Himarë is a coastal town in southern Albania with many small beaches that are not easy to find on maps. These hidden beaches are often tucked between cliffs or hills. Some can be reached only by boat or a short hike, but many are easiest to visit if you drive. In our Himarë beach road trip guide, you will see why renting a car in Albania makes the trip easier.
It's best to rent a car online before your trip. The easiest place to start is Tirana International Airport, where many rental companies offer cars at good prices. Booking ahead gives you more choices and a faster pick-up when you land. From Tirana, you will drive about 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach Himarë.
For this kind of trip, go for a mid-size car or SUV. Choose a compact car if it’s just two of you, but for three or four people, you’ll want extra space for bags and beach gear. Some beach roads are steep or bumpy, so a stronger vehicle makes the drive more comfortable and safe. Also, air conditioning is necessary in the summer when the heat is intense and the roads are long.
To rent a car in Albania, you need a valid driving license, a passport, and a credit card. Some rental companies accept debit cards, but it’s safer to check this in advance. Spanish tourists should be at least 21 years old. Make sure your license uses the Latin alphabet, or bring an International Driving Permit.
Himarë is a summer town. The best time to visit is when the sun is shining, the sea is warm, and beach bars and hotels are open. Here, you’ll find out what each travel month offers so you can plan your trip.
Spanish beach lovers who enjoy full sunshine and a lively atmosphere will enjoy July and August. Temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius, and all beach bars and restaurants are open. However, these months also bring higher prices, busy roads, and crowded beaches.
If you like warm weather but want more peace, visit in June or September. These months are still great for swimming and tanning, but the beaches are not as packed. The hotel prices are a bit lower, and it’s easier to find parking spots at the beach.
May and October are for travelers who enjoy quiet places and don’t mind a bit of weather uncertainty. It’s less crowded, and you might get lucky with sunny skies. But since Himarë is mostly a beach destination, cold or rainy weather may limit your activities.
The beaches near the center of Himarë are the easiest to visit. Some are popular, while others are more hidden. This section will show you where to swim in Himarë without going too far.
Spile Beach is the main beach in Himarë. It’s a long pebble beach in front of the town, so it’s easy to reach on foot. You’ll find many cafes, taverns, and shops along the promenade, which makes it suitable for relaxing after a swim. The water is clear, and there’s enough space to enjoy the sea even during peak season. This beach is a good first stop for Spanish beach lovers staying in town.
Potami Beach is located south of Spile Beach, which is connected to it by a short walk. It’s a bit quieter, with fewer crowds and a more laid-back feel. The sea here gets deep quickly, and the water can feel colder than at other beaches due to the steep drop. Still, sunbeds and beach bars are available, so it’s easy to spend a whole day here.
Prinos Beach is one of the quietest beaches near the center of Himarë. Locals mostly visit it, so it feels hidden even though it’s close to town. The beach has golden sand and clear blue water. Even during July and August, it doesn’t get too crowded.
Livadhi Beach is one of the largest beaches in the area and sits about 2 kilometers north of Himarë. It’s easy to get there by car or walk along a scenic trail. The beach is long, so even during high season, you’ll find space to relax. Families like it because of the gentle waves, and there are hotels, restaurants, and beach sports nearby. Kayaking, volleyball, and jet skiing are common here, and many travelers stay overnight in this area.
Jala Beach (or Jalë) is shaped like a half-moon and has some of the cleanest water in the region, thanks to sea currents. It’s a good spot for snorkeling and diving, but the area has changed recently. There are now luxury villas and loud beach bars, making it more crowded and built-up. For some beach lovers, the music and energy might be fun, but others might find it too busy compared to quieter beaches nearby.
Llaman Beach is located just off the main road between Himarë and Sarandë. It is known for its party atmosphere, especially in the summer. The beach has many bars, restaurants, and DJs, making it popular with younger tourists. If you're driving along the coast, this is a good stop for an afternoon swim and evening drink. It gets crowded during high season, but the sea is clear, and the views are great.
Filikuri Beach is one of the most hidden beaches in Himarë. You can’t reach it easily by land unless you're willing to climb down a steep trail with ropes. Many people admire it from the top or take a boat from Himarë. The beach has cold water because of underwater springs, so the temperature can change suddenly while swimming.
Aquarium Beach sits between Jalë and Livadhi, hidden in a small rocky cove. You won’t see signs pointing you there, and that’s what makes it special. The beach is a few meters long and covered with small white pebbles. You can only reach it by foot, boat, or off-road vehicle. The water is very clear, and you can often see fish swimming close to the shore. You can jump off the rocky cliffs, but only if you have experience. There are no restaurants or shops here, so you’ll need to bring your own water and snacks.
Gjipe Beach is one of the most famous beaches near Himarë. It is located between Himarë and Dhermi, surrounded by steep cliffs and a canyon. The sea is deep blue and perfect for swimming, but it’s a pebble beach, not sand. You can drive to a parking area and walk for about 30 minutes, or take a boat trip from Himarë. If you feel bold, you can try cliff jumping or take a walk into the Gjipe Canyon for more views.
Qeparo Beach connects with Borsh Beach to the west and has a newly built promenade. You’ll see old concrete bunkers painted in bright colors along the shore. It’s quieter than other beaches, with less infrastructure and fewer umbrellas. Many visitors also explore the historic village of Qeparo, which is located higher in the hills.
Also known as Rooster Cove, Gjiri i Këndesave is a small bay on the edge of Qeparo. It’s not as popular as the bigger beaches nearby, which makes it one of the true hidden gems in the area. The sea is clean, and the setting feels private. There are no big hotels here, but the view from the cliffs makes it worth a short visit for those exploring by car.
Borsh Beach is the longest beach on the Albanian Riviera, stretching 7 kilometers. You can find guesthouses and campsites right by the water. There’s still some free RV parking, and the beach feels less commercial than others. You can stop here to explore the Borsh Castle or relax after a long drive.
Himarë is not just about beaches. You’ll find a few places to walk, see great views, and take photos between swims. Here are a few activities to enjoy during your beach road trip.
Himarë Castle offers one of the best views in the region. From the top, you can see Livadhi Beach and the island of Corfu on a clear day. The old stone walls still stand, and a few locals live inside the grounds. You can drive or hike to the top, though the hike takes about an hour uphill. The best time to go is early in the day before the heat rises.
Some beaches like Gjipe or Filikuri are hard to reach by land, but local boat operators make it easy. Many hotels can help you book a speedboat to these hidden beaches in Himarë. Boats usually leave from Himarë’s main beach area and return in the afternoon. These trips are ideal for spending a half-day at a beach with fewer people and great views. Ask about prices and times at your accommodation the day before.
Renting a car in Albania allows you to find beaches and lookouts. The drives around Himarë are filled with turnoffs that lead to small coves, high cliff views, and empty picnic spots. Some visitors drive just 10 minutes out of town and find empty beaches. Others head north or south to stop by Aquarium Beach, Llamani, or Potami on the same day.
After a long day at the beach, a good place to sleep is important. Himarë has options ranging from budget rooms to sea-view hotels. Here, you can relax after swimming and exploring.
If you're looking for something simple but clean, Stone House is the best choice. It’s in the center of town, so you can walk to Spile Beach in minutes. The rooms are basic but come with private bathrooms, which is rare for the low price. What really makes it special is the warm welcome from the owners. They are known for being kind and helpful, which adds comfort to your stay. This is an excellent pick for travelers who want to spend less but stay close to all the beach fun.
Llaka Hotel is about a 10-minute drive from the town center. It’s a quiet spot with great sea views and fresh air. It’s also near Filikuri Bay, one of the most hidden beaches in Himarë. If rented a car in Albania, this place is perfect because you get free parking and fast access to town. This hotel is a smart choice for travelers who like peace and want to explore the coast without staying in the middle of town.
Arxontiko offers modern rooms with a sea view for those who want something more special. It’s located just a few steps from Spile Beach, making it ideal if you plan to swim every day. Many rooms have balconies over the bay.
If you love the sea, hidden coves, and road trips, Himarë is a great place to explore. Some beaches are in town, while others need a short hike or boat ride. Now, you know where to swim in Himarë, what months are best, and how to enjoy the trip. Rent a car with Final Rentals to visit these beaches and remote villages. You can book online, pick up your vehicle in Tirana Airport or downtown, and enjoy flexible return options.
