The Albanian Riviera is a slice of paradise, where turquoise bays, rugged cliffs and dramatic mountain backdrops create a landscape that feels like stepping right into a Microsoft screensaver.
Nestled in this stunning region, Dhërmi shines as one of Albania’s most enchanting coastal villages. We definitely recommend spending an hour or two in its historic village, which has undergone extensive renovation and offers great views of the mountain passes and sea below. Its beaches are among the most sought-after in the country, blending pristine shores with a vibrant, laid-back charm that’s captivated travelers worldwide. The buzz around Dhërmi beaches has grown, making it a must-visit for those looking for a relaxing day at beautiful beaches.
Dhërmi is a bit pricier compared to nearby Himarë, offering a slightly more upscale experience. If you’re looking for affordable beach getaways, we definitely recommend checking out Himarë and nearby Borsh.
Albania offers more than just its breathtaking coastline. Did you know that Albania is home to dances, traditional clothes and musical arrangements that have made it into UNESCO? Before you head to the south for its gorgeous beaches, check out Albania’s rich intangible cultural heritage with an evening show in Tirana at Albanian Night, the Albanian version of a Flamenco performance. Guests wear traditional costumes and get to experience a reenacted Albanian wedding!
But back to the beach – with Dhërmi’s rising fame, you’re likely wondering: what are the best beaches in Dhërmi? Our top pick is Drymades Beach, and we’ll explain why below. We’ve curated this Dhërmi beach guide to showcase the top five Dhërmi beaches, including the exclusive nearby Jalë Beach, just a 20-minute drive away, perfect for those craving a luxurious escape.
Without further ado, here are the 5 best Dhërmi beaches to plan for your next Albanian summer adventure:
1. Dhërmi Public Beach
Free & Paid Spots | Pebbly Beach | Long Expanse
If you’re looking to experience the raw, natural beauty of Dhërmi without breaking the bank, Dhërmi’s public beach is a great option. Located next to an upscale restaurant called Luciano that we definitely recommend for lunch, the Dhërmi public beach offers easy access to glimmering waters that are still home to plenty of fish. This small spot is close to bars, hotels and AirBnB’s, so it’s perfectly convenient and accessible – just make sure to bring your own umbrella, as there’s close to zero shade here.
2. Pepperon The Beach
House Music | Great Cocktails | Pricier
If you’re looking for more of a beach bar vibe, Pepperon is the perfect spot. This place offers great cocktails and premium sunbeds and umbrellas. They play upbeat house music throughout the day that’s perfect for vibing with friends. You can easily walk or swim to smaller beaches nearby, and the water here is also super clear and great for swimming.
3. Drymades Beach
Best Beach in Dhërmi | Soft Sands | Upscale Ambiance
Drymades Beach is our top pick for the ultimate Dhermi beach experience, blending natural beauty with a touch of luxury on the Albanian Riviera. Its soft, golden sands and crystal-clear waters are framed by lush hills, creating a postcard-perfect setting. The beach offers both public areas and exclusive private sections with premium sunbeds and chic beach clubs, ideal for couples seeking a sophisticated escape.
4. Palasë Beach
Dreamy | Paragliding Landing Site | Long Beach
Palasë Beach is a small slice of heaven, offering a long, stony beach along the shores of the Ionian that will make you want to stay put the whole day. The water here is exceedingly clear, cool and refreshing, and this is the landing site of plenty of paragliders who come from the top of nearby Llogara, which you can see from the beach. During the summer it can get a bit busy, but this beach is still accessible to the public and is a great spot for spending the day at the beach.
5. Jalë Beach
Exclusive | Small, Half-Crescent Beach | Luxury Stay
Albania’s most luxurious beach is in Jalë. Nearby Folie Marine, a five-star hotel and resort, offers incredible cocktails, food and hotel rooms for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the quiet serenity of the Albanian Riviera. The hotel has a swimming pool with a bar in it overlooking the beach, and sunbeds are available for those who want to take a catnap in the sun. The interior design of the beach bar is tasteful and the hotel rooms provide stunning views over the iconic bay of Jalë.
That’s it for the best beaches of Dhërmi. If you’re looking for more information about the best beaches in Albania, Saranda’s top beaches, wondering if you should plan your beach vacation in Durrës or Saranda or want to know about the top beaches in Durrës, check out our other blog posts!
