes for a beautiful setting. It’s a stone beach with smaller pebbles and the beach is relatively short but wide and in a half-moon shape. There are some restaurants on the beach and plenty of sun loungers and beach umbrellas. There’s also some open space if you prefer having some space to yourself. The beach attracts a younger crowd and there is often loud music playing. There are some campsites surrounding the beach and there’s even an ATM available.

Why visit Jale Beach

Jale Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania with stunning azure water and dramatic mountain scenery. It is the perfect place to enjoy a fun beach vacation. It’s ideal for swimming, kayaking and even riding jet skis. Keep in mind that the restaurants play loud music, so those after a peaceful experience may wish to mix things up with quieter spots along the coast. However it is not far from the peaceful cove Gjiri i Akuariumit if you need a change of pace.

How long to spend at Jale Beach

You could easily wile away a few hours if not days at this stunning beach. It’s a gorgeous beach with restaurants and activities to keep you entertained. There are also hotels and campsites surrounding the beach, so you have all you need right on your doorstep.

Opening hours for Jale Beach

Jale Beach is open at all hours. We recommend visiting during the day, but there are some campgrounds nearby if you want to also see it at night.

If you have money to spend in Jale Beach

There are a number of restaurants on the beach. You can also rent sunbeds, umbrellas and a range of beach and water sport equipment. If you have the budget to splash out you could also hire a boat to come here. One thing to note is that prices at Jale Beach are generally higher than surrounding beaches.

Jale Beach address

Sheshi i Flamurit, Himarë 9401, Albania

Plus Code: FFCR+78 Himarë, Albania

Scenic monastery ruins overlooking Himarë Albania: Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

About Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa, also known as Holy Monastery of Panagia, Athali or the Church of Saint Mary of Athali, are the ruins of a monastery set on a hill overlooking Himarë. It is a beautiful two hour hike to get there from the town centre and you will pass friendly goats on your way. The views from the monastery are fantastic. This monastery is also a pilgrimage spot where pilgrims gather on the 15^th of August each year to celebrate the Feast of St Mary. Locals also visit this monastery one week after Orthodox Easter for a picnic.

Why visit Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa are historical ruins high above Himara. The ruins themselves are small but interesting to look at. However the hike to the monastery and the views from the top really make this place worth visiting. If you happen to be in town during the two times of year that locals visit – 15 August as well as one week after Orthodox Easter, we recommend timing your visit to coincide with those pilgrimage days.

How long to spend at Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

We recommend making a day of it and hiking to the monastery and back. Take a picnic with you and enjoy the views!

Opening hours for Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa is open at all hours. However, we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend in Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa

Buy a picnic lunch to bring with you.

Monastery of Saint Mary Athaliotisa address

Plus Code: 4Q8C+5PJ Pilur, Albania

Secluded cove in Himarë Albania: Aquarium Beach

About Aquarium Beach

Aquarium Beach, also known as Gjiri i Akuariumit or Plazhi Akuariumit in Albanian, is small rocky beach set in a pretty cove. The water is a vivid blue colour and the area is filled with different types of fish. The area is surrounded by rocky outcrops and lush bush land, making it a picturesque setting. This beach is located halfway between Jale Beach and Livadi Beach and is about a 20 minute walk from either beach along a dirt track.

Why visit Aquarium Beach

Aquarium Beach is a great place for those that want to spend a day lounging on the beach. It’s a pretty setting and it’s great for snorkelling. Keep in mind that there aren’t any facilities here, so you will need to bring anything you need. Another thing to note is that other visitors often leave trash behind at this beach, but we encourage you to be responsible and take your trash with you when you leave.

How long to spend at Aquarium Beach

Aquarium Beach is a great place to spend a few hours or even a day. It’s a pretty beach with beautiful clear water, lots of fish to see and rocks that you can jump from into the water.

Opening hours for Aquarium Beach

Aquarium Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend in Aquarium Beach

Buy a picnic lunch from the main part of town and bring it with you.

Aquarium Beach address

Aquarium Beach, Albania

Plus Code: 4P76+5QX, Jala, Albania

Isolated public beach in Himarë Albania: Filikuri Beach

About Filikuri Beach

Filikuri Beach is a stunning small beach in a secluded location. You can sail or kayak here and there is also a difficult path which provides access to the beach. If you do decide to walk there, be sure to wear enclosed shoes with good grip as the last 20 metres are very steep and require the assistance of a rope to descend the hiking trail. The beach itself is a pristine pebble beach surrounded by steep cliffs and with gorgeous turquoise water. This is a virgin beach with no facilities, so be sure to bring food and drinks with you.

Why visit Filikuri Beach

Filikuri Beach is perfect for those that want to get away from the crowds and enjoy an untouched beach that is not filled with sun loungers and umbrellas. Do keep in mind that it is an effort to get here with access only by a steep path or by boat.

How long to spend at Filikuri Beach

This is a nice place to spend a couple of hours.

Opening hours for Filikuri Beach

Filikuri Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend in Filikuri Beach

You can rent a boat or a kayak to get here.

Filikuri Beach address

Plus Code: 3QP2+8QG, Himarë, Albania

Small beach with a bunker in Himarë Albania: Marachi Beach

About Marachi Beach

Marachi Beach, also known as Plazhi i Maraçit in Albanian, is a clean beach with clear water close to the city centre. The beach has deckchairs and umbrellas for rent, but there is also free space for everyone to use. There is a restaurant nearby that often plays loud music. There are also toilets and showers available. On one end of the beach there is a small bunker.

Why visit Marachi Beach

Marachi Beach is a pleasant beach on the far end of the main stretch of beach in Himara. It has clean, clear water and there is also a small bunker to explore.

How long to spend at Marachi Beach

This is a nice place to spend a couple of hours. If you want a relaxing day at the beach you could easily spend all day here.

Opening hours for Marachi Beach

Marachi Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Marachi Beach

There are some bars and restaurants nearby. You can also rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for 1000 lek (price as at 2023).

Marachi Beach address

Plazhi i Maraçit, SH8, Himarë, Albania

Plus Code: 3PXX+PH Himarë, Albania

Centrally located beach in Himarë Albania: Spile Beach

About Spile Beach

Spile Beach, also known as Plazhi i Spillese in Albanian, is conveniently located right in the city centre in Himarë. This white sand beach has plenty of open space and beautiful clear turquoise water. It is in a calm bay on the Ionian Sea. There are seats overlooking the beach and there are also shower facilities available. Additionally, the beach is conveniently close to plenty of shops and restaurants.

Why visit Spile Beach

Spile Beach is the easiest beach to visit in Himarë. The main part of town overlooks this beach, so it is the obvious choice when you’re in Himarë. Despite being right in the heart of Himarë, the beach has a relaxed vibe and it wasn’t too crowded when we were there in early June. We liked that the beach wasn’t full of sunbeds and umbrellas. There’s plenty of space to relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery.

How long to spend at Spile Beach

Due to its convenient location, this is a great beach to keep returning to during your Himarë vacation. It’s a great place to spend a few hours, or you could spend your whole holiday around this beach if you don’t feel like wandering up or down the coast to explore the other Himarë beaches.

Opening hours for Spile Beach

Spile Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Spile Beach

There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. We recommend Taverna To Steki, which serves delicious local dishes with a beautiful view of Spile Beach.

Spile Beach address

Plus Code: 4P2V+G8 Himarë, Albania

Peaceful public beach near Himarë Albania: Porto Palermo Beach

About Porto Palermo Beach

Porto Palermo Beach is small quiet public beach with a family restaurant on site. It’s not overrun with paid sunbeds and umbrellas and you do not need to consume anything to access the beach. The beach is great for snorkelling and there are a lot of fish to see. The beach has small white pebbles and is surrounded by a rocky coastline. There’s also a limited amount of parking available near the beach and there is a toilet at the beach.

Why visit Porto Palermo Beach

Porto Palermo Beach is a great place to escape from the crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the beautiful natural surroundings of an unspoiled bay. This beach is also close to the Castle of Porto Palermo, which is another popular attraction in the area.

How long to spend at Porto Palermo Beach

This is a great place to spend a few hours or a whole day.

Opening hours for Porto Palermo Beach

Porto Palermo Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Porto Palermo Beach

There is a restaurant on the beach. There are also umbrellas available for rent.

Porto Palermo Beach address

Plus Code: 3R43+M7 Porto Palermo, Albania

Central beach in Himarë Albania: Sfageio Beach

About Sfageio Beach

Sfageio Beach is a white sand beach in the middle of the main stretch of beach in Himarë. This is a white sand beach with a few small pebbles overlooking vibrant turquoise water. Sfageio Beach has a relaxed vibe and is perfect for families. There is a strip of shops, bars and restaurants overlooking the beach and the area is surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush vegetation, making for a beautiful setting.

Why visit Sfageio Beach

Sfageio Beach is the perfect place to relax at the beach. It is conveniently located in the centre of Himarë, has a family-friendly atmosphere and is also popular with the locals.

How long to spend at Sfageio Beach

This is a great place to spend a few hours or a whole day.

Opening hours for Sfageio Beach

Sfageio Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Sfageio Beach

There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars nearby. You can also rent kayaks, pedal boats, paddle boards and beach umbrellas on the beach.

Sfageio Beach address

Sfageio Beach, SH8, Himarë, Albania

Plus Code: 4P2W+2XH, Himarë 9425, Albania

River beach in Himarë Albania: Potami Beach

About Potami Beach

Potami Beach, also known as Potam Beach, is the southernmost beach in Himara Bay. Its name means River Beach, and it owes its name to the underwater spring that flows to this beach. The spring provides refreshingly cool currents, making the water at this beach cooler than surrounding beaches. The water is quite deep, so this beach may not be suitable for families with young children. Potami Beach is a pebble beach and the stones are smooth underfoot. There is a combination of free space as well as sunbeds, so you can bring your own umbrella if you prefer. The area is very green and lush with a lot of natural beauty. The clear turquoise water is stunning and very inviting. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars near the beach as well as toilets and free dressing cabins.

Why visit Potami Beach

Potami Beach is a great place to avoid the crowds and enjoy the gorgeous natural scenery. The water gets deep quickly, so it’s more suited to adults. Additionally, the sea is cooled by water from an underground stream, so those that enjoy cool water will love it here.

How long to spend at Potami Beach

This is the perfect place to spend a few hours or even a day. If you enjoy relaxing on the beach you could easily spend multiple days here.

Opening hours for Potami Beach

Potami Beach is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.

If you have money to spend near Potami Beach

There’s plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. You can also rent sunbeds and beach umbrellas.

Potami Beach address

Potam Beach, SH8, Albania

Plus Code: 3QV3+MV Himarë, Albania

Where to stay in Himarë Albania?

We recommend the following accommodation in Himarë Albania:

• Best camping in Himarë Albania – The Sea Cave Camping is a family run campground with tents, comfortable mattresses and also a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. The campsite is in small forest area under the shade of pine trees. Just a few steps from the sea, it has amazing sea views.
• Best hostel in Himarë Albania – Himara Downtown Hostel is a peaceful, homely hostel close to the beach. The host family provide excellent hospitality. Breakfasts are varied and delicious and rooms are clean, comfortable and air-conditioned.
• Best budget beachfront hotel in Himarë Albania – Corallo Rooms has modern décor, comfortable beds and excellent facilities. It is close to the beach and also only a short walk from town. There are also breathtaking views from the balcony.
• Best beachfront hotel in Himarë Albania – across the road from the beach, the Ionian Terrace offers stunning sea views. Despite its peaceful location, it’s only a short walk from town. The rooms are spotless and comfortable, and guests can enjoy the sound of the waves from their rooms.
• Best mid-range hotel in Himarë Albania – Aphrodite Garden Rooms & Apartment is a hilltop hotel with stunning views. Breakfasts are outstanding. The hotel is clean and comfortable with a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Stay in a castle in Himarë Albania – the Castle of Himara is a homestay in the actual castle ruins of Himara Castle. This hilltop property has fantastic views over Himare and the Ionian Sea. The hosts also provide a delicious Greek breakfast each morning.
• Best value apartment rental in Himarë Albania – we stayed in a City Center Apartment in Himara. It is conveniently close to restaurants and the beach. Spacious and well appointed, the kitchen in particular was well stocked.

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