Best Things to Do in Dhermi 2026: Beaches, Hikes & Nightlife

Dhermi is the most energetic stop on the Albanian Riviera - a mountain-backed bay with beach clubs, clear Ionian water, a hillside old village, and some of the best beaches in Albania within a short walk or boat trip. Here is what to do with 2–3 days here. All prices approximate as of 2026.

Beaches (the main draw)

Dhermi Beach - The central town beach, backed by restaurants and beach bars. Sunbed hire approximately €5–10/day for two sunbeds with umbrella. The water is a clear blue-green and calm in the morning hours. Gets busy in July–August; arrive before 10am for the best conditions.

Drymades Beach - About 10 minutes by car or a 25-minute coastal walk south of Dhermi. One of the most polished beaches on the Riviera - beach clubs with DJ music, well-maintained sunbed rows, cocktail bars (approximately €6–10 per cocktail), and consistently excellent water quality. Quieter during weekdays in June and September.

Gjipe Beach - Arguably the most dramatic beach on the Albanian Riviera. A canyon-backed cove with raw, undeveloped character - no beach clubs, no facilities. Two ways to reach it: a 30-minute hike down a steep rocky trail (bring water and proper footwear) or a boat taxi from Dhermi beach (approximately €10–15 per person return). The canyon walls and turquoise water are unlike anything else on this coast. Best for swimmers comfortable in the sea.

Palasa Beach - Quieter stretch 5 minutes south of Drymades, with fewer facilities and a more relaxed atmosphere. Worth a detour if the main spots feel too crowded.

The old village

Old Dhermi sits on the hillside above the beach resort, a 20-minute uphill walk from the seafront. Stone-paved alleys, traditional Albanian stone houses, and several old churches - including the 14th-century Church of Saint Mary - make this worth at least an hour in the late afternoon when the light is best and the heat has eased. The views down to the bay from the village are some of the best in the area. Entry to the village area is free.

The contrast between the village and the beach below is part of what gives Dhermi depth beyond a standard resort.

Llogara Pass and National Park

A 30-minute drive north of Dhermi, the Llogara Pass sits at 1,027 metres above sea level on the road down from Vlora. The descent into Dhermi from this pass - hairpin bends with sheer drop-offs and panoramic Ionian Sea views - is one of the best drives in Albania. Drive it in both directions if possible.

The pass area also has restaurants serving mountain-style grilled lamb and bean dishes (fasule), and short hiking trails into the national park woodland. Entry to the pass area is free; expect to pay approximately €8–12 for lunch with a view. Best visited in the morning before the coastal heat builds.

Boat trips

Several operators on Dhermi Beach rent boats or run shared trips to Gjipe, Palasa, and the sea caves along the coastline. A shared trip runs approximately €10–15 per person; private boat hire approximately €80–120 for a half-day. Haggle directly with the boat owners on the beach. The sea caves (Grota e Ujit) north of Dhermi are a popular stop on boat routes.

Hiking

Dhermi village trail - An easy 20-minute walk uphill on a clear path from the beach area. Good footwear recommended; the path is stony.

Gjipe canyon trail - 30 minutes each way, steep with loose rock on the descent. Only attempt in morning before the sun is at full intensity.

Llogara trails - From the pass, several marked trails head into mountain woodland. The shortest loop is about 45 minutes. Good for those wanting to escape the coastal heat.

Nightlife

Dhermi has more nightlife than anywhere else on the Albanian Riviera. Beach clubs transition to evening bars and DJ sets from around 9pm in July and August. Folie Marine and Drymades Bar are the most well-known venues; both operate on the beach with open-air dance floors. The scene is quieter but still active in June and September. Out of season (October to May), most venues close completely.

Food and drink

The best meal in Dhermi is grilled fresh fish priced by weight (approximately €8–15/kg) at a terrace restaurant overlooking the bay. Sanur Restaurant is the most consistently recommended option for seafood. For casual eating: Diego Bar Pizzeri Restorant for pizza (approximately €8–12) or any of the beach bar menus for salads and snacks. Expect to pay €30–50 for a good dinner for two with wine at a proper restaurant.

Coffee culture is strong - Albanian espresso is served everywhere at approximately €1–1.50 per cup.

2-day plan

Day 1 - Beaches and boat trip Morning: Dhermi Beach before the crowds arrive → boat trip to Gjipe or sea caves → lunch at a beach bar → afternoon at Drymades Beach → evening beach club

Day 2 - Village and landscape Morning: Llogara Pass drive and short hike → lunch at the pass restaurant → old village walk in late afternoon → seafood dinner at Sanur

Getting around

No public transport within Dhermi - everything runs by taxi or on foot. A furgon (minibus) from Himara takes approximately 20 minutes (approximately €3). From Saranda, approximately 45 minutes by car or taxi. Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for Llogara and the surrounding coastline - approximately €30–50/day.

Best time to visit

June and September offer the best balance: warm water (22–25°C), manageable crowds, and lower accommodation prices than peak July–August. The beach-club scene is fully operating but not overwhelmed. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months - book accommodation 2–3 months ahead if visiting then.

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Plan your trip: Browse tours and activities from Albania for guided day trips, sea kayaking, and transfers. Hire a car to explore the Riviera at your own pace, and cover your journey with Balkans travel insurance.