Best Things to do in Permet, Albania (2024 Guide)
Permet is a hidden gem that’s not well known yet, but it won’t be a secret for much longer. It boasts stunning natural scenery, fascinating history, and delicious local food in Albania. It’s called the City of Roses because it’s known as the cleanest and greenest city in Albania. There are many wonderful things to experience in Permet and the surrounding area. Permet is a charming small town in southern Albania nestled in the valley of the Vjosa River. With just over 10,000 residents, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Albanian culture.
How to get to Permet
If you’re thinking of visiting Albania, chances are you’ll arrive by plane in either Tirana or Corfu, Greece. If you fly into Corfu, it’s a quicker journey to Përmet. However, if you plan to explore more of Albania (which we strongly suggest), Tirana might be a better choice. Either way, getting to Përmet won’t be too difficult!
Read also: When is Best Time to Visit Albania (2024 Guide)
How to Get to Permet from Tirana
If you want to travel from Tirana to Përmet, you have a few choices. One option is to rent a car, which is great for exploring different places in Albania. But if you prefer not to rent a car, you can easily use public buses (and they’re very cheap!). In Tirana, go to the North/South bus station and take a bus to Përmet. The journey takes around 4.5 hours and the scenery is stunning!
Tip: If you want to travel to another area of Albania from Tirana by bus, remember that Tirana has four bus stations: the Airport Shuttle Station, the East Station, the North/South Station, and the International Station. For most of your trips, you'll probably use the North/South Station. The East Station is specifically for trips to Elbasan, Pogradec, and Korçë.
How to Get to Permet from Corfu
If you’re flying into Corfu and planning to go to Albania from there, your first step is to take the ferry to Sarandë. The ferry ride usually lasts about 30 minutes. When you arrive in Sarandë, go to Friendship Park – there are many buses in that area on Rruga Flamurit. There are not many buses; just ask around and someone should guide you (Albanians are very helpful when you’re unsure about which bus to take!). Once you’re on the bus, you should reach Përmet in about an hour!
Where to Stay in Permet
In and around Permet, there are various places to stay. You can choose from 27 hotels. You can find good deals on hotels in Përmet, Albania online. These hotels have good availability and rates. Read reviews to pick the best one for your stay. You’ll find luxury villas, traditional houses, and guest houses, which are very popular in Albania. Most accommodations in Albania include breakfast, usually with fresh items like cheese, salad, Petulla (a fried doughnut), and juice, coffee, or tea.
Read also: Best Things to do in Berat, Albania (2024 Guide)
TRADITIONAL GUEST HOUSE PERMET
If you want a traditional experience, consider staying at this guest house. It offers a beautiful view of the valley and landscape. The guest house is not in Permet itself but 6km away from the city center. It’s closer to the Benje hot springs, perfect for nature lovers. The road there can be a bit hard to find, but it’s worth the trip.
FUNKY GUEST HOUSE & ADVENTURE
This guest house has great reviews and offers a unique activity—horseback riding! If you enjoy exploring on horseback, this place is for you. The guest house is cozy, clean, and has well-equipped rooms. They serve a great buffet breakfast included in the stay. It’s located right in Permet, close to restaurants and attractions. The rooms are clean and modern, offering good quality at an affordable price.
THE MOSAIC HOUSE
This beautiful house was built in the 19th century. You’ll feel like part of the family as soon as you arrive. The house still has an original mosaic from 1908 on the front terrace. The breakfast here is top-notch with homemade fresh ingredients by the family. The courtyard is a lovely spot to relax with a glass of homemade wine. The Mosaic House is in the heart of Permet, making it easy to access other nearby restaurants and sights.
Read also: Best Things to do in Gjirokaster, Albania (Guide 2024)
Best Things to do in Permet
While tourists love the Benje hot springs, Permet offers many more activities worth staying more than a day for. Let’s explore what you can do in Permet to make the most of your visit and enjoy this beautiful city and its surroundings.
1. Visit Benja Thermal Baths
Near Katiu Bridge in Lengarica Gorge lies another famous spot, the Benja Thermal Baths. These natural baths are supplied by the Lengarica River and are believed to have special healing properties. There are three baths in total, each said to benefit a different part of your body. One bath is said to be good for the skin, another for the kidneys, and the third for the heart.
Many people in the area believe in their healing powers. These baths are very popular, especially in summer. They have a sulfur-like smell and are unique because they are cool in summer and warm in winter. The Benja Thermal Baths are one of the top things to experience in Përmet, Albania.
How to Get to Benjë Hot Springs from Përmet
To reach the Benjë hot springs, we suggest taking the bus. It’s a quick 20-minute ride and costs about 50 Lek (around 50 cents in USD). Finding the bus schedule might be tricky, so we recommend asking your host or checking around town for signs near the bus station. You can easily locate the bus station by searching “Bus station Permet” on Google Maps.
Read also: Best Things to do in Albania in 2024
2. Visit Katiu Bridge
Most travelers visit Përmet for its famous hot springs, but I went mainly to see the Katiu Bridge. This old stone bridge, built by the Ottomans in the 1800s, is located about 8 kilometers from Përmet. It’s also called the Ali Pasha Ottoman Bridge, named after a well-known Albanian leader who had it built. This beautiful bridge from the Ottoman era sits over the scenic Lengarica River in Fir of Hotova National Park.
Compared to other Ottoman bridges, it’s not very large, with just one big arch stretching over the Lengarica Gorge. But even though it’s small, it’s still breathtaking. The bridge is truly stunning and is one of around twenty Ottoman bridges in Albania. The Katiu Bridge is definitely one of the top attractions in Përmet. It was the highlight of my trip there, and I wasn’t disappointed!
3. Rafting on the Vjosa River
Feel the thrill of rafting on one of Europe’s few remaining wild rivers, which runs freely near the charming town of Permet. Enjoy the rapids of the clear Vjosa river as it winds through canyons, islands, and beautiful bends! Be sure to book your rafting trip in advance, especially during summer when it’s in high demand and last-minute bookings can be hard to get.
4. Climb The Rock of the City
When you’re in Përmet, don’t miss seeing one of its most famous spots – the Rock of the City. This huge stone pillar sits right in the heart of town, towering 42 meters tall, like a watchful guardian over Përmet. For history buffs, it’s a must-visit because there are ancient ruins at the top.
Archaeologists have discovered many important artifacts there dating back to the 4th century! If you enjoy learning about the past, climbing the rock is one of the top things to do in Përmet, Albania! Even if you’re not into history or hiking, you’ll still love the breathtaking views from the top. You can see the whole town, the valley, the river, and the mountains all around.
5. Go to Lengarica Canyon
The canyon is situated approximately 650 feet (200 meters) from the hot springs along Lengarica. The river’s movement creates lush plant life on both banks, providing a habitat for various birds and uncommon wild animals. The canyon is well-known for its natural beauty and also holds archaeological significance. Recent studies suggest there were ancient homes in the cave dwellings within the canyon. This is one of the best things to do in Permet for nature lovers who enjoy exploring natural beauty.
6. Try the Local Deserts
Locals always love to talk about the foods they make. Whenever there’s a family gathering or another event, they proudly bring out treats like walnut marmalade with almond inside. Then they’ll share other sweets like watermelon, fig, and orange jam.
Best Time to Visit Permet
The best time to visit Përmet, Albania, is during spring (April – June) or autumn (September – October) when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes are beautiful with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Spring offers mild temperatures and vibrant nature, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring. Autumn is also lovely with cooler weather and fewer crowds, perfect for enjoying the thermal springs and scenic surroundings.
Summer (July – August) can be hot and crowded but great for river swimming and outdoor adventures, while winter (November – March) is quieter and ideal for those interested in thermal baths and experiencing a more serene atmosphere. Ultimately, choosing the best time depends on personal preferences regarding weather and preferred activities.
Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)
Leave a Reply