Përmet is a beautiful town tucked away in the heart of the Albanian south. Not always featuring at the top of travel bloggers’ itineraries, this tiny city packs well above its weight in terms of touristic attractions. Especially if you’re a nature lover, Përmet is a must-visit: from natural sulfur baths to hiking trails to jaw-droppingly beautiful canyons, there are so many things to do in Përmet, you’ll probably want to extend your stay in this picturesque town along the Vjosa River.

Whether you’re into unique local food, kayaking along wild river banks or soaking in sulfurous baths, Përmet has something to offer every type of traveler. 

And if you’re planning a trip to southern Albania and want to experience local Albanian culture, make sure to stop by Albanian Night for our signature evening show, where you’ll dress in traditional costumes and learn all about our intangible heritage, right in the heart of Tirana.

But back to Përmet  – here are the best things to do in Përmet on your next trip to the south:

 

1. Snap a Picture Atop the Mythical Gyri i Qytetit, The Town Boulder

Nothing quite captures the atmosphere of Përmet like a visit to its gyri i qytetit, the town boulder overlooking the Vjosa River and colorful houses that line its banks. 

From here, you’ll be able to admire the beautiful countryside and town itself, as well as the gorgeous shades of blue that make up the river below. The walk up this massive stone takes just under a few minutes and rewards the trekker with a massive Albanian flag fluttering in the wind and lovely views of the town. 

Legend has it that this rock is where a castle used to be built, and when Ottoman forces invaded it, the Albanian princess Diestra threw herself off it rather than be taken captive. Holding her babe to her breast, she landed on a smoothed out stone at the base of the boulder (a marking stone shows the site of impact). 

This legend is a popular archetype in Albanian mythology – if you visit Gjirokastër, you’ll hear a similar story of how Princess Argjiro threw herself off the castle walls there, too, rather than surrendering to Ottoman soldiers. 

 

2. Soak in the Benja Thermal Baths

Përmet’s most popular tourist attraction is undoubtedly its Benja Thermal Baths, a complex of natural sulfur hot springs at the entrance to and inside Langarica Canyon. These baths are free to enter and can be accessed by crossing the iconic Ottoman-era Kadiut bridge, a centuries-old piece of architecture in good shape even today. The main pool is full of warm water throughout the year – bring a swimsuit and soak up gorgeous snow-capped mountain peaks in the background! 

There’s an additional, smaller pool directly below the bridge you can soak in, as well. They say the waters here are good for treating psoriasis, acne and even rheumatoid arthritis. Locals also believe the mineral-rich waters help relieve muscle pain and joint stiffness, making the baths especially rewarding after a day of hiking. 

 

3. Hike Langarica Canyon

Once you’re done in the main pool, we recommend continuing through the canyon. You can either walk through the actual canyon itself, admiring the dramatic walls and dipping into the small pools that have been constructed along the way. Each one treats a different ailment and is the perfect pit stop along this beautiful route. Bring water shoes and be prepared to get wet throughout the walk!

Water levels in the canyon vary significantly throughout the year – in late spring and early summer, snowmelt and seasonal rains can make parts of the canyon deeper and faster-flowing, while in late summer and early autumn the water is generally lower, calmer, and easier to walk through, making this the most accessible time for wading the full route.

You can also choose to go above the canyon – there’s a well-trodden path that takes you above the canyon and offers epic views of the gorge and other, smaller Ottoman bridges along the way. It’s cooler down below, so choose which route you want ahead of time based on the weather and your comfort with wading through water. The walk along the top of the canyon is relatively flat and easy. 

 

4. Relax in the Beautiful Fir of Hotova National Park

A true hidden gem in the Përmet region is the Fir of Hotova National Park, which receives few tourists throughout the year despite being home to breathtaking views and well-kept hiking trails. This park is ideal for getting lost in nature and snapping unique pictures of the surrounding countryside. 

There are a bunch of hiking trails in the park itself that take you through fir forests as well as a museum called Shtëpia e Tre Vëllezërve Frashëri, a humble exhibition explaining the history and cultural legacy of the Frashëri brothers, three of the most influential figures of the Albanian National Awakening.

 

5. Vjosa River Kayaking

Kayaking down the electric-blue waters of the Vjosa River is a beautiful experience – especially when you consider that this river is the last wild river in all of Europe! The untouched nature of the Vjosa means you’ll paddle through dramatic canyons, wide gravel bank, and completely unspoiled landscapes with no dams or heavy infrastructure in sight. It’s an ideal activity for adventure lovers who want to experience Përmet from a unique perspective while connecting with one of Europe’s most important natural ecosystems that gained notoriety after actor Leonardo di Caprio’s campaign to have it designated as Europe’s first Wild River National Park. Plenty of local companies offer kayak rentals and guided tours in the town itself.

 

6. Stay In a Historical Përmet Tower House

Have you ever wondered what life must have looked like a hundred years ago in this town? Ever imagined you’re a nobleman with a massive tower house in the countryside of Përmet – waking up every morning to the chirping of birds, the gurgle of the Vjosa River and majestic mountain views?

Welcome to Traditional GuestHouse Përmet, an authentic and well-preserved Ottoman-era tower house that has kept all its old-world charm. Located a five-kilometer drive from the center of Përmet, this guest house is a beautiful and internationally-renown abode where you can sleep like an Albanian villager and eat homemade traditional Albanian food. Staying here is a great way to experience how life used to be in Përmet. 

 

7. Eat Unique Local Përmet Foods

If you do end up staying at the traditional guest house or stumble across any local restaurants, you’re bound to enjoy the unique local cuisine of Përmet. This area of Albania is known for its “Slow Food” movement, which prioritizes local sourcing and foods that take longer to absorb the rich flavors of ingredients.

Distinct from the food found in central and northern Albania and even many other parts of the south, Përmet cuisine is especially famous for gliko, delicate fruit preserves made from ingredients like cherries, walnuts, figs or even watermelon rind, prepared slowly and offered as a symbol of hospitality rather than just a dessert. Savory cooking is equally important, with dishes like gjellë shqeto, a comforting, lemon-forward stew that reflects the region’s preference for clean, balanced flavors over heavy spices. Another local specialty is drudhe, a nourishing chicken broth enriched with toasted bread crumbs and herbs, traditionally prepared as a restorative meal. For those with a sweet tooth, reshedi is another regional dessert made from starch and sugar known for its silky texture and simple elegance.

We recommend Restaurant Familjar for a slightly more upscale and delicious dinner. If you want to buy locally-made gliko and book your rafting experience all in the same place, RAMIS Hotel & Outdoor Sports Center offers an easy way to tick off all your Përmet experiences in one place!

 

8. Admire Centuries-Old Church Frescoes in Nearby Leusë

Did we mention that Përmet is home to some beautiful churches and frescoes? In the nearby mountain village of Leusë, you will find the beautiful Orthodox Church of Leusa Dormition of Saint Mary, famous for its Byzantine-era art and rich decorations. While the original site has roots in the sixth century, the current church is believed to have been built in the late 17th or 18th century. Unique paintings of angels, demons, saints and animals adorn its walls, and you can usually enter inside for free. The church facade itself is also unique, with domes and archways leading you inside from a beautiful courtyard and small cemetery where locals have buried community-members for centuries.

 

9. Hike the Leusë-Lipë Trail

If you enjoy moderate hikes through abandoned villages with sweeping vistas, we definitely recommend doing the Leusë-Lipë trail from Përmet, which takes you through two authentic villages tucked into the mountains above town. Continuing after Leusë upward, the trail leads to Lipë e Vjetër, an abandoned village where crumbling stone houses and overgrown courtyards hint at a once-prosperous community, including a noble home with a massive tree growing straight through its ruins. Along the way, you’ll pass steep stone paths, grazing animals and a handful of remaining villagers living traditional lives, making this hike feel like a step back in time as much as a scenic walk through the countryside.

Whether you’re coming to Albania to soak up in thermal baths, eat delicious local food or explore the stunning natural landscape, Përmet has it all. To experience all of Albania’s culture, music and history come alive beyond the landscapes, join the Albanian Night show each evening for a deeper connection to the traditions that shape places like Përmet and the rest of the country.