Cities and destinations · 📍 Himarë
Himarë and Dhërmi by rental car: beaches and villages of the Riviera
White-pebble beaches, stone villages above the sea and Porto Palermo castle: how to enjoy the Riviera by car.
Himarë and Dhërmi are the heart of the Albanian Riviera: clear-water beaches below the mountains, old stone villages and small bays. By car you can hop from beach to beach and climb to the villages the buses pass by. Here is how to plan Himarë by car.
Roads and parking on the Riviera
The main road SH8 is wide, but the roads down to the beaches and up to the villages are narrow, steep and sometimes without room to pass. In summer parking near popular beaches fills early in the morning.
- Do not drive into the lanes of the old villages: park at the entrance and walk.
- Use a low gear on the descents to the beaches.
- When two cars meet on a narrow road, the one going uphill has priority: help by pulling over where there is room.
What to see
Dhërmi beach
Beach
A long white-pebble beach with clear water, below the old village of Dhërmi.
Gjipe
Beach
A beach at the mouth of a canyon, reached on foot from the car park above, about a 20–30 minute walk. Bring water and suitable shoes.
Himarë and its castle
Historic centre
The new town by the harbour and the old village with its castle on the hill, overlooking the Livadhi and Potami beaches.
Porto Palermo castle
Castle
A fortress on a small peninsula in the bay of Porto Palermo, with parking nearby.
Llogara Pass
Viewpoint
A viewpoint above the Riviera, with pine forest and fresh air.
When to go
June and September bring a warm sea and quieter roads. In July and August the Riviera is full: book accommodation and the car early. Off season many beach places are closed, but the scenery and villages stay beautiful.
Practical tips for Himarë and Dhërmi
- Always keep water and some food in the car: some beaches have no services off season.
- After rain, the unpaved roads to some coves become muddy and slippery.
- On August evenings the road between Dhërmi and Himarë is busy with holidaymakers returning from the beach.
Where to stay with a car
Dhërmi and Jala are ideal for the beaches, while Himarë has more services all year. The old villages above the sea offer beautiful views, but often with narrow roads: ask where to park before booking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive down to Gjipe beach?
Not to the beach itself. Park above it and walk about 20–30 minutes along the path.
How far is Himarë from Sarandë?
About 60 km, roughly 1 hour 15 minutes along the coast.
Where are fuel stations near Himarë?
There are a few in Himarë and along SH8, but not many. Fill up in Vlorë or Sarandë before setting off.
