River
Vjosa River
Europe's first wild river national park, rafted from the small town of Përmet. Turquoise water, gorge walls, cliff jumps and hot springs nearby, at a fraction of Alpine prices.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
The Vjosa is one of the last big wild rivers in Europe. It rises in the Pindus mountains of Greece, where it is called the Aoös, and with its main tributaries runs free for more than 400 kilometres through southern Albania to the Adriatic. In March 2023 Albania declared it Europe's first wild river national park, protecting the river channel and its main tributaries so it stays free-flowing.
Rafting happens around Përmet, a small, friendly town in a valley between steep mountains. Trips start with a short van ride upstream, then about two hours on the water through a limestone gorge, with turquoise pools, rocks to jump from and calm stretches where you can swim beside the raft. The water is lively but forgiving, so most trips suit first-timers and families as well as people who want a bit more splash. Guides, wetsuits, helmets and photos are usually included, and prices start from around €18, far below what the same trip costs in the Alps.
Përmet makes a good two-day stop. The Bënja thermal baths, natural hot pools beside an old Ottoman stone bridge, are a short drive away and pair well with a morning on the river. The Langarica canyon behind the baths is good for a short hike and a swim, and the town itself is known for its local food, rose jam and raki. Përmet sits about an hour from Gjirokastër, so it fits easily into a road trip through southern Albania.
Come between late spring and early autumn. Spring brings higher, faster water, while summer is warmer, calmer and better for families and swimming. Tirana is about four hours away, so most people combine Përmet with Gjirokastër, Berat or the Albanian Riviera rather than coming as a day trip.
For more warm pools near Përmet and across the region, see our guide to hot springs in the Balkans.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn. May and June bring higher, livelier water, while July to September is warmer and calmer, better for families, swimming and cliff jumps. Combine any trip with the Bënja hot springs, which are open all year.
Getting there
Përmet is about an hour from Gjirokastër and roughly four hours from Tirana by car. Rafting trips meet at a base a short walk from the town centre, and transfers to the river are included. Some tours run as long day trips from Sarandë, Tirana and Durrës.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Rafting from €18
Half day; 2 days with Përmet
Përmet
Tirana, 4 hrs
Where to stay for Vjosa rafting: Përmet guesthouses
Stay in Përmet. Rafting trips meet a short walk from the town centre and include transfers to the river, so you do not need a car once you arrive. Honey-House Kastrioti, run by beekeepers on the edge of town, is the easy pick. For a quieter night outside town, Chri Chri Guesthouse in Leusë collects guests from the centre by 4x4. Guesthouses here are small, so book ahead in summer.
Honey-House Kastrioti
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Budget
Beekeepers' guesthouse on the edge of Përmet. Breakfast comes with homemade honey, garden produce and a view of the Vjosa.
Edge of Përmet, short walk to the centre
Chri Chri Guesthouse
Guesthouse
Price Range:
Budget
Quiet guesthouse in Leusë, just outside Përmet. The host collects guests from town by 4x4.
In Leusë, outside Përmet
Who it's for
Best for: First-time rafters, families with kids from about four, and road trippers in southern Albania who want a cheap, beautiful half day on the water followed by a soak in hot springs.
Skip it if: You want serious whitewater. The Vjosa near Përmet is fun rather than extreme, and the Tara or Vrbas in spring go much bigger. It is also a long way from Tirana for a day trip.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Vjosa rafting questions
How much does Vjosa rafting cost?
The guided trip we link to starts from around €18 per person, including the guide, wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, transfer to the river and free photos. Lunch and the hot springs are optional extras.
Is Vjosa rafting good for beginners?
Yes. The stretch near Përmet is lively but forgiving, and certified guides steer and give a safety briefing first. No experience is needed.
Can kids go rafting on the Vjosa?
Yes, the trip we link to takes children from about four. Summer, when the water is calmer and warmer, is the best time for families.
Why is the Vjosa a national park?
In March 2023 Albania made the Vjosa Europe's first wild river national park, to keep one of the continent's last free-flowing big rivers wild. It protects the river channel, its main tributaries and the wildlife that depends on them.
What are the Bënja thermal baths?
Natural hot spring pools beside an old Ottoman stone bridge, a short drive from Përmet. They are free to visit and make a perfect stop after rafting.
Can I go cliff jumping on the rafting trip?
Yes, optionally. Guides stop at a few safe jump points along the gorge, and there are calm stretches for swimming. Nobody has to jump.
Can I do it as a day trip from the coast?
Yes, but it is a long day. Tours run from Sarandë and Tirana with rafting and the hot springs included. Staying a night in Përmet is more relaxed.
What should I bring?
Swimwear to wear under the wetsuit, a towel, a change of clothes and secure sports shoes or river sandals, not flip-flops. Showers and toilets are available at the base.
Ready to raft the Vjosa?
A guided rafting trip through Vjosa River National Park from Përmet, with gear, transfers and photos included.
