Saranda: Permit Thermal Baths & Langarica Canyon Day Trip
Thermal pools and a canyon walk in one morning: what Albania's inland valleys actually look like
You drive inland from Saranda through the Vjosa Valley to soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools at Benja, where an Ottoman bridge marks the start of the Langarica Canyon. From there, you walk through a 6-kilometer canyon filled with crystal-clear water and limestone cliffs, with time to swim and explore. Private transport and an English guide are included, so you only need to show up ready to walk and soak.
Options for this experience
2 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Thermal baths and canyon exploration
- Depart from Saranda in morning
- Stop at Tepelene Cold Water springs
- Visit Këlcyrë Gorge viewpoint
- Relax at Benja Thermal Baths
- Walk to Langarica Canyon
- Explore and swim in canyon
What’s included
Your day includes private transportation from Saranda, an English-speaking guide, entry fees to the Benja thermal baths and Langarica Canyon, and free time to swim and relax in both locations. All taxes are covered in the price.
Times
- Every day 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00
Before you book
Operated by Lici Tours
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
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The experience
So you've got a free day in Saranda and you're tired of the coast. The drive inland pulls you away from the water fast: past villages where people are still hanging laundry the old way, along the Vjosa River, which is one of Europe's last wild ones and looks it. The road winds through proper mountain landscape, the kind that doesn't photograph well because it's too big. Your guide handles the driving, which means you can actually look instead of navigating.
The Permet thermal baths at Benja come first, and they're not what you'd expect if you've only seen resort pools. The water rises from underground through cracks in the rock: six different springs, each one feeding into stone basins that have been there for centuries. The Kadiut Bridge, an Ottoman structure, sits right at the entrance to the canyon, and that's where the biggest and busiest bath is. The water temperature runs between 26 and 32 degrees Celsius, warm enough to actually relax into, and the mineral content is supposed to be therapeutic, though mostly you just float and look up at the cliffs. There's free time here to soak, walk around, take photos of the bridge reflected in the water. If you want to avoid the crowds, smaller baths exist further up the canyon, but you have to ask your guide about access.
After that, the Langarica Canyon walk starts just a short distance away. The canyon is about 6 kilometers from the thermal baths, and the path follows the river through narrow rock formations with water so clear you can see the bottom. The cliffs rise up on both sides: towering, dramatic, the kind of geology that makes you understand why people write about limestone. There's swimming in the river if you want it, and the whole thing feels genuinely untouched, no vendors, no crowds, just the sound of water and your own footsteps on the rocks. The walk is light enough that most people manage it, though the path is uneven and wet in places, so proper shoes matter.
Your guide is English-speaking, the transport is private, and all entry fees are included in the price. You're back in Saranda by evening, which means you can still grab dinner somewhere if you're not too tired. The whole day is structured around not having to arrange anything yourself: no figuring out buses, no negotiating entry at the gate, no wondering if you're going the right way through the canyon.
Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see inland Albania (thermal springs and a canyon) without arranging transport or figuring out which pools are worth the walk. The private guide and included fees mean you just show up and move between two places that most Saranda visitors never reach.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Can you swim in the thermal pools at Benja?
Yes. The mineral-rich waters are between 26–32°C and are designed for soaking and relaxation. You have free time to swim and take photos.
Is the Langarica Canyon walk difficult?
It's described as a light adventure suitable for all physical fitness levels. The path follows the river through narrow rock formations and is good for walking and swimming, though the terrain is uneven.
What is included in the tour price?
Private transportation, all entry fees and taxes, and an English-speaking guide are included.
Are there smaller thermal baths besides the main one at Kadiut Bridge?
Yes. The reference mentions smaller baths further up the canyon, though you should confirm access with your guide.
How far is the canyon from the thermal baths?
The Langarica Canyon is approximately 6 kilometers from the Benja thermal baths.
Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back problems?
No. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
Saranda: Permit Thermal Baths & Langarica Canyon Day Trip
5h–7h · EN · at your hotel
from US$ 65 per person
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