Dhërmi sits in the middle of the Albanian Riviera, with a mountain pass on one side, hidden coves along the coast, and — a longer drive south — one of the Balkans' great ancient sites. A car helps for most of these, as bus and furgon services along the SH8 are seasonal. Here are the day trips worth the drive, from nearest to furthest. For the full detail see our day-trips guide.
The Llogara Pass — the mountain road
About 40 minutes north, the Llogara Pass climbs to around 1,027 metres in the Ceraunian range, where the road leaves the coast for pine forest and opens onto panoramic views over the Ionian Sea. A short but spectacular drive, easily combined with a viewpoint stop or a walk in the national park. The classic half-day out with a car. Note that the 6 km Llogara Tunnel (opened 2024) now runs under the mountains for through-traffic — it ran free through the 2025 season, and since 2026 carries a toll of 250 lek (about €2.50) one-way for a car — but for the views, you want the old pass road over the top, which stays free.
Gjipe Beach — a hidden cove
Between Dhërmi and Himarë, Gjipe Beach is a hidden pebble cove at the mouth of a canyon, reached either by boat along the coast or on foot down the gorge. It's one of the quietest, most striking swimming spots on the Riviera — but there's little development, so bring water and shade.
Himarë & Porto Palermo Castle — to the south
About 20 minutes south, Himarë is the main town on this stretch of the Riviera, with its castle, beaches and waterfront tavernas. A little further on, the castle at Porto Palermo stands on its own headland in a sheltered bay. The two make an easy pairing for one day.
Palasë & Jal — quieter beaches nearby
For a relaxed beach day, two of the nearest bays are worth the short drive: Palasë, just below the Llogara Pass, and Jal a little to the south — both broad pebble bays with clear water and a more laid-back pace than the busier stretches of coast.
Vlorë — the city to the north
About an hour north, past the Llogara Pass, Vlorë is the nearest proper city — the place where Albania declared independence in 1912, with a long seafront promenade, a lively centre and the gateway to the Karaburun–Sazan marine park. A good change of pace from beach days if you want shops, museums and city life.
A day on the water — boat trips
Some of the Riviera's best bits are only reachable, or best seen, from the sea. Boat trips from Dhërmi run along the coast to sea caves, hidden coves and Gjipe, with stops to swim off the boat in water you can't reach by road — the easy, no-driving day out, and a fine way to see the coast from a different angle.
Sarandë, Ksamil, Butrint & the Blue Eye — the far south
The big day out is south to Sarandë, roughly 1.5 to 2 hours' drive: the seaside city, the turquoise coves of Ksamil, and the UNESCO-listed ancient ruins of Butrint set among lagoons and woodland (admission 1,000 lek, about €10 per adult; under-12s free). On the way you can add the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), the vivid karst spring inland from Sarandë — a natural pairing with the coast rather than a trip on its own. It's a lot for one day, so start early, keep the stops tight, or consider an overnight in the south to do it justice. Adventurous travellers can even hop the fast ferry from Sarandë to Corfu (Greece) for a day, though that's a full day in itself and needs your passport.
Planning your trips
The Llogara Pass, Gjipe, Himarë, the boat trips and the nearby beaches each fit into a half or easy day; Sarandë–Ksamil–Butrint–Blue Eye needs a full day with an early start, or better an overnight. A rental car gives you the most freedom on the coastal SH8, and if you're touring the whole coast our Albanian Riviera road trip links it all together; organised tours cover the headline trips if you'd rather not drive. For clear, quiet water, Gjipe or the beaches of Palasë and Jal are the pick. See our things to do for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best day trips from Dhërmi?
The Llogara Pass (about 40 minutes north), hidden Gjipe Beach, Himarë with Porto Palermo Castle (about 20 minutes south), the beaches of Palasë and Jal, and — further south — Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint.
How far is the Llogara Pass from Dhërmi?
About 40 minutes north, where the coast road climbs to around 1,027 metres in the Ceraunian range with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea.
Can you visit Butrint from Dhërmi in a day?
Yes, though it makes a long day — roughly 1.5 to 2 hours' drive south. Admission to the UNESCO ruins is about 1,000 lek (€10) per adult. Many combine Butrint with Sarandë, Ksamil and the Blue Eye in one full day, with an early start; if you'd rather not rush it, stay a night in the south.
What day trips can you do from Dhërmi without a car?
Boat trips from Dhërmi (to the sea caves and Gjipe) need no car at all, and organised tours cover the headline runs — the Llogara Pass, Himarë, and the far-south Sarandë–Ksamil–Butrint day. The coastal SH8 buses and furgons run too, but they're seasonal and infrequent, so a tour or the boat is the easier car-free option.
Is the Blue Eye near Dhërmi worth a day trip?
The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) is a vivid karst spring inland from Sarandë, about 1.5–2 hours south of Dhërmi — too far as a trip on its own, but a natural add-on to a Sarandë, Ksamil or Butrint day in the far south.
