If you’re planning a trip to Himarë and looking for where to stay in Himara, choosing where to base yourself can be surprisingly confusing. At first glance, the town looks small on Google Maps, but once you arrive, you’ll realize Himarë is spread across several distinct areas, with the city center being one of the most convenient options for first-time visitors thanks to its walkability and easy access to restaurants and nightlife.
Some travelers prefer staying right in the city center so they can walk to everything, while others choose beachfront accommodation along Spile Beach for direct sea access. Many also opt for quieter areas like Livadhi for more space, calmer beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
To make things easier, I’ll break down the best areas to stay in Himarë based on travel style, beach access, and walkability so you can quickly decide which part of town fits your trip best.
Quick Map of Himarë: Understanding the Different Areas
Before booking accommodation, it’s helpful to understand how Himarë is structured.
Most visitors think of Himarë as one compact beach town, but it’s actually made up of several distinct zones stretching along the coastline.
If you’re still deciding whether Himarë deserves a stop on your itinerary, read my guide on Is Himarë Worth Visiting in Peak Season?
Himarë Town Center
The town center is the main hub of Himarë. This is where you’ll find most restaurants, cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, ATMs, and local services.
If you enjoy being able to walk everywhere, this is usually the most convenient place to stay. In the evenings, the waterfront promenade becomes one of the liveliest areas on the Albanian Riviera, with locals and visitors filling the seafront restaurants and bars.
Last time I stayed in the town center, I remember finishing dinner around 10pm and still being able to wander straight onto the promenade for gelato without even thinking about the car. That “no logistics” feeling is really what makes this area stand out.
The downside is that parking can be challenging during peak season, particularly if your accommodation doesn’t include a private space.
If you’re planning to explore beyond town, you’ll also want to read my guide on getting around Albania, since public transport around the Riviera works very differently from the rest of the country.
Spile Beach and the Promenade
Immediately south of the town center sits Spile Beach, the long stretch of coastline most people associate with Himarë.
Accommodation here offers a more classic beach holiday feel. Many hotels and apartments are located just steps from the water while still being within walking distance of restaurants and shops.
Spile is also one of my favorite beaches in town, but it isn’t the only option. If you’re deciding where to spend your beach days, compare it with the other beaches around Himarë.
In July, I noticed most mornings in Spile started incredibly slowly, in a good way. People would drift down to the beach around 9-10 am with coffee in hand, and the whole area felt like it was waking up right on the shoreline. It really shaped the pace of the day.
I find this area strikes the best balance for most travelers. You get beach access without feeling disconnected from town, and you can often leave the car parked for most of your stay.
Livadhi and the Jale Direction
North of the town center, the coastline opens up into a quieter and more spacious stretch of beaches, with Livadhi being the most popular.
Livadhi Beach is often chosen by travelers who want a more relaxed atmosphere and are either traveling with a car or don’t mind short drives. Accommodation here tends to be larger, more modern, and often comes with better sea views than what you’ll find in town.
If Livadhi appeals to you because you’re looking for somewhere quieter, you’ll probably also enjoy these quiet beaches near Himarë, many of which are only a short drive away.
When I stayed above Livadhi for a few nights, the biggest surprise was how quiet it felt at sunset. Even in peak season, I could sit on the terrace and hear almost nothing except the sea and the occasional car far below on the road. It felt like a completely different pace compared to town.
I remember staying in this area during a busier week in July; the difference in pace was immediately noticeable. Even in peak season, it felt calmer and more open than the center.
Further along toward Jale, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with hillside stays overlooking the Ionian Sea. The trade-off is convenience; you’ll need a car to reach restaurants, shops, or nightlife in town.
If you’re planning to stay near Jale, it’s also worth visiting Gjipe Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches on this stretch of coastline. I cover the easiest routes and what to expect in my guide on how to get to Gjipe Beach from Himarë.
Why Choosing the Right Area Matters
Where you stay can completely change your experience in Himarë.
If you’re staying in the town center, you can spend most of your trip walking between the beach, restaurants, and your accommodation. If you’re staying in Livadhi or near Jale, you’ll likely be driving several times a day.
Parking availability also varies significantly between areas. A hotel with private parking in Livadhi can save you a lot of stress during summer, while accommodation in the center often means competing for limited street parking.
That’s why I recommend choosing your accommodation based on how you actually plan to spend your time in Himarë, not just which hotel has the nicest photos.
If you’re road-tripping the Albanian Riviera, Himarë also makes one of the best overnight bases thanks to its central location between Dhërmi, Jale, and Sarandë.
Best Area to Stay in Himarë for First-Time Visitors
If it’s your first time in Himarë and you’re not sure where to base yourself, the easiest choice is usually the Himarë Town Center or Spile Beach area.
These two areas give you the best introduction to the town because:
- You can walk to restaurants, cafes, and the promenade
- You don’t need to worry too much about driving or parking logistics
- You’re close to the main beach and everyday essentials
If you want maximum convenience and a simple first experience, stay in the town center. If you prefer a more relaxed beach feel while still staying close to everything, Spile Beach is the better balance.
Livadhi and the hillside areas are amazing, but they work better once you already understand the layout of Himarë or if you’re traveling with a car and want more space and quiet.
If this is your first visit to Albania, it’s also worth planning how Himarë fits into your wider Albania itinerary, especially if you’re combining the Riviera with places like Berat, Gjirokastër, or Tirana.
Browse Himarë accommodations on Booking.com.
Where to Stay in Himara (By Travel Style)
The best place to stay in Himarë depends largely on how you like to travel. Some visitors want to walk everywhere and spend their evenings hopping between restaurants. Others are looking for quiet beaches, sea views, and a place to escape the crowds.
These are the four areas I recommend considering when booking accommodation in Himarë.
Himarë Town Center (Best for Convenience)
If it’s your first time visiting Himarë, staying in the town center is usually the easiest option.
This is where you’ll find most of the restaurants, cafes, bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies, and nightlife. Everything is concentrated within a relatively small area, making it easy to explore on foot without constantly moving your car.
If you’re planning evenings by the sea, I’ve also rounded up my favorite beach bars and nightlife spots along the Albanian Riviera.
One thing I appreciate about staying in town is how simple the evenings become. After a day at the beach, you can stroll to dinner, grab gelato along the promenade, and wander back to your hotel without worrying about driving.
Spile Beach is also within walking distance, so you don’t necessarily need a car once you’ve arrived.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Travelers without a rental car
- Weekend trips and short stays
- Anyone who wants restaurants and nightlife nearby
Pros:
- Most walkable area in Himarë
- Easy access to shops and restaurants
- Great base for exploring the waterfront
Cons:
- Fewer panoramic sea views than other areas
- Can feel crowded in July and August
- Parking is often limited
If you’re only spending one or two nights in Himarë, this is usually the area I’d choose.
Spile Beach Area (Best Overall Balance)
For many travelers, Spile Beach offers the sweet spot between convenience and relaxation.
The area stretches along Himarë’s main beach, giving you easy access to the water while still being close enough to walk into town for dinner. You get a more traditional beach holiday atmosphere without feeling isolated.
Spile is one of my favorite town beaches, but it’s also part of a coastline that includes some of the best beaches in Albania, from hidden coves to long stretches of white pebbles.
During the day, the focus here is entirely on the beach. Sun loungers line the shore, beach bars serve drinks throughout the afternoon, and most accommodations are only a few minutes from the sea.
What makes Spile especially appealing is that you can enjoy a quieter setting than the town center while still reaching restaurants and shops within a short walk.
This is where I’d stay if I were spending several days in Himarë and wanted a mix of beach time and evening strolls.
Best for:
- Couples
- Families
- Travelers staying three nights or longer
- Visitors who want beach access without sacrificing convenience
Pros:
- Direct beach access
- Walking distance to town
- Relaxed atmosphere
Cons:
- Accommodation fills quickly in summer
- Parking can still be competitive during peak season
Livadhi Area (Best Beaches and More Space)
If your priority is spending as much time as possible by the sea, Livadhi is one of the best places to stay near Himarë.
Many travelers actually prefer Livadhi Beach to the beaches in town. The beach is wider, the setting feels more open, and accommodation options tend to offer larger rooms, modern villas, and more outdoor space.
I also find Livadhi feels noticeably less hectic than the center of Himarë, especially during the busiest summer weeks.
The biggest trade-off is location. While Livadhi is only a short drive from town, it’s not somewhere you’ll realistically walk back and forth for dinner every evening. Most visitors staying here rely on a rental car or taxi.
For travelers road-tripping the Albanian Riviera, however, that’s rarely a problem.
Best for:
- Beach-focused travelers
- Families wanting more space
- Couples looking for a quieter stay
- Visitors with rental cars
Pros:
- One of the nicest beaches in the area
- More spacious accommodation
- Less crowded atmosphere
- Easier parking
Cons:
- Not easily walkable to town
- You’ll likely need a car
Hillside and Panorama Stays (Best Views and Peace)
Some of the most spectacular accommodation around Himarë isn’t on the beach at all.
Scattered across the hills above town are boutique hotels, guesthouses, and villas with incredible views over the Ionian Sea. Watching the sunset from a terrace overlooking the coastline is one of those experiences that makes people fall in love with the Albanian Riviera.
If sunsets are one of the highlights of your trip, don’t miss my guide to the best sunset spots in Albania, where Himarë features prominently.
These properties are often quieter than beachfront accommodation and can feel surprisingly secluded, even during peak season.
The trade-off is convenience. You’ll almost certainly need a car, and many roads leading to hillside accommodations are steep, narrow, or winding. It’s worth checking recent reviews before booking so you know exactly what to expect.
That said, if views and tranquility are your priorities, this area offers some of the most memorable stays in Himarë.
Best for:
- Couples
- Honeymooners
- Travelers seeking peace and quiet
- Anyone prioritizing sea views
Pros:
- Incredible panoramic views
- Quieter atmosphere
- More privacy
Cons:
- Car required
- Steep access roads
- Less convenient for restaurants and beaches
Parking is generally easier than in town, although some properties are reached via narrow local roads that require careful driving.
Common Mistakes People Make When Booking Accommodation in Himarë
After seeing where people stay and how the town is laid out, there are a few mistakes that come up again and again.
Booking a “Beachfront” Hotel Without Checking Parking
Many beachfront properties offer fantastic locations, but not all provide dedicated parking.
During peak season, you don’t want to discover after arrival that you’ll be spending 30 minutes hunting for a space every time you return from a day trip.
If you’re driving, always check recent reviews for comments about parking before booking.
Assuming Everything Is Walkable
Himarë looks small on a map, but distances can be misleading.
Walking from the town center to Spile Beach is easy. Walking from Livadhi back to town for dinner every evening is much less practical, especially in summer heat.
Before booking, check actual driving and walking times rather than relying on how close places appear on Google Maps.
Arriving Midday and Expecting Easy Parking
If you’re visiting during July or August, arriving in the middle of the day is often the worst possible time.
This is when beaches are busiest, day-trippers have already arrived, and most parking spaces are occupied.
Whenever possible, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening.
Not Checking Access Roads for Hillside Accommodation
Those stunning sea-view hotels above Himarë often come with a catch: steep and narrow roads.
Most are perfectly manageable with a normal rental car, but it’s worth reading reviews beforehand so you know what to expect.
The view may be incredible, but you’ll enjoy it a lot more if you’re not stressed about the drive up.
My Final Recommendation
Still not sure where to stay? Here’s the quick version.
Stay in Himarë Town If…
- You’re visiting for 1–2 nights
- You want restaurants and nightlife nearby
- You don’t plan to rent a car
- Convenience matters more than sea views
Stay Near Spile Beach If…
- You want the best balance of beach access and convenience
- You’re traveling as a couple or family
- You plan to spend most days by the water
- You still want to walk into town for dinner
Stay in Livadhi If…
- You have a rental car
- You want more space and a quieter atmosphere
- Easy parking is important
- You plan to explore multiple beaches along the coast
Choose a Hillside Stay If…
- Sea views are your top priority
- You prefer peace and privacy over convenience
- You’re comfortable driving narrow coastal roads
- You’re looking for a more romantic or secluded experience
For most visitors, I think Spile Beach offers the best overall balance, while Livadhi is the best choice for road-trippers exploring the Albanian Riviera. If it’s your first time in Himarë and you’re only staying a night or two, however, it’s hard to beat the convenience of staying right in the town center.
Once you’ve picked where to stay, the next step is planning your beach days. Start with my guide to the best beaches in Himarë, then discover some of the quiet beaches near Himarë if you’re looking to escape the crowds. If you’re road-tripping the coast, don’t miss my complete Albanian Riviera road trip itinerary.