Southern Albania’s rocky coast is dotted with quaint villages inhabited by some 28,000 people. Visitors can choose from several locations including Palase, Dhermi, Ilias, Vouno, Himare, Pilur, Kudhes, Keparo, Barsch, Piqueras, Sasaj, Lukove, Koray, Kuch, Callarat, Bolene, and Vranisht. If you’re looking for something less remote but not as chaotic as a big city, look no further than the city of Himara.
Himari has a seafront promenade, numerous Greek-style tavernas and, like the rest of the area, its ancient hilltop town has a rich history. The old town of Castro is organized in and around the ancient castle and the coastal area of Spilea, the tourist and economic center of the region. North of Himara, visitors can discover the rock-carved villages of Vuno, Ilias, Dermi and Palase. Dermi has become a popular destination for both foreign and local tourists due to the rapid growth in the number of seaside resorts.
You can also visit the various churches inside Himara Castle, originally built in antiquity, such as the Church of Our Lady or the Bishop, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo, and the Church of St. Aghioi Pantes within easy reach as it is at the entrance to the castle.
