Things to do in Përmet: 11 ideas

Përmet rewards people who like to be outdoors. In short, the best things to do here are to soak in the Benja thermal baths, raft or kayak the Vjosa, walk to the Sopot waterfall or through the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest, visit the mountain village of Frashër, and taste gliko, the preserved fruit the town is known for. The Benja baths and the start of the Sopot waterfall walk are about 20 to 25 minutes from town by road. Frashër is further, 35 to 40 km by road. This guide lists eleven ideas with distances, seasons and links to the detailed pages.

1. Soak in the Benja thermal baths

Warm sulfur springs fill a chain of natural pools beside an Ottoman stone bridge, about 13 to 14 km from Përmet. Entry is free, there are no facilities, and the water is warm rather than hot, roughly 22 to 35 °C depending on the pool and the season. Bring water shoes and a towel. It is the easiest half-day in the area. See the Benja guide and the Langarica Canyon page.

2. Raft or kayak the Vjosa

Rafting on the Vjosa near Përmet runs from April to October in Class II to III water, usually on the stretch between Përmet and the Këlcyrë gorge. Spring water is the fastest; late summer and autumn are calmer, with swimming stops. Kayaking and packrafting trips start from the town too. See the rafting guide and Vjosa Wild River National Park.

3. Walk or wade the Langarica Canyon

Above the baths the Lengarica river runs through a gorge that guides describe as 5 to 7 km long. Published walking routes range from about 8 km (Kadiu bridge to the baths, around 2 h 40 min) to about 12 km (4 to 5 hours). In summer some parts are walked in the water, so wear shoes that can get wet. Avoid the gorge after heavy rain. See the Langarica Canyon page.

4. Hike to the Sopot waterfall

A short, relatively easy hike climbs from the village of Stërmbec, about 15 km south of Përmet, to the Sopot waterfall, which drops in tiers through a narrow rocky channel at the foot of Mount Nemërçkë. Route listings give between about 5.7 and 9 km and roughly 3 hours. See Nemërçkë and the hiking guide.

5. Walk in the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest

The Hotova–Dangëlli National Park, designated in 2008 and covering more than 34,000 hectares, protects a large forest of Macedonian fir. A published circular route of about 6.2 km takes around 2 hours and is rated easy. Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons. See the park page.

6. Visit Frashër

Frashër is the home village of Abdyl, Naim and Sami Frashëri, three leading figures of the Albanian National Awakening. It has a house museum, a Bektashi tekke and mountain views, about 35 to 40 km from Përmet on a road that is rough in places. Check locally whether the museum is open before you go. See the Frashër page.

7. Climb the Stone of the City and see the town

The Stone of the City (Guri i Qytetit) is a large rock above Përmet. Local guides describe the climb as about five minutes, with views over the town and the Vjosa valley. In town you can also see the Orthodox Church of Saint Friday, which the Albanian tourism agency lists as a monument of historical value. See the town page.

8. Walk up to the church at Leusë

Leusë is a village on the slope of Dhëmbel mountain, 1 to 2 km from the centre of Përmet. A loop of about 4.2 km (roughly 1 hour 25 minutes, according to Komoot) climbs through the village to its post-Byzantine church of Saint Mary and returns with views of the town and river.

9. Taste gliko, raki and local wine

Gliko is whole fruit, nuts or small vegetables cooked in sugar syrup and served on a spoon as a welcome gesture, and Përmet gliko is a Slow Food Presidium. The area is also known for raki and for wine made from Debina, a white grape grown in Albania mainly around Përmet. See the food and drink guide.

10. Drive through the Këlcyrë gorge

Downstream of Përmet the Vjosa cuts through the Këlcyrë gorge between the Trebeshinë mountains and the Nemërçkë range. The town of Këlcyrë takes its name from klisura, "narrow canyon", and has a castle on a hill. Këlcyrë lies between Tepelenë and Përmet along the river, so drivers coming from that side usually pass it on the way. See getting to Përmet.

11. Take a day trip to Gjirokastër or Berat

Gjirokastër, about 60 km and roughly an hour away by road, and Berat, about two hours away, are both on UNESCO's World Heritage list as historic Ottoman-era towns. Either makes a good day out if you have more than two or three days in the area.

How many days do you need in Përmet?

One to two days cover the highlights: the Benja baths, the town and a rafting trip. Plan two to three days for hiking, Frashër and the Hotova–Dangëlli forest. See the three itineraries.

When to go

May to June and September to October suit most plans. Rafting runs from April to October. The best time to visit guide explains each season.

Plan and book

Check live availability for tours and activities and places to stay.
Read where to stay in Përmet and practical travel tips.

Questions and answers

What is there to do in Përmet?

The most popular things are soaking in the Benja thermal baths, rafting or kayaking on the Vjosa, hiking to the Sopot waterfall or in the Hotova–Dangëlli fir forest, visiting the village of Frashër, and tasting gliko, raki and local wine. The town itself has a viewpoint at the Stone of the City and an Orthodox church.

Is Përmet good for hiking?

Yes. Routes start close to town, including the Sopot waterfall (about 5.7 to 9 km), a loop to the church at Leusë (about 4.2 km) and walks in and around the Langarica Canyon. See the hiking guide.

Can you swim near Përmet?

Yes. The Benja thermal pools are warm and free to enter, and rafting and kayaking trips on the Vjosa usually include a swimming stop in summer. Currents are stronger in spring and after heavy rain.

Are there day trips from Përmet?

Gjirokastër is about 60 km away, roughly an hour by road, and Berat is about two hours away. Both are UNESCO World Heritage towns. Within the Përmet area, Frashër and the Hotova–Dangëlli National Park make a full day.

How many days should I spend in Përmet?

One to two days cover the main highlights. Two to three days leave time for hiking and Frashër. See the itineraries.