Dhërmi, or, as they say in Greece, Drymades, is a beautiful coastal village on the Albanian Riviera. It’s situated along the Ionian Sea, and it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations, as there are countless beautiful things to see and fun things to do in Dhërmi in the summer.
From seaside resorts to unique beach bars and clubs, everyone can find something interesting in Dhërmi, as it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a summer vacation packed with fun, culture, and rich history.
So, if you’re wondering what are those things you can actually do in Dhërmi to have some fun, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s explore 10 fascinating things to do in Dhermi in 2023.
The village of Dhërmi is located in Vlorë County, on the shores of the Ionian Sea, along the Albanian Riviera. It’s bustling with tourists during the summer months when all the best bars and restaurants are open, the beautiful beaches are full, and the weather is at its best.
Taking a bus from Tirana to Dhërmi is probably the most affordable way to go. There are buses departing from Tirana two times a day, at 5:30 AM and at 13:00 PM. The bus terminal is called The Regional Bus Terminal - North and South Albania, and it’s located about 15 minutes from the city center.
The bus ticket from Tirana to Dhërmi costs €8.25, or 1000 ALL, and the trip lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The final destination of the buses is actually Himare, but they make stops in Dhërmi.
If you want to properly enjoy the scenery of the Albanian Riviera at your own pace and make occasional stops along the way, going to Dhërmi by car is the best way. The road is pretty straightforward and doesn’t have many twists and turns.
However, if you’re a foreigner in Albania, driving can be a bit challenging, as Albanian drivers often have a chaotic driving style. No worries, though; you’ll get the hang of it after a few drives around Tirana.
Lastly, you can also get a taxi to Dhërmi. It’s a bit pricey, though, so factor that into the decision. There are numerous taxi companies in Tirana, such as Speed Taxi, City Taxi, and Euro Taxi, and the prices may vary from €130 to around €150. The taxi ride from Tirana to Dhërmi takes approximately 3 and a half hours.
Just a few steps away from the beautiful sandy beach, you can find Hotel Morina Palace, one of the most luxurious hotels in Dhërmi. Here you can enjoy the sunny weather in the outdoor pools, eat delicious meals in high-class restaurants, and get a good rest in the comfortable rooms.
All the rooms have balconies from which you can admire the amazing views of the sea. During your stay, you can also take part in activities such as fishing and canoeing.
Hotel Imperial is a nice and welcoming hotel located close to the center of Dhërmi. It has an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Albanian food, a bar where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails, and a large terrace to spend your evenings on.
The rooms have all the amenities you need and are also equipped with a cable TV, fridge, and coffee machine. There’s also a private beach area with sun loungers and parasols, free of charge for the guests of the hotel.
Set 200 meters from Dhërmi beach, Horizon Hotel features 3-star accommodation and has a nice small garden, balconies, and a terrace. The rooms all have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms.
The staff is very helpful and welcoming, and they are sure to be there for any need you may have during your stay.
Chili’s Hotel is a very unique and charming place, with a special sense of decoration all over the area. There’s a very beautiful garden and seating area, perfectly matching the summer night's atmosphere. The white color dominating the place gives it a classic yet modern look.
Each room has a large balcony and, of course, air conditioning and flat-screen TVs.
Of all the things to do in Dhërmi, visiting the beaches is a definite must. You cannot go wrong with any beach you choose to go to, as they’re all equally mesmerizing.
The town is actually in between two main beaches, Dhërmi Beach and Drymades Beach. What they have in common is the rocky terrain and, of course, the stunning views.
Some other mind-blowing beaches also include the iconic Gjipe Beach, Palasa Beach, Jale Beach, and many more.
If you’re up for a challenge, one of the things to do in Dhermi is to explore the coves near the beaches. You can find them right next to Drymades Beach, steps from the Summer Dream Restaurant.
The further you go, there are fewer and fewer people around. You’ll have to do a bit of rock climbing for each cove, but the destination is worth it. Be sure to take water with you, as it can be a bit straining and the weather is pretty hot.
After exploring all of the beautiful coves on the beach, the best thing you can do is take a break at one of the many Dhërmi restaurants by the sea. Each of these places offers delicious dishes along with exquisite service and atmosphere.
Most of the restaurants in Dhermi have terraces, from which you can admire the views of the shoreline or the town.
Some options include:
Dive into the town's rich history and culture by visiting the Old Town of Dhërmi. Resembling the beautiful Greek traditional villages, it's characterized by cobblestone streets and orange rooftops, covered in history and tradition.
A walk through the town is one of the most pleasant and relaxing things to do in Dhërmi. On top of the hill where it's located, you can visit the Church of Saint Mary, which overlooks the town and the coastline.
For all the adventurers, one of the things to do in Dhermi is hike in the Gjipe Canyon. Just above Gjipe Beach, between the villages of Vuno and Dhërmi.
To actually get to Gjipe Beach, you’ll have to do a small hike through the canyon of Gjipe. It’s a very scenic hike, with countless panoramic views and amazing landscapes.
No worries about getting lost, as the whole trail is marked with directions and signs. The hike takes about 2 hours, and you can get to the starting point either by car or by bus.
Located in Dhërmi Old Town, St.Mary’s Monastery dates back to the 16th century. It’s known as the ‘’white monastery’’, thanks to the color of its walls. It’s one of the oldest religious structures in Albania, with beautiful frescoes that are unfortunately fading with time.
It’s located at the top of the hill, and you can reach it by taking a short walk from Dhërmi Old Town.
You can’t enjoy a proper holiday without engaging in the Dhërmi nightlife. Choose from the many interesting nightclubs on the shoreline, like Havana Beach Club and Bamboo Beach Bar. Some clubs also have a swimming pool and a restaurant, along with umbrellas and loungers.
You can enjoy delicious cocktails while vibing to lively Albanian music. Ease up on the alcohol, though, because Albanians sure know how to party!
A trip to Llogara National Park is an absolute must among the things to do in Dhërmi. We can safely say it’s one of the most beautiful places in Albania, just 20 kilometers away from Dhërmi. It’s the perfect destination for a day trip to the mountains.
It’s centered on the Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera and features unbelievable nature with its unique combination of mountains, forests, and sea landscapes. There are also numerous hiking trails along the park, which are pretty popular among nature and adventure lovers.
Going to festivals is among the most fun things to do in Dhërmi. They’re all organized during the summer, mostly on the beach. The festivals feature exciting boat races, traditional dancing performances, famous singers, DJs, and delicious traditional Albanian food, along with snacks from all over the world.
Some festivals you can visit are the
KALA Festival, the Ion Festival, and more.
After a fun and eventful day, take your time to head down to the beach and catch the sunset. You can also sit at a beach bar overlooking the shore and enjoy a drink while watching the sun set behind the horizon.
To make sure you don’t forget anything, here are some key takeaways from the article:
The coastal town of Dhërmi is known for its magnificent beaches and crystal waters, making it one of the most popular summer destinations in Albania. The Mediterranean architecture, the rich cultural heritage, and the delicious local cuisine also contribute to the town’s popularity.
Dhërmi is about 60 kilometers away from Vlore and about an hour's drive by car.
The cost of a taxi ride from Tirana to Dhërmi varies from company to company, but it usually costs in the neighborhood of €130 to €150.
Yes, Dhërmi Beach features a long stretch of soft sand and clear turquoise waters, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in the Riviera.