A two hour drive north of Ksamil lies Dhermi, a picturesque hilltop town blessed with a popular beach. Yes, the Albanian coastline keeps going from strength to strength.
Our apartment spoilt us with views like this as well as cool temps which were most appreciated since the European heatwave is approaching.
The kilometre walk down to the beach swings around the gorge or through it. Certainly walking through the gorge was cooler, not sure about quicker since we shared (tried to share that is) the narrow, stony track with goats and their shepherd.
The beach area has certainly undergone some changes since our last visit. A wide cobbled promenade lined with sun beds and cafes now extends the length of the beach. Refreshingly though, Dhermi has maintained its low key vibe. Hope it doesn’t disappear, as we’ve heard Saudi investment is afoot.
Away from the beach and up the hill is a little cafe run by a hardworking older lady who plied us with just the right food. From her fridge, she first pulled out fish, goat, tzatziki, salad items, then large bottles of her home made white and red wine as well as raki. Fresh bread and olive oil completed the tasty lunch. It mattered not that we couldn’t speak each other’s language. The universal language of food and drink works every time.
Dhermi town is full of cute, cobbled laneways where houses are built close together, grape vines heavy with thick clusters of fruit are tamed into green roofs and, little chapels like this one below are dotted around.
We enjoyed our 3 days in Dhermi. Now, we’re heading to Tirana, Albania’s capital. Expecting temps of 36 on arrival.
Fuelled by travel 