About Dhermi
Dhermi is the larger last town on the coastal route between Saranda (68 km) and Vlora (56 km) before the road disappears into the Ceraunian Mountains in Llogara National Park. Around Dhermi are several larger and smaller, more hidden beaches. Every year thousands of people come to Dhermi either for a relaxing holiday, or for one of the festivals that take place here every year. The town is partly built on the slopes of the hills, providing spectacular views over the Ionian Sea on one side, and the mountains on the other side.
How To Get There
To get to Dhermi from abroad you can best fly to Corfu first, and then take the ferry to Saranda. From Saranda it’s a really beautiful drive along the coast with spectacular views. Without any stops you can get from Saranda to Dhermi in about 1.5 hours. You can rent a car directy from the Ferry Terminal in Saranda or take any minibus (Furgon) in the direction of Vlora.
Alternatively, you can fly to Tirana and rent a car from the airport, or take any bus to Saranda that is following the coastal route.
What To See And Do In Dhermi
Visit Dhermi’s Old Town
The old town of Dhermi is built on an altitute of about 200 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the hills. It’s definitely worth strolling around the old stone streets and meet the slow pacing village life. There are a couple of nice churches, like the Church of Saint Charalambos and the Church of Saint Spyridon, each with their pretty clock towers, and the Monastery of Saint Mary on top of the hill.
To get to the Monastery of Saint Mary it’s a steep walk up via the cobbled streets but the spectacular views are making up for it big time. on the way you’ll also pass by the small, but recently restorated Church of Saint Athanasios.
Dhermi Beach
From the main road it is about 1.5 kilometeres to the Dhermi Beach. So the beach is a bit away from the old town centre, and it’s also very wide and long. Therefore even when it gets busy, there is still plenty of space to escape from the crowds. At and around the beach are several hotels, restaurants and beach bars and you can rent beach beds and umbrellas.
Palasa Beach
A bit north of Dhermi Beach is another large beach which is a bit more quiet. Palasa Beach stretches all the way to where the Ceraunian Mountains start so also here is plenty of space. Also here are some restaurants and beach bears and you can stay the night in one of the hotels, lodges or campings.
Pirates’ Cave
South of Dhermi is the famous Pirates’ Cave which appeared in a book by the famous Albanian writer Petro Marko. The beach cave has a large and impressive entrance and another small opening in the back, allowing bits of light in like a chimney. The cave is polpular among rock climbers making their way down, but most tourists visit the cave by boat.
Gjipe Beach
Gjipe Beach is considered one of the best, if not the best beach on the Albanian Riviera. To get there from Dhermi, it’s only a 12 minute drive but then another 25 minute hike, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Gjipe Beach is the opposite of the wide and open beaches in Dhermi, as it’s completely hidden and surrounded by the rocks of the Gjipe Canyon. Here is a complete guide to Gjipe Beach.
Llogara Pass And Llogara National Park
When you drive from Dhermi in northern direction towards Vlora, the road zigzags over the Llogara Pass and into the spectacular Ceraunian Mountains through Llogara National Park. The national park is a protected area spanning a surface of 1,010 hectare of mountains, cliffs and forests with a rich flora and fauna. The road is in a good condition, but be extremely carefull in the mountains and on Llogara Pass. You can make a stop at Panorama Llogara for some spectacular views over the beaches of the riviera.
Drive The Amazing Coastal Road
The coastal road between Dhermi and Saranda is just fabulous and you really have to make some stops on the way. On one hand side you’ll see spectacular mountain ranges, while you’ll see the most stunning beaches on the other hand side. You’ll also pass through the villages of Himara, Qeparo, Borsh and Lukova which are worth a stop.
Tours To Dhermi
Are you staying in Saranda and don’t have your own transportation? Then you can easily visit Borsh on a tour from Saranda. There are several tours showing the highlights of the riviera that include Borsh in their itinerary.
Festivals In Dhermi
Dhermi has really put itself on the map in recent years since the amazing beaches became the decor of several festivals. Among the yearly returning music festivals are KALA Festival, ION Festival, Anjunadeep Explorations, and Turtle Fest.
Hotels In Dhermi
In and around Dhermi you can find all kinds of accommodations, from luxury resort hotels, to budget hotels and hostels as well as camping places. Since it can be busy in summer, we recommend searching and booking your stay in time, especially around any festival dates.
Search below or have a look at our recommendations:
- Hotel Jon:Hotel Jon is a modern hotel with a nice garden in the front, and is located right at Himara Beach.
- Hotel Margarita: Hotel Margarita is a lovely small and quiet hotel, but is still centrally located right on the pedestian promanade at the beach.
- Olives Residence: Olives Residence is quietly located, but still only 750 meters from Palasa Beach. It has a bar and sun terrace with a swimming pool.
- The Sea Turtle Camping: If you like camping, you can now do so in luxury in the cabins at Sea Turtle Glamping, which have their own bathrooms. The camping is located in Palasa in a green environment close to the beach.
Other Practical Info About Dhermi
Emergencies
There are medical centers in the old town of Dhermi and on Drimades Beach and for emergencies you can always call the following numbers:
General Emergencies – 112
Ambulance – 127
Fire – 128
Police – 129
You can also read more about staying safe in Albania on our Health & Safety page.
Banks And ATMs
There is no bank in Dhermi but there are ATMs at Dhermi Beach and Drimades Beach.
Post Office
The closest post office to Dhermi is located in Himara.
Shopping In Dhermi
There are only small grocery stores in Dhermi town and on the beaches. For larger supermarkets and more shopping options you have to go to Himara.
Related Activities
Nearby Things To See
