HIMARE VS DHERMI: WHICH ALBANIAN BEACH TOWN SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
If you’re planning a trip to the Albanian Riviera, you’ll soon find yourself debating between Himare and Dhermi. Both boast stunning beaches, charming vibes, and plenty of options to eat, sleep, and explore. But which one suits your holiday style best?
In this blog post, we’ll give you our take on the two beach towns and help you decide which to choose this summer.
The Vibe: Low-Key & Local vs. Livelier & Laidback
Himare is an unpretentious, small town that feels easy and welcoming – think no high-rises, no tacky bars, just good food, relaxed locals, and beautiful beaches.
We felt so relaxed in Himare that we decided to extend our stay. We came for the beaches, but got hooked in by the wonderful tavernas. Himare is ideal for families as there’s less of a nightlife vibe.
Dhermi, on the other hand, leans a little more towards the trendy side – a magnet for young travellers and those seeking a lively beach party atmosphere alongside quiet spots. It’s still Albanian Riviera charm, but with a bit more buzz, especially in peak summer. It made us thing of a sort of Ibiza/ Bali hybrid, but with a Balkan twist.
Best Beaches: Easy Access vs. Rugged Beauty
Himare has five beaches in and around town, each with a slightly different flavour. The central Spile Beach is perfect if you want easy access to cafés and shops. Prinos Beach is quieter and more local, with stunning mountain views.
Close to Himare is Jala Beach, just down the road, offering turquoise water and a chilled vibe.
Dhermi’s coastline is spectacular, with a mix of pebbly and sandy beaches. The town’s main beach is long and beautiful, but the real gems are a short drive away, like Drymades Beach, famous for its crystal-clear waters and beach clubs.
Close to Dhmeri, is Gjipe Beach, a wild cove reached by a scenic hike or taxi, perfect if you want some serious escapism.
It’s worth saying, if you have a car, then you can access Jala or Gjepe from either Dhmeri or Himare. And as both towns have great beaches within walking distance, you really can’t go wrong with either town.
Accommodation: From Budget to Boutique
Himare caters well to budget travellers with options including campsites with their own access to the sea, and affordable apartments like Sea View Breeze that give you a sea breeze and calm vibes without breaking the bank. For a touch of luxury, there’s Wait and Sea, perched on a hill just outside town, offering exclusivity and spectacular views.
Dhermi has a wider range of accommodation, including boutique hotels and beachside villas. If you want lively beach clubs right on your doorstep, many hotels here fit the bill.
For quieter stays, smaller guesthouses in the hills give you peace away from the buzz, but expect prices to be slightly higher than Himare. That said, you can always get some bargains, like this 4* Blue Boutique Hotel (from €40 per night.)
You can also find campsites in Dhermi – Sea Turtle Camp, is one example. A little way out of the town, but with access to the beach. I’ll be honest, it wasn’t our favourite place to stay, but it is popular, perhaps with younger folk than we are!
Transport Links
Getting to Himare is relatively straightforward, especially if you’re coming from Tirana. Direct buses run twice daily, and it’s a roughly 4-hour journey.
If you have a car, the drive takes around 3.5 hours with scenic views. The town itself is small enough to explore on foot or by bike, with taxis and scooter rentals to get you to nearby spots like Jala or Gjipe.
Dhermi is also straightforward, buses leave Tirana twice daily and take around 3.5 hours. And of course, you can drive this distance in a little less time.
Dhermi beach is a bit of a walk from the road where the bus drops you, so it’s a little bit trickier by public transport than Himare (where the bus stop is central). Dhermi is quite hilly too, so less accessible on foot.
Food & Drink: Traditional Taverns vs. Trendy Eateries
In Himare, food is a highlight – influenced by the local Greek community, many tavernas serve up fresh, authentic dishes with a side of warm hospitality. Taverna Velco is a firm favourite for traditional Greek fare and lively atmosphere. You’ll also find charming cafés for brunch, places like Kafe Pasticcieria 28 for coffee and cake, and low-key cocktail bars along the promenade.
Dhermi offers more variety, ranging from rustic Albanian and Mediterranean tavernas to beach bars dishing out cocktails well into the night. The food here tends to be a little more modern and experimental, with some restaurants catering to international tastes, like Italian restaurant Luciano.
The nightlife spills out onto the beaches in summer, with places like Salinas Beach Bar combining dining, dancing, and DJ sets.
So, Which One’s For You?
Pick Himare if: You want an easy-going, authentic Albanian Riviera experience with laid-back nightlife, unpretentious dining, and a great base to explore nearby beaches and historical sites. It’s perfect for travellers who want charm without crowds and value convenience.
Pick Dhermi if: You’re after a livelier scene with a mix of relaxed beach time and nightlife, plus a bit more polish in terms of beach clubs and eateries. If you want to party, enjoy trendy beach bars, and don’t mind a bit more hustle to get there, Dhermi’s your spot.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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