Top Things to Do in Permet After a Rafting Trip

Why Permet Is More Than Just Rafting

Most people come to Permet to go rafting the Vjosa, Europe's last wild river — and that alone is worth the trip. But the real magic of Permet is what comes after you climb out of the raft. This small southern town, tucked into a green valley, is famous across Albania for its thermal springs, its food, and its slow, welcoming pace of life. Here is what to do once the paddling is done.

1. Soak in the Benja Thermal Springs

This is the number-one thing to do after rafting, and for good reason. The Benja (Bënjë) thermal springs are about 15 minutes from Permet, where natural warm pools sit right beside the Lengarica River, next to a beautiful old Ottoman stone bridge. The water comes out of the ground at around 30 degrees Celsius, rich in minerals, and after a few hours of paddling, lowering yourself into those warm pools is pure bliss. Best of all, it is completely free.

2. Eat Traditional Permet Food

Permet is famous across Albania for its cuisine. The town is known for gliko — a traditional fruit preserve — as well as fresh river trout, slow-cooked lamb, and savoury pies made with wild greens picked from the hillsides. After a day on the river you will have earned it, and the local restaurants serve hearty, genuinely affordable meals. Do not leave without trying fergesë, a baked dish of peppers, tomatoes and local cheese.

3. Taste Local Wine & Raki

The Permet region produces some of Albania's best wine, particularly from indigenous grape varieties, along with excellent homemade raki. Several small producers welcome visitors for tastings, and the prices are remarkably low by European standards. It is a relaxed, authentic way to spend an afternoon after the river.

4. Walk into the Lengarica Canyon

Right by the thermal springs, a short and easy walk takes you into the Lengarica Canyon, where the rock walls narrow to just a few metres apart and the light filters down in dramatic shafts. It is beautiful, photogenic, and an easy add-on to a thermal springs visit — a lovely way to stretch your legs after sitting in a raft.

5. Stroll the Riverside Town

Permet itself is worth a slow wander. There is a pleasant riverside promenade, old stone-house neighbourhoods, and a handful of cafés where locals sit for hours over tiny cups of coffee. It is the kind of place where slowing down feels natural — the perfect end to an active day.

Between the rafting, the springs, the food and the scenery, Permet easily fills a day or two. If you would like to build it all into one trip, our rafting from Permet page has everything you need to plan.

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