Discover Dhermi, Albania — A Hidden Gem on the Ionian Coast

Dhermi is a village on the Ionian Sea coast, through which a road connects the north of Albania with the south.

The Government of the Republic of Albania (hereinafter referred to as Albania) recognized the village of Dhermi as a cultural site and a center of tourism in 2016.

The settlement was first registered in 1583 in the Ottoman Empire’s land registry.

Today, the village is part of the Himara municipality, located in the Vlora district.

Dhermi: Administrative Division

The village of Dhermi consists of three separate districts located in different places:

• First district — Kondraq and Kalami (150 houses), located near the Llogara Pass;
• Second district — Gjilek (150 houses), situated further along the road;
• Third district — the village of Dhermi (300 houses), after which the entire settlement is named.

Thus, the village of Dhermi is composed of three separately located districts (settlements) near the Llogara Pass.

Along the Llogara coastline, there is a modern low-rise development called Drymades village. The term Drymades is the Greek version of the word Dhermi.

It originates from the Albanian word “dhe” or “dhera” (earth, ground surface).

The Road Along the Canyon

The highway runs along the mountainside and curves around a deep ravine with sheer cliffs.

On one side of the road, there is a steep precipice and a canyon, while on the other side, there is a mountain slope.

Houses stand on both sides of the road, both on the slope and deeper in the canyon.

Dhermi Observation Deck

How is it best to explore the village?

There is an observation deck along the road near the bus stop.

There are also several shops, a pharmacy, and a few cafes nearby.

From the deck, you can clearly see the houses on the other side of the canyon and the coastline at the bottom of the valley.

The Route Through the Village of Dhermi

Since ancient times, people have settled along roads. This allowed them to survive better by selling goods near their homes to passing travelers.

Essentially, the only road along the coast helped the entire village to sustain itself.

This is why there is a dense row of buildings along the road: survival was more successful closer to the road.

For this very reason, people strengthened and continuously improved this “road of life.”

The White Color of House Walls

Why does the village look white and festive?

The use of white paint for walls is not accidental.

The reason is very simple: in summer, the white color reflects sunlight, reducing the heating of the walls and keeping the interiors cool.

Along the road, houses appear neat and immaculate. The walls are painted white, and the roofs are covered with brown tiles.

Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary

One of the main attractions of Dhermi is the ancient Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary (Monastiri i Shёn Mёrise), located high on the mountain.

You can reach it by car or climb the stairs that start right from the road.

The distance to the monastery is approximately 700 meters.

How to Get to Dhermi

Bus from Vlora to Saranda

A daily bus route runs from Vlora to Saranda, passing through Dhermi:

• In the summer season, there are two trips; in the winter season, there is one trip.
• Departure from Vlora: 06:45 (actually at 07:00) local time;
• Departure from Saranda: 11:30 (actually at 11:45) local time.

Departure point in Vlora: near the roundabout on Transbalkanika Street.

Bus from Tirana to Saranda

Similarly, you can travel from Tirana’s bus terminal.

The bus runs daily to Saranda along the coast, passing through Vlora and Dhermi.

Tip: Ask the driver about the bus route — it should follow the coastline to Saranda.

There are two different roads to southern Albania: through the Llogara Pass along the coast and across the plain (not along the coast).

The bus should pass through the Llogara Pass and continue along the coastal highway.

All intercity buses stop in Dhermi near the Kondraq sign next to a cafe.

This is also where the turn to the Dhermi beach is located.

👉 For a general understanding of the regions, open the article Cities of Albania — Where to Live, Vacation, and Travel. It helps you see the whole picture.

Shorts: Dhermi Village

Shot date: July 24, 2024.

This video shows a scenic drive along a canyon in Dhermi, Albania. Beautiful views along the way and a mountain panorama. A brief moment of tranquility, the chirping of cicadas, and nature.

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