24 Hours in Dhërmi: A Day in One of Albania’s Most Charming Seaside Towns

There’s something about Dhërmi that just gets under your skin—in the best way.  

Maybe it’s the light, the way it hits the mountains in the morning. Or the deep blue of the Ionian Sea, almost too vivid to believe. Or maybe it’s the slow, easy rhythm of the village—the kind that makes you forget to check your phone.  

I’ve lived and worked in Saranda for years now, and I’ve seen just about every corner of the Albanian Riviera . But every time I visit Dhërmi, it reminds me why I fell in love with this coast in the first place.  

So if you’ve only got 24 hours in this magical little town? Here’s how I’d spend it—local style.  

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Morning: Stone Paths and Strong Coffee  

Wake up early. Trust me.  

The mornings in Dhërmi are special. Crisp air, birdsong, and that faint smell of thyme and pine from the hills above. If you’re staying near the old village (and I recommend it at least once), take a slow walk down the cobbled paths. The traditional stone houses, some centuries old, are still home to local families who hang their laundry in the sun and offer a quiet “mirëmëngjes” as you pass.  

Stop by Bar Dhoma e Kujtimeve —a little spot tucked near the main road where they serve coffee strong enough to restart your heart. The owner, Arjan, has been running it for years, and if he’s in a chatty mood, you’ll learn more about the village than any guidebook will tell you.  

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Midday: A Beach Worth Every Curve in the Road  

By the time the sun starts to warm up, it’s time to head down to Dhërmi Beach . You’ve probably seen photos—it’s one of the most iconic stretches on the Albanian Riviera —but nothing prepares you for how clear the water really is.  

This beach isn’t just a backdrop. It’s an experience.  

Crystal water. Smooth white stones under your feet. And, depending on where you sit, a gentle soundtrack of waves or quiet beach lounge music.  

Here’s where I usually sneak in a casual property visit. Honestly, it doesn’t feel like work. I mean, showing a client a seaview apartment just steps from this kind of coastline? That’s the dream.  

A couple of weeks ago, I showed a young couple from Germany a gorgeous beachfront property here. We stood on the balcony, watching the water shift from turquoise to deep blue, and they just looked at each other and laughed. “This is it ,” they said.  

That’s the thing about Dhërmi—it doesn’t need to convince you. You just feel it.  

If you’re curious about what’s available right now, there are a few stunning units that just hit the market. Like this one:  

Luxury Seaview Apartment in Dhërmi (1+1) — perfect for summer escapes or even as a rental investment.  

Or this spacious 2+1 apartment right on the front line. It’s rare to find properties this close to the beach that are also newly built and finished to European standards.  

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Afternoon: Grilled Octopus and Albanian Hospitality  

For lunch, don’t even think about skipping seafood.  

Go to Luciano —yes, it’s popular with tourists, but there’s a reason. Their grilled octopus is done just right . Tender, smoky, and served with a little squeeze of lemon. Pair it with a cold glass of verë e bardhë and a basket of warm bread. You’ll understand why Albanians take their time at the table.  

One of my favorite things about life here is how meals turn into conversations. Into stories. Into memories. It’s not just eating—it’s connecting. And that’s exactly what makes places like Dhërmi feel like home.  

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Evening: Sunset Magic and That Golden Hour Glow  

Dhërmi’s sunsets are famous. But they’re not just for Instagram (although yes, you will post them).  

Find a spot on the western edge of the village—there’s a bench near the church of St. Stephen with a view that looks like it belongs in a painting. The light washes everything in gold. The sea turns into melted silver. It’s calm. It’s quiet. And for a moment, you’ll forget what day it is.  

Sometimes, when I bring clients here in the evening, I don’t say much. I don’t have to. The place sells itself.  

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Night: Music, Stars, and the Sound of the Sea  

If you’re visiting in summer, Dhërmi doesn’t go to sleep early.  

You’ll hear live music spilling out from beach bars, soft and soulful, blending with the sound of the waves. Grab a drink at Drymades Inn or one of the newer lounges along the beach strip. Everyone’s relaxed. No rush. No pressure.  

If you’re here in spring or autumn? It’s quieter. More introspective. But honestly, that’s when I love Dhërmi the most. You can walk the beach alone at night, under a sky so full of stars it feels surreal.  

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A Little Tangent… and a Little Truth  

I know this is supposed to be about Dhërmi, but I have to say: this whole region is full of stories like this. Saranda , Ksamil , Himara , even the quiet village of Qeparo —they all have their own rhythm.  

But Dhërmi? It’s where people come when they want to unplug and really feel the Riviera.  

So yes, I help people find Saranda apartments for sale , and I love what I do. But I’ll always have a soft spot for this tiny town carved into the cliffs.  

If you’re thinking about investing in affordable properties along the coast—or just want to know where the magic is—I’d tell you to start here. Spend a day in Dhërmi. Let it surprise you.  

And if you fall in love with it like I did?  

Well… I know just the place.