Vjosa River and Përmet: Southern Albania Guide
The Vjosa is one of Europe's last free-flowing rivers and became the Vjosa Wild River National Park in 2023. Përmet is the warm heart of the valley, home to the Bënjë thermal baths, the Ottoman Kadiu Bridge and the Lengarica Canyon. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
Why is the Vjosa called one of Europe's last wild rivers?
The Vjosa rises in the Pindus mountains of Greece and flows for about 272 kilometres to the Adriatic near Vlorë, with roughly 192 kilometres of that length in Albania. Because its course is not broken by large dams, it is counted among the continent's last free-flowing rivers. On 15 March 2023 it was declared the Vjosa Wild River National Park, making it Europe's first wild river national park. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
What is there to see in the town of Përmet?
Përmet is a small town in Gjirokastër County, southern Albania, set on the banks of the Vjosa; 2023 figures put the town's population at around 4,809. Its landmark is the Guri i Qytetit, the Rock of the City, which rises in the centre. Përmet is known for its cuisine, especially its many kinds of jam and compote, along with local wine and raki. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
What are the Bënjë baths and the Kadiu Bridge like?
The Bënjë thermal baths lie about 13 to 14 kilometres from Përmet, where the Lengarica meets the Vjosa. Geothermal water of around 28°C feeds open-air stone pools that are said to help with rheumatism and skin complaints. Right beside them stands the Ottoman Kadiu Bridge, reported to have been built in 1760 under Ali Pasha of Tepelena; it is a single-arched stone bridge roughly 30 metres long. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
The Lengarica Canyon and the Këlcyrë Gorge
The Kadiu Bridge is the gateway to the Lengarica Canyon. Its walls rise in places up to 100 metres, while the gorge narrows to just 20 to 30 metres, so hiking upstream means crossing the river many times. After the canyon, the Lengarica joins the Vjosa. The Vjosa also runs through the striking Këlcyrë Gorge between Përmet and Këlcyrë. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
Rafting on the Vjosa and getting to Përmet
Përmet is a well-known base for rafting, kayaking and hiking on the Vjosa. You can reach the town by bus via Gjirokastër (about 70 kilometres) or from Tirana (about 220 kilometres). (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
FAQ
Is it free to visit the Bënjë thermal baths?
According to the sources, the Bënjë baths are open-air stone pools that are free to access and have been for years. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)
When did the Vjosa become a national park?
The Vjosa was declared the Vjosa Wild River National Park on 15 March 2023 and is regarded as Europe's first wild river national park. The river rises in the Pindus mountains and reaches the Adriatic. (Source: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage)