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Discover Përmet
A small town in southern Albania, on the banks of the Vjosa.
Përmet is a small town in Gjirokastër County, southern Albania, on the banks of the Vjosa, one of the last large free-flowing rivers in Europe. Around it you will find a thermal spring beside an Ottoman bridge, a canyon, a fir forest, a high limestone range on the Greek border, and mountain villages. This page is your starting point: pick what interests you, then follow the links to the detailed guides.
Four ways to start
- On the water. Rafting and kayaking on the Vjosa run from April to October, and the Benja thermal baths are free to enter all year. Read the rafting guide and the Benja guide.
- On foot. From the Sopot waterfall and the church at Leusë to the Langarica Canyon and the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest. Read the hiking guide.
- History and culture. The village of Frashër is the home of the Frashëri brothers, three leaders of the Albanian National Awakening, and the town hosted the Congress of Përmet in 1944. See the town guide.
- Food and drink. Gliko, raki and Debina wine. Read the food and drink guide.
Before you go
| How far | Distance |
|---|---|
| From Tirana | About 249 km, about 3.5 hours by car |
| From Gjirokastër | About 60 km, roughly 1 hour |
| Best months | May to June and September to October |
| Days to allow | One to three |
Read getting to Përmet, the best time to visit, three itineraries and practical tips. When you are ready, check live availability for tours and activities, places to stay and food and drink.
Places
PërmetA small town on the Vjosa river, known for gliko, raki, warm springs and some of southern Albania's wildest scenery.Vjosa Wild River National ParkEurope's first Wild River National Park: rafting, kayaking and swimming on a river that still runs free.Langarica CanyonA river canyon to hike and wade, and the free warm springs of Benja at its entrance.NemërçkëMountain trails, village churches and the Sopot waterfall, in the high limestone range above the Vjosa valley.Hotova–Dangëlli National ParkA national park of Macedonian fir forest, canyons and mountain villages, a short drive from Përmet.FrashërThe mountain village that gave Albania three leaders of its National Awakening, the Frashëri brothers.Travel guides
Things to do in Përmet: 11 ideas
From the Vjosa river and the Benja thermal baths to fir forests, mountain villages and gliko: the best things to do in Përmet, with distances, seasons and links to each guide.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 4 min readHow to get to Përmet, Albania
How to reach Përmet by car, bus or from Greece: distances, typical journey times, the two main routes from Tirana, border crossings and tips for getting around.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 4 min readBest time to visit Përmet: weather by season
When to go to Përmet and the Vjosa valley: the climate, what each season is like for rafting, hiking and the thermal baths, and what to pack.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 5 min readVjosa river rafting: season, difficulty, tips
Everything to know before rafting or kayaking the Vjosa near Përmet: the season, the Class II to III rapids, trip length, equipment, who can join and how to choose an operator.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 4 min readBenja thermal baths: how to visit
A practical guide to the Benja thermal baths near Përmet: how to get there, what to bring, the best time of day and season, safety, and how to combine them with a canyon walk.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 5 min readHiking around Përmet: routes, distances and tips
Walking routes around Përmet with distances and typical times: the Sopot waterfall, the Leusë church loop, the Langarica Canyon, the Hotova fir forest and the Dhëmbel pass, plus season and safety tips.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 4 min readPërmet food and drink: gliko, raki and local wine
What to taste in Përmet: gliko, the preserved-fruit sweet that is a Slow Food Presidium, raki, Debina wine, honey and local dishes, with how gliko is made and served.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 4 min readPërmet itineraries: one, two and three days
Three suggested plans for Përmet and the Vjosa valley: one day, a weekend and three days, with distances, timing tips and what to swap in each season.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 3 min readWhere to stay in Përmet: hotels and guesthouses
How to choose where to stay in and around Përmet: town hotels and family guesthouses, village stays, what to ask before you book, and tips for each season.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 3 min readVjosa Wild River National Park explained
The story of the Vjosa: what a wild river is, how it became Europe's first Wild River National Park in 2023 and a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 2025, and what protects it.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 3 min readPërmet travel tips: money, language, safety
Practical answers for visiting Përmet: money and cash, language, safety on the river and in the mountains, emergency numbers, what to pack, local etiquette and responsible travel.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 2 min readCycling and e-bike rides around Përmet
Cycling around Përmet and the Vjosa valley: a published 35 to 38 km e-bike loop, mountain bike trails to villages and viewpoints, the terrain, the best season and what to bring.
Guide · 5 October 2026 · 1 min readPërmet FAQ: 18 questions travellers ask
Short answers to the questions visitors ask about Përmet: is it worth visiting, how many days, how to get there, when to go, rafting, the Benja baths, hiking, food and safety.