Langarica Canyon

A river canyon to hike and wade, and the free warm springs of Benja at its entrance.

The Langarica Canyon (also written Lengarica or Lëngarica) is a gorge cut by the Lengarica river, a tributary of the Vjosa, a short drive from Përmet. At its entrance, beside an Ottoman stone bridge near the village of Bënjë, warm sulfur springs fill natural pools: the Benja thermal baths. The baths are free to enter, and the canyon above them is a favourite route for hikers and for people who like to wade and scramble in summer.

Langarica Canyon and Benja at a glance

Where	Near Bënjë village, about 13 to 14 km from Përmet
Getting there	A paved road, about 20 to 25 minutes by car from Përmet and about 1 hour 15 minutes from Gjirokastër
Benja thermal baths	Natural pools with warm, sulfur-rich water; no entrance fee; no changing rooms or other facilities
Water temperature	Reported between roughly 22 and 35 °C, depending on the pool and the season
Katiu bridge	A single-arch Ottoman stone bridge, dated to the 18th century by most sources, a Category I Cultural Monument
The canyon	Guides describe roughly 5 to 7 km of gorge, with walls that rise to 100 to 150 m in places
Walking routes	Published routes range from about 8 km (Kadiu bridge to the baths, about 2 h 40 min) to about 12 km (about 4 to 5 hours)
Best seasons	Late spring to early autumn; April and May are quieter than summer

The Benja thermal baths

The springs rise from the rock on both sides of the Lengarica river and run into a chain of natural, stone-rimmed pools. The water is warm rather than hot, and sources quote temperatures from about 22 to 35 °C depending on the pool and the time of year. The water carries a mild sulfur smell. Health claims for thermal water are traditional rather than scientifically proven, so enjoy it as a pleasant soak after a walk or a rafting trip.

There is nothing built here: no changing rooms, no toilets and no reliable café, although a seasonal kiosk sometimes sells drinks near the parking area. One visitor guide describes the largest pool as about 15 to 20 metres long and 0.5 to 1.5 metres deep, with smaller pools up and down the river. The riverbed is rocky, so water shoes are strongly recommended, and you should bring a swimsuit, a towel and drinking water.

In summer the pools are busiest around midday, from about 11:00 to 14:00. Early morning and late afternoon are quieter, and so is spring. The pools can be visited all year, but water levels in the canyon can rise in winter and after heavy rain, so check the conditions first.

The Katiu bridge

Next to the baths, a single-arch stone bridge crosses the narrow gorge where it joins the Lengarica river. It is called the Katiu bridge in Albanian sources, and also written Kadiu or Kadiut. It is an Ottoman bridge built entirely of stone, with a clear span of about 6.4 metres, and most sources date it to the 18th century. It is classed as a Category I Cultural Monument and is still used as a crossing.

Walking and wading the canyon

Above the baths the canyon narrows into a gorge that you can walk, and in summer wade and scramble through. Published routes give an idea of the options:

Route	Distance	Typical time	Source
Kadiu bridge to the Benja thermal springs, loop	About 8.2 km	About 2 h 40 min	Komoot
Lengarica Canyon and gorge, loop from the Kadiu bridge	About 12.4 km	About 4 h	Komoot
Lengarica Gorge from Përmet	About 6.8 km	About 5 h 30 min, 470 m of ascent	Outdooractive
Lëngarica Gorge, round route with viewpoints	About 12.5 km	About 4 h 45 min, 630 m of ascent	Outdooractive

Times include steady walking and will be longer if you wade, swim or stop to bathe. Parts of the gorge are in the water, so wear shoes that can get wet and grip on rock, and carry a dry bag for your phone. Do not enter the gorge after heavy rain or during high water, because the river rises quickly in a narrow canyon. If you are not sure, go with a local guide, and read the hiking guide.

Combine it with

A morning rafting trip on the Vjosa, then a soak at Benja in the afternoon.
A walk in the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park, whose attractions include the Lengarica canyon, the Katiu bridge and the thermal springs.
The town of Përmet for dinner and gliko.

For a full visitor guide with a checklist, read Benja thermal baths: how to visit.

There is nothing to book here directly yet. Search live availability across the whole area, or browse tours and activities and places to stay.

Langarica Canyon: questions and answers

Are the Benja thermal baths free?

Yes. There is no entrance fee and no ticket or booking is needed. A small parking charge may apply depending on where you park.

How hot is the water at Benja?

Warm rather than hot. Visitor guides quote temperatures between roughly 22 and 35 °C depending on the pool and the season. The water has a mild sulfur smell.

How far are the Benja thermal baths from Përmet?

About 13 to 14 km, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car on a paved road.

Are there changing rooms or toilets at Benja?

No. The site is natural and undeveloped, with no changing rooms or toilets, and any kiosk selling drinks is seasonal. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and water.

Do I need water shoes at Benja?

They are strongly recommended. The pools and the river have rocky bottoms and the rocks can be slippery.

Can you visit the Benja thermal baths in winter?

The pools can be visited all year, but water levels in the canyon can be high in winter and after heavy rain. Check the conditions locally before you go.

How long is the Langarica Canyon?

Guides describe about 5 to 7 km of gorge, with walls up to 100 to 150 m high in places. Published walking routes in and around it range from about 8 to 12.5 km.

What is the Katiu bridge?

An Ottoman stone bridge with a single arch of about 6.4 m, next to the Benja thermal baths. Most sources date it to the 18th century. It is a Category I Cultural Monument. It is also written Kadiu or Kadiut bridge.

Sources

Facts checked in October 2026. Temperatures, distances and times vary between sources and with the weather.