Aerial view of Dhërmi, its beaches and the Ionian Sea

Things to Do

Beach days and swims, boat trips to hidden coves, snorkelling and kayaking in clear water, coastal hikes, and the scenic drive over the Llogara Pass.

Boat Trips & Coves

Boat trips along the coast to hidden coves — Gjipe Beach at the mouth of its canyon and the Pirates' Cave in the Grama Bay area, best reached from the water.

The turquoise water and pebble cove of Gjipe Beach reached by boat from Dhërmi
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Boat Trip to Gjipe Beach

The easiest way to reach Gjipe — the hidden cove at the mouth of a canyon between Dhërmi and Himarë — is by boat from the Dhërmi shore. Small boats and water taxis run down the coast in summer, dropping you on the pebbles for a swim in some of the Riviera's clearest water before the ride back.

June–SeptemberEasy
Swim in the turquoise water of Gjipe coveSee the canyon mouth from the seaPass hidden beaches along the coastNo hiking required — boat drop-off on the sand
A sea cave and clear water on the coast near Dhërmi visited on a Pirates' Cave boat tour
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Pirates' Cave & Coves Boat Tour

A coastal boat tour from Dhërmi takes in the sea caves and hidden coves north toward Grama Bay, including the dramatic Pirates' Cave — a deep grotto only reachable from the water. Expect swim stops in secluded bays with water so clear you can see the bottom.

June–SeptemberEasy
Enter the Pirates' Cave sea grottoSwim stops in secluded covesSnorkelling in crystal-clear waterViews of the Ceraunian coast from the sea
The pine-backed shore and clear water of Drymades on an Albanian Riviera boat tour
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Albanian Riviera Boat Tour

A longer day on the water tracing the Dhërmi and Drymades coast, stopping at beaches and coves that are hard to reach by road. It is the classic Riviera outing — sun, swim stops and a run past the cliffs and pine-backed shore of this stretch of coast.

June–SeptemberEasy
Cruise the Dhërmi and Drymades coastlineMultiple swim and snorkel stopsReach beaches with no road accessA full day on the Ionian

Upcoming Festivals & Events

Annual celebrations that bring Dhërmi to life with music, film, food, and tradition.

Kala Festival

Early June

A week-long electronic-music festival on the beach at Dhërmi and Drymades — open-air stages on the sand, from intimate beach bars to a forest amphitheatre reached only by boat, with a deliberately small, capped crowd and a deep-house, Balearic and disco leaning. Held each early June with accommodation bundled into the ticket; check the current year's dates.

https://kala.al

Anjunadeep Explorations

Mid-June (annual)

The Anjunadeep label's beach festival, spread across several stages along the Dhërmi and Drymades shore each June — including a stage at the Gjipe canyon reached by boat. A melodic, deep-house-leaning line-up of the label's artists over several days. The 2026 edition ran 11–16 June; dates shift year to year, so check the festival's channels before planning.

https://explorations.anjunadeep.com

Things to Do in Dhërmi — FAQ

What are the best things to do in Dhërmi?+

Swim and laze on Dhërmi and Drymades beaches, take a boat trip to hidden Gjipe or the Pirates' Cave, snorkel or kayak in the clear water, hike the canyon or up to the old upper village and St. Mary's Monastery, and watch the sunset with a drink at a beach bar. The scenic drive over the Llogara Pass rounds out a few days.

What is the best day trip from Dhërmi?+

The Llogara Pass — a mountain road of around 1,000 metres about 40 minutes north — is the standout short trip for its coastal views. Himarë and the castle at Porto Palermo are an easy 20 minutes south, and with a full day you can reach Sarandë, Ksamil and the ancient ruins of Butrint further down the coast.

Should I book boat trips and tours in advance?+

In peak summer it helps to arrange popular boat trips a day or two ahead, as space is limited. Otherwise Dhërmi is relaxed — many beach days, swims and hikes need no booking at all, so you can decide as you go.

What is there to do in Dhërmi in poor weather?+

Dhërmi is first and foremost a beach village, so a rainy day is best spent slowly — a long lunch of grilled seafood, a walk up to St. Mary's Monastery, or a drive over the Llogara Pass when the cloud lifts for the views.

How many days do you need in Dhërmi?+

Two full days cover the village itself — the beaches, a boat trip to a hidden cove, and a walk up to the old village. Add a third (or more) for a day trip along the Riviera. Our two-day itinerary maps out the core if you are short on time.