A lived-in hilltop old town inside ancient castle walls — alleys, ruined churches and the best sunset view over the whole Himarë coast.
Castle · old town
Free
1–2 hours
Himarë
High above the modern seafront, the old town of Himarë — the Kastro — sits inside fortification walls that have been rebuilt and repaired since antiquity. Unlike most castles, this one is still a neighbourhood: stone houses in various states of ruin and revival, tiny churches, fig trees pushing through doorways, and locals who never left.
Come in the last two hours of daylight. The lanes are cool, the light turns the stone gold, and from the western walls you can trace the coast from Livadhi all the way south past Porto Palermo.
Drive the winding road up from Himarë town (5–10 minutes, park outside the walls) or walk up — a steep 30–40 minutes. The road is narrow; take it slowly.
The old town is open and free at all hours — it's a living quarter, not a ticketed site. A few small churches open irregularly; be respectful around homes.
Golden hour is everything here. Wear proper shoes for uneven stone, bring water, and stay for the lights coming on along the coast below.
Spend the day at Livadhi or Himarë's town beaches, then drive up for sunset.
Descend to Himarë's promenade or harbour for seafood — the kitchens are at their best in the evening.
Porto Palermo Castle is 15 minutes south — two castles, one afternoon.
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