A sleepy village in the winter and a bustling seaside paradise in the summer, Dhermi is one of Albania’s most remarkable destinations.
Just north of Himara, on the Albanian Riviera, it’s a tiny place that packs a big punch. Steep mountains meet calming waters, rock arches appear along the seafront, and the blue sky turns into a clash of vibrant oranges and deep reds as the sun goes down.
You can explore hidden beaches, hike above an extensive canyon, and wander around picturesque Mediterranean towns. There is an abundance of fun things to do in the charming coastal area.
Here is a list of the 9 best things to do around Dhermi!
HEAD TO THE BEACH
When you visit Dhermi, the first thing you should do is head to the beach. It’s probably the whole reason you’re there in the first place!
What you need to know about the town is that it actually revolves around two separate beaches, Dhermi Beach and Drymades Beach. They are both rocky and have stunning views. Here is a little overview of each one.
DHERMI BEACH
Dhermi Beach is known for its clear waters surrounded by craggy mountainside. A walkway lined with restaurants and cafes stretches across the length of the beach. Boats that double as water taxis sit beneath cliffside bars, and sun umbrellas cover every inch they can.
DRYMADES BEACH
Drymades Beach is said to be the most beautiful beach in all of Albania. While I’m not sure if I agree, it’s definitely one of the prettier beaches I saw. It’s less developed than Dhermi Beach, but that’s rapidly changing. Resorts are springing up, however there are still areas free of umbrellas. You’ll also find far fewer restaurants at the edge of the beach.
It’s still crazy beautiful though, with sea arches stretching out into the turquoise Mediterranean waters, and secret places to escape the crowds of beachgoers.
EXPLORE THE HIDDEN COVES BESIDE DRYMADES BEACH
When I mentioned secret places, the hidden coves next to Drymades beach are what I meant. Steps from the Summer Dream Restaurant lead through a massive sea arch to some concealed inlets.
Each plot of sand is surrounded by rocky terrain and has less and less people. The only caveat is you’ll have to do a bit of rock climbing to see each new cove. I personally enjoyed the exploration aspect of this, however I could see it being an obstacle for many.
If you are up for the challenge, a quiet paradise awaits!
TAKE A BREAK AT ONE OF THE SEASIDE RESTAURANTS
There is a common theme amongst the restaurants in Dhermi, and it’s their spectacular views. Soft glimmers of light beam off the deep blue waters and Greek islands dot the horizon. Faint sounds of the crashing sea can be heard and a light breeze can be felt in the open-air seating.
You can’t go wrong with the majority of restaurants in the coastal town. Whether you want to sip on a coffee or enjoy some freshly caught seafood, make sure to take a break from the harsh Albanian sun at one of the seaside eateries.
Here’s a list of some of my favorites.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Drymades Village Restaurant – Okay, so it’s not actually seaside, but it’s a perfect place if you’re on a budget. The food is simple, traditional, and best of all cheap! Most of the locals can be seen hanging out here, and chances are it’ll be one of the few places open in the off-season.
MEDIUM PRICED
Hotel Restorant Luciano – The food wasn’t to die for, but it wasn’t bad either. However, if you can snag a table by the railing you’ll find yourself with a view of the whole Dhermi Beach. It’s worth a visit for that alone.
Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant – This is a perfect place to grab a pizza and watch the sunset. The food is straightforward and tasty, and the prices are very fair.
LUXURY
Drymades Bungalows Restaurant – I read some conflicting reviews about the restaurant, however, I really enjoyed my meal here. It’s pricey, but the terrace is beautiful and Drymades Beach is the perfect place to come for sunset. Just a fair warning, the menu was only in Albanian (but most of the staff can speak a bit of English).
WATCH THE MAGNIFICENT SUNSET
If you haven’t noticed yet, I mention the sunset in Dhermi a lot. With how picture perfect it is, it’s hard not to. One night you might get serious California beach vibes, and the next looks like a colorful canvas painting.
Head to one of the restaurants and have dinner with a view. Saunter across the stony beach until the stars twinkle in the sky or watch the outline of ships hurry across the Ionian sea. Whichever one you choose, make sure not to miss the sun setting while you’re in Dhermi.
EXPLORE DHERMI’S OLD TOWN
Cobblestone streets and burnt orange rooftops form the striking view of Dhermi’s old town. It lies on the sloping side of a mountain and has the look of a village in the Greek islands.
With a slow paced feel to it and alluring cottages, it feels like a treat to meander through Dhermi’s old town. The neighborhood was both quiet and pleasant when I visited. But, there was a fierce wind blowing, which is common along the face of the mountain. So don’t be surprised if you find yourself roaming through the tight streets amongst a myriad of swirling leaves.
There are quite a few churches to explore in the tiny village, however, one stands out the most. On top of the hill, the Church of Saint Mary can be found overlooking the stone streets of Dhermi and the jagged coastline of the region. The trek up takes determination and a bit of fitness, but the end result is a breathtaking view.
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH DHERMI’S PAST AT THE MILLS TRAIL
One of the most underrated things to do in Dhermi is the short hike known as The Mills Trail.
It leads from the bottom of the village down towards the sea, and vice versa. The hike is very easy and takes you on the same path that the locals used to walk back in the day.
There are plenty of cool things to see, including a waterfall, signposts with historical tidbits about famous people from Dhermi, and of course old mills. It’s something I feel like not many people do when visiting the beach destination, but is the perfect route for those heading from the village down to the water.
Make sure to fill up your water bottle with fresh spring water from the mountain. There are running taps right next to the trail’s entrance (the one by Dhermi’s old town).
HIKE ALONG THE CANYON OF GJIPE
Located between Vuno and Dhermi, the Canyon of Gjipe is one of the Albanian Riviera’s treasures. The canyon heads from inland all the way to the sea and feels like an almost bottomless pit.
The best part…you can hike almost the majority of it!
It’s a really pretty hike, with plenty of panoramic viewpoints along the way. The whole trail is perfectly marked and will take 1-2 hours (depending on how long you stop at the viewpoints). In some parts, you’re almost on the very edge looking down towards the rocky floor.
The color contrast of red dirt and green vegetation makes it feel like you’re in a desert. Although it leads straight to the coast, and the next place on this list.
You can get to the starting point by taking either a car or bus. You can also walk there, but it’s about 5 miles each way along a hilly road, plus the trail itself. The road toward the Canyon of Gjipe is gorgeous though, as the magnificent Ionian waters are off to one side.
VISIT THE SPECTACULAR GJIPE BEACH
The floor of the Canyon of Gjipe eventually turns into an amazing white sand beach that unsurprisingly goes by the name of Gjipe Beach.
Hidden from the view of the road and only accessible from land by four-wheel drive and foot, it’s a perfect place for adventure seekers. A wild camping ground stands on one side of the beach and rock climbing and kayaking seems like the norm.
Small bars and makeshift restaurants line the sand. Sunbathers are scattered about, and boats zip in and out of the tiny bay. In fact, during the peak season you can grab a boat taxi from Dhermi to Gjipe Beach. It’s not a long trip and it normally stops by the secret Pirate’s Cave as well.
HEAD TO ONE OF THE NEARBY TOWNS
There are some really cool towns just right around the corner from Dhermi. Vuno is just south and has a similar look to Dhermi. There are some nice old churches in the village, and it’s close to a few beautiful hidden beaches, including Gjipe Beach. Past Vuno and only about a 30 minute drive from Dhermi is Himara.
Himara is one of my favorite places in all of Albania and is known for its ragged olive groves and bright calming waters. There are a ton of things to do here as well, including visiting white sand beaches, hiking up to an ancient hilltop castle, and exploring the wonderful Panorama Bay.
If you want to learn more about my love for this extremely cool town – check out my Awesome Things To Do In Himara guide!
I’d be remiss not to mention what’s north of Dhermi. Within the Ceraunian Mountains, the diverse Llogara National Park is just a short drive away. The winding mountain drive up is as scary as it is impressive, and the park itself is a perfect place to enjoy some peaceful Albanian nature.
HOW TO GET TO DHERMI?
Multiple buses to and from Vlora and Saranda leave daily. The schedule isn’t exactly fixed, but information centers and signs should point you towards the correct routes.
When in doubt, head to the bus stations in each of the cities and ask the driver’s for the Dhermi bus. They should point you in the right direction.
Dhermi was a place that really surprised me. I wasn’t expecting much more than a pretty beach, but in the end my days were packed with exciting things to do.
If you enjoy small Mediterranean villages, pristine beaches, and exciting outdoor activities, you’ll want to add Dhermi to your bucket list!
