Albania had been on my radar for a while, and I finally decided to make the trip. My goal? Sun, sand, turquoise waters, and some adventure along the way. And wow… Albania did not disappoint. Sun, sea, and stunning sunsets—my trip to Dhermi, Albania was pure magic! From scenic bus rides and charming bakeries to turquoise waters and peaceful moonlit beaches, every moment was an adventure.
Touchdown in Tirana ✈️🏞️
I landed in Tirana on a perfectly sunny day. The flight itself was already a treat—the mountains below looked straight out of a movie. After landing, I grabbed a coffee at the airport and stepped outside to catch the bus to the city center.
- Cost: 400 lek
- Duration: 40-50 minutes
- Perks: Buses run every hour, and yes, there’s wifi!
By the time I reached the heart of Tirana, it was evening. I checked into my hotel, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the main area. A quick Bolt delivery later, and I was asleep, ready for the next morning’s big adventure.
Early Morning in Tirana 🌞🥐
Morning in Tirana felt calm and cozy. I grabbed a pastry from a nearby bakery and headed to the South and North Albania Bus Terminal—the hub for buses going all over the country.
Pro tip: if the direct bus to Dhermi isn’t running, buses to Vlore are frequent and you can easily transfer from there.
Road Trip to Dhermi 🚍✨
Stop in Vlore
We arrived in Vlore and had to wait for an hour before catching the van-like bus to Dhermi. During the wait, we grabbed another coffee, snacked at a supermarket and bakery, and even met a super cute dog who seemed just as excited about the sun as we were.
The scenery along the way was absolutely breathtaking—sunlight sparkling on the water, rolling hills, and those iconic Albanian coastal views. The entire trip cost about 1500 lek per person and took around 4-5 hours.
Final Stretch to the Beach
The bus dropped us off a short walk from the beach—about 15 minutes downhill. Our stay was right near the water. We unpacked, took a little nap, and woke up just in time for a spectacular sunset.
Golden Hour in Dhermi 🌅💛
The beach was everything I hoped for. Turquoise water, soft sand, and that magical golden hour glow. I even flew my drone to capture some epic shots—the view was surreal.
After sunset, we grabbed some snacks from a nearby grocery shop and had dinner at a charming Italian restaurant right by the sea. The food was simple but so satisfying.
Evening strolls along the beach revealed the moonlight reflecting on the water—a calm, peaceful moment I’ll never forget.
Back at our place, we watched a movie and later stepped outside to enjoy the calm under the moonlight. It was chilly, even in early October, but that just made the night feel more magical.
Morning Hike & Heading Back 🏞️🎒
The next morning, after checking out and having a coffee at the same restaurant, came the steep hike back to the main road. With backpacks in tow, it was tough, but the scenery made it worth every step.
We waited about 40 minutes for a bus back to Tirana. Luck was on our side—we snagged the last available seats on a completely full bus. Along the way, we stopped at another bakery for coffee and snacks—the kind of food that makes travel feel extra special.
Back in Tirana & Final Night 🏙️🍝
Arriving in Tirana, we were exhausted. A hiccup with our hostel booking almost left us stranded, but we found another place nearby—nothing fancy, but good enough for a night.
The next morning, it was time to catch my flight back to Germany. The bus to the airport cost the same as the ride to the city center, easy and convenient.
Final Thoughts 💭❤️
Albania blew me away. From hidden beaches and stunning sunsets to charming bakeries and friendly locals, it’s one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. I’m already planning my next trip to explore more of this amazing country.
Travel Highlights:
- Sunsets over turquoise waters 🌅
- Meeting friendly locals (and adorable dogs!) 🐶
- Magical golden hours on the beach ✨
- Cozy bakeries and local snacks 🥐
- Peaceful moonlit nights by the sea 🌙
- Scenic bus rides along the coast 🚍
Albania isn’t just a place; it’s an experience. And Dhermi? Definitely a slice of paradise I’ll never forget.