Himare rent a car
✓ No Deposit ✓ No Credit Card ✓ Insurance ✓ Free Cancellation ✓ Cheap prices
Rent a car in Himare from €15/day with pickup in the coastal town center or delivered to your beachfront hotel. Explore Albanian Riviera beaches, hidden coves, and mountain villages with flexible rental options and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Vehicle Options and Pricing
| Vehicle Category | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Transmission | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat Panda, similar) | €15-20 | €90-120 | Manual | Beach hopping, short distances |
| Compact Sedan (VW Polo, similar) | €20-25 | €120-150 | Manual/Auto (+€5/day) | Riviera touring |
| SUV Compact (Dacia Duster, similar) | €35-45 | €210-270 | Manual/Auto (+€6/day) | Mountain villages, comfort |
| Convertible/Cabriolet (seasonal) | €55-75 | €330-450 | Automatic | Coastal scenic drives |
| 4×4 Full-size (Toyota RAV4, similar) | €50-65 | €300-390 | Automatic | Family beach trips, Greek border |
All rates include: unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, third-party liability, 24/7 roadside assistance.
Seasonal pricing: Peak season (June-September): prices 20-30% higher | Shoulder season (May, October): standard rates | Off-season (November-April): 15-20% discount available.
No Deposit Car Rental Options Available
We offer extensive selection of no-deposit rentals in Himare – pay only the rental fee without security deposit hold on your credit card. No-deposit options available across all vehicle categories from economy beach cars to SUVs, subject to availability and booking terms.
Standard rentals require €200-600 deposit depending on vehicle class, but no-deposit packages eliminate this requirement completely. Ideal for summer beach vacations where you prefer keeping your card available for other expenses. No-deposit availability especially high during shoulder season (May, October) and for advance bookings (14+ days ahead).
Request no-deposit option when making reservation – specify “zero deposit rental” in booking comments or contact supplier directly to confirm availability for your dates. Note: Peak summer season (July-August) may have limited no-deposit inventory due to high demand.
Rental Requirements
Minimum age: 21 years (convertible and luxury categories require 25+ years)
Driver’s license: Valid for minimum 1 year
Documents needed: Passport, driver’s license, credit card for deposit (unless no-deposit option selected)
Security deposit (standard rentals): €200-300 (economy/compact), €400-600 (SUV categories), €700-900 (convertibles) – held on credit card, released 14-30 days after return inspection.
International Driving Permit: Recommended but not mandatory for EU/US/UK/Canadian/Australian licenses for stays under 90 days.
Pickup and Return Locations
Main pickup point: Himare town center (near main beach promenade)
Alternative options: Delivery to beachfront hotels in Himare, Saranda pickup (55km), Tirana Airport pickup (240km transfer with additional fee)
Standard operating hours: 8:00-20:00 daily (extended to 22:00 during July-August peak season)
After-hours pickup: Available by arrangement with €15-20 fee
One-way rentals: Available to Saranda, Vlora, Tirana, or Greek border with additional fee (€30-80 depending on distance)
Why Rent a Car in Himare
Himare positioned on Albanian Riviera (Ionian Coast) between dramatic Ceraunian Mountains and turquoise Ionian Sea. Located 240km south of Tirana, 70km north of Saranda, serving as perfect base for exploring southern Albania’s pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and mountain villages.
Distances from Himare:
| Destination | Distance | Drive Time | Road Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhërmi beach | 20km | 25 minutes | SH8 coastal road | Famous beach, nightlife |
| Jale beach | 12km | 15 minutes | SH8 scenic route | Hidden cove, clear water |
| Gjipe Canyon & Beach | 8km | 20 minutes | Road + 20min hike | Secluded canyon beach |
| Borsh beach | 10km | 12 minutes | SH8 south | Longest beach in Albania (7km) |
| Porto Palermo Castle | 15km | 18 minutes | SH8 coastal | Ali Pasha fortress, bay views |
| Saranda (Riviera capital) | 55km | 50 minutes | SH8 mountain pass | Coastal town, ferry to Corfu |
| Butrint National Park (UNESCO) | 90km | 1h 30min | Via Saranda | Ancient ruins |
| Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër) | 70km | 1h 10min | Via mountain route | Natural spring |
| Gjirokaster (UNESCO) | 80km | 1h 30min | Mountain road | Stone city |
| Vlora (northern Riviera) | 70km | 1h 10min | SH8 via Llogara Pass | Llogara National Park |
| Llogara Pass viewpoint | 50km | 55 minutes | SH8 mountain pass | 1,000m elevation, panoramic views |
| Greece (Kakavia border) | 75km | 1h 20min | Via inland route | Border crossing |
| Ksamil beaches | 70km | 1h 5min | Via Saranda | Caribbean-like beaches |
Parking in Himare: Free street parking available in residential areas and along beachfront outside peak season. July-August: Limited parking, paid lots near main beaches (€2-5/day). Most hotels offer free parking for guests. Beach clubs typically provide parking for customers.
Road Conditions and Driving
SH8 Coastal Road (Albanian Riviera): Spectacular scenic highway along Ionian coast – well-maintained asphalt but winding with numerous hairpin turns, steep gradients, and sheer coastal drops. No guardrails on some sections. Drive cautiously, especially in wet conditions.
Llogara Pass (toward Vlora): Mountain pass climbing to 1,000m elevation – dramatic switchbacks with panoramic sea views. 10-15% gradients, narrow sections. Allow 30-40 minutes for 30km pass section. One of Albania’s most scenic drives.
Beach access roads: Main beaches (Himare, Dhërmi, Borsh) accessible via paved roads. Secondary beaches (Gjipe, Jale, Livadhi) may require short unpaved sections – passable with standard vehicles in dry weather, SUV recommended after rain.
Summer traffic (July-August): SH8 experiences heavy tourist traffic, especially weekends. Expect slower travel times and occasional congestion near popular beaches.
Winter conditions (November-March): Coastal road remains open year-round, but many beach facilities closed. Llogara Pass can experience snow/ice – check conditions, carry chains.
Fuel stations: Available in Himare center and along SH8 at Dhërmi, Borsh, Saranda. Stations spaced 15-25km apart on coastal route. Fill tank before mountain passes – limited stations on inland routes. Payment: Cash (Albanian Lek/EUR) and cards at major stations.
Cross-Border Travel to Greece
Greek border crossing permitted with advance notification (48-72 hours minimum). Additional insurance required for Greece: €20-30/day depending on coverage level. Most common route from Himare: Inland via Gjirokaster to Kakavia crossing (75km).
Border crossing points accessible from Himare:
- Kakavia (via Gjirokaster) – 75km inland – operates 24/7
- Qafë Botë (mountain route) – operates 7:00-21:00
Required for Greece entry: Green Card insurance, vehicle registration, rental agreement with cross-border authorization. Present all documents at border control.
Popular Greek destinations from Himare: Ioannina (130km), Corfu (ferry from Saranda), Parga (150km), Preveza (180km).
Note: Some beach-focused rentals may not permit cross-border travel – confirm during booking if planning Greek excursions.
Booking Process
Reserve online minimum 24-48 hours before pickup (peak season July-August recommend 7+ days advance, cross-border requires 72 hours notice)
Confirmation sent via email with voucher and pickup instructions
Deposit charged upon vehicle collection (standard rentals), or zero authorization for no-deposit bookings
Released 14-30 days after return pending damage inspection
Fuel policy: Full-to-full (pick up full, return full – most common)
Optional extras:
- GPS navigation: €5/day (recommended for finding hidden beaches)
- Beach equipment package (umbrella, cooler): €10/rental (seasonal)
- Child seats (infant/toddler/booster): €3-4/day each
- Additional driver: €5/day per driver
- Greek border insurance package: €20-30/day
- Convertible upgrade (subject to availability): €30-50/day additional
Insurance Coverage
Standard Package (Included):
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): €500-800 excess
- Theft Protection (TP): €500 excess
- Third Party Liability: Up to legal minimum
- Roadside assistance: 24/7 Albania-wide
Upgrade Options:
- Super CDW (Full Protection): €8-12/day – reduces excess to €0
- Greek border insurance: €20-30/day – covers cross-border incidents
- Windscreen/tire/undercarriage protection: €5/day (recommended for beach roads)
Beach driving considerations: Sand and salt exposure can affect vehicles. Avoid driving on beach sand. Rinse vehicle if exposed to sea spray. Standard insurance covers normal wear, but deliberate beach driving damage not covered.
Local Driving Tips for Albanian Riviera
SH8 Coastal Road safety: Hairpin turns and steep drops require focused driving. Use lower gears on descents to save brakes. Scenic viewpoints marked – pull over safely for photos rather than stopping mid-road.
Beach parking etiquette: Arrive early (before 10:00) at popular beaches (Dhërmi, Jale, Gjipe) during July-August to secure parking. Unofficial parking attendants common – €2-3 parking fee typical. Always lock vehicle and avoid leaving valuables visible.
Speed limits: 40km/h in Himare town, 60-80km/h on SH8 depending on section (reduced to 40km/h on tight curves). Police checkpoints occasionally set up on coastal road – keep documents accessible.
Best times to drive SH8: Early morning (6:00-9:00) or late afternoon (17:00-20:00) offer best light for photography and less traffic. Midday (11:00-15:00) busiest in summer.
Llogara Pass timing: Allow 1.5-2 hours for Himare-Vlora drive including photo stops. Start early to avoid afternoon heat and traffic. Sunset drives spectacular but require extra caution as visibility decreases.
Hidden beaches access: Gjipe requires parking at trailhead then 20-minute hike down canyon. Aquarium Beach, Bunec Beach accessible via short unpaved sections – drive slowly to avoid undercarriage damage.
Seasonal Considerations
Peak Summer (July-August): Himare population swells from 3,000 to 30,000+. Book accommodation and rental car well in advance. Beach clubs and restaurants fully operational. Expect parking challenges and slower coastal road travel.
Shoulder Season (May-June, September-October): Ideal for driving – pleasant weather, less traffic, lower prices. Most facilities open. Sea warm enough for swimming. Best value period.
Off-Season (November-April): Many hotels/restaurants closed. Peaceful driving experience. Sea too cold for most swimmers. Some beach access roads not maintained. Good for scenic driving and mountain village exploration.
Contact and Support
Rental supplier contact details provided in confirmation email. English and Italian-speaking support available during business hours (8:00-20:00, extended hours July-August). Emergency roadside assistance operates 24/7 across Albania and Greece (if cross-border authorized).
Emergency contacts: Albania emergency: 112 | Roadside assistance in rental docs | Coastal rescue: 127 | Greek emergency (if authorized): 112
Mobile coverage: Good coverage along SH8 coastal road and in Himare town. Limited signal in mountain valleys and some remote beaches.