Permet & Vjosa: Horse Trekking, Villages & Thermal Baths

Summary

Horseback trails along Vjosa river, stone villages and warm pools

You’ll ride gentle horses along the wild Vjosa river, explore quiet stone villages with a local guide, pause for snacks and homemade wine by Lengarica canyon, then relax in natural thermal baths near Permet. Expect laughter, mountain air, maybe sore legs — but mostly that rare feeling of being part of somewhere new.

What’s the experience like?

You wake up in Përmet and the first thing you hear is a rooster somewhere far off — not your alarm. The air’s got that cold snap that wakes you up better than coffee. At Funky Guest House, we met our guide (his name was Ardit — he grinned a lot) and he led us out to the horses. I’ll admit I was nervous; it’s been years since I’ve ridden anything bigger than a city bus. But the horses were calm, munching on grass like they had all the time in the world. Ardit handed me a helmet and said something about “just trust her” (meaning my horse), so I did.

The trail ran alongside the Vjosa river — people call it Europe’s last wild river, which sounds dramatic but seeing it rush past all blue-green and loud makes you believe it. We passed through stone villages like Leusë and Benja where old men waved from doorways and a woman with strong arms offered us figs from her garden (I took two). The path was rocky sometimes, soft other times; my legs will remember it tomorrow. We stopped at an old church with faded paintings inside — Ardit told us stories about smugglers using these trails ages ago, and honestly, I could picture it.

There was this moment when we reached Lengarica canyon — everything went quiet except for the river echoing below. Someone started laughing (maybe just relief?) and Ardit uncorked a bottle of local wine while we sat on a flat rock eating fruit and cookies. Not fancy at all but somehow perfect. After riding back, we drove twenty minutes to the thermal baths near town. The water smelled faintly of minerals — not unpleasant — and soaking there under open sky felt like hitting reset on my whole body.

I didn’t expect to feel so connected to this place or these people after just one day trip from Përmet. There’s something about moving slow through mountains that sticks with you longer than any photo ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horse riding and thermal baths visit

• Join horse trekking trip
• Ride alongside Lengarica canyon
• Visit old villages and churches
• Stop for snacks and local wine
• Enjoy views of hills and canyon
• Relax at thermal baths

Top questions

How long is the horse trekking tour in Permet?

The horse trekking trip lasts several hours including stops for snacks and visits to villages and churches.

Is lunch included on the Vjosa horse riding tour?

Snacks like fruit, cookies, water, and local wine or soft drinks are included during the ride.

Are beginners welcome on this horse trekking experience?

Yes, trails are chosen based on rider experience so beginners can join safely.

What villages do you visit during the tour?

You may pass through Benja, Ogdunani, Leusë, Badlonje and see old churches along ancient trails.

Is pickup included for this Permet horseback tour?

Yes, pickup is included as part of your day trip experience.

Do you visit the thermal baths after riding?

Yes, after horse trekking you can relax in thermal pools about 20 minutes from town.

Are safety helmets provided for riders?

Yes, safety rider caps are provided for everyone joining the tour.

Can travelers with health issues join this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from town by air-conditioned vehicle, gentle horses matched to your skill level with safety helmets provided by your guide Ardit or another local expert; stops in traditional villages with time to explore old churches; fresh fruit, cookies and either local wine or soft drinks along the way; plus entry to soak in nearby thermal baths before returning home relaxed (and maybe still smelling faintly of minerals).