Everything you need to know before you go -- money, safety, connectivity, and local customs.
Albania is one of the most affordable Mediterranean destinations. Himara is slightly pricier than inland Albania but still excellent value.
Currency
Albanian Lek (ALL)
Exchange Rate
1€ ≈ 100 ALL
Euros Accepted
Yes, widely
ATMs
Several in town
30-50€
Hostel/guesthouse, street food, public transport, free beaches.
70-120€
Hotel, restaurant meals, boat tour, sunbed rentals.
200+€
Boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours, water sports.
Emergency numbers work from any phone, including without a local SIM card.
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| General Emergency | 112 |
| Police | 129 |
| Ambulance | 127 |
| Fire | 128 |
Staying connected in Himara is straightforward, but coverage can drop in remote beach areas and mountain trails.
Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes offer free WiFi. Speed varies -- expect 10-30 Mbps in town, slower at beach bars. Some remote beaches have no coverage at all.
Buy a prepaid SIM from Vodafone Albania or ONE Telecommunications at shops in town. Vodafone tourist packs start at 15 GB for ~1,500 ALL (~15€), with 40 GB and 100 GB options available. Bring your passport for registration.
Albania is not in the EU, so EU roaming does not apply. Check your carrier for Albania rates or get a local SIM. Some phones may pick up Greek signal near the coast -- watch for unexpected charges.
Himara is very safe for tourists. These tips cover the practical considerations that catch visitors off guard.
Beaches are unguarded. Watch for strong currents on windy days, especially at Gjipe and Jale. Pebble beaches can be slippery -- water shoes are recommended.
UV is intense from June to September. Bring high-SPF sunscreen (limited selection locally), a hat, and stay hydrated. Sunstroke is a real risk midday.
The SH8 coastal road has hairpin turns, no guardrails in places, and aggressive overtaking. Drive defensively, especially at night. Honk before blind corners.
Tap water quality varies in Himara. Bottled water is cheap (0.30-0.50€) and recommended for drinking. Bring a refillable bottle -- some restaurants fill them for free.
When you visit shapes your entire experience. Here's what to expect in each season.
| Season | Months | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | July - August | 30-35C, minimal rain | Very busy | Highest | Book accommodation well ahead. Beaches crowded midday. Best nightlife and events. |
| Shoulder Season | May - June, September - October | 22-28C, occasional showers | Moderate | 20-40% lower | Ideal for most visitors. Warm enough for swimming, fewer crowds, lower prices. Sep/Oct water is warmest. |
| Off Season | November - April | 8-18C, rainy periods | Quiet | Lowest | Many hotels and restaurants close. Peaceful for hiking and cultural exploration. Some bus routes reduced. |
Albanian is the official language, but many locals in Himara also speak Greek due to the area's ethnic Greek minority. A few words go a long way.
| English | Albanian | Greek |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Pershendetje / Tungjatjeta | Yia sou |
| Thank you | Faleminderit | Efharisto |
| Please | Ju lutem | Parakalo |
| How much? | Sa kushton? | Poso kani? |
| Yes / No | Po / Jo | Ne / Ohi |
| Beer | Birre | Bira |
| Water | Uje | Nero |
| The bill | Llogarine, ju lutem | To logariasmo |
| Beach | Plazh | Paralia |
| Beautiful | E bukur | Oreo |
