Dhermi Beach is becoming a favorite for summertime travelers on the Albanian Riviera and all over Europe! The stunning views and welcoming party vibe mix perfectly with a family vacation atmosphere. There are plenty of things to do in Dhermi Albania, and most of them involve the beautiful beach. We actually loved it so much, that we stayed longer than we originally planned for. Here are our recommendations for Dhermi hotels, restaurants, and everything you need to know about this up-and-coming beach paradise in the Balkans.
Albania Travel Inspiration
- Best Food in Albania: 25 Incredible Dishes & Drinks to Try on Your Trip
- 19 Facts About Albania to Know Before You Go: History, Tips, & More
- 2 Weeks in Albania Itinerary: Beautiful Beaches to Mountain Towns
- Berat Albania Guide: The Can’t Miss City of a Thousand Windows
- Best Beaches of Ksamil and Why it’s Albania’s Most Popular Summer Town
How to Get to Dhermi Albania
Getting to Dhermi Beach can be no simple task depending on what mode of transportation you use. We (unsuccessfully) attempted to take the bus from Himare and ended up having to shell out 1,500 Lek for a taxi.
The local bus apparently does come through Himare a couple of times a day, but it never came for us in off-season! At least not at the time we were told it was coming. In any case, the best way to get to Dhermi Beach Albania is by car.
You’ll likely rent one from the main cities of Saranda or Tirana if you’re traveling the length of the Albanian Riviera. If you want to learn more about how we figured out the buses in Albania check out the article below!
→ Understanding the Albanian Bus System
What to Expect in Dhermi Beach Albania
We arrived at Dhermi Beach in early June and it felt like the perfect time of year to visit. Most of the Dhermi hotels, restaurants, and bars were just starting to open which meant the area was not overly congested with tourists.
The first thing you’ll notice is the stunning Albanian coastline pressed against a pebbly beach and crystal clear ocean. The part that really adds to the incredible setting is that it’s directly under the giant green Ceraunian mountains. It’s such an amazing vantage point to be able to swim in the gorgeous blue water while looking up at the towering mountains!
Dhermi Albania in June
Although it was quiet during our visit to Dhermi we saw the makings of a premier vacation town in Albania. On the weekend we visited we got a taste of the atmosphere as people rushed to the beach bars and rental chairs on the water.
Not only was everything just starting to open, but there were multiple Dhermi hotels and restaurants still being built. With the energy of the party people mixed with the beauty of Dhermi Albania, we can only imagine the wild scene in the peak summer months of July and August! For this reason, it may be better to visit in the shoulder seasons of June and September.
Our Perfect Day in Dhermi Albania
8:00am: Wake up with a coffee on our balcony.
9:00am: Walk the boardwalk and grab breakfast on the water.
10:00am: Dive in the cool clear Ionian Sea and enjoy Dhermi Beach.
12:30pm: Lunch at the gyro spot Sufllaque Llia.
1:30 pm: Buy some fresh fruits from a local vendor on the way back to our room.
2:00pm: Take a refreshing break from the sun and maybe a power nap!
3:30pm: Walk or Drive to Drymades Beach up the coast from Dhermi.
6:00pm: Italian dinner at Luciano’s with an amazing view of the coastline.
7:00pm: Grab a drink of choice from the store and watch the sunset from the beach.
Exploring Dhermi Old Town
We didn’t spend much time in old town as our Dhermi hotel was down by the ocean. While there are places to stay in old town it’s important to note that you really shouldn’t stay there if you plan to go to the beach without a car.
We really can’t stress this enough! Walking from the Dhermi Beach to old town takes a minimum of 25 minutes, and one way is a steep climb uphill.
If you’re beach lovers like us I doubt you’re going to want to do this in the heat of the Albanian summer. However, if you do have a car then old town is actually a decent place to stay. Most of the Dhermi hotels here have a glorious view from the cliffs to the water down below.
There are a select few local restaurants and cafes that blend into the mountain architecture. Nonetheless, the majority of travelers come to the Dhermi for the beach so we doubt you’ll be spending too much time in old town. Still, if you’re looking for things to do in Dhermi Albania it’s at least worth a visit.
Dhermi Albania Restaurants
Much like places to eat in the neighboring beach town of Hirame, you won’t find as much traditional Albanian food as you would hope in Dhermi Albania.
The majority of the restaurants on the beach are Italian places offering pizza, pasta, or seafood. There are also small shops with drinks and snacks, as well as a couple of gyro spots for a quick bite. Here are our Dhermi restaurant recommendations below!
Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant: Right next door to the gyro spot. Italian food with a great view and also chairs down on the beach.
Bamboo Beach Bar: Lively bar on the beach with music and lounge chairs. The place to be in the summer!
Luciano: Quite simply the best view for lunch or dinner on Dhermi Beach. Pizza, pasta, seafood, and a good selection of drinks.
The Yacht Club: Set out on a small peninsula with incredible views down the coast. Fun cocktails and good music.
Pirate Bar: Wedged right in between Luciano and the Yacht Club. Nice seafood selection and full dinner menu.
Have any questions about this beach town or want to share your own favorite things to do in Dhermi Albania? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,a
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Where to Stay Dhermi Albania
Ultra Luxury – Elysium Hotel – Perched up above Dhermi beach, this luxury hotel has rooms with both mountain and sea views. Gorgeous swimming pool, shuttle service to beach, and everything you need for a relaxing stay.
Fun Vacation – Royal Blue Hotel – Cozy rooms with beautiful ocean views. Great location set on the Dhermi beach and close to all the restaurants and beach bars.
Budget Travel – Greccia Hotel – Just a quick walk to the beach this local run hotel is great if you are on a budget. Ask for a room on a high floor for amazing sea views!
For more Dhermi Hotels you can explore the latest prices here!
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Albania Travel Planning
Explore Albania: Albania Bus System – Livadhi Beach Hike – Gjirokaster Castle & Town – Butrint National Park – 8 Saranda Tips
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. You can book a private hike through the Gamti Mountain, jump on a Tirana Walking Tour, or day trip to the beautiful village of Berat Albania.
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars to explore when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic road trip!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Wow, amazing blog and very useful information. I have to visit that place next time. Last month I visited Orikum, Albania. Thanks.
Wow Orikum looks amazing, too! Thanks for reading (-: