The Vjosa is the river environmentalists fought for and won: Europe's first wild river national park. Rafting it is the best adventure day in southern Albania — and Përmet, with its thermal baths and slow food, is the perfect base.
The itinerary
Day 1: pick-up in Tirana, south to Përmet with a stop at the Kelcyra gorge. Afternoon rafting on the Vjosa (about 2 hours on the water, grade II–III — fun, not extreme), then the Benja thermal baths: hot stone pools under an Ottoman bridge. Dinner and night in Përmet. Day 2: slow morning — the town's famous gliko sweets and a walk along the river — then back via Tepelenë and the castle viewpoint of Ali Pasha. Tirana by evening.
Indicative prices 2026
| Group size | Vehicle | Indicative price (per group) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 people | Double room | €390 per person |
| 4 people | Double/twin rooms | €330 per person |
| 6+ people | Double/twin rooms | €290 per person |
Prices are per person, indicative, based on double/twin rooms in family hotels and guesthouses with breakfast. Final quote depends on dates, group size and hotel category — confirmed exactly on WhatsApp before any payment.
What is included
- Pick-up and drop-off in Tirana
- Rafting session on the Vjosa with certified guides, all equipment included
- 1 night in a Përmet hotel/guesthouse, breakfast included
- Benja thermal baths stop
- English or Italian speaking tour leader
- All fuel, tolls and transfers
How hard is the rafting?
Grade II–III: splashes, small rapids, swimming in the calm stretches — perfect for first-timers and families with teens, still fun for experienced paddlers. Certified local guides, full safety equipment, and the river is warm enough to enjoy from June.
When to go and how to book
May to October. Spring has the highest, wildest water; summer the warmest swims. The thermal baths work all year. Dates and group size on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need rafting experience?
None. The guides give a full briefing, the rapids are moderate, and life jackets and helmets are provided. Minimum age about 8 with parents.
Are the thermal baths really hot?
Yes — the Benja pools sit around 28–30°C, steaming in the cooler months, under a beautiful 18th-century Ottoman bridge. Bring a swimsuit.
What do we eat in Përmet?
The town is Albania's slow-food capital: gliko (whole-fruit preserves), roasted lamb, local wine. Dinner is not included but we book the right table.
Can we add Gjirokastër?
Possible on day 2 with an earlier start — ask on WhatsApp and we quote the combined version.
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