🇦🇱 Himarë, Albania: The "New" Amalfi Coast (Without the Price Tag)

If you’re looking for 2026’s biggest travel secret, stop scrolling. While everyone is fighting for a square inch of sand in Positano or Hvar, the Albanian Riviera is quietly offering the same turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and fresh seafood—for about 30% of the price.

Himarë is the jewel of this coast. It’s a town that feels authentically Greek-Albanian, where mountains crash into the Ionian Sea and "beach days" involve exploring hidden coves only accessible by kayak.

Top 10 Things to Do in Himarë (2026 Guide)

1. Hike to Gjipe Beach: Often called the best beach in Albania. It’s tucked at the end of a massive canyon. You can only get there by boat or a 30-minute hike, which keeps the crowds away.

2. Explore the Old Town (Himara Fshat): Perched high on a hill above the modern town, these ancient ruins offer 360-degree sunset views that will break your camera.

3. Kayaking to "Secret" Coves: Rent a kayak from the main beach and paddle to Filikuri Beach. It’s a wild, white-pebble cove backed by high cliffs with zero road access.

4. Visit Porto Palermo Castle: An 18th-century triangular fortress built by Ali Pasha. It sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by some of the calmest swimming waters in

1. the region.

2. Snorkel at Aquarium Beach (Gjiri i Akuariumit): A tiny, perfectly round cove with water so clear it looks like a swimming pool.

3. Eat Local at "Lefteri’s Tavern": For the best seafood and traditional Tave Kosi in town. Everything is caught that morning and served with local olive oil.

4. Sunset at Livadhi Beach: A wider, more relaxed beach just north of the center. Perfect for a chilled evening with a glass of Albanian wine.

5. The Dhërmi Day Trip: Just 20 minutes north is the trendy village of Dhërmi. Visit for the white-washed buildings and the upscale beach clubs if you want a bit more "vibe."

6. Llogara Pass Drive: One of the most spectacular mountain drives in Europe. You’ll climb 1,000 meters above sea level with the Ionian Sea stretching out below you.

7. The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër): A 1.5-hour drive inland, this natural spring is over 50 meters deep and stays a constant, icy 10°C. The color is an unbelievable neon blue.

📍 3 Best Places Nearby (Day Trips)

• Ksamil & Butrint (1.5 hours): Visit the "Maldives of Europe" (Ksamil) and the UNESCO ruins of Butrint in one day.

• The Village of Vuno (15 mins): A traditional stone village built into the mountain. It’s incredibly picturesque and home to some of the best olive oil in the country.

• Sarandë (1 hour): If you want a bit of "city life" and shopping, Sarandë is the main hub of the south.

✈️ The "Find Your Flights" Strategy

The secret to a cheap trip to Himarë is to ignore the capital.

The "Corfu Hacker" Route (Highly Recommended)

• Fly to Corfu (CFU): Direct flights from London, Manchester, and Bristol are often half the price of flights to Tirana.

• The Ferry: Take the high-speed ferry from Corfu Port to Sarandë (30 mins).

• The Final Leg: Rent a car or take a local bus from Sarandë to Himarë (1 hour).

• Lauren’s Tip: This turns your trip into a two-country holiday for the price of one. 🇬🇷🤝🇦🇱

The Tirana Route

• Fly to Tirana (TIA): Use Wizz Air or Ryanair for the best deals.

• The Drive: It’s a beautiful 3.5 to 4-hour drive. Avoid the "inner" road and take the coastal road over the Llogara Pass for the best views.

📅 Best Time to Go in 2026

• June & September: The "Sweet Spot." The water is warm, everything is open, and you won’t be fighting for a sunbed.

• July & August: The peak. It’s lively and hot, but still significantly cheaper than Greece or Italy.

🏨 Where to Stay in 2026

• Boutique: Geo & Art Boutique Hotel—perfectly located with a modern, artistic vibe.

• Resort Style: Empire Beach Resort—if you want a pool and direct beach access.