As the saying goes, there is no bad weather – it is only a question of dressing properly. What to wear depends on the season, place, type and level of activity and the weather. When hiking in the Region of Himara it is often good to think on bringing multiple layers, so you can adjust accordingly to temperature and weather. Take off layers when you are warm and put on layers when you are cold. Sunglasses. The sun is very strong during summer and especially on the water. In general, we advise you to bring:

• Sunscreen for exposed skin. In summer the air may feel cool, but the sun still burns
• Mosquito net and repellent. Especially in July and August. If you are allergic to insect bites, you should bring antihistamine.
• Warm and sheltering headwear. Your head is one of the main areas of warmth drain and should be covered in cold conditions. In high summer the sun can be very strong, and a hat or cap can come in handy.

All prices in Himara do not include tips and gratuity. If you find the service at a restaurant or by a guide to be good, a tip is appreciated. How much you wish to give is entirely up to you. Also feel free to express if the service exceeded your expectations, as this both encourages and makes the service provider conscious of what they are doing good.

Most people in Himara welcome visitors and are in many cases just as curious as you are. For many visitors and locals, the best experiences come from meeting and engaging each other in a way that provides value for both. This can be from just a smile, a conversation to engaging in shared activities. Even if a small Himariot village may seem like another world from your home, the general rule of conduct is basically not to behave in a way you would not at home.

Ask your onboard-guides if there are special considerations before going a shore, and follow these simple advices:

• Smile and say 'gia sas' (hello)
• Ask before you take pictures, and always respect a “no”
• Talk to people, not about them
• Respect local habits

Albanian LEK is the official currency in Albania and also here. EURO is also accepted in most hotels, restaurant and shops, it is highly recommended to exchange to local currency to avoid extra charges.

The following credit cards are accepted in ATMs: Visa, Mastercard and American Express. Pin-code must be used to draw money. Although not too many hotels and shops accept a credit card that why it is recommended to use cash, and remember to carry small amounts.

Albania has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters in the lowlands. In the highlands, snow can fall from November until March; mountain towns are very cold at this time of year. The same applies also in the region of Himara. Temperatures vary depending on the season.

TEMPERATURES IN DEGREES CELSIUS

(Source: meteo.al)

There is a hospital in the town of Himara and nursing clinics in the villages. If you use medication regularly it is recommended, that you bring your own medicine for the stay in Himara.

Read here about rules governing health care provision for temporary residents in Albania.

You will probably be surprised at the wide range of goods to be found in a supermarket in Himara – in many ways similar to what you would find in a European supermarket. However, since almost everything except fish and certain meat products has to be imported to mainland Albania, price levels are a little higher than in bigger cities in Albania. Alcohol, tobacco, fresh fruit and vegetables and dairy products are considerably cheap in Albania, and also Himara.

People in the region of Himara are generally welcoming and friendly, and most people will enjoy being photographed. However, always ask before taking a photo and always respect a “no” or a gesture signalling no. You are also always allowed to photograph in the public space, including photos of both the natural world, public buildings, and private homes

However, please be considerate when photographing in public, and note that some destinations, especially in the centre and around the town of Himara, see a lot of visitors every year. This may at times make locals a little less forthcoming when you ask about taking their photograph.

We get many questions on specific activity inquiries. We have articles on each town here with links to the activity information for the specific town. Each destination-page on the website has related providers at the bottom you can contact for more information and booking.

You can find more information about our Hiking tours here and more activities here.

There are mosquitoes and midges (small black flies) in the summer months, approximately from June to August. We advise visitors to bring mosquito nets, repellent and after-bite, or buy it upon arrival. These can be bought several places in the town and the villages.