The beautiful Dhermi is a quaint seaside village perched along one of the most stunning stretches of the Albanian Riviera, renowned for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear sea. Surrounded by a rugged mountain landscape, it also serves as the gateway to the nearby Llogara National Park, with its trails, fabulous sea views, ancient villages, and secluded bays, not to mention the many beautiful beaches in the vicinity.
As one of the most popular summer destinations on the Albanian Riviera, Dhermi boasts kilometers of fine white pebble beaches and is one of the most charming stops along the scenic coast that stretches from the Karaburun Peninsula to the seaside town of Himara, passing through the tiny and ancient villages of Iljas and Vuno. The SH8 road, which runs south from Vlora and spans the entire coastline, winds up the Llogara Pass before descending a series of switchbacks to the village of Dhermi. Travelers are treated to breathtaking panoramas and the opportunity to discover one of the most surprising corners of the country.
Despite its small size, Dhermi offers several good hotels, beautiful beach clubs, and a few good restaurants serving seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, with mostly still reasonable prices. Bustling with life in summer, it’s a favorite destination for both locals and tourists from all over the world, and with the recent growing fame of the beaches in Southern Albania and places like Ksamil, located about 80 km further south, Dhermi represents a good compromise. In this guide, we will give you our best advice on things to do and the best beaches in Dhermi, where to eat, where to stay, and much more!
What you will find in this travel guide to Dhermi (Albania):
Dhermi: Discover the Gem of the Albanian Riviera
Dhermi (known as Dhërmi in Albanian) is a charming village nestled at the foot of the Ceraunian Mountains, a towering and rugged mountain range that majestically rises from the Ionian Sea coast, right in the heart of the stunning Albanian Riviera. It is strategically located 40 km from both Vlora and Saranda, making it an ideal stopover point. It’s worth pausing for at least one night even if you’re enjoying a beautiful road trip through Albania.
The village is perched at an altitude of 200 meters, on a hill that gently slopes down to the sea, where there is a series of beautiful beaches with fine white pebbles. This is also one of the most beautiful stretches of the coast, which makes Dhermi one of the best summer destinations in Albania, whose popularity is skyrocketing year after year, even on an international scale.
The village itself is quite small, although it has been continuously developing recently. Here, as in many places along the coast, overbuilding is proceeding at a rapid pace and residences and new hotels are constantly emerging, threatening the natural beauty and the peaceful and authentic atmosphere of the village and the region. However, the nearest town is quite easy to reach: Dhermi is part of the municipality of Himarë, a nice seaside town located just 15 km further south. It’s worth driving there even just for the scenery: along the stretch of the SH8 road that goes from Dhermi to Himarë, there are a couple of tiny villages and beautiful beaches.
The atmosphere is still quite relaxed, which makes it a good choice for couples and families who want to spend a peaceful seaside holiday. But don’t get us wrong: even here, unfortunately, things are changing too quickly, prices are skyrocketing, and the quality and authenticity of the experience is deteriorating. However, all it takes is a few steps, venture onto one of the many trails in the area and suddenly the hustle and bustle of tourism will be behind you, leaving you to enjoy the beautiful nature of Albania.
Indeed, Dhermi is one of the main access points to the wild landscapes of the Karaburun Peninsula – famous for its bays, sea caves and hidden coves accessible only by boat or with long treks through the mountains – and the Llogara National Park. With its wonderful mountains overlooking the sea, the park offers fabulous views and is a great place to escape the summer heat and taste some specialties of the delicious Albanian mountain cuisine. And then oh, it’s one of our favorite places in Albania!
Best Beaches in Dhermi
The beaches are the true allure of Dhermi, which otherwise is a village with few attractions. It’s no surprise that those who venture here do so primarily to bask in the sea, sun, and savor the delicious seafood dishes served locally. A stone’s throw from the beaches, you’ll find a handful of affordable guesthouses and hotels, as well as lively beach clubs. Regardless, there will always be a spot where you can lay by the sea or take a dip at no cost.
The most popular beaches in Dhermi are those located near the village, easily accessible on foot from almost all accommodations in the center. These are followed by the nearby Drymades Beach (Drimadhë), situated a little further northwest and renowned for its beach clubs and seafront hotels, and Palasa Beach (Plazhi i Palasës).
Regarding the latter, it’s worth noting that until a few years ago, it was a beautiful untouched stretch of coast. However, it is now rapidly transforming into one of the most exclusive and fashionable beaches in Albania. A luxury residence has recently been built here, right on the beach, along with a trendy beach club – Nazar Beach. If you’re looking for a truly exclusive and scenic place to stay, take a look at some of the villas in the residence that can be booked as vacation homes. They boast a beautiful sea-view terrace with a private garden and pool.
Nearby, there are other beautiful beaches, usually less crowded and more peaceful. These include Gjipe Beach, located a little further south at the foot of the Iljas settlement, and the beach in the neighboring village of Jalë. Until recently, Jalë was only known to locals and is about a ten-minute drive from Dhermi.
Dhermi Beach
The most popular beach in Dhermi is simply called Dhermi Beach and is located right at the foot of the village. It’s a stretch of 5 km of fine white pebbles, overlooking a beautiful turquoise crystalline sea, easily reachable on foot from the main hotels and guesthouses in the area. Its atmosphere in the peak high season tends to be a bit lively, but in the shoulder months, it is pleasantly quiet and relaxed.
Generally, it is not overcrowded, and in many areas, you can simply lay down your towel and enjoy the sea for free. Mostly frequented by locals and people staying in various hotels in the area, Dhermi Beach also offers several beach clubs and stalls where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas at affordable prices.
The average price is around 1,000 – 1,500 lek for two sunbeds and an umbrella, but if you speak Albanian you might be able to pay much less. Some stalls also rent jet skis and pedal boats, while each establishment has its own bar and some also serve simple seafood dishes. Among the most popular beach clubs are the Havana Beach Club and the Bacarò Beach Bar.
Many of the most popular hotels in Dhermi are located just a stone’s throw from this beach and boast a beautiful sea view. Among these, the best are the Elysium Hotel, the La Brisa Boutique Hotel, the Royal Blue Hotel, the Blue Boutique Hotel, and the Hotel Imperial. In the months between June and late August, the hotels in Dhermi are often fully booked, so it is advisable to book well in advance.
Drymadhes Beach
Drymadhes Beach is located just north of the previous one and is among the most popular in the area. A bit less touristy compared to Dhermi Beach, this beach also offers a beautiful crystalline sea and is easily accessible, with several beach clubs, restaurants and bars, as well as sunbed and umbrella rentals at prices similar to those of other nearby beaches.
Drymadhes Beach has recently become known for its exclusive accommodations and luxurious villas. So, if you’re looking to spend your stay in style, in a beautiful villa with a private pool, garden, sea view, private parking, and much more, you might simply want to check out the Drymades Inn Resort or the Vesper Suites. In the area, there are also some decent and affordable hotels, such as the Hildon Eco Hotel, the Hotel Ionian, the Noan Hotel & Resort, and the Hotel Summer Dream.
Gjipe Beach
One of Dhermi’s best-kept secrets is the nearby Gjipe Beach, which is rougher and less touristy. It’s a beautiful pebbly bay hidden between the mountains and overlooking the crystal-clear sea. It was once known only to locals, but now word is spreading quickly. Hidden among rugged promontories covered with Mediterranean scrub, halfway between Dhermi and the village of Vuno, Gjipe Beach can only be reached on foot or by boat.
What makes it unique is that it’s surrounded by high cliffs and woods, making it a pleasant place for a relaxing day at the sea. In addition to a few modest kiosks that rent umbrellas and sunbeds, there is enough space to lie down with your own towel. There is also a small bar for a light meal or a drink.
The beach is actually the mouth of a canyon, called Gjipe Canyon, whose rocky walls exceed 80 meters in height. A path crosses the canyon valley and climbs the mountain to the village of Ilias, along the road to Dhermi. The trail is 4 km long and requires at least 1.5 hours of walking (one way).
To get to Gjipe Beach by car, you will need to drive on the SH8 towards Ilias, then turn onto a secondary road that ends in a sort of dirt parking lot (map). Usually, there are people at parking (I don’t know how legitimate they are) who ask for amounts around 300-400 lek per day. From there, you continue on foot on a path that descends to the beach (30 minutes).
A few hundred meters from the parking lot, it is worth taking a look at the Monastery of St. Theodore, dating back to the 14th century. After World War II, it was closed and in 1952 it was converted into housing for Soviet naval officers. In 1962 it was converted into a lookout fort of the Albanian army, only to be left in total abandonment in the ’90s. In 2017 it was renovated and is now freely visitable.
Gjipe Beach can also be reached by boat from Dhermi, Himarë or the nearby Jale Beach. From Dhermi, the round trip costs around 2,500 lek per person, and along the way you can see some of the many sea caves that dot this stretch of coast. A stone’s throw from the beach there is also a modest campsite, the Gjipe Eco Campground, which offers basic accommodation in tents and shared bathrooms and showers. Not far away, in the tiny village of Vuno, there is also a good budget hostel, the Shotgun Hostel, located in a beautiful traditional house.
Jale Beach
Another beautiful beach near Dhermi is Jale Beach (Plazhi i Jalës), located towards Himarë and easily accessible with a short detour from SH8, near the village of Vuno. This beach has long been a local favorite before being discovered by international tourism. In fact, until a few decades ago, it was even off-limits to the general public, as a local army base with an attached holiday camp for military elites and their families was situated on the promontory overlooking the beach.
Now, Jale Beach is one of the prominent seaside destinations along this peaceful and scenic stretch of coast, with beautiful turquoise waters and a decidedly lively atmosphere, enlivened by numerous campsites, restaurants, hotels and beach clubs nearby, making it quite popular among young people.
Located just a few kilometers away from Gjipe Beach, Jale Beach is much easier to reach, as the road goes right up to the beach, although parking can be a challenge in high season, unless you are guests of one of the area’s hotels. However, you can usually park freely along the road, provided you find a free spot.
The beach is predominantly pebbly and in high season, sunbeds and umbrellas are also available for rent (prices around 1,000 lek per day for two sunbeds and an umbrella). The most famous hotel in the vicinity is the Folie Marine Beach Hotel Club, which boasts modern sea-view rooms, several pools, free buffet breakfast and free private parking. Its beach is among the most renowned and expensive in the area, but for hotel guests, it is included in the rates.
A good, more affordable alternative is the nearby Hotel Nuanti, and in the surrounding area you will also find some campsites that offer tent or bungalow accommodations at more affordable rates, the most popular being Social Camping JAL.
In the area, you will also find some stalls that rent kayaks and pedal boats and offer boat tours. In fact, this beach is the ideal starting point for a boat or kayak trip to one of the many hidden coves and sea caves located just to the north and south, such as Ksabni Beach and Aquarium Beach (Gjiri i Akuariumit – map), which can also be reached by off-road vehicle, and Pirate Beach (Plazhi e Pirateve – map) with its scenic cave.
Best Things to Do in Dhermi
Dhermi Old Town and Monastery Of Saint Mary
The quaint village of Dhermi can be easily explored on foot in less than an hour, which is the time it takes to stroll through its labyrinthine uphill alleys and enjoy the view of its white houses with orange tiled roofs. As you wander through the lanes, you can hear the local elders speaking ancient local dialects, the remnants of ancient Greek languages that have almost completely disappeared.
Make your way to the staircase at the top of the village, which will lead you to the summit of the hill where you can visit the Monastery Of Saint Mary (Manastiri Shën Marisë) and two small stone churches dedicated to Saint Athanasius and Saint Michael, belonging to the local Albanian Orthodox Church, which has been autocephalous and independent from other Orthodox churches since 1922.
As you stroll around the monastery, you can enjoy a wonderful view of the village and the sea, but if you have the opportunity, don’t miss visiting its interiors. Dating back to the 16th century, it is also known as the “white monastery” for the color of its walls, and it houses ancient frescoes that have unfortunately been seriously damaged by centuries of neglect. The monastery’s door might be closed, but you could try pushing it to see if it’s open. They usually leave the blue gate open on the side of the small cemetery, and from there you can access the monastery.
Llogara National Park
A day trip to Llogara National Park is a must if you’re staying in Dhermi, but our advice is to stay in the area for at least a few nights. This is indeed one of the most famous National Parks in Albania, and it’s one of our favorites in the area. Driving along the SH8 from Dhermi towards Vlora or vice versa, the Llogara Pass will be right along your route, making it a mandatory stop!
The Llogara Pass is located about 20 km north of Dhermi, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters, and offers a completely different landscape compared to the coast, which will delight nature lovers and provide refuge from the summer heat. You will be in the heart of the Ceraunian Mountains, a rugged mountain range that rises steeply above the sea with peaks over 2,000 meters high, like the nearby Mount Çika (Maja e Çikës).
The drive towards the Llogara Pass is decidedly scenic, especially in the stretch towards Dhermi: the landscape changes dramatically and the temperatures are much more pleasant, plus the view of the sea is simply breathtaking. Along the road, you will encounter some stalls selling local products, such as the excellent honey produced in the area, while some unpretentious local restaurants serve delicious local specialties, such as spit-roasted goat, mutton and lamb.
We strongly recommend you to stay overnight on the Llogara Pass and dine on site, so you can fully enjoy the beauty and relaxation of the place, perhaps allowing yourself a walk along the trails in the area. The best hotel in the area is the Llogora Tourist Village, modern and comfortable, perfect for couples and families. Here you will also find an indoor pool, a sauna, and a large park where deer roam freely! Children (and not only) will love seeing them up close!
Gjipe Canyon
The Gjipe Canyon stretches from the sea – where its mouth is marked by the beautiful Gjipe Beach – to the settlement of Iljas, forming a scenic valley that is 800 meters long and between 20 and 100 meters wide. Its high rocky walls have been carved over millennia by a torrent that once flowed vigorously from the mountains above and now seasonally reappears as a small stream of water. Made known by the nearby beach, the Gjipe Canyon is easily accessible from Dhermi and is a great place for a beautiful nature walk.
Several trails from the beach ascend towards the lateral slopes and the settlement of Iljas, making the canyon accessible both from the village and from the road leading to the Monastery of Saint Theodore and the beach. Along the path, which winds through the Mediterranean scrub and groves of native tree species, such as the carob, olive, and various Illyrian broad-leaved trees, you can also see some caves and, with a bit of luck, spot some rare specimens of the Mediterranean tortoise, scientifically known as Testudo H. Boettgeri.
Bay of Grama
To the north of Dhermi, there is a splendid cove, nestled in an inlet between towering rocky cliffs and called Grama Bay, accessible only by sea. Here, the stunning turquoise sea is typically calm, gently caressing a small beach of white pebbles. The bay’s name originates from its long history as a haven for sailors during storms, thanks to its protection from the winds.
Sailors, as well as workers from nearby quarries, often left engravings of their names and prayers to the sea gods, particularly in ancient Greek dialects that are still spoken in the area. It is believed that the name “Grama” comes from the Greek word “gramma”, meaning letter. The bay is adorned with thousands of such inscriptions, some dating back to Roman and Greek times.
During the summer season, boat tours to Grama Bay depart from Dhermi or Vlore. The journey by boat takes approximately 45 minutes. The surrounding area, dotted with several caves hidden within the rocks and other charming tiny bays like Sant Andreas Bay, can be explored by boat.
Best Hotels in Dhermi
Are you planning your trip to Dhermi? If so, here is a handy guide to the Best Hotels in Dhermi, complete with honest reviews, rates, and useful information. You’ll discover a curated selection of the finest accommodations to suit all budgets, ranging from luxurious resorts boasting sea views to budget-friendly hotels offering unbeatable value. Explore the best options, learn how to secure the most competitive rates, and gather tips to optimize your trip planning!
☞ THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST HOTELS IN DHERMI
Best Restaurants in Dhermi
Restaurants in Dhermi primarily serve seafood and Mediterranean cuisine (mostly Italian-inspired) and are mostly located near the beaches. Many of the hotels have their own restaurants, while almost all the beach clubs at Dhermi Beach and Drymadhes serve simple dishes, such as salads and seafood. The quality and prices vary greatly. Some popular options here include Azul by Havana, which is a bit more fashionable, and Pajti Bar Restaurant and Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant, which are less pretentious and reasonably priced.
One of our favorite choices is Taverna Fevan, a good family-run restaurant located along the main SH8 road. It serves regional specialties made with locally sourced ingredients, including delicious lamb-based dishes. Try to get a spot on the beautiful terrace overlooking the sea, if available.
Another good, unpretentious restaurant is the one at Paradise Campsite, which serves good salads, seafood, and grilled fish, as well as some local specialties in a beautiful shaded garden near Drymadhes Beach. The value for money is excellent (a rarity for the area) and there is a selection of vegetarian options. For something cheap and quick, without sacrificing authenticity, our secret spot is Maestro Grill Sufllaqe, a stall along the SH8 towards Drymadhes, with a rough and ready service, where locals go for some of the best souvlaki and gyros at modest prices.
How to Get to Dhermi
Dhermi is conveniently located along the SH8 road, which traverses the entire Albanian Riviera from Saranda to Vlora and then continues towards Fier, Durres, and Tirana. Therefore, the best way to reach Dhermi is by car: for those traveling along the Albanian Riviera and wanting to explore the region’s natural and historical wonders, enjoy the best beaches, and dine at the finest traditional restaurants, having a car is essential.
If you’re not traveling in Albania with your own car, you might consider renting one in Saranda, Vlora, or any other major city. By booking in advance, you can secure very affordable prices! You can find the best deals from honest and reliable car rental companies on websites like Rentalcars.com or Discovercars.com.
Getting to Dhermi by Plane
The nearest airports to Dhermi are Corfu International Airport in Greece and Tirana International Airport. If you’re coming from Corfu, you can board a ferry to Saranda, where you have the option to rent a car or proceed to Dhermi by bus. If you’re arriving from Tirana, it’s advisable to rent a car. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Vlora and then switch to a bus to Dhermi, or you can take a bus directly to Saranda. Occasionally, you might find a direct bus to Dhermi (refer to the information below).
Getting to Dhermi from Corfu
Many travelers arrive in Dhermi from Corfu, as it is often the quickest and most cost-effective route. During the summer season, Corfu Airport boasts daily connections with dozens of destinations in Europe, including many low-cost flights. The airport is just 2.5 km away from Corfu’s port and can be easily reached by a local bus, a half-hour walk, or a quick taxi ride.
From Corfu’s port, there are about ten ferries a day to Saranda’s port (ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, with tickets priced between 20-30€). From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Dhermi. Especially during the high season, the routes from Corfu to Dhermi and from Dhermi to Corfu are in high demand, so it’s better to book your tickets well in advance. You can find updated ferry schedules and prices on Direct Ferries.
Getting to Dhermi by Bus from Tirana
Backpackers who want to reach Dhermi by bus from Tirana could try checking the buses departing for Dhermi at the Regional Bus Station for North and South Albania (Terminali i Autobusave të Jugut dhe Veriut), located about 30 minutes by car from the city center (map). Typically, there are 1-2 buses a day, usually early in the morning or midday. Tickets start from 1,000 lek. To get there, you can take the bus that stops near the National History Museum, heading towards Instituti Bujqesor. Ask the driver to drop you off at the regional bus station.
