When people ask me about my favourite place in Albania, I always say Himara is the gem of Albania. This coastal town combines stunning turquoise waters, hidden caves, and a relaxed Mediterranean vibe. One of the highlights of our trip was a boat tour from Himara that revealed some of the most breathtaking beaches and swimming spots along the Albanian Riviera.
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Step Into Paradise – Himara Boat Tour
The boat tour starts at the small dock in Himarë and cruises past 12 spectacular spots. Along the way, we had plenty of chances to swim, snorkel, and soak up the untouched beauty of the Albanian Riviera.
Stops included on the Himara boat tour
- Livadhi Beach
- Aquarium Beach
- Jali Beach
- Crystal Bay Himara – Albania’s Clearest Water ⭐ (big stop – 40 mins)
- Couple’s Bay
- Secret Cave Himara (10 min stop)
- Dove’s Cave Himara ⭐ (big stop – 1 hr)
- Gjipe Beach
- St. Theodore’s Cave Himara (Twin Caves)
- Pirate’s Cave Himara
- Alevra Beach Himara (10 min stop)
The skipper gave us information at each stop, and even when we didn’t swim, there was time for photos and to admire the scenery. In total, the tour lasted around 4 hours — the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Crystal Bay Himara – Albania’s Clearest Water
Out of all the stops, Crystal Bay was my absolute favourite. We had the entire beach to ourselves for 40 minutes, and the water was the clearest, bluest, cleanest I’ve swum in all summer. And I say that as someone who comes from an island!
It honestly ruined the sea for me afterwards — nothing else quite compared. There are no facilities here, so it’s truly a hidden gem, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. I’d happily take this boat trip again just to swim at Crystal Bay.
Dove’s Cave Himara – Beautiful but Busier
Our second long stop was at Dove’s Cave, where we stayed for about an hour. The cave provided much-needed shade, and I loved the setting — but it was noticeably busier than Crystal Bay. Not “Europe-in-July” busy, but certainly more crowded than most Albanian beaches we’d visited.
Here you’ll find a small beach bar serving drinks only (cash only too) — a big contrast to Crystal Bay, which has no facilities.
Quick Stops – Secret Cave & Alevra Beach
We also had shorter 10-minute stops at Secret Cave and Alevra Beach, both worth a dip if you want a quick swim. The rest of the spots, like Gjipe Beach and Jali Beach, were more for photos and admiring from the boat as we cruised past.
Although the Himara boat tour doesn’t stop at Gjipe Beach, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary. A short hike down a scenic trail leads to this secluded spot with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs; well worth the effort!
Exploring the Caves – St. Theodore’s & Pirate’s Cave
The boat also took us inside two caves:
- St. Theodore’s Cave Himara (Twin Caves)
- Pirate’s Cave Himara
Each had its own unique beauty — another reminder of how unspoiled the Albanian Riviera still is.
Himara Boat Tour – Comfort On Board
The boat itself was a comfortable RIB with about 16 people on board. We had plenty of space to stretch out, and the skipper provided everyone with a small bottle of water, plus masks and snorkels if we wanted them — all included in the price.
It felt safe, fun, and perfectly sized for the kind of trip where you want both adventure and a touch of exclusivity.
Himara Beach – The Perfect End to the Day
Back on land, we spent the rest of the afternoon at Himara’s public beach, which is absolutely amazing. The water here is just as clear, and the relaxed vibe makes it one of my favourite town beaches in Albania.
After a swim, we grabbed burgers at Obelix Beer N’ Burger, followed by dessert at Crepes Best in Town, just next door. Both were delicious, portions were generous, and the prices blew me away; so affordable compared to the rest of Europe. I can only hope Himara stays this way.
Why Himara is the Gem of Albania
The Himara boat tour was a highlight of our trip, and for me, Crystal Bay alone made it worth it. But beyond the tour, Himara itself has everything you’d want in a Mediterranean getaway: incredible beaches, friendly locals, great food, and prices that still feel like a secret.
If you’re visiting Albania, don’t miss Himara. Whether you’re after a boat trip, lazy days at the beach, or delicious food after a swim, this little coastal town truly is the gem of Albania.
And if you’re heading north after your time on the Riviera, don’t miss the chance to go hiking in the Albanian Alps — check out my full blog post on the Theth to Valbona hike.
Happy Travels! x
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