Himarë is a multilingual city in southern Albania along the Albanian Riviera and is located within the Vlore County. It is the biggest village and administrative center of Himarëë. The town and municipality are mostly inhabited by people of Greek ancestry.
The Himarë region is a strip roughly 20 km long and 5 km broad, with a total area of 132.13 km2, surrounded by the 2000-metre-high Llogara mountains to the northeast (known in antiquity and the local Greek dialect as the Ceraunian mountains) and the Ionian Sea to the southwest. There are extensive beaches with white sand, and the small hills near the water are terraced and covered with olive and citrus trees. During the Ottoman period, the towns of Himarëë were strategically positioned on the peaks of the Ceraunian range to provide natural defenses against the Lab Albanians. During the Ottoman era, the Himarëë region’s conventionally understood bounds shrunk until they were limited to the town of Himarëë and the coastal settlements (Bregdet in Albanian).
Demographics
The population of the Himarëë area is 11,257, with a largely Greek ethnic mix for both the town and the region. Himarëë, Dhrmi, and Palas, which make for the majority of the region’s population, are inhabited by Greeks, whilst Pilur, Kudhs, Vuno, and Ilias are inhabited by an Orthodox Albanian community. Greeks (upper neighborhood) and an Orthodox Albanian population reside in the hamlet of Qeparo (lower neighbourhood). On the other hand, according to the most recent official census in Albania (2011), which was widely contested due to procedural irregularities and whose results were affected by a boycott by a portion of the Greek minority, 60.38 percent were registered as Albanians, 24.56 percent as Greeks, and 14.0 percent chose not to declare any ethnicity. According to the 2011 census, there were 7,818 inhabitants in Himarëëa Municipality and 2,822 inhabitants in the Himarëëa administrative unit (the pre-2015 municipality). Comparatively, according to the 2015 Albanian Civil Registry offices, which identify all Albanian nationals, including those who reside abroad, the population of the municipality was 27,049 persons. After the municipality of Dropull, Himarëëa has the second lowest population density in Albania. The bulk of the population has departed for Greece or Albania’s big cities.
According to Athanasios Psalidas, a Greek scholar and secretary to Ali Pasha, three of the territory’s villages were deemed Greek in the early 19th century, but there were also several Orthodox Albanian villages in the vicinity. In general, the residents’ allegiances were narrowly to their individual clans (the “phatriae”) and regions, and broadly to their Orthodox faith and cultural heritage. The latter criteria suggest deeper relationships with their fellow Greeks than with the Muslim Albanian populations.
Religion
The majority of Himarë’s residents are Orthodox Christians. In 1577, 38 Himarëa area chieftains petitioned Pope Gregory XIII for weapons and supplies against the Ottomans. They pledged to move from the Orthodox Church to the Roman Catholic Church and to acknowledge Philip II of Spain as their ruler. Since the bulk of the population is Greek and does not speak the Frankish language, they requested that their liturgical traditions be preserved. From 1577 through 1765, the people identified with the Roman Catholic Church and acknowledged the Pope as its religious leader. The success of Roman Catholic missionaries among Albanians of Eastern rite in Himarë led to the territory becoming a haven for converted Orthodox prelates. Himarëiotes thus adhered mostly to Christianity, but isolated conversions to Islam were documented as early as the 16th century. One of them, Ajaz Pasha, became Grand Vizier and was sent by the Ottoman Sultan to suppress the Himarëiotes rebellion in 1537. Despite this, crypto-Christianity emerged, especially in the settlements of Fterre, Corraj, and Vuno. In addition, Basilian missions have been sent by Rome since 1682, establishing a number of Greek schools.
The rebuilt Orthodox church of Saint Athanasius in Dhermi was bulldozed by Albanian police in August 2015, weeks after local officials ruled it a “illegal structure.” The Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church deemed it a vandalistic act of degradation and a breach of church property, and Greece lodged diplomatic objections. This is the second time the church has been demolished; the first time occurred under the People’s Republic of Albania, but the local Orthodox Church reconstructed it following the return of democracy in the nation (1991). The Albanian government has pledged to reconstruct the church after the completion of archaeological digs. The destruction of the religious structure prompted significant responses from the European Commission.
History
In antiquity, the Chaonians, a Greek tribe, occupied the area. It is thought that the Chaonians established Himarë as (Chimaira or Chimaera, thus the name Himarëa) as a trade station on the Chaonian coast. However, another hypothesis suggests that the name originates from the Greek word (cheimarros), which means “torrent.”
Ancient authors, including Pliny the Elder and Procopius, mention the city.
During the 16th to 18th centuries, Himarëa was under the ecclesiastical authority of Rome, and some of its residents were Catholics of the Eastern rite.
How To Travel To Himarë
By bus
Vlore or Tirana-bound public buses link to Vlor and Tirana, respectively (there are few a day depending on the season). It is the least expensive yet slowest option (from Tirana 1000 lek and approx. 6 hours bus ride). In addition, there is a daily direct route between Gjirokastr, Athens, and Elbasan. There is no bus terminal in Himarë; inform the driver of your desired drop-off location.
By car
Himarëë is located on the SH8 highway (next to the riveria).
Tirana(4½ hours – 220 km (140 mi))
Vlorë(2 hours – 70 km (43 mi))
Sarandë(1 hr 15 min – 53 km (33 mi))
Following the route from Tirana or Vlore, you will cross the Llogara-path and Maja e iks (2,045 m), which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Ionian Sea. There are a few eateries where you may get a quick meal before continuing your journey. Additionally, the route borders the lovely Parku Kombtar Llogara National Park.
Tourism In Himarë
Southern Albania’s rocky shoreline is lined with lovely settlements that are home to around 28,000 people. Visitors have their choice from various sites, including Palasë, Dhërmi, Ilias, Vuno, Himarëëë, Pilur, Kudhes, Qeparo, Borsh, Piqeras, Sasaj, Lukove, Coraj, Kuc, Kallarat, Bolene and Vranisht. The village of Himarëa is the best option for individuals in search of a location that is less remote than a big metropolis yet less turbulent.
Himarë has a beachfront promenade, an abundance of Greek-style taverns, and, like the rest of the region, its hilltop ancient town maintains the signs of a storied past. The old town, Kastro, is structured on and around the ancient castle and the seaside district of Spilea, the region’s commercial and tourism hub. Visitors may explore the rocky settlements of Vuno, Ilias, Dhrmi, and Palas to the north of Himarë. Thanks to the proliferation of beach resorts, Dhermi has become a popular destination for both international and domestic visitors.
There is also the option to visit the various churches located within the castle of Himarë, which was originally built during classical antiquity, such as the Church of Virgin Mary, or Episkopi, which was constructed on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo, as well as the Aghioi Pantes church, which is easily accessible as it is located at the entrance of the castle.
Sights & Landmarks In Himarë
Himare, is located in Vlore County in southern Albania, bordered on one side by 1243-mile-high mountains and on the other by the Ionian Sea. Visitors can explore numerous castles, churches, monasteries, and fortresses in the Himara area.
Himare, like many other Albanian towns, has numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs. As you stroll down the seafront, you will be surrounded with plenty of tempting restaurants options.
Family-friendly beaches, such as Llamani beach, are easily accessible by car. From Himare, you can also easily reach nearby communities including Jale, Dhermi, and Palase.
River Cocktail Bar, Folie Marine Bar, Lido Cocktail Bar, Serenity Beach Bar, Viamare Beach Bar, San Marco Beach Bar is some of the nightlife options in Himare.
Himarë
Himarë
Geography
The Himarë region is a strip roughly 20 km long and 5 km broad, with a total area of 132.13 km2, surrounded by the 2000-metre-high Llogara mountains to the northeast (known in antiquity and the local Greek dialect as the Ceraunian mountains) and the Ionian Sea to the southwest. There are extensive beaches with white sand, and the small hills near the water are terraced and covered with olive and citrus trees. During the Ottoman period, the towns of Himarëë were strategically positioned on the peaks of the Ceraunian range to provide natural defenses against the Lab Albanians. During the Ottoman era, the Himarëë region’s conventionally understood bounds shrunk until they were limited to the town of Himarëë and the coastal settlements (Bregdet in Albanian).
Demographics
The population of the Himarëë area is 11,257, with a largely Greek ethnic mix for both the town and the region. Himarëë, Dhrmi, and Palas, which make for the majority of the region’s population, are inhabited by Greeks, whilst Pilur, Kudhs, Vuno, and Ilias are inhabited by an Orthodox Albanian community. Greeks (upper neighborhood) and an Orthodox Albanian population reside in the hamlet of Qeparo (lower neighbourhood). On the other hand, according to the most recent official census in Albania (2011), which was widely contested due to procedural irregularities and whose results were affected by a boycott by a portion of the Greek minority, 60.38 percent were registered as Albanians, 24.56 percent as Greeks, and 14.0 percent chose not to declare any ethnicity. According to the 2011 census, there were 7,818 inhabitants in Himarëëa Municipality and 2,822 inhabitants in the Himarëëa administrative unit (the pre-2015 municipality). Comparatively, according to the 2015 Albanian Civil Registry offices, which identify all Albanian nationals, including those who reside abroad, the population of the municipality was 27,049 persons. After the municipality of Dropull, Himarëëa has the second lowest population density in Albania. The bulk of the population has departed for Greece or Albania’s big cities.
According to Athanasios Psalidas, a Greek scholar and secretary to Ali Pasha, three of the territory’s villages were deemed Greek in the early 19th century, but there were also several Orthodox Albanian villages in the vicinity. In general, the residents’ allegiances were narrowly to their individual clans (the “phatriae”) and regions, and broadly to their Orthodox faith and cultural heritage. The latter criteria suggest deeper relationships with their fellow Greeks than with the Muslim Albanian populations.
Religion
The majority of Himarë’s residents are Orthodox Christians. In 1577, 38 Himarëa area chieftains petitioned Pope Gregory XIII for weapons and supplies against the Ottomans. They pledged to move from the Orthodox Church to the Roman Catholic Church and to acknowledge Philip II of Spain as their ruler. Since the bulk of the population is Greek and does not speak the Frankish language, they requested that their liturgical traditions be preserved. From 1577 through 1765, the people identified with the Roman Catholic Church and acknowledged the Pope as its religious leader. The success of Roman Catholic missionaries among Albanians of Eastern rite in Himarë led to the territory becoming a haven for converted Orthodox prelates. Himarëiotes thus adhered mostly to Christianity, but isolated conversions to Islam were documented as early as the 16th century. One of them, Ajaz Pasha, became Grand Vizier and was sent by the Ottoman Sultan to suppress the Himarëiotes rebellion in 1537. Despite this, crypto-Christianity emerged, especially in the settlements of Fterre, Corraj, and Vuno. In addition, Basilian missions have been sent by Rome since 1682, establishing a number of Greek schools.
The rebuilt Orthodox church of Saint Athanasius in Dhermi was bulldozed by Albanian police in August 2015, weeks after local officials ruled it a “illegal structure.” The Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church deemed it a vandalistic act of degradation and a breach of church property, and Greece lodged diplomatic objections. This is the second time the church has been demolished; the first time occurred under the People’s Republic of Albania, but the local Orthodox Church reconstructed it following the return of democracy in the nation (1991). The Albanian government has pledged to reconstruct the church after the completion of archaeological digs. The destruction of the religious structure prompted significant responses from the European Commission.
History
In antiquity, the Chaonians, a Greek tribe, occupied the area. It is thought that the Chaonians established Himarë as (Chimaira or Chimaera, thus the name Himarëa) as a trade station on the Chaonian coast. However, another hypothesis suggests that the name originates from the Greek word (cheimarros), which means “torrent.”
Ancient authors, including Pliny the Elder and Procopius, mention the city.
During the 16th to 18th centuries, Himarëa was under the ecclesiastical authority of Rome, and some of its residents were Catholics of the Eastern rite.
How To Travel To Himarë
By bus
Vlore or Tirana-bound public buses link to Vlor and Tirana, respectively (there are few a day depending on the season). It is the least expensive yet slowest option (from Tirana 1000 lek and approx. 6 hours bus ride). In addition, there is a daily direct route between Gjirokastr, Athens, and Elbasan. There is no bus terminal in Himarë; inform the driver of your desired drop-off location.
By car
Himarëë is located on the SH8 highway (next to the riveria).
Following the route from Tirana or Vlore, you will cross the Llogara-path and Maja e iks (2,045 m), which offers a breathtaking panorama of the Ionian Sea. There are a few eateries where you may get a quick meal before continuing your journey. Additionally, the route borders the lovely Parku Kombtar Llogara National Park.
Tourism In Himarë
Southern Albania’s rocky shoreline is lined with lovely settlements that are home to around 28,000 people. Visitors have their choice from various sites, including Palasë, Dhërmi, Ilias, Vuno, Himarëëë, Pilur, Kudhes, Qeparo, Borsh, Piqeras, Sasaj, Lukove, Coraj, Kuc, Kallarat, Bolene and Vranisht. The village of Himarëa is the best option for individuals in search of a location that is less remote than a big metropolis yet less turbulent.
Himarë has a beachfront promenade, an abundance of Greek-style taverns, and, like the rest of the region, its hilltop ancient town maintains the signs of a storied past. The old town, Kastro, is structured on and around the ancient castle and the seaside district of Spilea, the region’s commercial and tourism hub. Visitors may explore the rocky settlements of Vuno, Ilias, Dhrmi, and Palas to the north of Himarë. Thanks to the proliferation of beach resorts, Dhermi has become a popular destination for both international and domestic visitors.
There is also the option to visit the various churches located within the castle of Himarë, which was originally built during classical antiquity, such as the Church of Virgin Mary, or Episkopi, which was constructed on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to the god Apollo, as well as the Aghioi Pantes church, which is easily accessible as it is located at the entrance of the castle.
Sights & Landmarks In Himarë
Himare, is located in Vlore County in southern Albania, bordered on one side by 1243-mile-high mountains and on the other by the Ionian Sea. Visitors can explore numerous castles, churches, monasteries, and fortresses in the Himara area.
Porto Palermo Submarine Bunker
3QCG+FHW, SH8, Porto Palermo, AlbaniaHimara Castle
SH8, 9422, Himarë, AlbaniaChurch of All Saints, Upper Himara
SH8, 9422, Himarë, AlbaniaAli Pasha Tepelena Fortress
Ali Pasha Tepelena Fortress, Porto Palermo, AlbaniaRestaurants In Himarë
Himare, like many other Albanian towns, has numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs. As you stroll down the seafront, you will be surrounded with plenty of tempting restaurants options.
To Steki sti Gonia
Spile, 9425, Himarë, AlbaniaTramonto Ristorante
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaTaverna Lefteri – Since 1998
Spile, 9425, Himarë, AlbaniaTaverna Stoli
SH8, 9422, Himarë, AlbaniaAccommodation In Himarë
Discover the most well-liked lodging options in Himarë, along with advice from other tourists and great hotel deals.
Wait ‘n Sea
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaRapos Resort Hotel
SH8, 9422, Himarë, AlbaniaRea Boutique Hotel
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaMiamar Hotel
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaBeaches in Himarë
Family-friendly beaches, such as Llamani beach, are easily accessible by car. From Himare, you can also easily reach nearby communities including Jale, Dhermi, and Palase.
Prinos Beach
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaQeparo beach
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaPotam Beach
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaMarac Beach
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaNightlife in Himarë
River Cocktail Bar, Folie Marine Bar, Lido Cocktail Bar, Serenity Beach Bar, Viamare Beach Bar, San Marco Beach Bar is some of the nightlife options in Himare.
Viamare Beach Bar
SH8, 9422, Himarë, AlbaniaSerenity Beach Bar
Himarë, Vlora, AlbaniaRiver Cocktail Bar
Cave of Himara (Spile), Rruga Qëndrore, Spile, 9425, SH8, HimarëSan Marco Beach Bar
Livadhi Beach, Himarë, AlbaniaKeep Exploring
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