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- Bring mosquito repellant. I currently have 43 mosquito bites on every part of my body and they are more vicious here than they are in Tirana. Whether it is citronella, chemical repellant, garlic, or all three, don’t leave home without it.
- If the little buggers still manage to descend on you en masse, then make sure you have something to sooth the bites at hand. I saw one pharmacy in a week down here so bringing your own is a necessity.
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- Visit Himare Castle- it is only 100 lek to go in and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around taking photos and exploring the old buildings and churches.
- Anything you might need from a pharmacy- bring with you. This is not Tirana and the shops are not plentiful and open 24-7. If you think you might need it, bring it with you or risk having to drive a considerable distance for essentials.
- Same with ATMs- whilst I advise against carrying money with you anywhere you go, there are only ATMs in Himare city and a random backstreet in Dhermi- you do not have your pick of providers here so plan ahead about how you are going to pay for things as paying on your card is generally not an option.
- If you are staying in a B&B, guesthouse, apartment or complex, be ready to pay in cash. As mentioned, card machines are rarely available and this also applies to dining and drinking out.
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- Eat lots of fruit! It is everywhere here- sweet melons, tangy nectarines, and deliciously juicy figs- it is cheap and healthy, so go nuts!
- Your beach essentials are sea shoes and suncream but be sure to buy these before you visit as the prices are significantly higher in the souvenir shops. The beaches here are rocky and gritty in places so wearing sturdy sea shoes is a must unless you want bloody, and I don’t care how tough your skin is- the sun is strong here, make sure to wear at least factor any time after 10 am.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlsPqdOHJhu/?taken-by=thebalkanista
- Go sea kayaking with Albanian Adventures- you get to see parts of the coastline that you wouldn’t usually and some of the beaches you come across are unbelievably beautiful.
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- When it comes to beaches-Dhermi itself is more geared towards families but if you go a bit further to Drimahdzes then you can enjoy music and cocktails on your lounger in a more adult environment. Livadhi beach is a mix of the two including a selection of wonderful restaurants nearby.
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- If you feel like some out of this world seafood, head to Ostro Resort at Drimahdzes- I had the best krudo of my life here as well as amazing fish with rice cooked in squid ink. It is not cheap but when it comes to quality, it is a whole other world. They also have traditional live music in the evening which is great if you want an authentic experience with your dinner.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlwEttmnP8K/?taken-by=thebalkanista
- We stayed at Alex Bed & Breakfast just next to Himare Castle- the rooms are cheap but truly unique as some of them are carved into the mountainside. The hosts are incredibly friendly, it is very clean, and you can enjoy a beautiful view with your breakfast.
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- Be patient when it comes to service, again, this is not Tirana. Things move at a slower pace here so be prepared to wait or haggle for your servers attention.
- If you suffer from car sickness, bring some tablets with you as the roads to the area and around the area are impossibly winding and I found myself getting carsick on more than one occasion!
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- Make sure you have an extra memory card with you as the views and spectacular scenery here will keep you busy with your camera pretty much constantly.
- Most bars and restaurants are reasonably priced (a little more expensive than Tirana) but be warned, there are a couple that try to take the piss. 1300 lek for a brioche? 200 lek for a small still water? Check the prices and always check your receipt!
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- If you are feeling daring, go paragliding from Llogora- I was hoping to go but the weather meant it was not fit to fly but I will be returning soon to throw myself off a 1000m high ledge whilst I am attached to a parachute.
- Be flexible with your time- we extended our stay by three nights as we just did not want to leave.
- ENJOY IT! This is truly one of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of Europe so lie back, relax and soak it all up!
