đź“· View from Palasa View Apartments, a small family-owned aparthotel located in Palase, near Dhermi.
Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Palase (Palasë) is quiet, relaxed, and perfectly located for exploring the best of the Albanian Riviera. While the village itself is small and peaceful, it’s an ideal starting point for day trips to nearby beaches, coastal towns, and natural wonders. Here are some of our favorite places you can easily visit during your stay at Palasa View Apartments.
Note: 📸 All photos in this post were taken by us and reflect real spots you can visit during your stay.
🏖️ 1. Dhermi (Dhërmi) — 10 Minutes Away
Just a short drive away, Dhërmi is a lively beach town with a great mix of beach clubs and restaurants. You can easily spend a day soaking up the sun and exploring both the coastline and the old village.
Highlights:
– Stroll through Dhermi’s old village
– Enjoy fresh seafood with a view at Dhermi Beach
– Drymades Beach for sunsets and beach bars
🏛️ 2. Himarë — 30 Minutes South
Further along the coast, Himarë is a charming seaside town where you can enjoy crystal-clear waters, explore a centuries-old castle, and try traditional food.
Don’t miss:
– Himarë Castle and panoramic views
– Livadhi Beach for swimming and sunbathing
– A boat ride to secluded spots like Aquarium Bay
🌿 3. Gjipe Canyon — Nature + Beach Adventure
If you’re in the mood for a little adventure, head to Gjipe. This dramatic canyon opens up to a wild, beautiful beach — ideal for hiking, relaxing (*), and escaping the crowds.
(*) It’s usually quiet in the mornings or outside of peak season, but from mid-July to mid-August, it gets get quite busy — especially in the afternoons.
Good to know: Getting there involves a walk (about 20–30 minutes from the parking area), so bring comfortable shoes, water, and a few snacks. See picture below. There’s also a seasonal restaurant on the beach for a simple bite or a cold drink.
🚤 4. Hidden Beaches by Boat
Want to explore the coastline in a different way? Book a small boat trip from Dhermi or Himarë and discover secret beaches, caves, and coves that are only accessible by sea.
Popular tours include:
– Caves Tour: Explore the coast with stops at the Pirate’s Cave, Mermaid’s Cave, and Pigeon’s Cave — each with its own local legend and beauty.
– Grama Bay Tour: A longer trip along the Karaburun Peninsula, with stops at Saint Andrea Bay, the Blue Cave, and the stunning Grama Bay — one of the most remote and beautiful beaches in the south. (The photo above is from the Grama Bay tour.)
We’re happy to recommend local guides or help you arrange a boat tour — just get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
🌲 5. Llogara National Park — 20 Minutes Up the Mountain
If you need a break from the beach, head up to the mountains! Llogara offers fresh air, pine forests, and sweeping views of the Ionian coast.
What to do:
– Hike one of the forest trails
– Watch paragliders take off from the cliffs
– Stop at a local restaurant for grilled meat and mountain-style hospitality
đź“Ť Bonus: Let Us Help You Plan It!
Staying at Palasa View Apartments means you’re perfectly positioned to explore it all. If you’d like help planning a day trip — or even just a local lunch recommendation — just ask. We’re here to make your stay as relaxing and memorable as possible.
