Himara Castle & Old Town
In town — 15–20 min walk uphill from the promenade
Monastery
Saint Theodore Monastery
Hilltop between Dhermi and Gjipe Beach
- Period
- 14th century (built on ancient Temple of Zeus ruins)
- From Himara
- ~15 km north on SH8 (20 min drive)
- Entry
- Free; parking 200–300 ALL (~€2–3)
- Hours
- Daylight hours; no fixed gate hours
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours including the walk up from the parking
About Saint Theodore Monastery
Saint Theodore Monastery (Albanian: Manastiri i Shën Theodhorit, Greek: Μονή Αγίου Θεοδώρου) sits on a hilltop between Dhermi and Gjipe Beach — one of the most historically layered sites on the Albanian Riviera. Built on the ruins of an ancient temple to Zeus, converted into an Orthodox monastery in the 14th century, repurposed as a Soviet navy holiday resort in the 1950s, then an Albanian military post until the late 1980s, and now under restoration. This single hilltop tells the entire story of Albania in compressed form.
History
The earliest layer is an ancient temple of Zeus — pre-Christian, classical period. The Byzantines built the Orthodox monastery on top in the 14th century. The complex operated continuously until WWII, when the Italians occupied it. After the Soviet split in 1961, the new Albanian regime used the site as a military observation post overlooking the bay, fortifying it with bunkers that are still visible. Earlier, between 1948 and 1961, parts of the complex had served as a Soviet navy holiday resort — visiting officers from the Pasha Liman submarine base stayed here. Restoration began after 1991.
What You See
14th-century Byzantine church foundations and partial walls; visible ancient temple stones reused in the monastery construction; Hoxha-era bunkers and military outbuildings around the perimeter; panoramic coastal views — south toward Himara and north toward Llogara Pass, with Gjipe Beach far below; on exceptionally clear days, Corfu on the western horizon.
Photos
How to Visit
Drive north from Himara on SH8 (~15 km, 20 min). The turnoff is signed 'Manastiri i Shën Theodhorit' before you reach Dhermi village, on the left. A narrow single-lane road winds 2.5 km through olive groves to a small parking area — the same lot used for Gjipe Beach access. From the parking, a paved stone footpath climbs 10–15 minutes to the monastery.
Best Time to Visit
Morning for clearest views and coolest temperatures. The walk up from the parking is partly exposed. Combine with Gjipe Beach in the afternoon — the same parking lot serves both, and the beach is a longer downhill walk from there.
Location
Deep Dive: Full Visitor Guide
History, practical tips, and route notes in long form — the article that goes deeper than this page.
See Saint Theodore Monastery from the Sea
How operators reach this site by boat, which tours include it, and what the arrival looks like from offshore.
Pair With: Gjipe Beach
The natural other half of the day. Sand and sea after stone and history.
Nearby
- Gjipe BeachBeach
- DhermiBeach
- Panagia Drymadon MonasteryMonastery
Questions
Can you drive all the way to Saint Theodore Monastery?
No. You can drive 2.5 km from SH8 to a parking area through olive groves, but the final 10–15 minute stretch is a paved stone footpath. Parking costs 200–300 ALL (~€2–3). The same lot serves Gjipe Beach, so it fills up in peak summer — arrive before 10 AM in July and August.
Is Saint Theodore Monastery free?
Entry to the monastery itself is free. You only pay for parking at the lot near the trailhead — 200–300 ALL (~€2–3). There are no fixed visiting hours, no gate, and no ticket booth. The site is partly under restoration; access to specific buildings may be limited.
What is the history of Saint Theodore Monastery?
Built in the 14th century on the foundations of an ancient temple to Zeus. Operated continuously as an Orthodox monastery until WWII. After 1948 it served as a Soviet navy holiday resort, then as an Albanian military post from 1961 until the late 1980s. Restoration began after 1991. Few sites compress this much Albanian history into one hilltop.
Can you combine the monastery with Gjipe Beach?
Yes — this is the standard half-day plan. The same parking area serves both. Visit the monastery first (1.5–2 hours), then walk the downhill path to Gjipe Beach for the afternoon. The beach is one of the Riviera's prettiest — pebbly, partly clothing-optional, and accessible only by foot or boat.
Other Landmarks Near Himara
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