Përmet itineraries: one, two and three days

These three plans show how to see the best of Përmet in one, two or three days. They are suggestions, not fixed routes: swap days around to suit the weather, the season and how active you want to be. They use the distances and times from the other guides on this site, so check those for details. In every plan, Përmet is the base, and the town is small enough that you will not lose time moving around.

The plans at a glance

Plan	What it covers	Car needed?
One day	Benja thermal baths, the town, the Leusë church loop or a rafting trip	Helpful for Benja; a taxi or organised trip also works
Two days	Rafting and Benja on day one; a walk or Frashër and the fir forest on day two	Helpful; organised trips include transport
Three days	Town and Leusë, rafting and Benja, then Frashër and Hotova–Dangëlli or the Sopot waterfall and the canyon	Recommended

One day in Përmet

Morning: Benja thermal baths. The baths are about 13 to 14 km away, roughly 20 to 25 minutes by car. In summer, arrive early: the pools are busiest from about 11:00 to 14:00. Allow one to two hours for a soak and a look at the Ottoman bridge. See the Benja guide.
Midday: lunch in town.
Afternoon: choose one. Climb the Stone of the City for the view and walk the Leusë church loop (about 4.2 km, around 1 hour 25 minutes). Or, between April and October, join a Vjosa rafting trip (2 to 3 hours on the water).
Evening: gliko and dinner. Ask your hosts for a spoonful of gliko with coffee. See the food and drink guide.

Two days in Përmet

Day 1: river and thermal baths

Morning: a rafting or kayaking trip on the Vjosa, which takes 2 to 3 hours on the water. See the rafting guide.
Afternoon: a soak at the Benja thermal baths, then the Katiu bridge.
Evening: dinner in town.

Day 2: choose one

Walk: the Sopot waterfall from Stërmbec (about 15 km from Përmet, with route listings of roughly 5.7 to 9 km and three to four hours including time at the falls), then the Leusë loop if you have energy.
Mountain village and forest: drive to Frashër (35 to 40 km by road) for the Frashëri brothers' house museum and the Bektashi tekke, and walk in the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest. Check locally whether the museum is open.

Three days in Përmet

Day 1: the town and Leusë

Climb the Stone of the City, see the Church of Saint Friday and walk through town.
Walk to Leusë and its church, or take the 4.2 km loop.
Evening: gliko and a Debina wine.

Day 2: river and baths

Morning: rafting or kayaking on the Vjosa.
Afternoon: the Benja thermal baths.

Day 3: choose one

Mountains and villages: Frashër and the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park. This is a full day, because the road to Frashër is 35 to 40 km and rough in places.
Waterfall and canyon: the Sopot waterfall in the morning, and a walk into the Langarica Canyon in the afternoon if the weather has been dry.

An extra day makes room for a trip to Gjirokastër, about 60 km and roughly an hour away, or to Berat, about two hours away.

Adjust for the season

April to June: the Vjosa is at its fastest. Rafting is the highlight, and the water is cold. The Benja pools are quieter in April and May.
July and August: it is hot and dry. Start early, keep walks short, and use the river and the thermal pools to cool off.
September and October: comfortable for walking, with calmer water and autumn colour. This is a good time for Hotova–Dangëlli and Frashër.
November to March: there is no main rafting season, the high ridges are under snow, and the Benja pools are still open, though water levels can be high. Focus on the town, food, Frashër and short walks, and check the road conditions first.

Before you book

Check the best time to visit.
Read getting to Përmet and where to stay.
Look at live availability for tours and activities and stays.

Questions and answers

Is one day enough in Përmet?

One day is enough for the Benja thermal baths, the town and either the Leusë church loop or a rafting trip. Two to three days leave time for hiking, Frashër and the Hotova–Dangëlli forest.

How many days should I spend in Përmet?

Two or three days suit most visitors. Guides range from one to two days for the highlights up to two to three days for hiking and Frashër.

What should I do first in Përmet?

Start with the Benja thermal baths, early in the day in summer, and add the town and a short walk. If you visit between April and October, a rafting trip on the Vjosa is the other highlight.

Can I visit Përmet without a car?

Yes, for the town, Leusë and organised trips such as rafting and many guided hikes, which include transport. For Benja, ask your accommodation about a taxi or transfer. A car makes Frashër and the forest much easier.

What can I do in Përmet in winter?

The Benja pools can be visited all year, though water levels can be high. You can also explore the town, taste gliko, visit Frashër and take short walks. The main rafting season runs from April to October, and the high ridges are under snow.