Himare – Dhermi – Gjipe – Pilur – Himare

Today we’re headed towards the Ceuranian Mountains again to explore one of the rapidly growing coastline villages, Dhermi. We climb the stone stairs to reach the orthodox monastery Panagia – it’s church dates to the XIV Century and the frescoes are still preserved. Only 650 m down from Dhermi we reach today’s trailhead. A rocky, narrow path through red earth, Mediterranean macchia, cypresses and strawberry trees will take us above the dramatic Vuno canyon on a panoramic walk that finally descends to the secluded beach Gjipe, refreshingly free of concrete construction. We take a longer break here, time can be spent exploring the inside of the canyon’s 30 m high walls (perfect place for a picnic) or swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Going back up on another path, we drive back to our hotel in Himara. In the afternoon we visit Pilur for a traditional southern highlands dinner. There, we will find out more about the iso-polyphony, an a cappella song rooted in the centuries-old shepherd lifeway of the area and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.