Skip to content Torn between Himare and Dhermi on the Albanian Riviera? Totally understandable, both spots have a lot going for them! Here’s a simple overview of what each town has when it comes to beaches, accommodations, nightlife, restaurants, marinas, hotels, shopping, activities and accessibility. If you’re in a hurry, check out our summary at the end for a quick comparison!
Himare | Dhermi | |
|---|---|---|
Number of inhabitants | Himare has about 7800 inhabitants | About 1800 inhabitants
|
Beaches | Himare is home to two main bays, each with its own vibe. The first, Plazhi i Himarës, is the bustling heart of the town, where a lively promenade is lined with hotels, restaurants and cafes. On the flip side, Potami Beach offers a more chilled-out atmosphere, with a spacious shoreline ideal for those laid-back beach days when all you want is to relax and catch some rays. And it doesn’t stop there! Himare is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking beaches in Albania. | Dhermi has a beautiful beach that spans about 2 kilometres, the sand is a mix of small pebbles and coarse sand. Dhermi Beach has a vibrant promenade lined with hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and cute little shops, making it the ultimate spot to soak in the fun and lively atmosphere! As the sun sets, the area takes on a cozy, laid-back vibe, perfect for a relaxed evening walk or enjoying dinner under the stars at one of the many restaurants. |
Old Town
| If you’re in Himare, exploring the old town and castle ruins is an absolute must! Sure, the 45-minute uphill walk can be a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a peek into the local way of life. Make sure to check out the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and its hidden frescoes. | The start of Dhermi “Old town” is build at a height of about 200 meters. When you visit Dhërmi, taking a wander through the old town, also called Drymades, is an absolute must. This charming little village gives off serious Greek island vibes, with its cobblestone streets, terracotta rooftops and whitewashed buildings topped with blue-domed churches. You can really feel Dhërmi’s Greek roots, as many locals are of Greek descent and speak both the Himariote Greek and Tosk Albanian dialects. |
Accommodations
| If you’re in Himare, exploring the old town and castle ruins is an absolute must! Sure, the 45-minute uphill walk can be a bit of a workout, especially in the heat, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and a peek into the local way of life. Make sure to check out the Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus and its hidden frescoes. Not feeling the hike? No worries! Taxis are cheap and super easy to find.
| Dhërmi has plenty of accommodation options for every budget, whether you’re after a cozy 3 or 4-star hotel, a private villa, a charming B&B, or a guesthouse or apartment. We suggest staying at least a day, but if you can swing it, two days would give you an even better experience!
|
Things to do | Kick things off by checking out Porto Palermo Castle for some epic views and maybe even a refreshing swim in the bay. After that, take a stroll through the charming cobblestone streets of old Himare and don’t miss the lovely Church of St. Sergius and Bacchus. If you’re up for some adventure, jump on a boat tour from Himare Beach to explore hidden beaches and cool historical gems, like the Cold War submarine tunnel!
| There’s plenty to do in Dhërmi! Swim in its crystal-clear waters and relax on the beautiful pebbled beaches. Wander the charming old town of Drymades or hike the “In the Footsteps of Caesar” trail for amazing views. Adventure seekers can try paragliding or diving and the Monastery of St. Mary offers stunning hilltop panoramas. |
Promenade | Himare’s promenade is a real gem, lined with everything from restaurants and supermarkets to ice cream stands and souvenir shops. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back stroll, grabbing a bite to eat, and treating yourself to a little something sweet (or a cool souvenir)!
| The promenade in Dhermi is a lovely spot for a laid-back stroll under the palm trees, buzzing with lively restaurants and bars where the music sets the mood. You’ll find a great mix of dining options, cool bars and plenty of places to stay. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful promenades we’ve seen in Albania!
|
Restaurants | In Himare, you’ll always find something delicious to eat! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or craving mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes, you can dine right in the heart of town or enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand. The food scene is amazing, with plenty of cozy, family-run restaurants just waiting to be discovered!
| Dhërmi is a food lover’s paradise, with a mix of charming family-run spots scattered along the beach promenade. You’ll find a little bit of everything—Japanese, Italian, Mediterranean, and European dishes. When we visited, we tried a few of these gems and even made our way up to Taverna Fevan, a cozy Greek restaurant just before the old town.
|
Nightlife | Himare’s nightlife has a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding. You’ll find plenty of cozy cocktail spots like Mojo Cocktails and Tevarka Beach Bar, where you can kick back on bean bags right on the sand (definitely our favorite!). Most bars wind down around 2 or 3 AM, so it’s all about chilling out and soaking up the beachy atmosphere.
| Dhermi’s nightlife has plenty to offer, with a bunch of awesome beach clubs where you can sip cocktails or dance the night away. Just a heads-up: things usually wrap up around 2 or 3 AM since the clubs don’t have late-night licences.
|
Accessibility | Corfu Airport (CFU) (56 km)
Tirana international airport (TIA) (219 km)
Vlora International Airport (77 km) (not open yet)
| Tirana International Airport( 203 km)
Corfu International Airport ( 65 km)
Vlora International Airport ( 77.4 km) *not open yet.
|
Marina | Himare doesn’t have an Marina, like Vlore or Sarandë.
| Dhermi doesn’t have an Marina, like Vlore or Sarandë for example.
|
Shopping | Himare’s promenade is super charming, packed with restaurants, supermarkets, ice cream stands, and souvenir shops. But if you’re hoping for a big shopping spree, you might be out of luck – there aren’t any malls or brand-name stores around. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll and some tasty treats, though!
| In Dhërmi, you’ll find a few local markets, souvenir shops and some clothing stores. There are also a couple of tobacco shops with great cigars and typical Albanian goodies. But keep in mind, Dhërmi’s pretty small, so don’t expect a ton of shopping options!
|
More information
| Checkout our full article about Himare including the best places to stay, sightseeings, best bars and much more!
| Checkout our full article about Dhermi including the best places to stay, most beautiful beaches, best restaurants and much more!
|
TIP: Aphrodite's Garden
Want to know the best 5 places to stay in Himare? Look no further we’ve got you covered:
Want to know the best 5 places to stay in Dhermi? Look no further we’ve got you covered:
Interested in exploring all the all inclusive holidays in Albania? Visit our book & search page featuring user-friendly filters to find the most affordable options!
TIP: Hotel Patio Mare
If you’re looking to add a touch of luxury to your Albanian holiday, check out the best all inclusive resorts of Albania: Looking for something a bit less fancy but still all-inclusive? Check out the best all-inclusive hotels in the country!
Trying to decide between Dhërmi and Himarë for your Albanian vacation? It really comes down to the kind of vibe you’re after. Dhërmi is where you go if you’re looking for a lively mix of stunning nature and a buzzing nightlife. It’s super popular with a younger crowd, offering crystal-clear beaches, fun water sports like paragliding and a solid party scene – not to mention festivals like Kala. Plus, since the town’s set on a hillside, you’ll get some pretty epic coastal views. And if you’re into hiking, Llogara National Park is just a short drive away for a little outdoor adventure.
Himarë, on the flip side, is your go-to if you want to kick back and relax. It’s a more chilled-out spot, perfect for soaking up the sun on golden beaches or swimming in its dreamy turquoise waters. You’ll also find cool historic spots like Porto Palermo Castle. The town itself is super walkable, which adds to its calm, laid-back vibe. Oh, and there are boat tours that take you to hidden beaches, giving you that extra bit of tranquility.
So, if you’re in the mood for adventure and a lively atmosphere, Dhërmi is probably your best bet. But if you’re all about a quiet, relaxing escape with some history and natural beauty, Himarë should be at the top of your list. Either way, both places are amazing, and you can always hit up both if you can’t choose!
