Përmet, Albania

Vjosa River Rafting Tour from Përmet

9 km guided raft descent from Kaludh to Përmet, Class II–III

Duration 2–3 hours
Difficulty Class II–III
Group Size 6-10
Season Mar – Nov

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About This Tour

Departures: 10:00 · 13:30 · 15:30

Nine kilometres of the Vjosa between Kaludh and Përmet, in a guided raft, on Class II–III water, inside Vjosa Wild River National Park — part of the UNESCO-designated Vjosa Valley Biosphere Reserve. Departures at 10:00, 13:30 and 15:30 from our centre on the Përmet–Korçë road, March to November. €25 per person, adults and children; all gear, the van and your photos included. The whole trip takes 2 to 3 hours.

Who it is for

Beginners: yes; most of our guests have never rafted. Children from age 3 in suitable summer conditions, with an adult in the raft — subject to the water level, equipment fit and the guide’s decision on the day (more in rafting with kids); children’s wetsuits and life jackets are provided. You do not need to be able to swim: everyone wears a life jacket and the guide explains what to do if you go in. Not suitable during pregnancy or for anyone who cannot wear a life jacket and helmet.

Water levels by month

Months	River	What it feels like
March – April	High, cold snowmelt	The biggest waves of the year; wetsuits essential
May – June	Medium	Class II–III, the best mix of rapids and swimming
July – September	Low, warm	Class II, long swims; when most families come
October – November	Low to medium after rain	Class II, a quiet river and empty beaches

Month-by-month detail: best time to go rafting on the Vjosa.

Getting to the centre

Rafting Vjosa Albania’s riverside centre, Rruga Përmet–Korçë km 1, 6401 Përmet: 1 km out of town on the road to Korçë, on the river side, with free parking.

From Gjirokastër: about 60 km via Këlcyrë, around 1 h 20 by car. A morning departure and lunch back in Gjirokastër works as a day trip.
From Sarandë: about 115 km, around 2 h 30 by car. Book the 13:30 departure.
From Berat: 130 km over the mountain road via Çorovodë (3–4 h) or 190 km by the main road via Fier.
From Tirana: about 240 km, 4–5 h by car. Buses leave the South terminal (Terminali i Jugut) three times a day; allow 5–6 hours and about €12.

Full directions, bus notes and the Gjirokastër day-trip plan are in how to get to Përmet.

Questions before you book

How long does the whole thing take?

2 to 3 hours from check-in to the van back: the 11–12 km drive to Kaludh, the briefing, 9 km on the river and the short transfer from the take-out, about 2 km upstream of the centre. Spring water is faster (nearer 2 hours); low summer water is slower (nearer 3). Water is provided on the trip and there is seasonal fruit at the end.

Is it safe?

Every raft has a guide who works this section daily. Helmet, life jacket and wetsuit are fitted at the centre. If the river is too high or a storm is forecast we move or cancel the departure and you choose a refund or another date.

Can I bring my phone or camera?

You can, in a waterproof case at your own risk. Most people leave it at the centre; the guide’s photos and video are free.

Do you pick up from hotels?

No. Meet at the centre; it is a few minutes by taxi from the centre of Përmet.

Private raft or big group?

Send the date and the number of people on WhatsApp, +355 68 302 8000, and we will confirm rafts and a price.

Is the Vjosa Valley recognised by UNESCO?

Yes. UNESCO designated the Vjosa Valley a Biosphere Reserve on 27 September 2025 under its Man and the Biosphere Programme; the river had already been declared Vjosa Wild River National Park in March 2023. Both recognise the valley and its biodiversity — neither is a certification of any company, ours included. Our 9 km section runs inside the park. More on the Vjosa Valley page.

Can I cancel?

Free up to 24 hours before your departure. Inside 24 hours or no-show, no refund. Full terms on the cancellation and refund policy page.

Itinerary

Check-in, van, river, van back: 2 to 3 hours door to door.

Check-in at the centre

Come 10–15 minutes before your departure to our riverside centre, Rruga Përmet–Korçë km 1. Free parking, changing rooms and storage for your things. You get a wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and paddle; leave phones and valuables at the centre because a guide films the trip.
Van to Kaludh

An 11–12 km drive upstream in our van to the put-in near Kaludh. On the bank the guide gives the safety briefing: the paddle commands, how to hold on, what to do if you fall in.
9 km on the river

The first stretch is flat: practise the strokes and look up at the gorge. Then the rapids come in sets, Class II most of the year and Class III in April and May on snowmelt. Between them the guide stops in pools for a swim and, if the level allows, an optional jump from the rocks. Take-out about 2 km upstream of the centre; the van brings you back for water, seasonal fruit and your photos.