Himara - Into Albania

Himara

The Idyllic Coastal Town On The Ionian

Fine cuisine, beautiful architecture, historical points of interest, and a vibrant nightlife, Himara is one of the gems of the Ionian Coast, from its central location by the sea.

Himara, the largest village on the Southern Riviera, is an absolute must-see! Because of its strategic position along the Ionian Coast, the village has had a long history of steady growth, however, in the last couple of decades, it has grown exponentially. Of all the villages along the coastline, Himara offers the most inclusive summer experience. It’s no wonder then that nearly all travel guides recommend it without hesitation!

Beaches, Caves, and Fresh Seafood 

Everything you need for a nice and fairly inexpensive vacation in the south is right here! Unspoiled beauty and brisk blue waters. Wonderful seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Delicious locally-produced products, old churches, spectacular hiking trails, are but a few of the reasons people flock here every summer. Most importantly, you can easily reach all the exclusive beaches of the Albanian Riviera from this central location. Some of the most beautiful beaches in proximity to Himara are Livadh, Potam, and Llaman. But don’t forget the caves! Spile Cave and Pigeon’s Cave, in the Ilias village, are particularly spectacular sites. Some more exciting outdoor adventure opportunities around this area include hiking, scuba diving, kayaking, and paragliding.

Old Ruins

The road towards Himara continues a bit further after descending the Llogara Pass. This mountainous and coastal expanse holds a monumental ancient history, and a rich cultural heritage. Himara alone has a castle, several churches and Byzantine monasteries worth exploring on your off-beach time. You should begin with the Castle of Himara, built in the 3-4th centuries B.C. Himara’s ancient olive groves also hide the beautiful churches of St. Stephen and St. Spyridon.

Another charming little site is Himara’s small port, located at the heart of town. Here, countless fishing boats bring fresh seafood daily, and small yachts or motorboats take visitors to the beautiful Ionian Islands. Many visitors enjoy the view from the countless cafes along the port. But, Himara’s town centre is popular also for its vibrant town promenade. The latter comes to life especially in the evenings. People gather to relax and enjoy dining and drinking in the various restaurants and bars along the promenade, and the nightclub scene here is not too bad either – for those looking for a dance in the warm summer evenings!

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