Cities and destinations · 📍 Përmet
Përmet by rental car: Bënja, the Vjosa and the Langarica canyon
The town of roses on the Vjosa: thermal springs, canyons and mountain villages you can only reach by car.
Përmet is a small green town on the Vjosa river, known as the "town of roses" and for its gliko fruit preserves, raki and local wine. The Vjosa valley is now a National Park, the first in Europe for a wild river. Visiting Përmet by rental car gives you the freedom to enjoy the Bënja thermal springs in the morning, the canyon in the afternoon and a quiet dinner in town, without relying on rare buses.
The road to Përmet
From Tirana the road runs through Fier and Tepelenë and then follows the Vjosa through the Këlcyrë Gorge, one of the most beautiful parts of the trip. It is paved but winding, with few overtaking places. From Korçë the mountain road via Ersekë and Leskovik is magnificent but long: allow at least two and a half hours and fill the tank before leaving.
What to see around Përmet
Bënja thermal pools and the Kadiu bridge
Nature
Natural pools of warm thermal water below an arched Ottoman bridge on the Langarica river. Entry is free and the water is warm all year.
Langarica canyon
Nature
A canyon with rock walls above Bënja. In summer you can walk the riverbed in shoes that can get wet, or paddle through it with local guides.
The City Rock
Viewpoint
The large rock in the centre, on the Vjosa, the symbol of Përmet, with views over the river and the town.
Saint Mary's Church in Leusë
Place of worship
A 19th-century church with rich frescoes in the village of Leusë, above the town.
Frashër
Museum
The village of the Frashëri brothers, leading figures of the National Renaissance, with a memorial museum. The mountain road is narrow.
Activities in the Vjosa valley
- Rafting and kayaking on the Vjosa and the Langarica, with local operators from spring to autumn.
- The Këlcyrë gorge and the Black Water springs, a lovely stop on the way. Read the Vjosa valley guide.
- Gjirokastër: 1 hour 20 minutes. See Gjirokastër by car.
- Korçë via Leskovik: see the Korçë guide.
Practical tips for Përmet
- Parking at Bënja is limited in August and at weekends: go early in the morning.
- Do not enter the river after heavy rain: the Langarica rises quickly.
- Buy gliko and raki directly from local producers, but do not drive after tasting.
- For the cost of the long trip use the trip cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How far are the Bënja thermal pools from Përmet?
About 25 minutes by car. The thermal water is warm all year.
How long does it take from Tirana to Përmet?
About 3 hours 30 minutes, via Fier and Tepelenë.
Do I need a 4×4 for Përmet?
Not for the main roads. An SUV is more comfortable for Frashër and the mountain road to Korçë.
Can I go rafting on the Vjosa?
Yes, with local operators, usually from April to October depending on the water level.
