Best Beaches in Dhermi 2026: Drymades, Gjipe & the Main Beach

The beaches around Dhermi are among the finest on the Albanian Riviera - and in the Balkans more broadly. Three beaches in particular - Dhermi, Drymades, and Gjipe - are each distinct enough to be worth a separate visit. Here is what to expect from each one, and how to plan your time. All prices approximate as of 2026.

Dhermi Beach - the main town beach

The central beach in front of the town, backed by restaurants, beach bars, and a narrow road. This is the most convenient beach if you are staying in Dhermi itself.

Water quality: Ionian blue-green, clear, and calm in the morning. Can get churned up in the afternoon as wind picks up. Not the most sheltered bay on the Riviera but generally reliable.

Facilities: Sunbeds with umbrellas (approximately €5–10/day for two sunbeds), beach bars serving drinks and snacks, changing rooms at the main beach clubs, showers. Cold water rinse available at no charge at most beach bars.

Atmosphere: Social and busy in peak season. Good for people who want a full-service beach experience with bars nearby. Less suitable for those wanting quiet and isolation - for that, head early or go to Palasa or Gjipe.

Access: Walking distance from most Dhermi accommodation. The main beach is approximately 200 metres long.

Best time: Before 10am for the quietest conditions. In July–August the beach fills by mid-morning.

Drymades Beach - best for atmosphere

Drymades is approximately 10 minutes south of Dhermi by car (or a 25-minute walk along the coast path). It is consistently rated one of the best beaches on the Albanian Riviera and the most polished beach in the Dhermi area.

Water quality: Excellent - calm, clear, Ionian blue-green. The cove is slightly more sheltered than Dhermi main beach.

Facilities: Multiple beach clubs with professional sunbed setups (approximately €8–15/day for premium positions), full cocktail bars (cocktails approximately €6–10), food service, showers, changing facilities. DJ music from mid-afternoon. One of the few beaches on the Albanian Riviera with a truly curated beach-club feel.

Atmosphere: More style-conscious and energetic than Dhermi main beach. Popular with a younger crowd in July–August. Still pleasant in June and September when the intensity drops and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Access: Drive or taxi (approximately €5 from Dhermi) or walk via the coastal path - leave early in the morning before the heat builds if walking.

Best time: Afternoon for the full beach-club atmosphere; morning for the best water conditions without the crowds.

Gjipe Beach - best for scenery

Gjipe is the standout beach in terms of raw natural drama. A canyon-backed cove with minimal development, turquoise water, and a remote feel despite being reachable within 20 minutes of Dhermi.

Water quality: Exceptional. The cove is sheltered, the water is clear and shallow near the shore, deepening quickly. Good for swimming, snorkelling (bring your own mask), and freediving. No boat traffic directly at the beach.

Facilities: Almost none. There are a couple of small kiosks selling water and basic snacks in peak season - but do not rely on these. Bring your own food, water, and sun protection. No sunbed hire, no showers.

Atmosphere: Wild, dramatic, and natural. The canyon walls rise on both sides of the beach and the narrow channel opens to open sea ahead. This is the most photogenic beach in the Dhermi area by a significant margin.

Access - by foot: A 30-minute hike down a steep rocky trail from the road above. The path is loose in places - wear proper shoes, not flip-flops. The descent is manageable; the return climb in the afternoon heat is more demanding. Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person.

Access - by boat: Boat taxis depart from Dhermi Beach and cost approximately €10–15 per person return. The boat trip takes about 15 minutes and passes the sea caves along the coast. This is the easier option for those not up for the hike.

Best time: Morning (9–11am) when the sun is at the right angle to light up the canyon and water. The beach stays in shadow for much of the afternoon.

Palasa Beach - the quiet alternative

Palasa sits about 5 minutes south of Drymades and has a noticeably quieter atmosphere. A few smaller beach bars operate in peak season, but there are no large beach clubs. Good for those who want a relaxed day without loud music or structured sunbed rows.

Access: By car (5 minutes from Drymades) or on foot from Drymades via the coastal path (approximately 20 minutes). The path involves some scrambling in places.

Facilities: Basic - a couple of beach bars with simple food and drinks. Sunbed hire available (approximately €5/day) but not guaranteed in the way Drymades is.

Quick comparison

Beach	Best for	Facilities	Access	Approx. cost/day
Dhermi	Convenience, social	Full	Walk	€5–15 (sunbeds)
Drymades	Atmosphere, beach clubs	Full + premium	Car or walk (25 min)	€8–20 (sunbeds + drinks)
Gjipe	Scenery, swimming	Almost none	Hike or boat taxi	€10–15 (boat)
Palasa	Quiet, relaxed	Basic	Car or coastal path	€5 (sunbeds)

Water temperatures

Month	Approximate sea temperature
June	21–23°C
July	24–26°C
August	25–27°C
September	23–25°C
October	20–22°C

What to bring

All beaches benefit from: sun cream (buy in Albania - approximately €5–8 in local shops), reef shoes or water sandals for rocky entry points (especially Gjipe), at least one litre of water per person, and cash (most beach bars and boat operators do not accept cards reliably).

Getting between beaches

No local bus connects the beaches. Options: rental car (approximately €30–50/day, the most flexible option), taxi between points (approximately €5–10 per trip), walk via the coastal path (requires fitness and good shoes), or organise a boat trip from Dhermi beach that stops at multiple beaches in one day.

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Plan your trip: Browse tours and boat trips from Albania for guided coastal excursions. Hire a car to explore the beaches at your own pace, and cover your journey with Balkans travel insurance.