Things to Do in Himare

Boat trip to Gjipe and Krorez beaches

The stretch of coast north and south of Himare hides several coves reachable only by sea or by scrambling down rough tracks. The easiest way in is a small-boat day out that hops between them. You'll swim in water so clear you can see your shadow on the sand ten metres down, snorkel around limestone caves that echo with the slap of waves, and eat lunch anchored off a beach where the pines come almost to the waterline.

Wandering Himare Old Town (Kalaja)

Set high above the modern town, the fortified old quarter feels like it has barely changed in centuries, all rough stone lanes, arched doorways, and half-ruined houses reclaimed by fig trees. The walk up rewards you with sweeping views back over the bay, the sea a shifting patchwork of turquoise and cobalt, and the wind carrying the sound of goat bells from the hillsides.

Beach hopping along the Riviera coastline

Himare makes an ideal base for exploring the string of beaches that stretch north toward Dhermi and south toward Porto Palermo, each with a slightly different personality, from pebble coves backed by cliffs to long sweeps of white sand. You'll pass ruined bunkers, roadside stalls selling fresh figs and honey, and viewpoints where the road hangs vertiginously above the sea.

Porto Palermo Castle and Bay excursion

About fifteen minutes south of Himare, a small peninsula juts into a near-perfect natural harbour crowned by a triangular Ottoman-era fortress often associated with Ali Pasha of Ioannina. The stone corridors are cool and echoing after the glare outside, and the ramparts give you a raven's-eye view over water so still it mirrors the surrounding mountains.

Traditional Riviera food and village tasting

The villages tucked into the hills above Himare, places like Vuno, Qeparo, and Palase, keep alive a coastal cuisine that leans on wild greens, sheep's cheese, cured meats, and olive oil pressed from trees that have been producing for generations. A guided taste of these hillside kitchens gives you dishes you're unlikely to find on the tourist strip, eaten at long tables with views back down to the sea.

Central Himare (Spile). The heart of town sits within easy walking distance of the main beach, the promenade, restaurants, and evening buzz. Best for first-time visitors who want everything on their doorstep. You will hear music drifting up from beach bars until late. Pack earplugs if you're an early sleeper.

Livadhi. A quieter stretch just north of the centre, backed by olive groves and lined with mid-range hotels and family-run guesthouses. The beach itself is a long curve of pebbles and sand. The atmosphere is calmer, more oriented toward slow mornings and long lunches. Bring a book.

Himare Old Town (Kalaja). Staying up in the historic quarter means stone-walled guesthouses, rooftop views over the bay, and an evening quiet broken only by cicadas and church bells. Best for travellers who want atmosphere over convenience. The walk down to the beach is steep. Worth it.

Potami. The southern edge of Himare has a residential feel with small pensions and apartments, plus a beach that tends to be less crowded than Spile even in August. A short walk into town. Far enough removed to feel like a proper retreat.

Qeparo. About fifteen minutes south along the coast, this village splits between an old hillside settlement of stone houses and a small beachfront strip. Best for travellers with a rental car who want a base with fewer crowds. More village, less resort.

Dhermi (short drive north). Not Himare proper. But close enough to be a viable alternative base, with a livelier beach club scene and a striking mountainside old town. Best for a younger crowd who want the party stretches of the Riviera on hand. Skip if you want sleep.