TIRANA, August 31 /ATA/ — Italian music and arts icon Gianni Morandi has chosen Dhërmi Beach in southern Albania for a relaxing holiday. Vangjel Tavo, the mayor of Himara, met with the legendary artist on Saturday and expressed his appreciation for their friendly conversation, noting Morandi’s lasting influence on generations of Albanian music lovers.

Tavo remarked that despite it being late August, the beaches in Himara and Dhërmi remain packed with thousands of Italian tourists. He shared his delight in hosting Morandi, who arrived a few days ago and is reportedly very pleased with the hospitality and conditions offered by Albania’s southern coast.

Morandi, in turn, spoke warmly about the strong cultural bond between Albanians and Italians, especially through music from the 1960s to the 1980s, which continues to resonate deeply. He mentioned that many of his Italian friends vacation in Albania, and it was a friend from Bologna who recommended the trip, calling Albania “a beautiful country.”

Visibly moved, Morandi praised the unique charm of Dhërmi Beach, where mountains meet the sea, calling it “something truly wonderful.” He concluded by saying he and his wife are enjoying their stay immensely and that he hopes to return—just as many Italians are now discovering Albania as a favourite destination.

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