Himara Day Trip from Tirana – Private Albanian Riviera Tour

1 days
Car

Overview

A private one-day trip from Tirana along the Albanian Riviera: Llogara Pass, Dhërmi, Himara old town and castle, Livadhi beach and Porto Palermo, with your own driver-guide.

Himara is the heart of the Albanian Riviera: a small coastal town with an old castle, quiet beaches and mountains that drop straight into the Ionian Sea. This private day trip takes you there from Tirana in your own vehicle, with a driver-guide who knows the coast road and the best stops.

Highlights

Panoramic views from Llogara Pass in Llogara National Park
Dhërmi, one of the most beautiful villages of the Riviera
The castle and old village of Himara
Swimming and lunch on Livadhi beach
Porto Palermo, the fortress on the water built by Ali Pasha

Why visit Himara

Himara has the Riviera atmosphere without the crowds of the bigger resorts. You can swim in clear water, walk through a historic old village and eat fresh fish in the same afternoon. It is also a good base for the southern coast: Saranda, Ksamil and Butrint are further south.

Route and timing

The drive from Tirana is roughly 220 km, about four hours each way with stops, so this is a long day (12 to 13 hours in total). If you prefer less driving, we can start from Vlora or Saranda, or add an overnight stay in Himara. See our tailor-made trips or write to us through the contact page.

More on the area: Himara tours and destination page, the multi-day Albanian Coastal Trip and our other daily trips in Albania.

What to bring

Swimwear, a towel and sun protection
Comfortable shoes for the castle and old village
Cash in euros or lek for lunch and entrance fees

Frequently asked questions

Is Himara worth a day trip from Tirana?

Yes, if you start early and want the Riviera in one day. You see Llogara Pass, a Riviera village, the castle of Himara and a beach. For a relaxed pace, add a night on the coast.

How far is Himara from Tirana?

Roughly 220 km, about four hours of driving each way depending on traffic and stops.

When is the best time to visit Himara?

May to October. Swimming is best from June to September. Spring and autumn are quieter and good for walking.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The vehicle and driver-guide are for your group only. Tell us the number of people and the date and we send a price.

Can we start from Vlora or Saranda?

Yes, on request. We can also adapt the route and add stops such as Gjipe beach or Karaburun.

Duration: 1 days
Transport: Car
Country: Albania
Meeting point: Tirana, pick-up at your hotel or at Skanderbeg Square, 06:30

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1 Tirana to Llogara Pass

Early pick-up at your hotel and a scenic drive south through Fier and Vlora. We climb to Llogara Pass, over 1,000 m high in Llogara National Park, for the first view of the Ionian coast.

📍 Llogara Pass, Llogara National Park
Day 2 Dhërmi

Descend to the coast and stop in Dhërmi, a village on the Riviera with a long pebble beach and the mountains right behind it. Time for a coffee and a swim.

📍 Dhërmi
Day 3 Himara old town and castle

Walk up to the castle of Himara and the old village above the sea, with views over the bay. This is the historic heart of the Riviera.

📍 Himara castle, old village
Day 4 Livadhi beach and lunch

Free time on Livadhi beach, the long beach below Himara, for a swim and a seafood lunch at a beachfront taverna (lunch not included).

📍 Livadhi beach, Himara
Day 5 Porto Palermo and return

Stop at Porto Palermo, the fortress Ali Pasha of Tepelena built on a small peninsula, then drive back to Tirana, arriving in the evening.

📍 Porto Palermo castle