Himare, Albania: Best Beaches and Things to Do

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Plan your stay in Himarë, Albania with the best beaches to visit and must-see sites.

The Albanian Riviera is made up of impressive views, exquisite beaches, and an extensive coastline. From soft sand to pebble beaches, the country’s seaside landscape is full of surprises.

For travellers and eager beachgoers looking to plan a trip to Albania, there’s a staggering number of different areas to choose from in terms of where to stay and explore.

Undoubtedly, Himarë is a top contender as one of the most remarkable places to experience along the Albanian coast and in the entire country. Himare’s beaches will leave you speechless.

We are constantly on the hunt for hidden gems and Himarë is one of the best places on the Albanian Riviera to discover lesser-known and wildly beautiful beaches.

In this guide, find out why Himarë beaches are the finest in the region, where to stay and what to do!

Quick List: The Best Himare Beaches

Don’t have time to sift through all the details? Stop here for an overview of the best beaches you’ll find in Himare, Albania.

• Jale Beach
• Aquarium Beach & Gjiri Guma
• Gjipe Beach
• Livadi Beach (Plazhi i Livadhit)
• Kico Meniko
• Sfageio Beach
• Potami Beach
• Palermo Beach & Porto Palermo Beach
• Mateus Beach
• Qeparo Beach & Borsh Beach (Plazhi i Borshit)

Where Is Himare?

Himarë, sometimes written as Himara or Himare, is a town along the Albanian Riviera. However, there’s much more to Himarë than what you may find on Google Maps.

Himarë is not just one town or beach; it’s actually its own municipality that extends as far north as Dhërmi. Further south, the beach town of Borsh also falls under the jurisdiction of the Himarë municipality.

As recently as 2015, changes were made regarding which towns belong to the former municipality of Lukovë and which now belong to Himare. So, depending on who you ask, the answer to how big the Himare municipality really is may vary.

In general, municipality and county lines are a bit difficult to follow in Albania.

We’ve included beaches within 30 minutes of Himare town in this guide with the exception of Dhërmi.

Setting political and geographical details aside, we’ll simply describe Himarë as Albania’s stretch of coastline with the best beaches (sorry Ksamil!). Himarë is found 250 km south of Tirana and 85 km north of the Greek border with Albania.

The Himarë municipality northern border begins at Llogara Pass and ends near the village of Nivicë as you near Sarandë.

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How to Reach Himare Beaches

By Plane

The international airport of Albania is located in the capital city, Tirana. Tirana International Airport serves all of the major airlines that dominate the European skies. This means direct flights to Tirana from major European hubs include departure points such as Munich, Naples, Oslo, Vienna, and Barcelona.

If, for whatever reason, the logistics or price work in your favor, flying into Corfu to reach Albania is also an option. For those planning a longer trip with multiple destinations along the Albanian Riviera, this is a great way to see it all.

After flying into the Greek island, it’s then possible to take the ferry from Corfu to Sarande. Read our guide on what to know about taking the ferry to Sarande (Albania) from Corfu!

By Car

If you’re driving from Tirana, Himara beaches can be reached in 3.5 hours by car. Overall, exploring Albania and its gorgeous coast is most efficiently accomplished by car. If you haven’t yet, consider picking up a rental car in Tirana upon flying in.

For as little as $40/day for a rental car with Discover Cars, you can discover Himara beaches (and so much more) on your own schedule.

By Bus

Getting to Himarë from Tirana by bus is also possible, but it will take longer. If you’re a committed backpacker or not planning on renting a car, this website is the best resource for referencing bus routes from Tirana to Himarë. On average, tickets will cost less than €15 for one-way, and the journey should take around 5 hours.

By Ferry

Taking an international ferry to Vlore and then driving down south to Himare is a fantastic solution for those traveling by car. These ferries to Albania will depart from ports in Italy, usually in Brindisi but also from Bari and Ancona.

The drive from Vlore towards Himare’s coastline is absolutely breathtaking and worth the 1.5-hour drive along the mountainside. Check out our full guide on how to get to Albania from Italy by ferry for all the details.

By Hiking

A handful of Himare beaches are, in fact, only partially accessible. Depending on how you look at it, this can be a nuisance or a wonderful thing! For adventurers who prioritize finding hidden gems (like us), you’ll find the Himarë beaches that are slightly more difficult to reach than others are much more interesting to visit.

If you do not have a 4×4 vehicle or don’t plan on arriving by boat, hiking is one of the best ways to visit Himare beaches that are tucked away. Keep on reading and we’ll specifically identify which beaches require a hike.

Best Things to Do in Himare and Nearby

1. Catch a Glimpse of a Submarine Bunker

Among the numerous gorgeous beaches in Himare, there is one that is unfortunately not open to the public. Hidden in plain sight is a beach that is part of the military grounds, operated by the state. More specifically, it is a naval base and includes a tunnel used to store submarines.

Of course, not too much information or updates about what is actually going on is available, but you might catch a glimpse of something in the bunker from a viewpoint above it. Although understandable, it is a shame that the beach is inaccessible as it is magnificently unspoiled.

2. Visit The Castle of Porto Palermo

The castle is perched on a slight hill in the middle of the Porto Palermo bay. It is an Ottoman style castle, with a shape more similar to a fortress than a traditional palace.

Not too long ago, the castle was still used as a functioning military point during the communist regime. Therefore, it’s in great shape in comparison to the other castles and ruins in the area.

There is a small entry fee (€3) for adults, which allows access inside the impressive structure. Throughout the fortress, there are tunnels and arches constructed out of stone, a spooky prison, and a panoramic view of the sea from the roof.

3. See the Village of Upper Qeparo

While driving along the coastal SH8 motorway, it’s hard not to notice a hilltop village peeking out behind the trees and towering over Qeparo Beach. To reach the settlement, you can trek or drive up the steep, curvy road which leads to the village of upper Qeparo.

The small, quaint town is incredibly peaceful and a delightful break from the chaos of the beaches below.

Upper Qeparo is filled with guesthouses, just a couple of restaurants, some lovely locals, and excellent views. The village is a small piece of the Albanian Riviera where time has stood still while resorts and fancy beach clubs below are multiplying by the minute.

After speaking with a lovely woman from the village, we learned that there are fewer than ten families who live there full-time. One of the best sets of dishes we had in Albania was at the beautiful Te Rrapi i Veronika restaurant – it’s absolutely a must visit.

4. Discover the Medieval Old Town of Himare

Although Albania’s history is rich in many heritage shaping events, fusions of cultures, empire takeovers, and so on, its landmarks aren’t exactly preserved to the level of Italy’s or Greece’s.

It is unfortunate that many of the historical sites in Albania were not well-maintained for future generations to enjoy. So when you do stumble upon an ancient site like the Himare Castle grounds that’s made to be a focal tourist point, we think it’s important to pay a visit.

Himare Castle, also known as Barbaka, is the site’s main attraction. However, upon entering, you are actually walking into a settlement that is 3,500 years old. It serves as one of the most important historical and archaeological sites on the Albanian coast.

A walk through the medieval town of Himare is quite extraordinary, as one can imagine what it was once like. The ancient cobblestone paths and passageways interconnecting the dwellings are still intact, creating a pedestrian-only area. Entering the old town of Himare is free and a fantastic activity for those seeking a break from the beach.

5. Charter a Boat

The rocky coastline of Himare means there are a great deal of secluded beaches found in small inlets. Some are manageable to reach by hiking trails or even off-roading vehicles. The remainder can only be visited by sea, which means you’ll need a boat to get there.

Keep in mind, a boat doesn’t necessarily mean you must charter anything large or with a motor for that matter. This activity can be as simple as renting a couple of kayaks or stand-up paddle boards, depending on the level of effort you’re keen on putting in.

To rent a traditional boat with a skipper, it’s possible to price shop for options in Himare town. Some personal favorite slices of paradise that can only be reached by boat include Goat Beach, Marble Beach, and the famed Filikuri Beach.

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6. Himare Beaches, Of Course!

After exploring the entirety of the Albanian Riviera, we have been able to assess where one can find the best Albanian beaches. Based on a couple of factors such as the lack of too many tourists, cleanliness, and variety, Himare beaches top the list.

Whether you prefer the convenience of beach clubs or are determined to find a spot all to yourself, all types of travelers will find the beach they are looking for in Himare. Now that we have determined that Himare beaches are some of Albania’s best, the only question is, will you have time to check them all out?

Himare Beaches Map

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The Best Beaches in Himare

1. Jale Beach

Ask around and you’ll find Jale Beach being recommended multiple times as the best beach near Himare. Many people boast about Jale Beach’s clear water and pristine pebble sand, but it’s no coincidence why it’s like this.

During peak season, nearly the entirety of Jale Beach is paid. This means you must pay beach bars to use their umbrellas and loungers if you want to enjoy their section of the beach.

The privately operated establishments at Jale Beach have collectively done a wonderful job of keeping their entire beach clean. This small but detrimental detail unfortunately makes or breaks an experience at most Albanian beaches.

Distance from Himarë town: 23 minutes by car (13 km / 8 miles)

Accessibility: The entire route to the beach entrance at Jale Beach is paved and accessible by regular cars. All parking within 5 minutes of the beach will be paid.

👍 Read More: Visiting Jale Beach – FAQs and Tips

2. Aquarium Beach & Gjiri Guma

A personal favorite for tourists in Albania who don’t like to be called tourists is Aquarium Beach. It is concealed around the corner from busy Jale and typically reached on foot. Without question, Aquarium Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Himarë, let alone the entire Albanian Riviera.

It’s mostly unique for being a cove, rather than a large stretch of beach. The rugged coastline on both sides of the narrow bay creates a dreamy scene, and the water remains calm for swimmers as it is sheltered by the rocks.

Situated just next to Aquarium Beach is Gjiri Guma, which is just one step more developed than the wild Aquarium Beach. It has one beach shack which sells drinks and snacks, but it’s still wonderfully unspoiled and a tranquil place to spend time by the sea. To escape the crowds of Jale Beach, Gjiri Guma is an excellent alternative.

Distance from Himarë town: 5.5 km / 3.5 miles

Accessibility: Aquarium Beach can be reached from two sides, through Livadi Beach or from Jale Beach. If you’re driving a regular car, you can drive through Jale and up until this point. From there, most people opt for walking the remainder of the way (10-15 minutes) as the road is bumpy and rocky.

From Lavadhi, you can park around Guesthouse Rondo and walk to Aquarium Beach in about 15 – 20 minutes. If you do opt for driving all the way to Aquarium Beach or Gjiri Guma, it’s highly recommended to do so in a 4×4 vehicle.

3. Gjipe Beach

Often deemed as the best beach in Albania for its untamed beauty and dramatic location, Gjipe Beach is a must-see. It is one of the very few Albanian beaches that isn’t entirely taken over by private clubs, even in the peak of summer.

There are just a handful of small restaurants selling seafood and even one campsite in the mouth of Gjipe canyon for those looking to spend the night.

Although it’s much calmer than neighboring beaches, there are still opportunities to rent beach umbrellas and sun beds, which is ideal if you don’t feel like hauling too much stuff down the hill. At the furthest end of Gjipe is where you’ll find most locals sitting on their own blankets and enjoying a picnic on the beach. This section is free to use and also close to the caves worth exploring!

Distance from Himarë town: 15 km / 9 miles to Gjipe Beach’s parking lot

Accessibility: With a normal car, you’ll need to park at the top of the beach and walk down the rocky trail. Even for AWD cars that don’t have enough ground clearance, the trail can be difficult to navigate.

It’s advised that unless you have a vehicle specially designed for off-roading, just walk the 1.5 km path down the hill. If you’re lucky and it’s of interest, you may see off-road vehicles that you can pay to taxi you up or down the hill.

🐠 Read More: How to Visit Gjipe Beach in Albania

4. Livadi Beach (Plazhi i Livadhit)

For whatever reason, Livadi Beach tends to get overlooked while people flock to Jale and Himare. Located right in between the two and hidden in plain sight is one of Himare’s most immaculate beaches.

With crystal-clear waters, a variety of beach clubs to choose from, and numerous campsites to stay in, Livadi is suitable for many types of travelers. The beach is also surrounded by lush greenery and hiking trails along the coast, perfect for visitors who want to find a private place to jump in the water.

One of the most charmingly located restaurants is Bar Restaurant Blue Bay, which gives you a complete view of Livadi Beach and its dreamy turqoise waters.

Distance from Himarë town: 10 minute drive (4.5 km / 2.7 miles)

Accessibility: Reaching Livadi Beach is a hop and skip from Himare along the SH8 motorway and short descend back down the hill. Parking is mainly paid at designated lots but free street parking is easy to find at the far end of the beach.

5. Kico Meniko

The first time we stumbled upon this spot was in late September, and we believed it was abandoned. After visiting again in August, we found out it’s a seasonal restaurant with a covered “beach” area that’s only open for a few months in the summer.

The real highlight of Kico Meniko is definitely the food. If you get the chance, we recommend enjoying one of the most wholesome and delicious traditional meals you’ll ever have on the Albanian coast.

In addition to the remarkable dishes, the restaurant also has sun beds and umbrellas set up on a concrete platform above the rocky cove below. Whether you plan on actually swimming or not, the setting is absolutely perfect and off the radar for the average tourist.

For its special location alone, it’s one of the best Himare beaches worth making a journey to.

Distance from Himarë town: 2.3 km / 1.5 miles

Accessibility: For the first 2 km of the route to reach Kico Meniko, a normal car can handle the road. The last remaining kilometer or so is manageable by 4×4 vehicles or simply by walking. It is not a difficult walk to get down since you’re descending a hill, but getting back can take a little longer.

If you are off-roading, you can park here and walk the last 5 minutes to the restaurant since there is no room to leave a car directly by the water. Additionally, it’s possible to walk along a trail in the forest all the way from Spile Beach in Himare.

There are a few signs but as long as you follow the coastline, a walking path does connect Himare’s main beach and Kico Meniko (~30 minute walk). 

🌊 Read More: The Best Lesser Known Beaches in Albania

6. Sfageio Beach

The main beach in Himare (Plazhi i Himarës) is usually packed with bathers since this area is public and not solely comprised of beach bars. Off to the far side, it’s slightly calmer and where you’ll find Sfageio Beach, just under Acta Restaurant.

The chunk of rocky cliff that separates this part of Himarë beach from Marachi Beach is also interesting for swimmers who may want to go off and explore.

Sfageio Beach is still very much centrally located and within stone’s throw of multiple places to grab a snack or ice cream cone. Access to the boardwalk (Lungo mare Himarë) also efficiently connects you to the other popular beaches along the strip. 

Distance from Himarë town: Sfageio Beach is located in the center of Himarë

Accessibility: Parking is the biggest challenge to face when visiting any of the centrally located Himarë beaches. Unless you come to Himarë during the off-season, expect to park at least 5 minutes away and pay for hourly parking (up to €8-10 for the full day).

7. Potami Beach

In terms of Himare’s biggest beaches located within walking distance of the town, Prinos Beach and Potami Beach are similar. The one characteristic that we like slightly better about Potami Beach is the view.

Since you are set a bit further to the side of the bay, you have a fuller view of Himarë town and the mountains in the background. The vista even extends all the way to Spile Beach in the distance.

As with the majority of beaches in Himare’s town, beach bars are the norm which means you won’t find free sections of the beach until you reach Fish & Go Summer restaurant.

The beach is stunning with blue water, softer pebbles and is especially fantastic for families with kids. Slightly curved, the half moon bay shape of the beach allows a few modest waves and make it an enjoyable place to swim. 

Distance from Himarë town: Centrally located within Himarë town’s coast

Accessibility: The last few hundred meters of Potami Beach are usually clear of paid beach bars, which means anyone can set up their own towels and umbrellas for free. Only a handful of street parking is available directly above the beach, which means you’ll likely need to walk further from the center of town.

8. Palermo Beach & Porto Palermo Beach

Porto Palermo may be an active naval base, but only one of its beaches is completely off-limits. The rest of Porto Palermo is left for visitors to enjoy! A couple of beaches found in Porto Palermo’s bay are particularly incredible and check off every box when looking for the perfect place to spend a day at the beach.

Labeled as “Palermo Beach” on Google Maps, the water here is nearly always still as it’s almost entirely closed off from the open sea. The narrow piece of land allows you to enjoy both sides if you find that one gets too crowded. You’ll also find a couple of restaurants within walking distance in addition to the Castle of Porto Palermo on top of the hill.

👙 Read More: Porto Palermo – Home of Albania’s Best Beaches

Further south, you’ll see “Porto Palermo Beach” on the map, which is located directly under the main road. When parking, be mindful not to park directly on the motorway as we saw many people receive tickets for this.

This spot is smaller, but it’s one of the most picture-perfect beaches, and it’s no wonder that so many other travellers head there. One of the main reasons we loved it is that it was not overtaken by sun beds and umbrellas – everyone came with their own gear and treated it like a public beach. It feels like a hidden gem without being inconveniently secluded and required zero hiking to reach.

Distance from Himarë town: 9.5 km. / 6 miles

Accessibility: A short 15-minute drive south from Himare on the SH8 leads you directly to Porto Palermo beaches. Both beaches have gravel lots or areas for parking, and it’s recommended to avoid parking directly on SH8. These beaches are free to visit and are both reachable within a 1-2 minute walk from the parking areas.

9. Mateus Beach

Travellers set on finding the secret beaches anywhere they go (like us) will find paradise at Mateus Beach. It is never included on any “top 10” lists when it comes to Albanian beaches but we can’t imagine it’ll stay out of the spotlight for much longer.

Truly, it’s the most magical beach in Albania and even one of the best we’ve ever been to in Europe. Light sand, clear water with hypnotising blue hues and a cliffside to complete the scene.

Upon arriving at the top of Mateus Beach, you won’t have anything else to say but “wow”. To appreciate Mateus Beach to its fullest, arrive early in the morning or in the late afternoon. 

Distance from Himarë town: 6.4 km / 4 miles

Accessibility: If you’re driving a regular car, you can leave it here and walk the rest of the way. The short hike takes around 20 minutes along a gravel road. 4×4 vehicles will especially enjoy off-roading to this beach and the breathtaking views along the way.

At the end of the road, you’ll see a small lot where campers set up for the night. From there, it’s necessary to climb down a few large rocks to finally reach the beach. It is not overly difficult, and we managed it with our toddler.

10. Qeparo Beach & Borsh Beach (Plazhi i Borshit)

Just before the Himarë municipality ends is where you’ll find the enormous stretch of beaches belonging to Qeparo and Borsh.

Qeparo is found at the upper section of the bay and is made up of a healthy mix of beachfront resorts, public beaches, and the typical Albanian beach bar. Nestled into the brief cliffside before you hit Borsh are a couple of secret Himarë beaches – Gjiri i Këndesave and Gjiri Amla.

Borsh’s coastline is massive, which means there is always a chance you will find a private spot to enjoy without fellow bathers. Near the end of our time along the Albanian Riviera, and after visiting so many other beaches, we questioned why more people don’t come to Borsh. But hey, we’re definitely not complaining that it’s pleasantly unfrequented!

The water is as wonderful as any other beach, and it’s so peaceful compared to other bustling Himare beaches. Perhaps it just boils down to our style preference, but in our opinion, quiet beaches are unrivaled.

Distance from Himarë town: ~15 km / 9 miles

Accessibility: Since Qeparo is smaller, it is monitored more frequently, and free parking within close proximity of the beach is rare. There are a few lots right near the beach, but they are paid.

Furthermore, a large section of the beach only has pedestrian-only access with a boardwalk that doesn’t allow cars. Parking in Borsh is incredibly easy, as the further you move from the beach bars, the less enforcement there is. In fact, this is one of the most popular places for camper vans to set up directly on the beach.

Finding free parking within steps of the beach is unchallenging in Borsh.

Himare Beaches to SKIP: Llamani Beach (also known as Plazhi i Llamanit)

We consistently drove past a panoramic view of Llamani Beach during our daily commutes along SH8. Each time, we noticed how it was filled to the brim with sun beds and umbrellas. Even for a beach club, a little more space would be nice, right? From front to back and side to side, Llamani Beach, in our opinion, is just too crowded to be even remotely enjoyable.

The location and natural beauty itself is stunning but has been completely compromised by private establishments. It no longer looked like a gorgeous beach along the Adriatic coast but instead, an overpopulated water park on a Saturday afternoon. With the amount of alternative gorgeous options, there are better Himarë beaches to experience.

For example, Livadi Beach is filled with umbrellas for rent, but it still manages to remain comparatively quiet, with fewer tourists and less crowding. There are also fewer places to eat and drink, which helps create a more relaxed atmosphere compared to neighboring Jala Beach.

Where to Stay for Himare Beaches

The hillside villages of Vuno and Iljas are both unassuming places to find a guesthouse or apartment that’s away from the spotlight. If you’re looking for a fantastic deal on accommodation that’s not on the waterfront but offers a beautiful view instead, you’ll be satisfied with a stay in the hills.

Best Himare Hotels & Apartments

Vila Kosteli (Best Seafront View) – CHECK PRICES

Life on Green (Best Quiet Location) – CHECK PRICES

Aphrodite Garden Rooms & Apartment (Best Mountain Stay) – CHECK PRICES

Is Himare Better Than Dhermi?

We would be completely off our rocker to suggest that Dhermi Beach is not worth visiting. In regards to its quality of beaches, the scenery, and variety in accommodation, it is an ideal beach town.

For those looking to stay in one location during their time on the Albanian coast, you will not regret being in Dhermi and will have a good time with minmal effort. There are countless bars, restaurants, and day clubs within steps of the incredible beach.

Beach bums with their eyes set on spending as many days by the sea as possible should consider staying in the town of Himare. The town has a healthy mix of free beaches in addition to paid clubs and is within a close driving distance of quieter destinations off the beaten path.

Staying in Himarë is also most suited for people planning to book activities such as boat rides or off-roading tours. Families with children will be pleased to stay in Himarë as everything is at their fingertips, and very little effort is required to entertain the little ones.

Travelers who value having options will appreciate Himarë as the better choice between the two. As this guide has alluded to, the number of different beaches within close proximity to Himarë is its greatest advantage and something that Dhermi doesn’t quite possess.

By opting for Himare over Dhermi, you’ll spend less time driving to multiple destinations and more time on the beach!

Top Albania Travel Tips

1. Cash Is King

The number of times you will not be able to pay with a card in Albania is honestly astonishing. Even at big establishments such as hotels, restaurants, or even gas stations, it’s not uncommon for businesses to only accept cash.

For travelers, this is a bit inconvenient because most people will not be able to withdraw cash from Albanian ATMs without hefty fees. Or, you’ll have to account for the right amount of Lek (Albania’s currency) to come to Albania with in advance which is difficult to budget for.

Either way, both circumstances are less desired routes when paying with a credit card is cheaper (or free with the right card) and easier. Do not overlook this detail when traveling to Albania and do your best to be ready with cash.

2. Drink Bottled Water

Despite conflicting reports on the internet, tap water in Albania is generally not safe to drink. Visitors who are especially coming from countries where tap water is always safe to drink should not risk it in Albania.

We personally asked a handful of locals for their opinion (they would know best, right?) and the consensus was to always choose bottled water instead. Still, there are a couple of exceptions to this rule. For example, we stayed at a guesthouse in the hills of Përmet where drinking tap water was completely safe.

Then, as we drove through Albanian mountains just after crossing the North Macedonian border, people were drinking out of the spring water fountains.

For us, the guideline was to always drink bottled water in Albania if we were in a city that wasn’t in the mountains and if we were by the sea. Bottled water is sold everywhere and is also super inexpensive, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. Learn Albanian or Italian Phrases

Although Albania is growing as a tourist destination, the lack of English-speaking Albanians is still noticeable. For seasoned travelers, this isn’t a shock by any means, but if you’re not used to interactions without clear communication, it’s best to set expectations.

To avoid complete and utter confusion, we recommend learning a few phrases in Albanian or downloading the Albanian language in the Google Translate app so you can communicate with it. Additionally, roughly 70% of the Albanian population does speak Italian, especially along the southern coast and among the older generation.

We personally relied on our Italian to get by when English was not an option.

4. SIM Card for Cell Data

If you are visiting Albania from within the EU, an important detail to remember is that your SIM card will likely not work in Albania. Similar to if you have purchased a travel package for Europe with your local cell phone carrier, it will not work in Albania if the package only applies to the EU. There are two easy ways to make sure your cell phone data works in Albania:

1. Purchase an eSIM card ahead of time so it’s ready to be used as soon as you arrive in Albania. Personally, we’ve used Airalo, and it works instantly, which is incredibly convenient.
2. Physically buy a local SIM card from a vendor in Albania. The most common option you’ll see is Vodafone, which provides tourist packages. They cost around €20 – €30 depending on the amount of GB you need and are valid for 30 days.

5. Choose Beach Clubs & Restaurants Wisely

Not all beachfront restaurants or day clubs are made equal along the Albanian Riviera. Undoubtedly, you’ll come across some that are insanely overpriced.

If you don’t check at least two places in order to price shop, you may end up paying 2x more for the same meals or umbrella and sunbed setup. This theme really applies to nearly any type of product purchased on the coast in comparison to inland. The further away from the beaches or tourist attractions you are, the more affordable it gets.

We’ve recently noticed a rise in complaints that Albania isn’t as inexpensive as they thought it was going to be. This all boils down to exactly where you choose to go and if you are conscious of the price, you cannot assume every establishment will be reasonable.

In short, Albania can be pricey if you’re not mindful of the restaurants and shops that are blatantly geared towards tourists.

Himarë Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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