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Why Visit Kiço Meniko?
Kiço Meniko in Himarë is a beauty that is not to be missed. Himarë is already a bit of a hidden gem, and Kiço Meniko is even less discovered. Tucked away in the rocky cliffs hugging the Adriatic Sea, this is one of the best things to do in Himarë. Kiço Meniko is often called Kiço Beach, although you can’t quite call it a beach. You can lay out on the sun beds on the elevated platform, and do all the swimming you’d like. Plus, the family who runs this gem is more than happy to keep the cocktails and good eats coming! Keep reading for more details on visiting Kiço Meniko in Himarë, Albania.
Google Maps may say that it is temporarily closed but this is not true!
How to Get to Kiço Meniko
Many people stop at Kiço Meniko as a resting spot between the Himarë town and Livadi Beach. We recommend hiking (walking) to either viewpoint, even if you’re not planning on going all the way to the beach or town.
You can get most of the way by car, but be advised that the road turns into a dirt road and is very narrow at parts. Taxis will take you here if you ask!
If you’re walking from Himarë, we recommend starting from the far side of Spile Beach, climb the stairs and walk past Locca rooftop bar (also worth visiting), and use Google maps directions from there. The views you’ll get are absolutely stunning!
To get to Livadi Beach from Kiço Meniko, put “Path” into Google Maps. This path can be a little narrow at times but it’s a great shortcut to and from Kiço Meniko! Follow this in reverse if you’re coming from Livadi to Himarë or Kiço Meniko! Driving from Livadi to Kiço Beach takes about 15 minutes, which you can also get a taxi for.
While we didn’t see this personally, you can get here by boat as well. There are a few taxi boats coming from the main dock in Himarë that you can catch for a scenic ride here. Or, after doing an unrelated boat tour, ask your captain if they can drop you off at Kiço beach!
Ambiance at Kiço Meniko
Kiço Meniko looks like the ruins of an old seaside mansion, where the platform of sunbeds look out at the sea and seating areas of various elevations. They are all connected through once-beautiful Greek/Italian style architecture. You could probably film a Game of Thrones scene here if it weren’t for the railings! The rustic feel of this is what makes it so special. If you aren’t paying for a sunbed, I highly recommend going to one of these intimate dining areas opposite the sunbeds.
You can pay 1000 lek ($11) for two sunbeds and an umbrella, which is standard in Himarë and much cheaper than Ksamil. There isn’t necessarily a target crowd here; we saw people of all ages enjoying their time here.
Menu at Kiço Meniko
There isn’t a massive menu, but it is certainly good enough to spend a full day here without getting bored!
As far as drinks go, there is wine, Rakia (an Albanian brandy), beer, coffee and water, all of which are under $7.
There are four different fish to choose from, calamari, and shrimp for the main courses and lots of sides. These are also fairly cheap and nothing is more expensive than $11!
That being said, I recommend getting a few sides to share! You have the option of French fries, bread, Tzatziki, Kalamata olives and Greek salad as sides. Himarë has a heavy Greek influence and it shows in the cuisine!
This is a family-owned restaurant, where English is rarely spoken, so make sure to be clear about your order, and be patient! There’s plenty of things to do while waiting for your food—this is paradise after all!
Swimming at Kiço Meniko
While eating and drinking, you’ll only be a few yards away from crystal clear, turquoise water! There’s a platform about three yards (meters) tall that you can jump off into the refreshing Adriatic Sea. Make sure to check the water level before doing this as it can be kind of low!
The water is only a few feet deep in some places and the rocks can be slippery, so watch your step! Water shoes aren’t a must, but bring them if you have them! There can be sea urchins here so be extremely careful where you step. After a few seconds of walking on the rocks you’ll be at a place deep enough to float or bounce off the ground to move around.
There’s also a dock-like pavement path that you can sit on and dip your toes in the water. Add a drink and it’s perfect!
Tips for Visiting Kiço Meniko
- If you plan on driving, park your car at the soccer field unless you have a 4×4 and are comfortable driving in tight spaces.
- Have Albanian ready on Google Translate as the owners don’t speak English, but pointing to the menu is good enough!
- If you want to avoid crowds, go in the morning! It opens every day at 9 am.
- Bring Lek. Like most of Albania, Kiço Meniko is cash-only
- Make sure to bring a towel! We didn’t see that they had towels available for rent
- Bring water shoes if you have them!
That’s a Wrap!
Kiço Meniko (Kiço Beach) is one of the many hidden gems in Himarë. While it’s gaining popularity, it is still very calm and keeps its family charm. The walk here is an adventure in itself and yields absolutely amazing views. If you’re planning on visiting Himarë, chances are you like taking the road less traveled. If that’s you, you’ll love Kiço Meniko. P.S. If you’re debating visiting Ksamil vs. Himarë, Himarë is a bit more relaxed. Let us know in the comments how you liked it and we hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to Kiço Meniko!
Where to Stay in Himarë
Himarë Accommodations
Our Favorite Travel Resources
Accommodations: We use Booking.com for hotels and HostelWorld for hostels. We also use VRBO or TrustedHousesitters for longer stays.
Flights: We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest and best flights.
Ground Transport: We use 12Go and Omio for buses and private transfers, and rentalcars.com and Discover Cars for rental cars.
Activities: GetYourGuide and Viator are the best websites for booking organized tours.
International Medical Insurance: We highly recommend SafetyWing for Digital Nomads and HeyMondo for those not traveling full-time, or who frequently engage in higher-risk adventure activities.
eSIM: We recommend Airalo or Holafly for getting data internationally.
Check out our Travel Resources Page for more of our favorite travel-related products and services!
Keep Exploring Albania…
- The Absolute Best 2 Week Albania Itinerary
- Berat: The City of a Thousand Windows
- The Best Things to Do in Përmet
- How to Spend the Perfect Day in Ksamil
- The Best Things to Do in Gjirokaster
- Theth Blue Eye and Grunas Waterfall Hike: Your Ultimate Guide
- Complete Guide to the Valbonë to Theth Hike: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- Himarë or Ksamil: Which Albanian Beach Destination is Best For You?
- Wonderful Things to do in Himarë: Our Favorite Albanian Beach Town
