Vjosa River Rafting: Gjirokastër Day Trip & Rapids Adventure

Summary

Albania’s wild Vjosa rapids and canyon colors with local guides

You’ll paddle Albania’s wild Vjosa River with local guides who know every twist of its rapids. Expect cold splashes, canyon views, stories about caves hidden in cliffs, and laughter with new friends as you dry off back at base. If you want a day trip from Gjirokastër that leaves you buzzing long after it’s over—this is it.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, the river decides who gets wet first,” Erion grinned as he handed me my helmet at the Vjosa Albania Rafting Base. I wasn’t sure if that was supposed to be reassuring or not, but it made me laugh anyway. The minivan ride out from Gjirokastër took about 35 minutes — enough time for the nervous jokes to start up between us and the others. I could smell pine through the open window, mixed with something sharper — maybe those sulfur springs they’d mentioned?

Getting into all the gear felt a bit like suiting up for space travel (the wetsuit was tighter than I expected), but our guide Erion kept things light. He showed us how to grip the paddle and what to do if we fell in — which honestly made me pay attention. The water looked almost turquoise under the sun, cold even in June, and when we finally pushed off into the current, there was this split second of silence before everything started moving. Rapids came quick — not huge, but enough to send water splashing over our knees and make us yell without meaning to. There’s a part where the river narrows and you can hear nothing except rushing water and someone behind you trying not to swear.

I caught flashes of wildflowers along the banks, some goats watching us like we were nuts, and these weirdly sweet-smelling bushes that Erion said were native here. At one point he pointed out caves up in the cliffs — apparently people used to hide there during old conflicts (I didn’t expect a history lesson mid-rapids). The sun kept shifting behind clouds so sometimes everything went silver for a minute. My hands were numb by then but I couldn’t stop grinning. We stopped once near a calm stretch; someone tried skipping stones but mostly just splashed themselves.

The last part felt slower — maybe because nobody wanted it to end yet? By then my arms were tired but I barely noticed. Back at base, peeling off wet gear in the sun felt almost as good as getting in the boat had an hour before. I still think about that cold rush every time I see moving water now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting on Vjosa River and Canyon View

• Meet at Vjosa Rafting Base
• Wear rafting equipment
• Minivan to rafting start point
• Raft down Vjosa River (2.5-3 hours)
• Pass Langarica Canyon scenery

Top questions

How long does the Vjosa River rafting trip take?

The rafting itself takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, plus a 35-minute drive each way from the rafting base near Gjirokastër.

Is transportation included from Gjirokastër?

Yes, pickup is included from the Vjosa Albania Rafting Base with transport to and from the starting point.

What class are the rapids on this trip?

The Vjosa River features mostly class II rapids with some sections reaching class III.

Are wetsuits and safety gear provided?

Yes, all necessary rafting equipment including wetsuits, thermic jackets, life vests, and helmets are provided.

Can beginners join this rafting tour?

Yes, beginners can join but should have at least moderate physical fitness.

What should I wear or bring for Vjosa River rafting?

Wear clothes suitable for getting wet; dress appropriately for weather conditions as trips run rain or shine.

Are there any age or health restrictions?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers; infants must sit on an adult’s lap; moderate fitness is required.

Is kayaking available on the Vjosa River too?

An optional kayaking tour on the Vjosa is available—ask at booking or onsite for details.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned minivan from the Vjosa Albania Rafting Base near Gjirokastër, all rafting equipment like wetsuits and helmets (yes—even if you’ve never worn one before), safety instructions with your local guide Erion or another team member who knows every bend of this river, plus return transport after your adventure ends back at base where you can finally peel off your wet suit in peace.