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Vjosa Wild River National Park

Europe's first Wild River National Park: rafting, kayaking and swimming on a river that still runs free.

The Vjosa is one of the last large rivers in Europe that still flows freely. In March 2023 the Albanian government declared it, together with four tributaries, the Vjosa Wild River National Park, the first national park in Europe created to protect a wild river. Përmet is one of the most convenient places to visit it from: rafting and kayaking trips start in and around the town, and the river runs right past it.

Vjosa Wild River National Park at a glance

Declared	March 2023, by the Albanian government
Status	National park, IUCN Protected Area Category II
Area	12,727 hectares (about 127 km²)
What it protects	The Vjosa in Albania and four tributaries: the Drino, Kardhiq, Bënçë and Shushicë
River length	About 272 km in total: roughly 80 km in Greece, where it is called the Aoös, and about 192 km in Albania
Source and mouth	The Pindus mountains in Greece, near the village of Vovousa, to the Adriatic Sea just north of Vlorë
Towns on the Albanian river	Çarshovë, Përmet, Këlcyrë, Tepelenë, Memaliaj, Selenicë and Novoselë
Wildlife	More than 1,100 animal species recorded; 13 animal and 2 plant species assessed as globally threatened by the IUCN
Also protected as	UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve "Vjosa Valley" (2025)

What makes the Vjosa special

Many rivers in Europe have been dammed, straightened or mined for gravel. The Vjosa is described as free-flowing and largely unspoilt, and the park is meant to keep it that way: the designation is intended to prevent dams, gravel extraction and other damaging activities. Along its course the river splits into several channels and leaves gravel bars, riverside forests and wetlands, and near the coast it ends in a delta with lagoons. UNESCO describes the valley's braided channels, gravel bars, riparian forests, wetlands and coastal lagoons as its main habitats.

More than 1,100 animal species have been recorded in the park, among them otters and the endangered Egyptian vulture. Local livelihoods along the river, such as farming, fishing and grazing, follow its seasonal cycles, and UNESCO notes that nature-based tourism around rafting, birdwatching and cultural heritage is growing.

The protection came after a long campaign by environmental groups and the outdoor company Patagonia. The Vjosa was first given the status of a managed nature reserve in December 2020 and became a national park in March 2023. Read the story in why the Vjosa matters.

Things to do on the Vjosa near Përmet

Rafting. Guided trips typically run on the stretch of river between Përmet and the Këlcyrë gorge, in Class II to III water. The season is April to October. See the Vjosa rafting guide.
Kayaking and packrafting. Guided kayak trips start from Përmet and suit calmer water, which is more typical of summer and autumn.
Swimming and riverbank stops. Rafting and kayaking trips usually include a swimming stop in summer.
The Këlcyrë gorge. Downstream of Përmet, near the town of Këlcyrë, the river cuts through a narrow gorge between the Trebeshinë mountains and the Nemërçkë range. The town's name comes from klisura, meaning narrow canyon.
Birdwatching and riverside walks. Birds of prey can be seen above the canyon walls, and the quiet gravel banks are good for slow walks.

When to go

The Vjosa changes through the season. In April, May and June snowmelt from the mountains raises the water, which makes the rapids faster and more powerful. By late summer the level drops and a rafting trip becomes more of a scenic float with swimming. October is quiet, with autumn colour along the banks. Water is cold in spring and warms through the summer.

Visiting responsibly

Choose an operator that provides helmets, life jackets and a trained guide, and listen to the safety briefing.
Take all rubbish with you and keep to existing paths and gravel banks.
Check the water level before you go: after heavy rain or during snowmelt the river rises and the current is stronger.
Do not remove stones or gravel.

Plan your 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.

Vjosa Wild River National Park: questions and answers

When was the Vjosa declared a national park?

In March 2023, when the Albanian government declared the Vjosa Wild River National Park, described as the first Wild River National Park in Europe. Sources give 13 or 15 March 2023 for the decision and announcement.

How long is the Vjosa river?

About 272 km in total, of which roughly 80 km are in Greece, where the river is called the Aoös, and about 192 km are in Albania. It rises in the Pindus mountains and reaches the Adriatic Sea just north of Vlorë.

How big is the Vjosa Wild River National Park?

12,727 hectares, about 127 km². It protects the Vjosa in Albania and four tributaries, the Drino, Kardhiq, Bënçë and Shushicë.

Is the Vjosa a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

No. In 2025 UNESCO recognised the Vjosa Valley as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve, which is a different designation from World Heritage status.

Can you swim in the Vjosa?

Swimming is a regular part of rafting and kayaking trips in summer. Currents are stronger in spring and after heavy rain, so swim only where your guide says it is safe.

What is the best time to raft the Vjosa?

The rafting season runs from April to October. April to June has the highest and fastest water, while late summer and autumn are calmer. See the rafting guide.

How do I get to the Vjosa from Përmet?

The river runs along the town, and rafting and kayaking operators in Përmet usually organise the transport to and from the river. See getting to Përmet for how to reach the town.

Sources

Facts checked in October 2026 against the sources above.