Where Çorovodë Sits
Çorovodë is a small town of about 5,500 people in the Skrapar district of central Albania. It sits in a wide valley where the Osumi River exits the mountains and starts cutting its way south into the great canyon that bears its name. For travellers, Çorovodë is essentially one thing: the launching point for rafting and tubing on the Osumi. There is a small main square, a handful of family-run guesthouses, a few cafés and traditional restaurants, and a few hundred meters away, the Osumi flowing past.
Most rafting guests pass through Çorovodë for half a day. We pick them up from Berat in the morning, drive 90 minutes through Polican, arrive in Çorovodë, raft the canyon, eat lunch in town afterward, and drive back. But Çorovodë rewards staying longer if you have time.
Getting There
If you book a trip with us, transport is included from Berat or other nearby pickup points. Self-driving, you take the SH72 south from Berat through Polican and Skrapar — the road is paved, well-signposted, and reasonable. Allow 90 minutes from Berat, two and a half hours from Tirana, and four hours from Saranda. Parking in Çorovodë is easy and free.
Public transport works but is slow. There are minibuses from Berat several times a day; the journey takes around 2 hours and costs about 400 lek. For most travellers, the simplest option is a guided rafting trip with pickup included.
The Rafting Put-In
The main rafting launch point is on the south side of Çorovodë, where a dirt track leads down to a wide gravel beach on the Osumi. This is where we inflate the rafts, hand out equipment, and run the safety briefing. From here, the river enters the canyon almost immediately — within ten minutes of paddling, the gorge walls have risen above you and you are in one of the most dramatic stretches of river in southern Europe. See our full Osumi rafting experience article for what to expect on the water.
Where to Eat in Çorovodë
The local food is honest, hearty, and built around Skrapar traditions. Lamb, grilled meats, fresh bread, local cheese, and homemade rakia (a strong fruit brandy that Skrapar is genuinely famous for) are the staples. Several family-run restaurants in the town serve traditional meals at very fair prices — expect to spend around €8-12 per person for a full meal with drinks. We usually have lunch at the same family-run restaurant after every Osumi trip; ask your guide and they will take you.
Combining Çorovodë with Other Destinations
Most guests pair Osumi rafting with the UNESCO city of Berat, which is 90 minutes north. The combination of canyon rafting and a UNESCO World Heritage city in one short trip is hard to beat. For a longer adventure, do Vjosa rafting from Permet on a separate day — the two rivers are completely different experiences and seeing both is the best way to understand Albanian rafting. See our combined packages for organized two- or three-day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Çorovodë?
Çorovodë is a small town in central Albania, in the Skrapar district. It sits at the entrance to the Osumi Canyon and is the main launch point for commercial rafting in the gorge. It is about 90 minutes from Berat by car.
How do I get to Çorovodë for rafting?
Most rafting trips include hotel pickup from Berat or other nearby towns. If self-driving, take the road south from Berat through Polican and Skrapar — the route is paved and well-signposted. The drive takes around 90 minutes from Berat.
What else can I see in Çorovodë?
Beyond rafting, Çorovodë is the gateway to the Pirogoshi Cave system, Mount Tomorr National Park, and several traditional Skrapar villages. Most rafting visitors come for the day, but staying overnight lets you explore the surrounding mountains and caves.
Ready to Raft from Çorovodë?
Book Çorovodë RaftingRead more: Osumi Canyon Guide, Osumi Experience, Top Destinations.