Exploring the Beauty of Dhermi Beach
Dhermi beach, located on the Albanian Riviera, is a picturesque destination known for its stunning landscapes, clear waters, and pebble beaches. This comprehensive guide covers the location, activities, attractions, accommodation, and the best time to visit Dhermi Beach, drawing from various sources to provide a detailed overview.
Location
Dhermi Beach is situated in the village of Dhermi , nestled between the towns of Himarë and Vlore along the Albanian Riviera. The village itself is perched on a slope of the Ceraunian Mountains, approximately 42 kilometers south of Vlorë and about the same distance north of Sarande.
The beach is located south of the village and is known for its long, wide expanse, offering plenty of space even during busy times.
Activities and Attractions
Dhërmi Beach and its surroundings offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors:
- Beach Activities: The beach is ideal for swimming in the clear Ionian Sea, sunbathing on the pebble shore, and enjoying water sports. There are areas with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, ranging from 6-8 Euros per person, which include a chair, umbrella, and towel.
- Hiking: The Mills Trail is a historic path linking the village with the coast, offering an immersive experience with signboards detailing the area's history.
- Exploration: Visitors can explore the old town of Dhërmi, featuring cobblestone streets, burnt orange rooftops, and historical landmarks such as the Monastery of St. Mary and the Panagia Monastery Church.
- Boat Tours and Jet Ski Rides: For adrenaline seekers, boat tours and jet ski rides are available, providing unforgettable experiences along the coast.
Accommodation
Dhërmi offers a range of accommodation options, from boutique hotels to luxury resorts and family-friendly hotels. Popular choices include the Empire Beach Resort, La Brisa Boutique Hotel, and Zoe Hora, a luxury resort complex occupying old houses under the cliff at the top of the village.
Prices vary, but visitors can expect to find options to suit different budgets.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Dhërmi Beach is during the shoulder seasons of June and September, when the weather is pleasant, and the area is less crowded compared to the peak summer months of July and August.
However, for those looking to avoid high-season crowds, visiting in November might also be a good option.
It's important to note that while the beach and its facilities are bustling in the summer, many restaurants and accommodations may shut down outside of this peak season.
In summary, Dhërmi Beach offers a serene and beautiful getaway on the Albanian Riviera, with activities and accommodations to suit a wide range of preferences. Whether you're looking for relaxation on the beach, adventurous water sports, or cultural exploration in the village and surrounding areas, Dhërmi Beach has something to offer.
General Tips and Information
- The beach is known for its crystal clear water and is mostly clean and tidy.
- There are a few nice beach bars and restaurants along the shore.
- During a festival, some visitors did not feel safe due to leering from local men.
- Traveling from Saranda to Dhërmi Beach can take more than two hours by car, as it is not a motorway and the distance is about 70-75 km.
- The beach has a pedestrian-only promenade and a 'water square' at the neck of the esplanade.
- Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, with prices ranging from 6-8 Euros per person, which includes a chair, umbrella, and towel.
- The beach is quieter than some other beaches in the vicinity and is favored by locals.
- There are plenty of restaurants along the water, but they are seasonal and shut down outside of summer.
Read More on Dhermi Beach
- Dhërmi Beach: Known for its clear waters and craggy mountainside, Dhërmi Beach is a popular spot with a walkway lined with restaurants and cafes. It is a pebble beach that offers stunning views and is equipped with boats that double as water taxis.
- Drymades Beach: Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in Albania, Drymades Beach is less developed than Dhërmi Beach but is rapidly changing with new resorts. It features sea arches stretching out into the turquoise Mediterranean waters and has areas free of umbrellas for those seeking a less crowded experience.
- Gjipe Beach: This beach is described as one of the most stunning, with dramatic scenery and clear waters. It is accessible by a hike down from the main road and offers sun loungers for rent. Gjipe Beach is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, providing a secluded and picturesque setting.
- Jali Beach (Jala Beach): Known for its extremely clear water with a brilliant blue hue, Jali Beach is also home to some of Albania’s best beach clubs and offers a vibrant nightlife scene. It is a great destination for swimming and enjoying the beach atmosphere.
- Palasa Beach: Mentioned as a calm beach with a pebbly shore, Palasa Beach is suitable for those who prefer a quieter beach experience. It is located close to Dhërmi and offers magnificent views.
These beaches are renowned for their beauty, tranquility, and the variety of experiences they offer, from lively beach clubs to serene, secluded coves. Each beach has its unique charm, whether it's the bustling atmosphere of Dhërmi Beach, the natural beauty of Drymades Beach, the seclusion of Gjipe Beach, the clear waters of Jali Beach, or the calmness of Palasa Beach.
- Hotel Royal Blue: Located just 0.04 km from Dhërmi Beach, offering close proximity to the beach.
- Hotel Jon: Situated 0.09 km away from the beach, providing convenient access for beachgoers.
- Hotel Bar-Restoran Antoni's: Found at a distance of 0.17 km from Dhërmi Beach.
- Apartments Piazza: Also 0.17 km from the beach, offering apartment-style accommodations.
- Penelope's Rooms: Another option 0.17 km from the beach, likely offering a more intimate setting.
- Don Mare: Located right at 0.00 km from Dhërmi Beach, possibly offering seafood and beachside dining.
- Royal Blue Restaurant: Just 0.04 km from the beach, likely part of the Hotel Royal Blue.
- Diego Pizzeri Bar Restorant: A pizzeria 0.14 km from the beach.
- Restaurant Luciano: Holds a prime spot to the north of the beach and is very popular.
- Surf The Rooftop: An attraction near the beach at 0.13 km.
- Tomas & Petro beach and watersport point: Offers water sports activities, located 0.18 km from the beach.
- Havana Beach Club: A beach club 0.20 km from Dhërmi Beach.
- Havana Lounge: A lounge 0.61 km from the beach.
- Dhermi / Drymades Boat Tours: Provides boat tours and is located 0.93 km from the beach.
The best way to get to Dhërmi Beach from the airport depends on which airport you are arriving at. Here are the options.
From Tirana International Airport (TIA)
- By Bus: You can take a bus from Tirana to Dhërmi, which departs at 5:30 AM and 13:00 PM from the Regional Bus Terminal in Tirana. The journey takes approximately 5-7 hours and costs around 1,300 LEK.
- By Car: Renting a car is another option. The drive from Tirana to Dhërmi takes about 3.5 hours, and you will drive southward via Fier to Vlore, then take the coastal road leading to Dhërmi.
- By Shuttle and Bus: You can take a shuttle bus from Tirana Airport to Vlorë and then a bus to Dhërmi. This journey takes around 5 hours and 10 minutes.
From Corfu Airport (CFU)
- By Boat and Bus: The most common route is to take a boat from Corfu to Sarandë or Himara and then a bus to Dhërmi. This journey can take around 2-3 hours by boat plus additional time for the bus transfer.
- By Flying Dolphin: You can also take a Flying Dolphin from Corfu to Sarandë and then continue by bus to Dhërmi.
General Tips
- Check Timetables: It's important to check the latest timetables and prices as they can change frequently.
- Book Transfers: If you're attending a festival or event in Dhërmi, they may offer their own transfer services from Corfu, which can include drinks and entertainment.
- Consider a Taxi: For more convenience, especially if traveling with a lot of luggage or in a group, you might consider booking a private taxi or transfer service.
Based on the information provided, if you are arriving at Tirana International Airport, taking a bus or renting a car would be the best options. If you are arriving at Corfu Airport, taking a boat to Sarandë or Himara followed by a bus to Dhërmi would be the most common route. Always confirm the latest schedules and consider booking transfers in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Yes, Dhërmi hosts several music festivals, including Kala Festival and ION Festival, which combine music with a beach holiday experience.
Dhërmi Beach can be suitable for families, as it offers various accommodations and activities that cater to different age groups. However, it is also known for its nightlife and music festivals, so it may be more geared towards adults.
Yes, there are several hidden gem beaches near Dhërmi, such as Gjiri Guma and the quieter northern side of Dhërmi near Bar Restaurant Shën Nikolla.
Restaurants in Dhërmi offer meals ranging from 5€ to 15€, and drink prices at bars vary from 4€ to 8€. Some festivals in the area operate a cashless system for convenience.
During certain events like the Anjunadeep Explorations festival, there may be a minimum stay requirement, such as a 4-night minimum stay for accommodations outside the festival site and a 5-night minimum stay within the festival site.
