Drymades Beach is the beach that made the Albanian Riviera fashionable. A white pebble cove backed by the Ceraunian Mountains, lined with beach clubs that range from barefoot-cool to full-service luxury, and water so blue it looks retouched in every photo. It sits just south of Dhermi village, about 25 minutes north of Himara, and has become the Riviera's go-to destination for travelers who want great swimming with a side of atmosphere. If Livadhi is where families spend the whole day and Gjipe is where adventurers hike in, Drymades is where you pull up a sunbed, order a cocktail, and let the afternoon unfold.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Dhermi, ~25 min north of Himara |
| Beach type | White pebble with some sandy sections |
| Length | ~800 meters |
| Water | Crystal-clear turquoise, moderate depth |
| Facilities | Full — beach clubs, restaurants, hotels, bars |
| Parking | Along the access road; some paid lots (200-300 ALL) |
| Best for | Couples, groups, beach club lovers, divers |
| Sunbed rental | 1,000-2,000 ALL (~10-20€), often free with food/drink order |
| Coordinates | 40.1554, 19.6093 |
Getting There
From Himara (25 minutes)
Drive north on the SH8 coastal road toward Dhermi. After climbing through the hairpin turns above the coast, you'll see the signed turnoff for Drymades on the right, just before reaching Dhermi village proper. A narrow road winds steeply down to the beach — it's paved but tight in spots. Allow 25 minutes from Himara center.
Parking is available along the beach road and at several lots near the main beach clubs. Some charge 200-300 ALL (2-3€), others are free. In August, arrive before 11 AM for the closest spots.
From Dhermi (5 minutes)
Drymades is essentially Dhermi's main beach. From the village, follow signs downhill. It's a 5-minute drive or a 15-20 minute walk on a steep road.
From Tirana (3.5 hours)
Take the SH4 south, then the SH8 coastal highway. The route is well-paved and scenic, especially the dramatic descent from Llogara Pass into the coast. Drymades is the first major beach you'll reach after the pass.
Without a Car
No direct public transport to the beach itself. Buses on the Himara-Vlora route stop in Dhermi village — from there it's a 15-20 minute downhill walk. A taxi from Himara costs around 2,500-3,000 ALL (25-30€) one way. If you're staying in Himara, a scooter rental (15-20€/day) is the most practical option for day trips to Drymades.
The Beach
Drymades stretches roughly 800 meters along the coast, divided into distinct sections by rocky outcrops. The character changes as you walk.
Main Beach (Central)
The central stretch is where the action is. Beach clubs line the shore — Sarajet Beach, Komiteti, DOMI — each with their own sunbed rows, music, and bar service. The pebbles here are white and smooth, the water access is easy, and you'll have everything you need within arm's reach. This is Drymades at its most social.
Sunbeds run 1,000-2,000 ALL (~10-20€) per day, though many clubs offer them free with a minimum food or drink order. The higher-end spots (Folie Marine, DOMI) charge more but deliver better service, cushioned loungers, and a more curated atmosphere.
South End (Toward Amar Bar)
The southern end of Drymades, anchored by Amar Bar, is the more laid-back section. The beach here has more rock, the crowds thin out, and the vibe shifts from beach club to Mediterranean cove. In front of Amar Bar there's a public stretch where you can lay your own towel without renting anything. The swimming is excellent — deep water close to shore, good visibility, and rocky edges worth exploring with a snorkel mask.
North End (Toward Morsi)
The northern portion features Morsi Restaurant and some quieter coves accessible by scrambling over rocks. Less developed, more rugged. Good for people who want the Drymades water quality without the beach club scene. Water shoes are essential for navigating the rocky sections.
The Water
Drymades has some of the clearest water on the Albanian Riviera. The turquoise-to-deep-blue gradient is striking, and on calm mornings the visibility is exceptional — you can see the pebble bottom clearly at 3-4 meters depth. The water deepens faster than at family beaches like Livadhi or Borsh, making it better for swimming adults than for small children wading.
Water temperature runs 22-26°C from June through September. Morning is calmest; afternoon wind from the northwest can create some surface chop.
Beach Clubs & Restaurants
Drymades has the best beach club scene on the Albanian Riviera. Here are the ones worth knowing.
Sarajet Beach
The most central club with a Tulum/Bali-inspired design. Stylish but not pretentious — good music, comfortable loungers, cocktails that actually taste good. A reliable all-day choice if you want atmosphere without overwhelming volume.
DOMI Drymades
A boutique hotel-restaurant-beach bar combo. More refined than the party clubs — think Mediterranean cuisine, craft cocktails, and design-forward seating. Good for couples and travelers who prioritize food quality alongside their beach day. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner with seafood and Italian-inspired dishes.
Amar Bar
At the south end, Amar is the chilled alternative. Less scene, more sunset drinks. The beach in front is one of the best swimming spots on Drymades. Popular with couples and independent travelers who want a quieter afternoon.
360 Sunset Bar
Moroccan-inspired bohemian decor with panoramic views. Cocktails, good music, and one of the best sunset vantage points on the beach. The kind of place where you show up at 5 PM and don't leave until dark.
Morsi Restaurant
An Italian restaurant at the north end, right by the sea. Pasta, seafood, salads — solid quality in a beautiful setting. Good for a proper sit-down lunch without leaving the beach.
| Club/Restaurant | Vibe | Sunbeds | Food | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sarajet Beach | Stylish, relaxed | 1,000-1,500 ALL | Cocktails, light food | All-day lounging |
| DOMI | Boutique, refined | 1,500-2,000 ALL | Full restaurant | Couples, foodies |
| Amar Bar | Chill, sunset-focused | Free with drinks | Bar snacks | Sunset drinks, swimming |
| 360 Sunset Bar | Bohemian, panoramic | 1,000-1,500 ALL | Cocktails | Sunset cocktails |
| Morsi | Casual Italian | N/A | Full restaurant | Lunch |
For more dining options in the area, see our restaurant guide.
The MIG-21 Wreck Dive
One of Albania's most unique attractions lies just offshore. A Soviet-era MIG-21 fighter plane from the Communist period rests on the seabed 80 meters from shore at just 9 meters depth. The wreck is remarkably intact and has become an artificial reef — bass, grouper, sea anemones, and lobsters have colonized the metal frame.
Dive details:
- Depth: 9 meters
- Distance from shore: ~80 meters
- Visibility: Up to 50 meters on clear days
- Cost: ~70€ per person (includes briefing, equipment, 30-min dive)
- Experience required: Some prior dive experience recommended
This is one of the most accessible wreck dives in the Mediterranean — shallow enough for relatively new divers, dramatic enough for experienced ones, and with a Cold War backstory that adds intrigue. Dive operators in Dhermi offer organized trips. For more underwater options, see our snorkeling and diving guide.
Drymades vs Other Riviera Beaches
| Drymades | Dhermi | Gjipe | Jale | Livadhi | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance from Himara | 25 min drive | 25 min drive | 30 min drive + hike | 20 min drive | 10 min drive |
| Length | ~800 m | ~1 km | ~100 m | ~400 m | ~1.5 km |
| Surface | White pebble | White pebble | Pebble-sand | Pebble/mixed | Pebble/mixed |
| Beach clubs | Many, high quality | Several | None | A few | Some |
| Vibe | Stylish, social | Upscale, polished | Adventurous, remote | Youthful, emerging | Family, all-day |
| Water depth | Moderate, fast entry | Moderate | Deep quickly | Moderate | Shallow, gradual |
| Sunset | Good (west-facing) | Good | Blocked by canyon | Good | Best on Riviera |
| Best for | Beach club experience | Premium atmosphere | Canyon adventure | Backpackers, camping | Families |
The short version: Dhermi and Drymades share the same stretch of coast but attract slightly different crowds — Dhermi is more resort-polished, Drymades more beach-club creative. Gjipe is the adventure. Jale is the backpacker pick. Livadhi is the family default.
For the full beach ranking, see our best beaches in Himara guide.
Where to Stay
Drymades has several accommodation options right on or near the beach.
On the Beach
DOMI Drymades — Boutique hotel with direct beach access. Modern rooms, excellent restaurant, beach club included. From ~80-150€/night in summer.
Drymades Inn Resort — A well-established beachfront resort with pools, a restaurant, and organized activities. Family-friendly. From ~60-120€/night.
In Dhermi Village
Several guesthouses and small hotels in the village, typically cheaper (30-70€/night) but a steep 15-20 minute walk down to the beach. Good if you have a car.
Base in Himara
Many visitors use Himara as a base and day-trip to Drymades. With a car or scooter, the 25-minute drive is easy, and Himara offers wider hotel, restaurant, and nightlife options.
Best Time to Visit
Season
June and September are ideal — warm weather, warm water, all beach clubs open, but without the August crush. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends.
July and August are peak season. Everything is open, the atmosphere is at its most vibrant, but sunbed availability tightens and prices peak. Avoid weekends in August if you want space — that's when the Tirana crowd descends.
May and October — shoulder season. Some clubs open, water is swimmable (18-22°C), but the full beach club experience requires summer crowds. Good for quiet beach days.
For detailed seasonal planning, see our best time to visit Himara guide.
Time of Day
Morning (before 11 AM): Flattest water, best visibility, easiest parking. Ideal for swimming and the MIG-21 dive.
Midday to 4 PM: Peak sun, busiest period. Beach clubs in full swing.
Late afternoon to sunset: Golden light, thinning crowds. Best time for Amar Bar drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drymades Beach the same as Dhermi Beach?
No, but they're neighbors. Dhermi (Greek: Δρυμάδες, Albanian: Dhërmi) is the main beach directly below Dhermi village. Drymades is a separate stretch of coast just south, with its own access road and distinct beach club scene. They share the same water quality and mountain backdrop but have different vibes — Dhermi is more resort-oriented, Drymades more beach-club creative.
How much do sunbeds cost at Drymades?
Expect to pay 1,000-2,000 ALL (10-20€) per day depending on the club. Several establishments offer sunbeds free with a minimum food or drink order. The public beach section near Amar Bar has free space for your own towel.
Can you dive the MIG-21 wreck without experience?
Prior dive experience is recommended since the wreck sits at 9 meters depth. It's not suitable for first-time divers, but anyone with a basic open-water certification can do it. Dive operators in Dhermi provide equipment and briefings. Expect to pay around 70€ per person.
Is Drymades Beach good for families with kids?
It can work, but it's not the best family beach on the Riviera. The water deepens quickly compared to Livadhi or Borsh, and the beach club atmosphere skews toward couples and groups. Families with older kids who swim well will enjoy it. For younger children, Livadhi's shallow waters are a safer bet.
How do I get from Himara to Drymades without a car?
The most practical option is a scooter rental (15-20€/day). Alternatively, buses on the Himara-Vlora route stop in Dhermi village — from there it's a 15-20 minute downhill walk. Taxis cost 2,500-3,000 ALL (25-30€) one way from Himara.
