Cafe Butterfly is the cafe you visit when the view matters more than the espresso. Perched on the ancient castle walls of Himara Old Town (Kastro), it delivers one of the best coastal panoramas on the Albanian Riviera with a coffee in your hand. The cafe itself is small and simple — this is not a third-wave roaster — but the setting is unmatched: stone walls below you, open Ionian in front of you, and the quiet of the Old Town at your back.
Quick Take
| Info | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cafe, light refreshments |
| Location | Castle walls, Himara Old Town (Kastro) |
| Price range | Budget (€) |
| Highlight | Panoramic views from the castle walls |
| Google rating | 4.7 / 54 reviews |
| Best for | Mid-morning coffee, sunset drink, short stops during an Old Town walk |
| Skip if | You want fine coffee nerdery or a full meal |
Why People Go
The castle walls of Himara's Old Town sit on a hill above the modern coastal town. Cafe Butterfly has one of the best positions on the wall — a terrace and tables arranged along the edge with uninterrupted views across the Spile bay, the promenade below, and the Ionian all the way to the horizon. On a clear day, you can see Corfu.
That's the whole pitch. The coffee, the sandwiches, the beer — all fine, all priced low. You're paying for a seat at one of the best views on the Riviera for the price of a macchiato.
What to Order
- Albanian coffee / macchiato — the default. Strong, served small, quick
- Espresso or cappuccino — standard Italian-style, well made
- Light sandwich or toast — available, not the reason you came
- Beer (Korca, Tirana) — cold, cheap, perfect for a 5pm stop
- Fresh juice — seasonal; orange in winter, watermelon in summer
Don't arrive expecting a full food menu. Cafe Butterfly is a coffee-and-light-refreshment stop, not a restaurant.
When to Go
- Mid-morning (10–11am): quieter, soft light on the coast, good for photos
- Late afternoon (4–6pm): classic coffee stop during an Old Town walk
- Sunset (7pm onwards): the big one. The cafe faces the sea; sunsets from this angle are among the most memorable on the Riviera
- Avoid: peak midday in August — the terrace is in full sun with limited shade
For sunset in July–August, arrive at least 45 minutes before the sun actually sets if you want a front-row table.
How to Find It
Cafe Butterfly is on the castle walls in Himara Old Town (Kastro) — the fortified old town on the hill above the coastal town. From Himara center:
- Walking from Spile promenade: 15–20 minutes uphill along a road that climbs through the newer town to the Old Town gate, then on foot into Kastro. It's a real walk — comfortable shoes matter
- By car: drive up to the Old Town parking area, then walk the last stretch on foot (cars can't enter Kastro)
- By scooter: easier than car for the final approach; several parking spots near the walls
Once inside Kastro, Cafe Butterfly is signed and visible as you follow the wall line toward the seaward side.
If you're going at night, bring a phone flashlight — the Old Town lanes are atmospheric but poorly lit.
What the Cafe Is Like
Small. Stone walls, wooden furniture, a few tables on the terrace, a few inside. The service is friendly and informal — order at the bar or get a quick table service outside. Wifi is available but inconsistent. Card payment is possible but cash (lek or euros) is easier.
No reservations. If you want a specific sunset seat on a peak-season evening, arrive early.
Pairing With an Old Town Walk
The best way to visit Cafe Butterfly is not as a destination but as a stop on a walking tour of the Himara Old Town. A two-hour loop:
- Walk up from Spile (15–20 minutes)
- Enter Kastro gate and wander the stone lanes
- Visit the castle churches (most are closed to entry but exteriors are worth seeing)
- Stop at Cafe Butterfly for coffee or a late-afternoon beer
- Walk back down before dark
For the full Old Town route, see Himara Old Town walking tour.
What It Isn't
- A meal stop — bring food expectations low
- A speciality-coffee destination — standard Italian-style espresso
- A cocktail bar — beer and simple drinks only
- An all-day hangout — better as a stop than a base
Who Cafe Butterfly Suits
Go if:
- You love a view with your coffee more than the coffee itself
- You're visiting the Old Town anyway
- You want a 30–60 minute scenic pause during a day of walking
- You want a photography-friendly cafe
Skip if:
- You want a full sit-down meal
- You won't walk up to the Old Town
- Crowded small terraces stress you out (peak August sunsets get busy)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Cafe Butterfly in Himara?
On the ancient castle walls inside Himara Old Town (Kastro), the fortified hilltop old town above the coastal town. It's signed from the main Old Town gate.
How do I get to Cafe Butterfly?
Walk up from the Spile promenade area — 15–20 minutes uphill. Driving gets you close but you'll walk the final stretch since cars can't enter the Old Town lanes.
Is Cafe Butterfly expensive?
No. Prices are budget-friendly for standard Albanian cafe fare — coffee, beer, light snacks. You're paying cafe prices for a genuinely world-class view.
When is the best time to visit Cafe Butterfly?
Sunset is the signature experience. Mid-morning and late afternoon are quieter with good light. Avoid midday August — the terrace runs hot with limited shade.
Is Cafe Butterfly open year-round?
Hours are reduced in the off-season. Call ahead or check ahead if you're traveling October–April. In peak season (June–September) it's reliably open.
