Hotel
Dhërmi
Verified LinkGogo's Boutique Hotel
Peaceful hillside hotel with beautiful Ionian sea views and easy access to the beach by car. A calm, relaxed stay away from the busiest part of the strip.
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South · Riviera
BeachDhërmi
The Riviera's most vibrant beach village — long pebble shores lined with sunset beach clubs, and the legendary Gjipe cove hidden at the end of a canyon walk.
Best for
Beach clubs, parties, hidden coves
Best time
June–September
Suggested stay
2–3 nights
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Dhërmi in pictures
South · RivieraBeach clubs, parties, hidden coves
About this destination
Why Dhërmi belongs on your route
Dhërmi is the loudest, prettiest stretch of the Albanian Riviera — Drymades beach lined with day clubs, the old hilltop village above, and a 30–40 min walk through a canyon down to Gjipe, the country's most photographed hidden cove. Aquarium Bay (Gjiri i Akuariumit), a snorkelling cove, is a short walk south of Drymades. The 13th-century St. Mary Monastery sits on the hill above the village. Stay at least two nights. The descent from the Llogara pass is one of the great coastal drives in Europe.
Top attractions
What to see in Dhërmi
1
Drymades Beach
The main beach at Dhërmi — a long stretch of white pebbles with beach clubs, sun loungers, bars and seafood restaurants. Most lively from mid-June to mid-September.
2
Gjipe Cove
Albania's most photographed hidden beach: a small cove of turquoise water reached by a 30–40 min walk through a narrow pine-scented canyon. No facilities, just sea and cliffs.
3
Aquarium Bay (Gjiri i Akuariumit)
A small, clear snorkelling cove roughly 10 minutes on foot south of Drymades beach. Named for the visibility of the water — calm, shallow and ideal for swimmers of all levels.
4
St. Mary Monastery
A 13th-century Byzantine monastery perched on the hillside above the village, with original frescoes and a small courtyard. A quiet 20-minute climb from the old village.
5
Old Dhërmi Village
The original hilltop settlement above the coast — Byzantine churches, stone houses and a quiet that contrasts completely with the beach below. A good morning or evening walk.
6
Palasa Beach
A quieter pebble beach 5 km south of Dhërmi, below the Llogara ridge. Paragliders from the pass above regularly land here — a spectacular sight from the shore.
Day plan
How to spend one day in Dhërmi
Morning
Explore Drymades Beach — beach clubs, bars, DJ nights
Afternoon
Gjipe Cove — hidden beach via 30–40 min canyon hike
Evening
Dinner in Dhërmi — save the best viewpoint for last
Local tip
Bring water shoes for pebble beaches. Aquarium Bay is a 10-min walk south of Drymades — ideal for snorkelling. If driving back over Llogara, use the short tunnel on the north side of the pass to skip the steepest hairpins.
Nearby
Where to go next from Dhërmi
Accommodation
Where to stay in Dhërmi
Verified hotel links and stays for travellers who want to be close to the highlights.
Guesthouse
Dhërmi
Verified LinkPenelope's Rooms
Simple, clean and budget-friendly guesthouse within walking distance of the beach. No-frills but comfortable — ideal for travellers who spend most of their time by the sea.
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Hotel
Dhërmi
Verified LinkHotel Imperial
Charming hillside stay with Ionian sea views, a sunny terrace, Mediterranean plants and a freshly prepared local breakfast each morning.
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View DetailsDining
Where to eat in Dhërmi
Traditional restaurants, modern Albanian dining, and local favourites with verified links where available.
Modern
Dhërmi
Verified LinkNoah on the Beach
Stylish beach club with a full restaurant menu — sushi, seafood, pasta and cocktails with summer music. One of the Riviera's most popular beach dining spots.
€€€
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Cafe
Dhërmi
Verified Link360 Sunset Bar Drymades
Perched above Drymades beach with panoramic Ionian views — the best spot on the Riviera for a sunset cocktail and a relaxed evening drink.
Seafood
Dhërmi
Verified LinkSalinas Restaurant
Relaxed beachside restaurant for pizza, pasta, seafood and salads. Consistent food in a great setting — a solid choice for lunch or a long dinner by the sea.
Experiences
Things to do in Dhërmi
Hike
Dhërmi
Hike to Gjipe Beach
Albania's most dramatic hidden beach sits at the end of Gjipe Canyon — tall cliffs on both sides, crystal-clear water, no beach clubs. Drive to the parking area and walk 30–40 minutes. Wear shoes and bring water.
Free to visit
View DetailsMuseum
Dhërmi
St. Mary Monastery
A short steep walk above the old Dhërmi village brings you to this peaceful monastery. The views over the Ionian Sea are the best in the area — combine with exploring the stone streets of old Dhërmi.
Free to visit
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Beach
Dhërmi
Gjiri i Akuariumit (Aquarium Bay)
A small rocky cove with impossibly clear water — ideal for snorkelling and swimming in total quiet. The road is rough but the peaceful crystal-clear setting makes the drive worthwhile.
Free to visit
View DetailsTravel guides
Plan more around Dhërmi
8 min read
Destination
Dhërmi Travel Guide — Best Things to Do, Beaches & Where to Stay
A quiet stone mountain village meets a lively beach area with crystal-clear Ionian water, beach clubs and seafood restaurants — one of the Albanian Riviera's most beautiful stops.
7 min read
Destination
Ksamil vs Dhërmi: Which Albanian Beach Is for You?
Two of the Riviera's most famous beaches compared — islets and shallow turquoise vs beach clubs and mountain drama.
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