Best Beaches Near Himara 2026: Livadhi, Borsh, Potami & More

Himara sits at the centre of the most beach-rich section of the Albanian Riviera, with good beaches directly in town and some of the longest and least-visited stretches of sand in Albania within 20–30 minutes. Here is a detailed guide to each beach, in order of distance from the town. All prices approximate as of 2026.

Livadhi Beach - the town beach

Livadhi is the main beach of Himara, stretching approximately 2 km along the town’s seafront and accessible on foot from most accommodation in the modern town.

Water quality: Good. Ionian-clear with a sandy base and calm conditions most mornings. The bay provides some shelter from the afternoon wind.

Facilities: Sunbed hire throughout (approximately €5–8/day for two sunbeds and umbrella); beach bars serving drinks, snacks, and light meals; showers; changing rooms at the main beach bars. Full services in July–August; scaled back from late September.

Atmosphere: The most social of Himara’s beaches, with a relaxed rather than club-style vibe. The crowd is mixed - local families, Albanian day-trippers from Tirana and Vlora, and a smaller number of international visitors. Not as nightlife-oriented as Dhermi.

Access: Walking distance from the town centre. The seafront road runs the full length of the beach.

Best time: Morning (before 11am) for calm water and cooler temperatures. The beach is longest at low water - Albanian tidal ranges are small but visible.

Potami Beach - the quiet alternative

Approximately 15 minutes north of Himara by car, Potami (meaning “river” in Greek - there is a small stream nearby) is a smaller beach with a more local character.

Water quality: Good - clear and clean, slightly sheltered.

Facilities: A couple of seasonal beach bars operate in July–August. Outside peak season, facilities are minimal - bring water and food. Sunbeds available when the bars are open (approximately €4–6/day).

Atmosphere: Quiet and local. Potami attracts primarily Albanian visitors rather than international tourists. A good option for a half-day away from the more popular spots.

Access: Taxi from Himara approximately €5; no regular bus service. Rental car recommended if visiting multiple beaches in the same day.

Borsh Beach - Albania’s longest beach

Borsh is approximately 20 minutes south of Himara by car, and at around 7 km it is the longest beach in Albania. The length means that even in peak season it absorbs visitors without feeling overcrowded - a rare quality on the Riviera.

Water quality: Excellent. The water is clear and shallow for a good distance from shore. The beach is a mix of fine sand and small pebbles. The bay faces south-west and catches good afternoon sun.

Facilities: Several seasonal beach bars and restaurants operate in July–August (sunbeds approximately €4–6/day; drinks and snacks available). Outside peak season facilities are very limited - bring your own food and water if visiting in May, June, or September.

Atmosphere: Relaxed and unhurried - Borsh does not have the beach-club scene of Drymades or the resort atmosphere of Saranda. It is more like an old-fashioned Adriatic beach. Popular with Albanian families and a growing number of international visitors who have found it via word of mouth.

Access: Taxi from Himara approximately €8–10 one way; rental car recommended for a day trip. No scheduled bus service to the beach itself.

Nearby: The small village of Borsh is worth a quick visit - a historic stone village on the hillside above the beach, with a castle and one of the largest olive groves in Albania (approximately 200,000 trees, dating in some cases to the Byzantine period).

Qeparo Beach - dramatic and remote

Qeparo is approximately 12 km south of Himara (25–30 minutes by car). The beach here sits below the old hilltop village of Qeparo - one of the best preserved Ottoman-era villages on the Riviera. Rocky, pebbled, and less developed than Livadhi or Borsh.

Water quality: Excellent - very clear, deep blue-green, and rarely affected by wave action except in strong winds.

Facilities: Very limited. A single beach bar operates in season. Bring most of what you need.

Atmosphere: Remote and quiet - most visitors come specifically to pair the beach with a visit to the old village above. The combination of hilltop village and isolated beach is the main draw.

Access: Car essential. The descent from the village to the beach is steep and rough - suitable for most cars but take it slowly.

Old village (Qeparo i Vjetër): An almost entirely abandoned Ottoman stone village on the hillside above, with stone houses, churches (including a Byzantine-era church), and striking valley views. Entry is free; no guided tours.

Palasa Beach - scenic and semi-remote

Palasa sits between Dhermi and Himara, approximately 10 km north of the town. A wild, backed-by-cliffs beach most easily accessed by boat from Himara (approximately 15 minutes by boat taxi; approximately €10–15 return per person) or by car via a rough track off the main road.

Water quality: Among the clearest on this stretch of coast.

Facilities: Minimal - a small beach bar in peak season only.

Atmosphere: Relatively undeveloped and dramatic. Best visited as part of a boat trip rather than as a standalone destination.

Beach comparison

Beach	Distance from Himara	Best for	Facilities	Access
Livadhi	In town	Convenience, social	Full	Walk
Potami	15 min north	Quiet, local	Basic	Car/taxi
Borsh	20 min south	Space, uncrowded	Seasonal	Car/taxi
Qeparo	25 min south	Scenery, village combo	Very limited	Car
Palasa	10 min north	Dramatic scenery	Minimal	Boat or car

Water temperatures by month

Month	Approximate sea temperature
June	20–22°C
July	23–25°C
August	25–27°C
September	23–25°C
October	20–22°C

Practical tips

• Cash: Most beach bars and boat operators in the Himara area operate cash only. Carry Albanian lek (or euros - widely accepted at approximately the correct rate, though lek is better).
• Sun: The Ionian coast sun is intense June–August. Factor 50 is a minimum. Seek shade between 12:00 and 16:00.
• Jellyfish: Occasionally present in late August and September, particularly near rocky coves. Not a major issue most seasons.
• Water: Bring more than you think you need for any beach without a bar - particularly Qeparo and Palasa.

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Plan your trip: Browse Albania coast tours and boat trips including Riviera day trips from Saranda and boat excursions. Hire a car to explore the full stretch from Borsh to Dhermi, and cover your journey with Balkans travel insurance.