The beauty of the Albanian Riviera is often overshadowed by more popular destinations, yet tucked away in this breathtaking stretch of coastline lies Himare—Albania's best kept secret. This travel vlog captures an exploration of Himare, showcasing its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and the charm of its often-overlooked beaches.
The journey begins in Vlore, where the travel vloggers face the quirks of the Albanian public transport system, which can be a challenge for newcomers. With limited online information and flexible schedules, they find themselves waiting for a furgon—a shared minivan that serves as a popular mode of transport in Albania. After an extended wait, they finally board the furgon bound for Himare at 10:23 AM, slightly later than expected.
The ride is scenic, traversing mountainous areas with breathtaking views of valleys and the coast. The vloggers emphasize the importance of asking locals for directions and transport information, as up-to-date timetables are hard to come by online.
Upon arrival, the vloggers settle into their Airbnb—a cozy apartment that provides a perfect base for their adventures. The space is well-equipped with necessary amenities, including air conditioning, a washing machine, and bottled water, as the tap water in Albania is not safe to drink. Despite being the most expensive accommodation of their travels so far at 40 Euros a night, they find it offers great value for the experience.
The balcony overlooking the mountains and thoughtful touches like cooking essentials elevate their stay, setting the stage for an enjoyable time in Himare.
Given its proximity to the Greek border, Himare boasts phenomenal Greek restaurants. The vloggers dine at Taverna To Steki and savor traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and mussels saganaki. They delight in the freshness of the Himare salad, which combines olives, oranges, and onions, highlighting the melding of flavors that make the dining experience special.
The cultural blend of Albanian and Greek food captures the essence of the region's culinary offerings, making meals an integral part of their adventure.
The following day is dedicated to beach hopping along Himare's stunning coastline. The vloggers are immediately taken by the pristine beauty of the beach, which is not overcrowded with beach umbrellas, allowing for a tranquil experience. They appreciate the lack of crowds, contrasting it with busier coastal areas they have visited.
In their search for more beaches, they discover River Seaside Beach and Livadi Beach, noting the ongoing preparations for the summer season. Despite some areas still undergoing renovations, they enjoy the calm waters and the chance to relax without many visitors around.
Himare’s beaches are a haven for snorkelers, offering clear waters teeming with marine life. The vloggers take advantage of exploring the underwater surroundings, encountering colorful fish and rocky outcrops that add to the allure of the location. The richness of the underwater scenery complements the picturesque views above water, making Himare a versatile destination for beachgoers and adventurers alike.
As their time in Himare approaches its end, the vloggers reflect on their journey, easily falling in love with the serene environment and breathtaking scenery. They appreciate the diversity of beaches—from sandy shores to pebble beaches—accommodating all types of travelers. The calm waters and rapid depth changes in Himare set it apart from other places they've visited earlier in Albania, reinstating their admiration for this hidden gem.
Concluding their exploration, they rate Himare four and a half out of five buckets for its scenic beaches, delicious dining options, and peaceful atmosphere.
The vlog wraps up with a promise of new adventures ahead, as the vloggers plan to journey to Sarande, another beautiful destination along the Albanian coast. Their experiences in Himare not only reveal its beauty but also hint at the diverse offerings along the Albanian Riviera waiting for more travelers to discover.
The vlog captures not just the sights of Himare but also the joy and excitement of traveling off the beaten path, celebrating the charm of lesser-known destinations and the unique experiences they provide.
Part 1/8:
Discovering Himare: Albania's Hidden Gem
The beauty of the Albanian Riviera is often overshadowed by more popular destinations, yet tucked away in this breathtaking stretch of coastline lies Himare—Albania's best kept secret. This travel vlog captures an exploration of Himare, showcasing its stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and the charm of its often-overlooked beaches.
Navigating the Albanian Public Transport System
Part 2/8:
The journey begins in Vlore, where the travel vloggers face the quirks of the Albanian public transport system, which can be a challenge for newcomers. With limited online information and flexible schedules, they find themselves waiting for a furgon—a shared minivan that serves as a popular mode of transport in Albania. After an extended wait, they finally board the furgon bound for Himare at 10:23 AM, slightly later than expected.
The ride is scenic, traversing mountainous areas with breathtaking views of valleys and the coast. The vloggers emphasize the importance of asking locals for directions and transport information, as up-to-date timetables are hard to come by online.
Arriving in Himare: A Cozy Accommodation
Part 3/8:
Upon arrival, the vloggers settle into their Airbnb—a cozy apartment that provides a perfect base for their adventures. The space is well-equipped with necessary amenities, including air conditioning, a washing machine, and bottled water, as the tap water in Albania is not safe to drink. Despite being the most expensive accommodation of their travels so far at 40 Euros a night, they find it offers great value for the experience.
The balcony overlooking the mountains and thoughtful touches like cooking essentials elevate their stay, setting the stage for an enjoyable time in Himare.
A Taste of Greek Cuisine
Part 4/8:
Given its proximity to the Greek border, Himare boasts phenomenal Greek restaurants. The vloggers dine at Taverna To Steki and savor traditional Greek dishes like moussaka and mussels saganaki. They delight in the freshness of the Himare salad, which combines olives, oranges, and onions, highlighting the melding of flavors that make the dining experience special.
The cultural blend of Albanian and Greek food captures the essence of the region's culinary offerings, making meals an integral part of their adventure.
Exploring the Beaches of Himare
Part 5/8:
The following day is dedicated to beach hopping along Himare's stunning coastline. The vloggers are immediately taken by the pristine beauty of the beach, which is not overcrowded with beach umbrellas, allowing for a tranquil experience. They appreciate the lack of crowds, contrasting it with busier coastal areas they have visited.
In their search for more beaches, they discover River Seaside Beach and Livadi Beach, noting the ongoing preparations for the summer season. Despite some areas still undergoing renovations, they enjoy the calm waters and the chance to relax without many visitors around.
Snorkeling Adventures
Part 6/8:
Himare’s beaches are a haven for snorkelers, offering clear waters teeming with marine life. The vloggers take advantage of exploring the underwater surroundings, encountering colorful fish and rocky outcrops that add to the allure of the location. The richness of the underwater scenery complements the picturesque views above water, making Himare a versatile destination for beachgoers and adventurers alike.
Embracing the Atmosphere of Himare
Part 7/8:
As their time in Himare approaches its end, the vloggers reflect on their journey, easily falling in love with the serene environment and breathtaking scenery. They appreciate the diversity of beaches—from sandy shores to pebble beaches—accommodating all types of travelers. The calm waters and rapid depth changes in Himare set it apart from other places they've visited earlier in Albania, reinstating their admiration for this hidden gem.
Concluding their exploration, they rate Himare four and a half out of five buckets for its scenic beaches, delicious dining options, and peaceful atmosphere.
Next Adventures Await
Part 8/8:
The vlog wraps up with a promise of new adventures ahead, as the vloggers plan to journey to Sarande, another beautiful destination along the Albanian coast. Their experiences in Himare not only reveal its beauty but also hint at the diverse offerings along the Albanian Riviera waiting for more travelers to discover.
The vlog captures not just the sights of Himare but also the joy and excitement of traveling off the beaten path, celebrating the charm of lesser-known destinations and the unique experiences they provide.