Livadhi Beach Guide: Himara's Best Family Beach

Livadhi Beach (Greek: Λιβάδι, Albanian: Plazhi i Livadhit) is the everyday beach. The one you keep going back to. While Himara has flashier coves and more secluded spots, Livadhi is where you actually spend most of your time — 1.5 km of pebble shoreline with shallow water that deepens gradually, pine trees framing the edges, restaurants right on the sand, and the silhouette of Himara's old castle on the hill above. It's the kind of beach where you show up at 10 AM and look at your phone at 5 PM wondering where the day went.

We ranked it #2 in our best beaches guide, behind only Gjipe for its canyon drama. But for an all-day, every-day beach — the one where families set up camp, where you eat lunch without leaving the water's edge, where the sunset hits just right — Livadhi is the best beach Himara has.

Quick Overview

Getting There

Livadhi sits about 4.5 km north of Himara center. You have three options:

Drive (10 minutes). Follow the coastal road north from town. The turn-off is well-signed. Free parking directly on the beach — a gravel area behind the shoreline with room for dozens of cars. Even in August you'll find a spot, though arriving before 11 AM helps.

Walk (10-15 minutes). A coastal path connects Himara center to Livadhi, winding along the shoreline with views the whole way. It's flat, easy, and pleasant in the morning or evening. Not ideal in the midday heat with kids and beach gear.

Boat taxi from Spile. Small boats run from Spile Beach to Livadhi during summer months. It's a short ride, scenic, and saves you the walk back when you're tired and sun-drunk. Ask at Spile's waterfront — they'll point you to a boat.

If you're renting a scooter or car for the day, Livadhi makes a natural base. You can easily combine it with trips to Llamani (5 minutes south) or Akuarium Beach (1.5 km hike from Livadhi's south end).

The Beach

Livadhi stretches roughly 1.5 km between two rocky headlands. That length is what makes it work — even at peak season, the beach never feels cramped. There's always space to spread out.

North End

The north end is more developed. This is where you'll find the main cluster of restaurants, the BOHO beach bar, and rows of sun loungers. The vibe here is social — music playing, people ordering drinks, kayaks being rented. If you want facilities and atmosphere, head north.

South End

The south end is quieter and more open. Fewer loungers, more free pebble to claim with your own towel. Pine trees grow close to the shore here, providing natural shade that saves you the 1,000 ALL parasol rental. The water is just as clear but you'll have more space to yourself. Families with younger kids tend to gravitate here — calmer, less foot traffic.

The Water

The water at Livadhi is the main reason families love it. It stays shallow for a good 20-30 meters out from shore, deepening gradually without sudden drop-offs. Kids can wade and splash in knee-deep water while parents sit in the shallows. The clarity is excellent — you can see the pebble bottom clearly in waist-deep water, and the turquoise color shifts to deeper blue as the seabed slopes away.

On calm days the surface is glass-flat, especially in the morning. Afternoon wind can bring some chop, but nothing dangerous — just enough to make the water lively.

The Surface

Pebbles. Different sizes, from small smooth stones to larger rounded rocks. Some sandy patches exist, particularly near the waterline, but don't come expecting sand. Water shoes are recommended — they make the walk from towel to water much more comfortable, and the rocky edges near the headlands require them for safe footing.

The rocky headlands on both sides are worth exploring with a snorkel mask. Fish congregate along the rock walls, and the snorkeling at Livadhi's edges is genuinely good for beginners.

Facilities & Services

Livadhi is a fully serviced beach. You can show up with nothing and have a complete day.

Free option: Bring your own towel and set up on the south end or between the lounger sections. All beaches in Albania are free to access by law — you never pay to enter. The loungers are optional.

Where to Eat at Livadhi

You don't need to leave the beach for a meal. Three spots stand out, and they're all within steps of the water.

The Jester's Taverna

The best sit-down restaurant on Livadhi. Seafood-focused with international options — grilled octopus, fresh fish, pasta, salads. The kind of place where you sit down for lunch and end up staying for three hours because the food is good, the view is better, and nobody rushes you. Expect to pay 1,000-2,000 ALL for a main course.

Tonea's Brunch

Lighter fare — eggs, sandwiches, smoothies, coffee. Good for a late breakfast or midday refuel without committing to a full meal. Prices run 500-1,200 ALL. Casual and quick.

BOHO Beach Bar

BOHO is more than a bar. It's one of the most visually striking spots on the entire Albanian Riviera — thoughtful design, comfortable lounge seating on the pebbles, and a DJ setup that creates atmosphere without overwhelming conversation. Come for cocktails at sunset. Seriously. The western orientation of Livadhi means BOHO gets front-row seats to the best light show on the coast. Cocktails from 600 ALL, beer from 300 ALL.

For more restaurant options in the area, check our full restaurant listings.

Swimming & Water Activities

Swimming

Livadhi's gradual depth profile makes it the safest swimming beach near Himara. Kids can play in the shallows while stronger swimmers head out to where the water turns deep blue. No strong currents, no sudden drop-offs. On calm mornings the visibility is remarkable — you'll spot fish from waist-deep water without a mask.

Snorkeling

The open beach itself is mostly pebble bottom — not much to see underwater. But walk to either headland where the rocks begin, and it gets interesting. Small fish, rock formations, and the kind of sheltered underwater walls that make beginner snorkeling satisfying. The south end toward the cliffs tends to have better marine life. Bring your own mask — there's no reliable gear rental on the beach. For serious snorkeling, check our full guide to snorkeling near Himara.

Kayaking

Kayak rental is available near the north end of the beach (500-1,000 ALL per hour). Paddle along the headlands for a different perspective on the coastline, or head south toward Akuarium Beach. It's a legitimate way to reach otherwise hike-only spots without breaking a sweat.

Boat Tours

Boat tours depart from nearby Himara port, not from Livadhi itself. But after a half-day on the water visiting caves and swimming coves, Livadhi is the perfect wind-down — come back, grab a lounger, and let the afternoon dissolve.

Camping Near Livadhi

Livadhi is the camping hub of the Himara area. Three campgrounds sit within walking distance of the beach, ranging from budget-basic to well-reviewed boutique camping. If you're road-tripping the Albanian Riviera with a tent, this is where you stop.

Camping Livadh

Right on the beach. You pitch your tent meters from the water and fall asleep to the sound of waves on pebbles. Facilities are basic — shared bathrooms, cold or lukewarm showers — but the location is unbeatable. At 8€-10 per night it's one of the cheapest ways to sleep on the Albanian Riviera.

Himara Camping

The budget option. Set on a hillside above Livadhi Beach, it's a short walk down to the water. 5€ per person makes it the cheapest accommodation in the Himara area, full stop. Open May through September. Expect bare-bones facilities and a communal, backpacker vibe.

Camping Kranea

The quality pick. A perfect 5/5 rating from guests, which is rare for any campground anywhere. Better facilities, more shade, a curated feel. The catch: a 3-night minimum stay and higher prices (~14€/night). If you're spending a few days at Livadhi anyway, this is worth booking — and you should book, because it fills up.

For a deeper look at camping along the coast, read our camping on the Albanian Riviera guide.

Sunset at Livadhi

This is the thing about Livadhi that people remember. The beach faces west, and the sun drops directly into the Ionian Sea in front of you. Himara's castle sits silhouetted on the hill above the south end, glowing orange in the last light. The water turns gold, then pink, then deep purple.

It's the best sunset spot on the Riviera. Not arguably — actually. Other beaches face south or are tucked into coves that block the horizon. Livadhi gives you the full, unobstructed show.

BOHO beach bar was built for this moment. But you don't need a cocktail to enjoy it — find a spot on the pebbles at the south end, sit down, and watch. It happens every evening and it's free.

If you're exploring Himara's old town and castle earlier in the day, time your descent to catch sunset at Livadhi on the way back.

Livadhi vs Other Himara Beaches

Every beach near Himara has a personality. Here's how Livadhi compares.

The short version: Spile is where you go when you don't want to drive. Livadhi is where you go when you want to spend the whole day. Llamani is for swimmers who want deep water and dramatic scenery. Gjipe is the adventure.

For the full breakdown, see our best beaches in Himara guide.

Best Time to Visit Livadhi

Season

June and September are the sweet spot. Warm weather, warm water (22-25°C), fewer people, lower prices at nearby hotels. The beach is fully operational — all restaurants and rental services are open — but you can actually find a lounger without arriving at dawn.

July and August work fine. This is Livadhi's advantage over smaller beaches: at 1.5 km long, it absorbs the summer crowds without feeling cramped. Where Gjipe and Akuarium become uncomfortably packed in peak season, Livadhi just gets lively. Afternoon wind picks up most days, but mornings are calm and clear.

May and October are shoulder season. Water is swimmable (18-22°C) but cooler. Some beach services may be closed. Good for camping and quiet beach days if you don't need full facilities.

For a deeper look at seasonal timing, read our best time to visit Himara guide.

Time of Day

Morning (before 11 AM): Calmest water, best visibility, easiest parking. This is when the water is at its most turquoise and glass-flat.

Midday to afternoon: Warmest, busiest. Afternoon wind creates some surface chop. Good for eating at the beach restaurants and lounging under a parasol.

Late afternoon to sunset: The magic hour. Crowds thin, the light turns golden, and the sunset begins. Don't leave before this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Livadhi Beach good for kids?

Yes — it's the best beach near Himara for children. The water stays shallow for 20-30 meters out and deepens gradually with no sudden drops. The south end has natural pine shade, there are restaurants for easy lunch breaks, and the pebble surface is smooth enough for play (though water shoes help). Many local families use Livadhi as their default beach for exactly these reasons.

Do I need water shoes at Livadhi?

Recommended. The beach is pebble — some areas smooth and walkable barefoot, others with larger stones that are uncomfortable without shoes. The rocky headlands at both ends require water shoes if you want to explore or snorkel. Buy a pair in Himara town for 10-15€ if you didn't pack them.

Is Livadhi Beach free?

Yes. All beaches in Albania are free to access by law. You'll never pay an entrance fee. Parking is free. The only costs are optional: sun loungers and parasols (~1,000 ALL/day), food, and drinks. Bring your own towel and you can spend the entire day for zero.

Can I camp at Livadhi Beach?

Yes. Three campgrounds operate near the beach: Camping Livadh (8€-10/night, beachfront), Himara Camping (5€/person, budget), and Camping Kranea (~14€/night, best rated, 3-night minimum). Wild camping directly on the beach is technically illegal in Albania, though enforcement is loose. The campgrounds are cheap enough that it's worth using them for the facilities. See our camping guide for details.

How does Livadhi compare to Dhermi Beach?

Different experiences. Livadhi is a long, shallow, family-friendly pebble beach with restaurants and sunset views. Dhermi is more of a scene — beach clubs, louder music, a younger crowd, and sandier patches in places. Livadhi is where you go to relax all day. Dhermi is where you go to be seen. Both have excellent water. If you're traveling on a budget, Livadhi's free parking and lower-priced restaurants give it an edge.