Himarë lies on the Ionian Sea coast in southern Albania, between rugged mountains and clear water. The town offers several distinct points of interest for planning a trip: the centrally located beach, a castle with a layered history, churches and a vibrant polyphonic tradition. Walks through the hilly and mountainous landscape are another option.
Beach and Coastal Landscape
Himara Beach is in the centre of Himarë. Sand, small stones and clear water define the beach. Tourist facilities include bars, restaurants and a range of activities; individual businesses and offerings may change. The beach is an attraction in its own right, while the coast also has a natural landmark to discover.
Spile Cave is on the coast of Himarë. Its small chambers contain rare stalactites. Because of its geological value and unique seascape, the cave is designated a natural monument. Those interested in coastal landscapes will find a different view of the area’s natural features here, beyond the beach: the focus is not on sand and water, but on the cave’s geological features.
Castle and Churches in Himarë
Himarë Castle, also known as the Old Castle, stands on a hill overlooking Himarë and the Ionian Sea. The complex dates back to the Illyrian period and was later developed by the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. Visitors can explore the old walls, church ruins, historic houses and cobbled lanes. Its different features make a visit an encounter with architecture and history, not just a viewpoint.
The Church of Saint Mary is located within the castle. Its history dates back to the 12th–13th centuries. Built in the Byzantine style, it preserves old frescoes and traditional iconography. The church thus connects a specific place within the castle complex with a long religious and architectural history.
Another example of religious architecture is the Church of Saint Spyridon in the centre of Himarë. It is considered an example of classical Orthodox architecture. Visitors can admire the detailed architecture, icons and frescoes inside. A visit here focuses on features distinct from the castle’s church ruins and walls: the design and furnishings of a church interior.
Polyphony and Walks Through the Landscape
Polyphony is part of Himarë’s local identity and is passed down from generation to generation. Albanian folk iso-polyphony was included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008. The UNESCO listing applies to Albanian folk iso-polyphony; in Himarë, polyphony is part of the local identity and is passed down across generations.
Beyond its architectural landmarks, the hilly and mountainous terrain around Himarë offers opportunities for nature walks and exploring panoramic landscapes. This allows visitors to choose what to focus on according to their interests: coast and beach, historic architecture, cultural tradition or landscape.
The Athaliotissa Monastery, also known as Athali, is a pilgrimage site in Himarë dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It can only be reached on foot and offers panoramic views of Himarë. Check local trail conditions before setting out. This makes it possible to plan a visit as a separate excursion without assuming a walking time or a specific route.
Discover more destinations: Borsh, Kaninë, Ilias, Dhërmi, Qeparo, Piqeras, Qazim Pali.
Return to the overview of the region: Vlora County.
