Cities and destinations · 📍 Tepelenë
The Vjosa valley and Tepelenë by rental car: from the sea to Këlcyrë
Europe's last wild river and the small towns along it: a quiet itinerary between Vlorë, Gjirokastër and Përmet.
The Vjosa flows freely from the Greek border to the Adriatic and since March 2023 it has been a National Park, the first in Europe for a wild river. Along it lie small towns such as Tepelenë, Memaliaj, Këlcyrë and Selenicë, while in the south Delvinë and Orikum link the valley with the coast. Tepelenë by rental car is the centre of this region and the junction where the roads to Gjirokastër, Përmet and Fier meet.
Tepelenë and Memaliaj
From Fier the road follows the Vjosa through Memaliaj, a former mining town, to Tepelenë. It is paved but winding, with lorries; some sections were recently renewed. Tepelenë stands above the confluence of the Drino and the Vjosa, with Ali Pasha's castle and Byron Square, recalling the English poet's visit in 1809.
The Drino–Vjosa confluence
Viewpoint
A wide view over the two rivers and the surrounding mountains, a few minutes from the centre of Tepelenë.
Uji i Ftohtë
Nature
Cold-water springs near Tepelenë, with restaurants under the trees, a classic lunch stop for roast meat.
The Këlcyrë Gorge and on to Përmet
From Tepelenë the road to Përmet passes through Këlcyrë and the narrow gorge where the Vjosa flows between high mountains. Next to the road are the Black Water springs and a few small waterfalls. Continue with the Përmet guide for Bënja and the Langarica canyon.
The Këlcyrë Gorge
Nature
The most dramatic part of the valley, with rocks, blue water and small paths along the river.
Selenicë and Orikum, near Vlorë
Selenicë, in the lower Vjosa valley, is known for its ancient bitumen mines and olive hills. Orikum, about 20 minutes south of Vlorë, has a marina, quiet beaches and the ruins of ancient Orikos. Boats leave from here for the Karaburun-Sazan Marine National Park, and the climb to Llogara begins. Read Vlorë by car and the Riviera and Llogara.
Delvinë, between Gjirokastër and Sarandë
Delvinë lies in the hills above Sarandë, near the road to Gjirokastër. Close by is the Mesopotam Monastery, one of the oldest Byzantine churches in the south, and a little further the Blue Eye. Read Sarandë and Ksamil and Gjirokastër to build your itinerary.
- Fill the tank in Fier, Tepelenë or Vlorë: fuel stations are rare between towns.
- In summer the valley is very hot; in spring the Vjosa is fuller and more beautiful.
- Work out the trip cost with the calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Tirana to Tepelenë?
About 2 hours 40 minutes, via Fier and Memaliaj.
What is the Vjosa National Park?
A national park declared in 2023, the first in Europe for a wild river, from the Greek border to the sea.
How far is Orikum from Vlorë?
About 20 minutes by car to the south.
Where is Delvinë?
In the hills above Sarandë, near the road to Gjirokastër and close to the Blue Eye.
