DeirdreDhërmi Beach is a gorgeous slice of paradise in the Albania Riviera. This quaint beach and village is located at the foot of the Ceraunian Mountains and is one of the first towns after descending the beautiful mountain road of Llogara Pass. There are many ways of accessing the beach, but the most rewarding one is via the Mill Trail.
This hike is relatively easy and provides both mountain and beach views. The hike also provides great introduction to the beach and Old Town as the path connects both areas together. The 3km walking guide will provide all the essentials to plan your trip to Dhërmi and the beach.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
The Mill Trail Information
- Distance: 3km one way (6km return)
- Route: Point to Point or Out & Back
- Difficulty: Easy
- Facilities: Washrooms on the Dhërmi beach boardwalk
What is Dhërmi Known For
Dhërmi is divided into two main areas: The Beachfront and Old Town.
The main boardwalk and beach are around 1.5km in length. The waterfront is scattered with restaurants, clubs, hotels and of course a beautiful, pebbled beach. Most of the beach is private, owned by the nearby hotels but there are still plenty of public areas to enjoy. If you visit in the off season, you could very well have the entire beach to yourself.
The Old Town is quiet and full of history. There is a large Greek population, and the influences of Greek culture can be seen throughout the area. Churches and monasteries are set upon hills and date back to the 13th century.
Best Time To Visit Dhërmi
The best time of year to visit Dhërmi is during the months of April-June and September to early November. During this time, temperatures will be warm, skies will be clear, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Temperatures range between 15-25 degrees during these months although water temperatures may be more ideal for swimming between June-October.
Visiting in the off season (April) might be too chilly to swim but is perfect for a hiking adventure or laying on the beach. Don’t be surprised if you have the entire beach to yourself, especially during the weekday. I visited in mid-April and had an entire boardwalk to myself. Restaurants were closed or being renovated for the busy season.
If you want to avoid the crowds, aim for April or May. If you want warmer weather, more availability of tourism infrastructure like restaurants and attractions, or warmer water, plan your trip for the summer months. This will draw the crowds, but not as many tourists as your typical Mediterranean destination, as Dhërmi (and Albania) is still not as advertised around the world.
Where To Stay in Dhërmi
Dhërmi has a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Most of the main hotels are located on the beach front, with some new condos being constructed within walking distance of the beach.
Other unique places to stay is in the Old Town, a few kilometers from the beach. Generally, those off the main beach strip are cheaper.
Beach Front Properties:
Old Town Properties:
How to Get To Dhërmi
By Car
Dhërmi is situated in the middle of the Albania Riviera and is approximately 3 hours from the capital city of Tirana and 1 hour from Vlore.
One of the best ways of exploring Albania and Dhermi, is by renting your own vehicle. This allows you to have as freedom and flexibility with your travel dates. Prices vary depending on season, but typically expect to pay around 3000 LEK/day in the off season ($40 CAD) and 6000 LEK/day in the high season ($80 CAD). Rates are based on a 7-day standard vehicle rental.
Find your vehicle rental here
By Public Transit
Very little information is available online regarding public transit in Albania, which is unfortunate. Most buses from Tirana take on average 4-5 hours to reach Dhërmi, usually on route to Himare.
One of the most helpful public transit resources can be found here.
Trail Type
The Mill Trail connects Dhërmi Beach and the Old Town together. This trail can be completed in either direction, depending on where you are staying or visiting from.
I started the Mill Trail from the Old Town and walked to Dhërmi Beach.
This trail typically done as an Out & Back, retuning the way you came. In total, the route is 6km roundtrip or 3km one way.
How To Get to the Mill Trail Trailhead
If you aren’t based in Dhërmi for a few days or just visiting, parking is available near the lookout platform on SH8 in front of Sofia Bar, Vera Caffe and Farmaci Strakosha. The trailhead is located 350m away from this area.
Following SH8 towards the mountains on foot, walk along the main road until you reach a small turnoff with yellow signage. The route to Dhërmi Beach (Dhërmi plazh) is 1.7km from the Old Town.
Check out the trailhead walking route here.
The Mill Trail
The Mill Trail follows the river from the Old Town to the beach. The trail runs parallel with the stream and passes by many abandoned water mills, a waterfall, and abandoned churches. Today, small pipes scatter the trail and river, providing water to various areas in the town of Dhërmi.
The terrain of the trail is a mix of established paths and red metal bridges. There is a slight elevation gain, but it’s very subtle.
Throughout the trail, there are little information boards, providing historical insight about the villages and surrounding areas.
Around 1.4km, the small trail will end and meet up with the road once again. Turn left and continue along the road for about 200 meters. Turns right and proceed down the stone pathway towards the waterfront.
Dhërmi Beach Waterfront
The boardwalk runs parallel with the white pebbled beach for the next 1km or so. During the high season, visitors can arrange boat tours, enjoy a wide variety of restaurants and lounge on the many sun beds on the beach.
During the low season, the boardwalk and beach will be practically empty, showcasing a quieter, yet beautiful version of the Albania Riviera.
Further Exploring in Dhërmi
A walk around Dhërmi would not be complete without visiting the St. Mary’s Monastery (Manastiri i Shën Marisë). It was built in the 13-14th century and has had some roof upgrades over the years due to damage from earthquakes.
Walking directions to the monastery can be found here.
Additional hikes in Albania
Moderate: Qorre Peak in the lush forest of Llogara National Park
Moderate: Selca Waterfall
Hard: Saint Andreas Bay
I love walks where you discover more than just scenery. Looks like a lot of variety to see on this walk – particularly would like to see the monastery.
What a lovely walk and beautiful beach! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Did you meet any Albanian cats on your hike? I love to see the random cat sitting on a fence.
I did not encounter any on the hike but did later while eating lunch near the beach.
I’m so excited about all the Albania posts lately. My hubs and I are planning to go next Spring. So much great information, especially because we are hikers and walkers. Saving this and several others for our planning. Thank you!!!
Glad I can help. I have a few more based in the north coming very soon
What a lovely hidden gem!
Wow! The water here looks incredible! Shame I didn’t know about this place when I went.