Hiking around Përmet: routes, distances and tips

The Përmet area has walking for most levels: a short climb to the Sopot waterfall, a village loop to the church at Leusë, canyon walks near Benja, a circular route in the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest and long days over the Dhëmbel pass. Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons. This guide gathers the routes listed on Outdooractive and Komoot, with distances and typical times, and adds practical tips. The figures are published estimates, so your own time will depend on your pace, the weather and the state of the path.

Prefer two wheels? See cycling and e-bike rides around Përmet.

Routes at a glance

Route	Distance	Typical time	Ascent	Rating	Source
Sopot waterfall, from Stërmbec	About 5.7 to 9 km, depending on the route	About 2 h 45 min to 3 h 10 min	About 490 m	Easy	Outdooractive, Komoot
Leusë village and church loop, from Përmet	About 4.2 km	About 1 h 25 min	Not listed	Not listed	Komoot
Kadiu bridge to the Benja thermal springs, loop	About 8.2 km	About 2 h 40 min	Not listed	Not listed	Komoot
Hotova–Dangëlli National Park, circular route	About 6.2 km	About 2 h	About 300 m	Easy	Outdooractive
Lengarica Gorge from Përmet	About 6.8 km	About 5 h 30 min	About 470 m	Moderate	Outdooractive
Lëngarica Gorge, round route with viewpoints	About 12.5 km	About 4 h 45 min	About 630 m	Moderate to difficult	Outdooractive
Lengarica Canyon and gorge, loop from the Kadiu bridge	About 12.4 km	About 4 h	Not listed	Not listed	Komoot
Sheper to Përmet over the Dhëmbel pass	About 12.8 km	About 5 h 30 min	About 590 m	Moderate	Outdooractive
Peshtan to Përmet through the Zagoria valley (multi-day)	About 44 km	About 16 h of walking	About 2,150 m	Moderate	Outdooractive

Easy walks

The Sopot waterfall

The most popular route in Komoot's guide to the Nemërçkë mountains, and one that Outdooractive describes as short and relatively easy. Listings give between about 5.7 and 9 km, so allow three to four hours with time at the falls. It starts at the village of Stërmbec (also written Strëmbec), about 15 km south of Përmet and roughly 20 minutes by road, and climbs to a waterfall that drops in tiers through a narrow rocky channel at the foot of Mount Nemërçkë. More in the Nemërçkë guide.

The church at Leusë

A loop of about 4.2 km climbs from Përmet to the village of Leusë, 1 to 2 km from the centre, on the slope of Dhëmbel mountain. It passes the post-Byzantine church of Saint Mary, which local guides say has preserved frescoes and a carved wooden iconostasis, and returns with views over the town.

The fir forest

An easy circular route of about 6.2 km runs through the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park, with some trees over a hundred years old. The local tourism office describes five marked trails in the fir forest. See the park page.

Canyon walks near Benja

The Langarica Canyon is the area's most adventurous short walk. Routes from the Kadiu bridge range from a loop to the thermal springs, about 8 km, to longer circuits of about 12 km with viewpoints over the gorge. Sections of the gorge are walked in the water, so wear shoes that can get wet, take a dry bag, and stay out of the canyon after heavy rain. A soak in the thermal pools at the end is part of the appeal. See the Langarica Canyon page and the Benja guide.

Longer days and multi-day routes

The Dhëmbel pass crossing from Sheper to Përmet is about 12.8 km and takes around five and a half hours, with roughly 590 metres of climbing, and passes the church at Leusë. Hiking accounts describe views over the Vjosa valley, with Përmet below and the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park opposite. Outdooractive also lists a multi-day route of about 44 km between Peshtan and Përmet through small villages in the Zagoria valley, about 16 hours of walking with about 2,150 metres of ascent. Plan multi-day routes with a local guide and confirm where you can sleep and find water.

When to go

Late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to October) are the most comfortable seasons for most routes.
Summer is hot at lower altitudes: start early and carry plenty of water.
Winter and early spring: snow covers the Nemërçkë ridge from about November to April, and avalanches are frequent on its western slope. Stay off the high ground unless you have winter mountain experience.

Safety and planning

Carry more water than you think you need, sun protection and a charged phone with a downloaded map or GPS track.
Wear sturdy shoes with grip. For canyon walks, wear shoes that can get wet.
Tell someone your route and when you expect to return.
Mountain weather can change quickly. Turn back if a storm builds, and avoid canyons after heavy rain.
Large animals such as bears and wolves live in the Hotova–Dangëlli forest, but most visitors will not see them. Keep your distance and never leave food behind.
Carry out all rubbish, and stay on paths.
A local guide makes route-finding simple and can add local stories. Check activities on this site for guided hikes.

Questions and answers

What is the best easy hike near Përmet?

The Sopot waterfall walk from the village of Stërmbec is a short, relatively easy hike. Route listings give between about 5.7 and 9 km and roughly 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes, so allow three to four hours. The loop to the church at Leusë (about 4.2 km) is another easy option close to town.

How long is the Langarica Canyon hike?

Published routes range from about 8.2 km (Kadiu bridge to the thermal springs, about 2 h 40 min) to about 12.5 km (about 4 h 45 min), and a 6.8 km route through the gorge that takes about 5 h 30 min because of wading and scrambling.

Is hiking safe near Përmet?

Many routes are straightforward for fit walkers, but the area has canyons, mountains and changeable weather. Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, avoid the Langarica gorge after heavy rain, and stay off the high Nemërçkë ridge in winter. A local guide makes planning simple.

When is the best time to hike around Përmet?

Late spring (May to early June) and early autumn (September to October). Summer is hot at lower altitudes, and snow covers the high ridge from about November to April.

Are there bears in the Hotova–Dangëlli forest?

Brown bears and grey wolves live in the park, but most visitors will not see them. Keep your distance and do not leave food.