Rafting on Vjosa River in Permet: Europe's last wild river

The Vjosa is the last wild river left in Europe, and you're navigating it yourself.

Rafting on the Vjosa River near Permet puts you in the water for three hours of big waves, strong currents and narrow passages through Albania's national park. Life jacket, safety cap and swimming costume are provided. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up and brings you back. Children from age 8 are welcome, and the guide speaks English.

The experience

You arrive in Permet with a free afternoon or a gap in your itinerary, and the Vjosa is what fills it. The river runs through the last stretch of wild water in Europe (no dams, no development upstream), and the three-hour float moves through landscape most visitors never reach. An air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your accommodation, drives to the put-in, and the guide walks you through the gear: life jacket, safety cap, swimming costume. Then you're in the boat with the current.

The Vjosa moves fast. Big waves and strong currents are the point, and narrow passages force you to read the water and react. Between the technical sections, the river slows enough to swim off the rocks or jump from the banks: the guide points out where it's safe. The national park walls rise on both sides, and the water stays so clear you can see the riverbed. Most of the three hours is spent moving downstream. The vehicle meets you at the take-out and drives back to town.

This is not a scenic float where someone else rows. You're operating the boat, reading the current, and staying alert through the whole run. The guide manages safety and navigation, but the work, and the reward, is yours. By the time you climb out, you've covered several kilometers of water that most people in Europe will never see.

What’s included

• Life jacket, safety cap and swimming costume.
• air-conditioned vehicle pickup and return.
• English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (20 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Funky Adventures

Is this one for you?The three-hour commitment means you can fit this into a single afternoon in Permet, but it rules out combining it with other activities the same day. Choose this if you have a free half-day and want to spend it on the water instead of in town.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

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.

What's the water like on the Vjosa in Permet?

The Vjosa runs cold and clear, with big waves and strong currents that move fast through narrow passages. The riverbed is visible from the boat, and the water is clean enough to swim in during the slower sections.

Do I need rafting experience to go on this activity?

No experience is required. The guide handles navigation and safety, and the activity suits all physical fitness levels. Children from age 8 are welcome.

What happens if I arrive late or my schedule is tight?

The activity runs for three hours from start to finish, including the drive to and from the river. Plan for the full duration. There's no shortened version available.

Is the pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation in Permet and returns you after the activity ends.

What gear do I need to bring?

Bring a swimsuit or wear one under your clothes. The operator provides the life jacket, safety cap, and all safety equipment. Wear shoes or sandals that can get wet and won't slip off in the boat.