Dhermi, Albania: All You Need Know Before You Go

Travel Resources › Dhermi, Albania: All You Need Know Before You Go

The village of Dhërmi belongs to the municipality of Himarë and is located 42 kilometres south of the city of Vlorë and about the same distance north of Saranda, the southernmost city in Albania.

It is perfectly positioned for exploring the northern portion of the riviera and popular Albanian beaches including Gjipe and Jala, as well as the town’s own beach, Dhërmi.

The original village was built on a slope of the Ceraunian Mountains and lies at an altitude of around 200 metres. In addition to Dhërmi itself, the village comprises two other neighbourhoods, Gjilek and Kondraq (also known as Kallam). The mountains on which Dhërmi is built slope down to the south-west towards the Ionian coast, where visitors can swim in the refreshing waters of some beautiful beaches.

Table of Contents

Dhërmi is famous for its nightlife, its summer festivals and its booming hospitality industry. In recent years, the rocky coastline and wild surroundings have been tamed by a variety of accommodation to suit all tastes, from chic boutique hotels to wooden villa complexes.

Dhermi is located on the Albanian Riviera, which occupies the southwestern coast of the country, 190 km from the capital Tirana (about 3.5 hours drive), 60 minutes from Vlore, 90 minutes from Saranda and 2 hours from Ksamil.

Dhërmi was also home to some famous personalities, including Petro Marko, an Albanian writer and founder of modern Albanian prose, Pano Bixhili, a diplomat, and Kiço Fotiadhi, the first Albanian television presenter. Whether you’re interested in history, love lying on the beach or are simply looking for a unique travel experience, Dhërmi has something for everyone.

Best Time To Visit

Many visitors agree that June and September are the best time to visit Dhërmi. On average, however, the warmest months are July and August. So if you’re looking for dry weather, July, August and June (in that order) have the lowest chance of rainfall.

Dhermi – Beaches

According to TripAdvisor reviews, Dhërmi Beach is one of the best beaches in Albania. It owes this to the rather quiet and peaceful location of its beaches, the many sunbeds and the unpolluted waters of the Ionian Sea. If you’re looking for the perfect beach holiday, Dhermi is a paradise with crystal clear turquoise waters and pebble beaches as far as the eye can see. The nature is truly idyllic.

What you need to know about the town is that it is actually centred around two different beaches: Dhermi Beach and Drymades Beach. Both are rocky and have stunning views. Here’s a little overview of both beaches.

Dhermi Beach

Dhermi Beach is known for its clear waters surrounded by a rugged mountainside. A promenade with restaurants and cafés stretches along the entire length of the beach. Boats, which double as water taxis, are moored under the bars on the cliffs and parasols cover every inch.

Travel Tip: The sunset is beautiful on Dhërmi Beach. The blue sky turns into a clash of bright oranges and deep reds.

Drymades Beach

Drymades Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach in the whole of Albania. It is less developed than Dhermi Beach, but that’s changing fast. More and more resorts are popping up, but there are still areas where there are no parasols. There are also far fewer restaurants on the edge of the beach.

It’s still insanely beautiful though, with its sea arches stretching out into the turquoise Mediterranean and secret spots where you can escape the crowds of beachgoers.

Palasa Beach

Palasa Beach is located just north of Dhërmi Beach. The white pebble beach looks similar to Livadhi Beach: the water is incredibly clear. It feels a little less busy on this beach. There are several hotels on this stretch of coast that also offer private beach areas with sun beds and parasols. There are also beach bars and restaurants on Palasa Beach.

Dhermi – Things To Do & Places of Interest

Dhërmi is home to several impressive sights, including Dhërmi Beach, Grama Bay, the Pirates’ Cave and Gjipe Harbour. The village is also home to several historic churches, such as the Hypapante Church, the Panagia Monastery Church and St Stephen’s Church.

During your beach holiday, you can visit a few local attractions in Dhermi, Albania. Here are some of them.

Old town of Dhermi

Cobbled streets and orange-coloured roofs characterise the image of the old town of Dhermi. It is located on the slope of a mountain and has the appearance of a village on the Greek islands.

With its slow pace and tantalising houses, it is a pleasure to stroll through the old town of Dhermi. The area was quiet and pleasant when I visited. But there was a fierce wind blowing, as is usual on the mountain side. So don’t be surprised as you stroll through the narrow streets amidst swirling foliage.

There are a number of churches to discover in the small village, but one in particular stands out. At the top of the hill stands St Mary’s Church, from where you can overlook the stone streets of Dhermi and the region’s rugged coastline. The climb requires determination and a bit of fitness, but the end result is a breathtaking view.

Church of St Spiridon

The Cathedral of St Spyridon consists of a single nave and a basilica built in the 1580s. The cathedral honours St. Spyridon, the protector and patron saint of the island. The cathedral’s bell tower is an impressive 132 feet high and its red dome stands out on the skyline. Inside the cathedral, there are plenty of places to sit and admire the architecture; however, photography is not permitted inside the cathedral.

Pirate Cave Dhermi

A visit to the Pirate Cave costs around EUR 10 per person and can only be reached by boat. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the sun has warmed the water enough to make it comfortable for swimming. You can also pack your snorkelling gear, as it is a perfect place for diving. The cave also has a connection to the history of the Albanian people.

Hike in the Gjipe Canyon

The Gjipe Canyon is located between Vuno and Dhermi and is one of the treasures of the Albanian Riviera. The canyon runs from inland to the sea and feels like an almost bottomless pit. The best thing about it: you can hike almost the entire canyon!

It’s a really beautiful hike with lots of viewpoints along the way. The whole trail is perfectly marked and takes 1-2 hours (depending on how long you stop at the viewpoints). At some points you are almost standing on the edge looking down onto the rocky ground.

The colour contrast between the red earth and green vegetation gives you the feeling of being in a desert. Although it leads directly to the coast and the next place on this list.

You can reach the starting point either by car or bus. You can also walk there, but that’s about 8 kilometres each way on a hilly road, plus the trail itself. The path to the canyon of Gjipe is beautiful, with the marvellous Ionian Sea on one side.

Trip to Vuno, another charming village on the Albanian riviera

Located 7.5 kilometres (around a 15-minute drive) further down the coast from Dhermi, Vuno is another delightful village with a very different feel.

Vuno feels more medieval, with thick stone walls that resemble fortifications and vaulted arches over some of the narrow streets. Some of the houses have been refurbished and white-washed, while others further up the mountain hang in a state of semi-decay.

Dhermi – Activities

Dhërmi is a quiet coastal village, making it the perfect place for a private, intimate holiday. There are numerous boutiques, museums and many high-calibre restaurants serving only the freshest dishes. Hiring a car is highly recommended to really get to know Dhërmi, as there is little public transport due to its remote location.

Activities on water

You can also hire a boat to visit the infamous Pirate’s Cave. A trip there costs around EUR 10. Bring your diving gear, as the waters here are truly spectacular for diving. Visit the cave in the afternoon when the sun has warmed the water enough to swim.

Getting to Dhermi from Tirana

The best way to get to Dhërmi is to book a flight to Tirana National Airport and travel to Dhërmi from there. Dhërmi is about 180 kilometres from Tirana and can be reached by bus or car. The bus journey from Tirana to Dhërmi costs around 12 EUR and takes 6 hours.

The nearest airport to Dhërmi is Corfu (CFU) Airport which is 65 km away. This airport is closer however has fewer connections. After arriving in Corfu, you will need to take the ferry to Saranda and make your way to Dhermi from there either by bus or rental car.

Where to stay in Dhermi – Hotels & Guest Houses

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Dhërmi, and we’ll introduce you to some of them now.

Elysium Hotel: Located directly on the Ionian Sea, the Elysium Hotel is the perfect place for an unforgettable holiday. Set among the olive trees of the village of Dhërmi, the beach resort has 63 rooms and costs between EUR 64 and EUR 160 for a standard room.

Dorvin Apartments: This accommodation is privately owned and offers six rooms to choose from. It is just 20 minutes from the beach and the local bars are a short walk away, although the walk back can be a little strenuous as the village is on a hillside. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required when booking. The flats have air conditioning, a balcony or terrace, Wi-Fi and a breathtaking view of the mountains. A stay here costs from EUR 66 per night.

Food and Drink

No trip would be complete without sampling the local cuisine when you visit a place as stunning as Dhërmi in Albania.

Restaurants in Dhërmi

Here are some of the best local restaurants:

• Restaurant Prishtina: Wonderful local cuisine. We ordered the anti-pasta, which was really delicious with stuffed peppers, aubergines and other things. The Greek salad and tzatziki were great too. Good wine. Friendly and helpful service. Unpretentious and relaxed atmosphere. Much better than the tourist places near the beach.
• Royal Blue Restaurant & Hotel: The Royal Blue Restaurant offers a wide selection of pizzas, Mediterranean and European dishes and seafood. Special vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes are also served here. A meal here costs between 8 -40 EUR. This restaurant also offers takeaway options.

Dhermi or Himare?

Choosing between Dhermi and Himare ultimately boils down to personal preferences.

If you’re seeking a more bohemian vibe, with pulsating nightlife and pristine beaches, then Dhermi might be your pick. It’s a place where you can seamlessly transition from a lazy day at the beach to a lively night partying under the stars.

On the other hand, if a blend of beach life with a touch of history and multiculturalism appeals to you, then Himare is the place to be. Its beaches, history, and culinary delights provide a holistic experience for travelers. Ultimately, both Dhermi and Himare are jewels of the Albanian Riviera. 

Conclusion: Book a flight to Albania and start your journey for a beach holiday you won’t forget.