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 bardhëand 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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