The Best Beaches in Himarë, Albania – 6 Bays Personally Tested

Posted by

·

, ,

For me, Himarë is one of the absolute highlights of the Albanian Riviera. Not because of one single beach, but because of the incredible variety: turquoise bays, hidden cliff beaches, and relaxed pebble beaches are all located within a surprisingly small area. I personally visited all the beaches around Himarë – and in this guide, I’ll take you to the most beautiful spots.

The order follows the geographical location from north to south, not a personal ranking – because honestly, almost every bay impressed me in its own unique way.

Overview: The Best Beaches in Himarë at a Glance

BeachHighlight
Aquarium BeachThe most turquoise bay, cliff jumping
Guma BeachQuiet and spacious alternative
Jale BeachBest infrastructure, beach clubs
Potami BeachPerfect for sunsets
Filikuri BeachMost adventurous access, breathtaking bay
Porto Palermo BeachPerfect spontaneous stop, extremely turquoise water

1. Aquarium Beach – Possibly the Most Beautiful Bay in Albania

Aquarium Beach immediately captured my attention. What makes it so special? Two long rocky ridges flank the bay on both sides and continue far out into the sea. This natural formation protects the beach from strong winds and waves, creating calm water that shines in several shades of turquoise.

The water is incredibly clear – you can easily see every stone on the seabed. It’s the perfect place for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding cliffs are also popular with cliff jumpers – so anyone looking for a little adventure will definitely enjoy this spot.

Good to know:

  • Pebble beach with a restaurant and parking available
  • Cliff jumping possible
  • Access: The easiest route is via Jale Beach. If you don’t have a 4×4 vehicle, it’s better to park a little earlier along the road and walk the final section.

2. Guma Beach – The Spacious Neighboring Bay

Right next to Aquarium Beach lies Guma Beach – a place that is often overlooked. The water is just as beautifully turquoise and crystal clear, but the atmosphere feels even more relaxed thanks to the larger beach area.

You’ll often see campers enjoying the peaceful surroundings here. There is also a restaurant available. Since the access road is the same as for Aquarium Beach, it’s definitely worth combining both beaches in one day.

Good to know:

  • Larger than Aquarium Beach, offering more space
  • Popular with campers
  • Restaurant available
  • Same access route as Aquarium Beach

3. Jale Beach – The Beach with the Best Infrastructure

Jale Beach is the easiest beach in the area to reach and therefore also the most developed. Along the coastline, you’ll find several beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports activities.

The beach itself is beautiful – and if you’re looking for a comfortable beach day with everything you need, this is the perfect choice. At the same time, Jale Beach is also a convenient starting point for visiting Aquarium Beach and Guma Beach.

Good to know:

  • Easily accessible by car
  • Many restaurants and beach clubs
  • Starting point for trips to Aquarium Beach

4. Potami Beach – Guaranteed Beautiful Sunset Atmosphere

Located in the southern part of Himarë, Potami Beach has a completely different character. The orientation of the bay creates incredible afternoon light and makes it one of the best sunset spots in the region.

The water glows in beautiful turquoise tones, and the coastal views are impressive. One small detail worth knowing: a mountain stream flows into the sea at the edge of the bay, making the water slightly cooler in some areas. The entry into the water is a little steeper compared to other beaches – nothing serious, but good to know.

Good to know:

  • Parking available along the road at beach level
  • Perfect location for sunsets
  • Mountain stream makes parts of the water slightly cooler
  • Water entry is a little steeper than at other beaches

5. Filikuri Beach – The Ultimate Adventure Among Himarë’s Bays

Filikuri Beach was the most challenging beach to reach during my visit – and at the same time one of the most impressive. From Himarë, you can reach it on foot. Alternatively, you can drive part of the way up the hill and park along the roadside. The trail then leads through tall coastal vegetation, where the natural scents already make the walk feel like an adventure in itself. And then, at the edge of the cliff, the view suddenly opens up to reveal a breathtaking turquoise bay below.

However, the descent is not easy: there are steep and partly dangerous sections, and there is no fixed rope or handrail. A head for heights and sure footing are essential – if you feel unsure, you should not attempt it. A great alternative is joining a boat tour from Himarë or reaching the beach by SUP or kayak.

Good to know:

  • Accessible by walking from Himarë or by parking on the hill
  • The descent requires a head for heights and sure footing
  • Alternatives: boat tours, SUP, or kayak from Himarë
  • One of the wildest and most untouched beaches in the region

6. Porto Palermo Beach – The Perfect Spontaneous Stop

Porto Palermo Beach is smaller than the other bays, but it has its own unique charm. The water is intensely turquoise, the pebble shoreline is well maintained, and the location close to the main road makes it incredibly convenient for a quick stop while driving towards Sarandë or back to Himarë.

If you’re looking for a short break, a refreshing swim, or simply want to enjoy the sea for a moment, this beach is an excellent choice.

Good to know:

  • Small and peaceful pebble bay
  • Perfectly located for travelers passing by
  • Intensely turquoise water

Practical Tips for Visiting the Beaches of Himarë in 2026

Entrance fees & sunbeds (as of June 2026): At all beaches mentioned above, there is no entrance fee and no mandatory rental of sunbeds. You can bring your own towel, blanket, and umbrella without any problems.

My Google My Map: For planning my trip, I created a Google My Map with all beaches around Himarë, including parking spots and viewpoints. This makes it easy to save the bays and navigate directly from your phone:

Our conclusion: Few places along the Albanian Riviera offer such incredible variety within such a small area. From turquoise wonders like Aquarium Beach, to adventures such as the descent to Filikuri Beach, to unforgettable sunsets at Potami Beach – Himarë truly has something for every type of traveler. I visited these beaches myself and can honestly say: the reality lives up to the photos. Enjoy exploring Himarë!

Which beach would you choose – the crystal-clear waters of Aquarium Beach or the adventure of reaching Filikuri Beach?
Share this guide with your favorite travel buddies and leave us a comment below!

Discover Your Next Travel Destination:

Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

Leave a Reply

Julia Avatar

Julia von Wonders and Waves

Willkommen bei Wonders and Waves - Wir geben dir Tipps zu sehenswerten, sicheren und budgetfreundlichen Reisezielen weltweit!

Discover more from Wonders and Waves Reisen

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading