Packrafting & Kayaking on the Vjosa River, Permet

Two Ways to Paddle the Wild Vjosa

Rafting is the classic way to experience the Vjosa, but it is not the only one. For paddlers who want to be a little closer to the water — more independent, more hands-on — packrafting and kayaking open up a completely different side of the river. Instead of sharing a big raft, you have your own small craft, your own line through the current, and a more intimate connection to Europe's last free-flowing river.

Both trips run on the Vjosa around Permet, the friendly southern town that serves as the gateway to the Vjosa Wild River National Park. If you already know the river from our Vjosa River rafting page, this is the same wild water experienced from a smaller boat.

Packrafting the Vjosa

A packraft is a lightweight, highly stable inflatable boat built for one person. It is remarkably forgiving, which makes packrafting one of the most beginner-friendly ways to get out on moving water on your own. You sit low, close to the surface, and paddle at your own pace through the gentle-to-moderate sections of the Vjosa near Permet — with a certified guide alongside you the whole way.

Because packrafts are so portable, they also let us reach quieter, more remote stretches of the river that bigger rafts cannot easily access. For anyone who wants solitude, clear water, and the feeling of genuinely exploring, this is a special way to see the Vjosa. It is closely related to our wider packrafting in Albania trips, but focused specifically on the Vjosa around Permet.

Kayaking the Vjosa

Kayaking is the sportier option. A kayak sits lower and moves faster than a packraft, responding instantly to every stroke, which makes it the choice for paddlers who want more control and a livelier ride. On the Vjosa's clear, open sections near Permet you can carve through the current, read the water, and build real paddling skills in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.

We run kayaking for a range of levels — from gentle, beginner-friendly introductions on calm stretches to more engaging runs for confident paddlers. Just tell us your experience and what you are after, and we will match the route and the boat to you.

Why Permet and the Vjosa

The Vjosa near Permet is close to ideal for both packrafting and kayaking. The water is clean and turquoise, the valley is broad and scenic, and the rapids are mostly gentle to moderate — enough to be fun without being intimidating. In 2023 the whole river was declared a Wild River National Park, so you are paddling through genuinely protected wilderness.

Permet itself makes the perfect base, with good food, easy river access, and the free Benja thermal springs nearby for a soak afterwards. Our rafting from Permet page has more on the town and the surrounding area if you are planning your trip.

What's Included

• Your packraft or kayak, paddle, helmet and life jacket
• A certified, experienced guide for the whole trip
• A full safety briefing and paddling instruction before you launch
• Waterproof bags for your phone and small items
• Photos of your day on the water

Guided full-day packrafting starts from €75 per person, with kayaking priced similarly depending on the route. For combinations with rafting or multi-day paddling, see our packages page.

Frequently Asked Questions