Beyond the Beats: A Thorough Guide to the Ion Festival
Set in the hidden gem of Dhërmi, the Ion Festival is a pretty popular music event in Albania, bringing in an amazing line-up of DJs with their best beats and combining a beach holiday with partying and music.
So, if you’re still not sure what to do this summer, this may just be the place you want to consider visiting for a week of
fun,
music, and
relaxation.
Ion Festival and Albania’s Tourism
In recent years, Albania’s tourism industry has significantly developed thanks to its amazing nature, hospitality, and events like the Unum Festival or Ion Festival, which were created to bring people together for a time to remember.
Due to its
promotion outside of Albania, as well as
international artists coming to perform, tourists are curious about the Ion Festival and usually come to experience it themselves. As soon as they step into south Albania, they’re amazed by the
untouched beaches and
welcoming atmosphere
that promise a great time.
Setting and Location of Ion Festival
As previously mentioned, the Ion Festival takes place on the beautiful beach of Dhërmi, right on the rocky coast. The site is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning nature, making it the ideal setting for an event like this.
The
stages of the Ion Festival
include the Main Beach venue, The Pool House, The Cove, The Canyon, The Deck, and The Yacht Club. Needless to say, each one is packed with visitors jamming to their favorite beats every day. The good news is that you don’t have to choose a single venue to visit—you can go to any of them during your stay at the festival!
Music and Performances at Ion Festival
As at most summer festivals in Albania, at the Ion Festival, you’ll get to enjoy beats of electronic and techno music, nicely mixed up with other genres as well. There’s an amazing lineup waiting for you, from local Albanian artists to international sensations!
Some performers that will hit the stage this year are:
- Adam Shelton
- DJ Gigola
- Gemza
- Leo Lumezi
- DJ Masda
- DJ Nobu
The stage is right next to the dance floor, so you’ll get to enjoy every performance up close!
What to Do at the Ion Festival: 4 Tips
Here are a few fun things you can do at the Ion Festival to have a good time:
#1. Dance! Dance! Dance!
The Ion Festival is just the place to let loose and enjoy those summer beats to the fullest. You’ll get to listen to some of the best DJs live, so you should take a chance to enjoy the vibrant and lively atmosphere of their sets.
Don’t worry if you don’t know how to dance—everyone has their own unique way of vibing to the music! What’s important is that you
have fun and don’t worry about anything else.
#2. Enjoy the Beach
Of course, you can’t go to a summer festival at the seashore without having some fun in the sun. Therefore, you can feel free to enjoy many of the beautiful beaches of south Albania, like Dhërmi Beach, Empire Beach, or Gjipe Beach.
You can lay out a beach towel and relax or
rent an umbrella
at a private beach instead. It costs about
€10, and you can have it for as many hours as you want.
#3. Take a Boat Trip
There are tons of boats at the port, offering scenic rides along the Albanian Riviera. You can explore the surrounding beaches and hidden coves or jump from the boat for a refreshing dip in the water!
During the ride, you can enjoy
panoramic views of the festival grounds from afar and catch glimpses of the
vibrant festivities on the shore. It’s also a great opportunity to
relax after a long day of partying while enjoying the sea and summer breeze.
#4. Attend Wellness Sessions
Ion Festival offers a comprehensive and immersive wellness program for its visitors. These sessions are the ideal opportunity to learn how to feel good in your own body. Moreover, they allow you to form a special connection to nature and enjoy everything it offers.
There’s usually a
wellness and yoga instructor available there, as well as a wide range of special activities such as ice baths, yoga, tea ceremonies, guided meditation, and sound healing sessions.
Where to Stay during the Ion Festival: 5+ Amazing Spots
Accommodation is actually included in the Ion Festival ticket price, providing a variety of options, from cozy guesthouses and 3-star hotels to the luxurious resorts of the Riviera.
The prices are pretty
reasonable, starting at
€376 and including a 7-day stay and the festival ticket. That’s what you would pay if you were staying in a three-star hotel, like:
List of Services
-
#1. Le Rêve Boutique HotelList Item 1
Very close to Dhërmi and Palasa Beach, Le Rêve is a very elegant and lavish hotel featuring an amazing garden and modern architecture. The rooms are minimalist and chic, with wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the garden and the beach.
-
#2. Siempre Viva DhërmiList Item 2
Siempre Viva is also situated next to Dhërmi Beach, and it’s a peaceful guesthouse with very welcoming hosts who always make sure their clients are satisfied. The rooms are comfortable and chic, providing every amenity you might need for an enjoyable stay. There’s also a terrace, with a seating area and flowers in every corner.
If you choose to stay in a four-star hotel, you’ll be paying €496 for accommodation and the festival ticket.
-
#3. Drymades BungalowsList Item 3
One of the most unique accommodation options, Drymades Bungalows offers four-star accommodation, a private beach area, and a bar. You’ll get to stay in a spacious bungalow equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a TV.
Every bungalow is in the midst of greenery, in a beautiful, large garden, with flowers and trees in every corner. And, let’s be honest, having your morning coffee or tea on the front porch while admiring the surrounding nature is a real treat for the eye and the perfect way to start your day.
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#4. Empire Beach ResortList Item 4
Overlooking the coast, Empire Beach Resort is set in the midst of nature, guaranteeing a stay to remember. It’s a very modern building that boasts an infinity pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a private beach. The staff is also amazingly friendly and always makes sure you feel at home.
Lastly, for five-star accommodation, you’d pay €996 for both the hotel and the festival ticket.
-
#5. La Brisa Boutique Hotel
Among the best luxury hotels in Albania, La Brisa guarantees a comfortable stay with everything you need for a vacation and even more. The hotel faces the beachfront, with most rooms having balconies with sea views, and boasts an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a private beach.
-
#6. Rapo’s Resort
Rapo’s Resort is located in Himarë, a short drive away from the festival site. It’s in the midst of lush forests, surrounded by small hills. All rooms at the resort are equipped with air conditioning, TV, Wi-Fi, and free toiletries as well. There’s also a large outdoor pool with a pool bar and a restaurant.
Why Go to the Ion Festival: 3 Essential Reasons
Here are a few reasons why you should consider going to the Ion Festival next year:
#1. Beautiful Scenery
As the festival is set on the mesmerizing beach of Dhërmi, you’ll be surrounded by crystal waters, soft sand, and beautiful forests. You can explore around, take a walk, or even have a nice picnic at the beach while admiring the sunset.
Moreover, all the festival venues are organized and curated in such a way that they
don’t overshadow any of the natural beauty of the location but make it stand out even more.
#2. Meeting New People
Events like these are the perfect setting to meet like-minded people and bond over your shared interest in music! Every festival is better enjoyed with a large group of friends, so make sure to socialize and enjoy your time at the Ion Festival to the fullest.
#3. Great Music
Featuring the
top DJs and performers and showcasing innovative sounds and performances, the music at the Ion Festival offers something for every electronic music enthusiast. Still, even if you’re not a huge fan of the genre, you may enjoy the experience, along with the energy and positive vibe of the crowd.
Summer Festival Essentials
And finally, here are a few summer festival essentials you shouldn’t forget to take with you to the Ion festival:
- Bathing suit. You’re going to be at the beach all day, so make sure to have a comfy bathing suit with you.
- Light clothing. Pack light and breathable clothes, such as shirts, shorts, and airy blouses. And don’t forget your hat and sunglasses!
- Camera. It’s always nice to look back on good memories, so bring your camera to capture some of your best moments at the Ion Festival.
- Ticket and ID. Make sure you have your festival ticket printed or ready to scan from your phone, along with identification for entry.
- Cash and cards. Make sure to bring enough cash for food, drinks, and shopping, but also have a bank card handy for emergencies.
- Sun protection. Don’t forget to pack your SPF; it will protect you from sunburn, as you’ll be staying outside most of the time.
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