Dhërmi by rental car is one of the most beautiful ways to discover the Albanian Riviera. The road passes close to the sea, mountains, and coastal villages, turning the journey into an important part of your holiday.
But before you leave, you need to choose the right car, plan the route, and think about parking. These small details can make the difference between a tiring journey and an adventure you will remember for a long time. 🚗🌊
Why Is Dhërmi Better Explored By Car?
Dhërmi is not just one beach and one main road. The area includes the old village on the hill, the coastline, scattered hotels, restaurants, bars, and different access points to the sea.
Distances may appear short on the map, but walking in the heat and on steep roads is not always practical. A car allows you to move more easily between your accommodation, the beach, and other destinations along the Riviera.
With a rental car, you can:
- leave at the time you prefer;
- take suitcases, umbrellas, and beach equipment with you;
- visit more than one beach during the day;
- stop at panoramic viewpoints;
- explore Palasa, Drymades, and Himara;
- return to your accommodation without depending on local transportation.
Rent Point Albania recommends a rental car as a practical way to take short trips, enjoy family holidays, and follow itineraries along the coast, with different options for couples, families, and groups.
📍 Where Can You Start The Journey?
Many visitors travel towards Dhërmi from Tirana International Airport, Tirana, Durrës, or Vlora. The choice of collection point depends on how you arrive in Albania and on your holiday itinerary.
Rent Point offers car collection at Tirana Airport, in Tirana, at the Arrivals Terminal of the Port of Durrës, and at selected addresses within the service area. This means you can organise your journey towards the south without needing to travel first to another office.
Departure From Tirana Or The Airport
The most common route continues towards Durrës, Fier, and Vlora before entering the most panoramic section of the Riviera. During the summer season, the journey time may increase because of traffic and stops.
Do not plan your arrival in Dhërmi only according to the time shown by the navigation system. Allow extra time for traffic, breaks, refuelling, and stops for photographs.
Departure From The Port Of Durrës
When you arrive by ferry, you can collect the car near the terminal and leave towards the south. This is practical for families and groups travelling with many suitcases.
When booking, provide the arrival time and the name of the ferry. In the event of a delay, inform the company as soon as possible so that the vehicle delivery can be reorganised.
Departure From Vlora
Vlora is a very good point from which to begin the coastal part of the journey. After leaving the city, the landscape changes and the road continues towards Dukat, Llogara, Palasa, and Dhërmi.
Llogara Tunnel Or Llogara Pass? ⛰️
This is one of the most interesting decisions during the journey.
The Llogara Tunnel is approximately 6 kilometres long and was initially opened to traffic on 5 July 2024. It connects the Dukat area with Palasa and significantly shortens the route towards the southern coast.
Choose the tunnel when:
- you want to arrive more quickly;
- you are travelling with children;
- a passenger does not feel comfortable on winding roads;
- the weather is bad;
- you are travelling after a long flight or ferry journey;
- you want to avoid the old mountain climb.
Sources for the project indicate that the tunnel has reduced the Dukat–Palasa crossing from around 30 minutes to approximately 7–8 minutes under normal conditions.
Fees and payment methods may change depending on the period and the operator’s decisions. Check the latest information before departure and carry some Albanian lek with you in case payment is required at the crossing point.
Choose the old road when:
- you want panoramic views;
- you have enough time;
- the weather is clear;
- you feel comfortable on mountain roads;
- you want to stop in Llogara National Park.
The old road has many bends and requires greater concentration, but it offers one of the best-known views over the Ionian coast. The tunnel and the panoramic road have different roles: one is more practical, while the other is part of the tourist experience.
💡 Itinerary idea: Travel through Llogara Pass on the way there to enjoy the view and use the tunnel on the return journey for a faster trip.
The Car You Choose Changes Your Holiday
You do not need to choose the largest car in the fleet. You should select the vehicle that matches the number of passengers, your suitcases, and the way you plan to travel.
For A Couple 💙
An economy or compact car is usually sufficient. It consumes less fuel, moves easily on narrow roads, and is more practical for parking.
Do not forget to check the boot space. A small car may be comfortable for two people, but not always for two large suitcases and beach equipment.
For A Family 👨👩👧👦
A family car, crossover, or SUV offers more space and comfort. This becomes important when the journey includes children, a stroller, bags, and many stops.
Request a child seat during the reservation. Do not wait until the departure day because availability may be limited during the season.
For A Group Of Friends 🎶
A vehicle with seven or nine seats may be more practical than two small cars. However, check how much space remains for luggage when all the seats are being used.
Rent Point presents alternatives for economy, family, and group journeys, so the category should be selected according to your real needs and not only according to the lowest price.
Manual Or Automatic?
An automatic car makes driving easier in traffic and on steep sections. It may be a more comfortable choice for tourists who are unfamiliar with the roads.
A manual car may be more economical and suitable for drivers who are used to it. Do not reserve a manual transmission only to save money when you do not feel completely confident driving it.
Confirm the transmission in the reservation and in the contract. The car photograph online should not be your only source of information.
Departure Checklist: 10 Things You Need To Check ✅
Before leaving the collection point, carry out a quick check:
- Driving licence and identification document
- Reservation confirmation
- Insurance and liability amount
- Required deposit
- The fuel level
- Existing damage to the car
- Spare tyre or emergency equipment
- The air conditioning
- Phone cable and charger
- Return location and time
Photograph the vehicle from every side. Include the wheels, bumpers, windows, mileage, and fuel level in the photographs.
These photographs do not replace the vehicle handover document. Make sure that every existing area of damage is also recorded by the company representative.
The Journey Should Not Be Rushed
One of the advantages of a rental car is the possibility of stopping. There is no reason to treat the road towards Dhërmi as a transfer that needs to be completed as quickly as possible.
You can divide the journey into several moments:
Coffee in Vlora → stop in Llogara → view over the Ionian Sea → lunch in Palasa → arrival in Dhërmi.
An itinerary like this is more enjoyable and less tiring. It also gives you the opportunity to arrive at your accommodation without feeling that you have spent the entire day only inside the car.
Parking In Dhërmi: The Detail Many Visitors Forget 🅿️
Parking can be one of the biggest challenges during July and August. Areas near the beach, hotels, and bars fill up quickly, especially during weekends.
Before booking your accommodation, ask:
- Is private parking available?
- Is the parking free?
- How far is it from the room?
- Can an SUV or van enter?
- Does the parking space need to be reserved?
- Is the access road paved?
Do not rely only on the phrase “parking available” on a booking platform. Request clear information because the parking may be on the road, on steep ground, or several minutes away from the accommodation.
When going to the beach, leave earlier in the morning. This helps you avoid traffic, find a space more easily, and avoid spending the best part of the day searching for parking.
One Day, Three Different Atmospheres
With your own car, you are not limited to one area.
🌊 Morning In Drymades
Start the day earlier, when the beach is quieter and the temperatures are milder. Take water, sunscreen, and everything you need for several hours by the sea.
🏘️ Afternoon In The Old Village Of Dhërmi
The old part offers a different atmosphere from the coast. The narrow streets, traditional buildings, and position above the sea make it a beautiful stop away from the rhythm of the beach.
🌇 Evening By The Sea
After sunset, you can return to the coastline for dinner or a walk. The car gives you the freedom to choose the area without worrying about transportation for the return journey.
The Biggest Mistake? Planning Too Much For One Day
Dhërmi, Himara, Porto Palermo, Borsh, and Saranda may appear close on the map. However, traffic, bends, stops, and searching for parking can significantly extend the day.
Choose two or three main locations and leave room for spontaneity. A journey along the Riviera should be enjoyed, not completed like a list of tasks.
When staying for several days, divide the area like this:
- Day 1: Dhërmi and Drymades
- Day 2: Palasa and Llogara
- Day 3: Himara and Livadh
- Day 4: Porto Palermo and Borsh
Start Your Adventure With Rent Point Albania 🚘
A journey towards Dhërmi begins long before you see the Ionian Sea. It begins with choosing the right car, organising the collection, and creating an itinerary that gives you freedom.
With Rent Point Albania, you can choose an economy, automatic, family, or SUV car, as well as a vehicle for a group. Collection can be organised at Tirana Airport, in Tirana, at the Port of Durrës, or according to the service conditions at a convenient address.
Before booking, send:
🚗 the travel dates
👥 the number of passengers
🧳 the number of suitcases
⚙️ your automatic or manual preference
📍 the collection and return points
📞 Phone and WhatsApp: +355 69 587 5689
📧 Email: info@rentpoint.al
Reserve the car, enter Dhërmi into the navigation system, and let the road become part of your holiday. The sea, the mountains, and your next stop are waiting for you. 🌊🚗✨