Dhërmi

Dhërmi is the first major settlement on the Albanian Riviera after passing through the Llogara Pass. It has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque scenery and relaxed atmosphere. While the original village is high above the coast, a tourist resort has been built down by the kilometre-long beach.  

The area around the beach (Plazhi i Dhërmiut) has been undergoing a construction boom in recent years and the beach itself is full of people in summer. You’ll find plenty of hotels, bars, and good seafood restaurants there. More quiet is the southern end – if you walk around the small rocks, you’ll find yourself on an isolated beach that’s not crowded even in high season.

Drimadhes Beach (Plazhi i Drimadhës) and Palasa Beach (Plazhi i Palasës) are located westwards of Dhërmi, but due to new hotel resorts, they are equally crowded in the summer. These two beaches are separated from each other by a striking creek delta which can well be seen from Llogara Pass. This site is also significant in terms of history, as Julius Caesar landed here in 48 BC while pursuing the armies of his rival Pompey.

Dhërmi is said to have once had 31 churches or monasteries. Only some of them have survived to this day. It is worth climbing the hill where the Church of the Virgin Mary (Kisha e Shën Marisë) is situated. From there, you’ll have breathtaking views on all sides – of the village, the beaches below and the mountains high above.

Many houses have been renovated in recent years and have received brand-new roofs and facades, making the village lose its original slightly shabby charm.

TIP: From the Church of the Virgin Mary, the educational Mill Trail (Shtegu i Mullinjve) leads down to the beach. You’ll pass old churches, semi-dilapidated mills on a steeply descending stream and, thanks to explanatory signs, get a closer look at the life of this beautiful village. Most of the time you’ll walk in the shade of the trees, which is appreciated especially in the hot summer. See map.

If lying on the beach is not enough, there are several hiking options in the Dhërmi area. Gjipe Beach is just three kilometers along the coast, but parts of the trail require navigating through thorny bushes. Sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended.

Other hikes start from the Llogara Pass, which is also a popular paragliding spot, with landing points at Palasa or Drimadhes Beach.

In summer, Dhërmi comes alive with an exciting nightlife offered by beach bars and restaurants. The resort is also known as the epicentre of beach festivals in Albania, with the likes of Kala, ION, Turtle Fest or Ajunadeep.

From Dhërmi, Albania, you can embark on scenic boat tours to explore the breathtaking Ionian coast. One popular option is a trip to Grama Bay (Gjiri i Gramës), renowned for its stunning location nestled between dramatic cliffs, offering one of the most beautiful views on the coast. Another choice is a tour of Dhërmi’s coastline, where you can visit hidden caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Pigeons Cave Beach, accessible only by boat. These tours are organized by companies like Dhërmi Boat Tours.