The Albanian Riviera is fast becoming popular, understandably. Stunning beaches, cheap food, bargain beers and the most clear sea you will ever see. When planning a trip to this Balkan area ensure that you include a trip to Dhermi Beach, Albania.
If you are looking for an itinerary for Albania be sure to check out our 10 day itinerary in Albania with kids post.
Where is Dhermi Beach?
Dhermi is a village located on the South East coast on the Albanian Riviera. Dhermi beach is located south of the village. It is a long, wide beach with plenty of space even during busy times.
From Sarande it is an easy 2 hour drive along the coastal road. Take advantage of the viewing points along the way to take in the birds eye views of the coast. There are buses that run from Sarande but the easiest way to get there is to a hire a car and drive. We can recommend Saranda Holiday Rental for affordable car hire when planning a trip to Dhermi Beach, Albania.
Booking.comWhy Dhermi?
Dhermi has one of the longest stretches of beaches along the coast. Although pebbly, it is designed for walking on with lots of boardwalks to help you get to and from the sunbeds easily. With lots of beach bars and restaurants along the beach there are many different options. To the north of the beach you will find simple sunbeds costing 1000lek or 7euros for the day with an umbrella. As you walk south towards the louder beach bars the beds get more plush and expect to pay up to 2000lek or 14euros for the day. Although it sounds a lot more, it is still significantly cheaper than most beach beds in other European countries. A bar close by with beers for 1.50euro and music that gets louder as the day goes on, makes a trip to Dhermi beach a great idea!
The sea needs a seperate mention, rarely have we seen more clear sea throughout our travels. It rivals some of the sea we have swam in, in Thailand.
Where to Eat in Dhermi
The promenade that runs alongside the beach in Dhermi is full of a variety of beach restaurants and shops.
- Restaurant Luciano holds the prime spot to the north of the beach and is very popular. We couldn’t get a table but it looks like a beautiful sunset spot and definitely worth checking out.
- Royal Blue is a hotel further south with a plum spot and a popular restaurant. We ate a delicious meal of pasta and fresh fish here sitting right next to the beach watching the sun going down.
- Aloni Restaurant has a good breakfast menu and the kids enjoyed pancakes each morning we were here.
- Lips Restaurant is popular, the mussels and pizza are highly recommended. Service is quick and the beer is cold!
- Diego Bar Pizzeria Restaurant has the best value out of the strip of restaurants. The whole seabass is perfectly cooked and a fraction of a price than the fancier hotel restaurants. It is opposite the beach bar with music so has a good atmosphere with fires being lit on the beach each night. Fish, pasta and mussels were all delicious as was the half jug of wine. It only cost around 4000lek around 30euros for a family of 4 with 2 fish, pasta, wine and mussels. We ended up eating here twice.
Remember to always carry cash, preferably Albanian Lek when in Albania as not all restaurants accept cards. There is an ATM on the beachfront close to Restaurant Luciano.
Where to Stay in Dhermi
Peak summer time is busy in Dhermi, book ahead for the best availability. We spent a long time figuring out the itinerary and left booking accommodation here late. If you are looking for cheap, basic accommodation close to the beach Hotel Afrodite is worth checking out. Rooms are clean, fridge, balcony, a/c and a small bathroom. However, there are many lovely looking hotels around.
If you are on an adults only holiday the Empire Beach Resort has a great location and looks stunning. La Brisa Boutique Hotel is family friendly and also in a prime location.
Booking.comDhermi is the perfect place to unwind for a few days, enjoy the slower pace of life on the beach. Try out the different restaurants and cocktail bars and truly relax. Make sure to include a trip to Dhermi beach when planning your Albania itinerary.
If you enjoyed reading this post about a trip to Dhermi Beach Albania then check out our Guide to Albania. The post Saranda with kids will give you some information on Saranda and Ksamil. Make sure to include a trip to Gjirokaster and check out the Best Things to do in Gjirokaster guide. If you are looking for other family trips click here.
Disclaimer: This post Dhermi Beach Albania – Paradise, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
