Përmet

The town of Përmet is the gateway to the Vjosa Valley and an excellent location to explore the natural beauty of this part of south-eastern Albania. From here, you can visit the Bënja Thermal Springs, and the Lengarica Canyon or go rafting on the Vjosa River. The enormous rock that provides stunning views is the emblem of Përmet, often referred to as the City of Roses due to its flowery landscapes.

Përmet presents itself as the cleanest town in Albania. And there’s indeed something about it: the town is set in the pristine environment of the Vjosa Valley, surrounded by mountains on all sides, and lacks any industry. The countryside is full of picturesque villages with traditional stone houses, such as Leusë or Bënjë.

Nestled amid the lush pastures of the Vjosa Valley, the town was founded in the 15th century under Turkish rule. Greece, which occupied Përmet during the First Balkan War (1912–1913), had a significant influence on the local population at the end of the Ottoman era. During World War II, Përmet served as the centre for partisan resistance against the German and Italian forces. Përmet hosted a convention of communist leaders in May 1944, which resulted in the election of a provisional Albanian government led by the eventual dictator Enver Hoxha.

Not much of the historic centre of Përmet has been preserved. An exception is the 1776 Church of St. Paraskeva (Kisha e Shën Premtes), which resembles a barn more than anything else because of its modest and unassuming shape (it lacks a dome, like many other churches in the area, because the Ottoman law banned it). However, it is all the more decorated inside: You will find a beautifully carved iconostasis and frescoes by one of the Zografi brothers. Just about a hundred metres away is the Church of St Nicholas (Kisha e Shën Kollit), dating from 1757.

Another stunning church can be found in the village of Leusë about two kilometres uphill from the centre. The three-aisled Basilica of the Virgin Mary (Kisha e Shën Mërisë), dating from the late 18th century, was originally part of a monastery but now stands alone. Light enters the elevated central nave through a total of twelve windows, and the interior is painted with frescoes. Unfortunately, vandals have severely damaged the paintings that adorned also the outer narthex (vestibule with arcades). The village itself is also worth seeing, full of stone walls separating the houses.

The hallmark of Përmet is the so-called City Rock (Guri i Qytetit). This massive sphere-shaped boulder sits north of the centre and appears to have been rolled into the valley by a giant from the surrounding mountains. It’s an imposing rock with stunning views of the Vjosa River, the town and the surrounding landscapes. There is a metal staircase that leads to the top of it.

Përmet is well-known for maintaining its unique culinary traditions, and its diverse food plays a significant role in the nation’s culinary landscape. It offers a variety of classic savoury delicacies, including shqeto, a light and creamy soup, and gliko, the city’s most popular delicacy.

From Përmet, you take a bus to Tirana (5:00, 7:00 and 8:00; with buses from Tirana leaving at 12:30, 14:00 and 17:00), to Korçë (7:00 and 8:00, the latter stops at the bridge on the right bank of the river), Gjirokastër (3x a day) and Sarandë (once a day). There is a bus from Përmet to Leskovik once a day (12:30). A bus to Athens (via Tre Urat/Mertzani) passes through Përmet around 6:30 on Mondays and Fridays.

At the tourist information centre, located in the city centre on Odhise Paskali Street, you can get information about the town and its regional attractions, maps, various information materials, guides, and other publications.

TIP: There are two exceptional places to stay in Vjosa Valley that are higly recommended: 1) Traditional Guesthouse Permet in the village of Bual. The beatiful listed building, hospitality of the owners, the excellent food and the breathtaking views of the valley are all reasons to endure the 20-minute driveway full of potholes from Përmet. 2) The Stone House in Petran offers equally spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and has an ideal location for exploring most of the attractions in the Vjosa Valley.

 

Day trips and hiking in Përmet

Përmet is one of the best locations in Albania for outdoor activities, so take advantage of it! Paddling down the upper stretch of Vjosa on a raft or kayak is an unforgettable experience that not only water sports enthusiasts will enjoy. One of the most popular activities offered by local agencies is horseback riding in the Vjosa Valley or around the Lengarica Canyon. The region also offers a large number of routes for offroading.

It is about 20 minutes by car or taxi to the Bënja Thermal Springs and the Lengarica Canyon, both of which are among the most beautiful sights in Albania.

There is also a plethora of hiking opportunities around Përmet. The most beautiful hike starts in the village of Strëmbec and leads to the Sopot Waterfall. All the way, you can admire the magnificent amphitheatre of Maja e Papingut, which is the highest peak of the Nëmerçka Mountains (see map).

From Përmet, it is a stone’s throw to the Bredhi i Hotovës National Park which offers several beautiful hikes, including the one around Lengarica Canyon (see map).

Përmet is also the starting point of the 3-day trek through the Zagoria Valley which ends in the village of Peshtan in Këlcyra Gorge, with a sleepover in the picturesque villages of Hoshtëvë and Shepër (see map).

Cover photo by Jakub Hrab

View Fullscreen

Booking.com