Përmet sits in the Vjosa valley in the south of Albania, on the road between Gjirokastër and Korçë. Our centre is 1 km outside the town on that road (Rruga Përmet–Korçë km 1), on the river side, with free parking. Here is how people actually get to us.
From Gjirokastër (about 60 km, 1 h 20 by car)
Take the SH75 east through Këlcyrë and follow the Vjosa upstream. The road runs along the river for the last half hour and is in good condition. Gjirokastër is the easiest base for a rafting day trip: leave after breakfast for the 10:00 departure and you are back in the old town for a late lunch. Minibuses (furgons) run between Gjirokastër and Përmet in the morning; ask your accommodation for the day’s departure point and time, and allow about 1 h 30. See the full Gjirokastër day-trip plan.
From Sarandë (about 115 km, 2 h 30 by car)
Drive to Gjirokastër first, then as above. With the coast traffic in summer, the 13:30 departure is the realistic one for a day trip; the 10:00 departure works if you stay overnight in Gjirokastër or Përmet. If you are coming from the Blue Eye spring, you are already on the way.
From Berat (130 km over the mountains, or 190 km by the main road)
The direct road via Çorovodë and the Osumi canyon is spectacular and slow: allow 3 to 4 hours and daylight. The alternative is the main road via Fier and Tepelenë, longer in kilometres but faster and better surfaced. Either way, plan on the afternoon departure or stay a night in Përmet.
From Tirana (about 240 km, 4–5 h by car)
Take the motorway south to Fier, then the SH4 through Tepelenë to the Këlcyrë junction and east to Përmet. Buses leave Tirana’s South terminal (Terminali i Jugut) for Përmet three times a day; allow 5 to 6 hours and about €12, and check the morning departure the day before, because it is the one that gets you here in time for an afternoon trip. Coming by bus, stay the night in Përmet and take a morning departure the next day.
From Greece
The Kakavia border crossing is about 30 km south of Gjirokastër; from there it is about 1 h 45 to the centre. From Ioannina the whole drive is around 3 hours.
Once you are in Përmet
From the town centre, follow the road towards Korçë for 1 km; the centre is on the right, by the river. Taxis from the town take a few minutes. Come 10–15 minutes before your departure to change and get your gear; there are changing rooms, showers, toilets and storage for your things.
Worth combining
The Benja thermal baths and the Lengarica canyon are about 13 km from Përmet on the Këlcyrë side, so most people do them on the same day as rafting: a morning trip on the river, lunch in town, an afternoon in the pools. Përmet itself is known for its gliko (fruit preserves), its wine and raki, and the stone bridges in the surrounding villages.
Book before you set off
Departures are at 10:00, 13:30 and 15:30 from March to November. In July and August, reserve two or three days ahead; the rest of the year a day is usually enough. Book the rafting tour or the kayak trip, or WhatsApp +355 68 302 8000 with your dates.
