Rafting Vjosa River in Gjirokaster: 2 Hours on Europe's Last Wild River

You paddle the Vjosa yourself for two hours through Albania's wildest stretch

Rafting on the Vjosa River from Gjirokaster includes a guided paddle through Europe's last wild river, transport from town, all rafting gear, and a full afternoon at Benja Hot Springs with the option to hike Langarica canyon. The day runs about eight and a half hours, with pickup available from your hotel and lunch at a local family restaurant (at your own cost).

The experience

The day starts early: pickup from Gjirokaster around 8:00 AM, then a scenic ninety-minute drive through the mountains to Permet, where the Vjosa begins. After coffee and a safety briefing at the put-in, you're on the water by 10:00 AM. The two-hour paddle takes you downstream through the river's most dramatic section: steep canyon walls, fast current, the kind of terrain that has kept the Vjosa undammed and wild while almost every other European river has been tamed. The guide leads from the boat. You and the other paddlers do the work.

Once you reach Permet, the pace shifts. Lunch happens at a family-run restaurant along the riverbank, where grilled local fish is the house specialty (you pay for your meal separately). Then it's a short drive to Benja Hot Springs, where thermal pools fed by underground springs sit in a natural amphitheater. Most people soak for the full two hours, but the canyon walk through Langarica is there if you want it. A short hike that takes you deeper into the gorge. The return drive to Gjirokaster wraps up around 5:00 PM at Cerciz Topulli square, where you started.

All rafting equipment (boat, paddle, life jacket, helmet) is provided. The guide speaks English and stays with the group the entire day. Hotel pickup is available if you arrange it when you book.

What’s included

• Pickup from Gjirokaster or hotel.
• transport to and from Permet.
• rafting equipment including life jacket, helmet, paddle and boat.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• access to Benja Hot Springs and the option to walk Langarica canyon.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (10 to 70 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

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 15 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Experience Gjirokastra

Is this one for you?This is a shared group rafting trip led by a guide, so you're paddling alongside other travelers rather than alone. Choose it if you want the Vjosa's current and canyon to carry you downstream without needing to navigate or make decisions about the route. The guide handles the technical side while you focus on the paddle and the river.

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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.

How difficult is the Vjosa rafting section for someone who has never paddled before?

The Vjosa section is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the guide manages the pace. You'll be paddling in a group, so the guide sets the rhythm and the current does much of the work. It's not a technical run that demands prior experience.

What is Benja Hot Springs actually like once we get there?

Benja Hot Springs is a natural monument with multiple thermal pools of different temperatures fed by underground springs. The pools sit in a canyon setting, and you have two hours to soak, swim and relax. The short walk into Langarica canyon is optional and takes you further into the gorge if you want to move around.

Is lunch included in the price, or do we pay separately?

Lunch is at your own expense. You'll eat at a family restaurant near Permet that specializes in grilled fish from the local river, and you pay for what you order there.

Do we need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

All rafting gear is provided: boat, paddle, life jacket and helmet. Bring a towel, a change of clothes for after the paddle, and sun protection. The hot springs have no changing facilities mentioned, so plan accordingly.