Have you ever wanted to enjoy sulfurous hot springs while taking in alpine peaks, Ottoman architecture and gorgeous natural surroundings?

Then you’re in luck – the Bënja Thermal Baths of Përmet – have all that, and more.

Known in Albanian as Llixhat e Bënjës, these hot springs attract crowds of visitors from all over the world who are eager to soak up the natural benefits of sulfur baths and to enjoy the beautiful nature of nearby Langarica Canyon. (If you’re curious about other things to do in the area, check out our guide to what to do in Përmet, here.)

Entry to the Përmet hot springs and the parking nearby are free. Located just a 25-minute drive away from the town of Përmet, there are six pools in total from which you can choose – each one, whose waters are infused with chloro-sodium-calcium, is said to heal a different skin issue, stomach or rheumatic disease. The springs emerge at varying flow rates of roughly 8 to 40 liters per second, with water temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C. While not piping hot, the pools are pleasantly warm and comfortable for soaking.

The most famous pool – where most people stop – is the largest one next to the Kadiut Bridge, a gorgeous Ottoman-era piece of architecture that was built around 1760 under the Albanian ruler Ali Pasha Tepelena. It’s possible to swim in the large pool’s warm waters while admiring the faraway snow-capped peaks; if you’re lucky, a herd of goats may even stop by and graze on the vegetation surrounding the pool!

But don’t stop at this spring – there’s another one directly underneath the bridge that’s more intimate and also worth soaking in. And, if you’re adventurous, you can walk through Langarica Canyon to explore the other four hot springs that dot its interior!

Bring water shoes with you, as there isn’t a proper path; the water level will depend upon the time of year, making shoes that can traverse wet terrain a must. The views inside the canyon are beautiful, and you’ll pass underneath other Ottoman bridges and have spots to sit down and relax or relax in the waters themselves. 

We also recommend hiking above the baths – there is a well-trodden trail you can take from the main bath that takes you high above the sometimes hectic (especially in the summer) river and natural springs below. This path can be continued for as long as you like and offers dramatic, jaw-dropping views of Langarica Canyon. 

Best Times to Visit Bënja Thermal Baths

The Bënja Thermal Baths can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. Spring and autumn are ideal, offering mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lush scenery inside the canyon. In summer, the baths are lively and social, though busier, while winter brings a quieter, almost mystical atmosphere when steam rises from the warm pools against the cold mountain air.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bënja Thermal Baths

There are no formal facilities at the baths, so come prepared. Bring drinking water, snacks, a towel and a change of clothes, and consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience. Respect the natural environment by leaving no trash behind and being mindful of other bathers sharing the pools.

If experiences like the Bënja Thermal Baths spark your curiosity about Albania’s traditions and way of life, there’s so much more to discover beyond its landscapes: back in Tirana, Albanian Night invites visitors to dive deeper into the country’s culture through an immersive evening of traditional music, dance, costumes and storytelling. It’s a chance to understand the history, rhythms, and spirit of Albania in a warm, welcoming setting – the perfect complement to exploring its natural wonders.