Bënja Thermal Springs

The thermal baths in Bënjë (Llixhat e Bënjës) are one of the most captivating places in Albania. Just beyond the impressive canyon of Legarica, water at a temperature of 28 °C feeds a total of five artificial pools. The Ottoman Bridge built in 1760 by Ali Pasha of Tepelenë spans above and through its arc, you can observe the impressive Nemërçka Mountains and the Vjosa Valley. In short, an amazing place to remember for its charming atmosphere.

Until the 1990s, the basic spa infrastructure existed here, but property disputes caused it to fall into disrepair. All that remains are the open-air pools created by local people, each of which is said to cure a different ailment (rheumatism, skin and respiratory diseases, etc.). One of them even contains healing mud, but be aware that you should not stay in the sulphurous water full of minerals for more than a few dozen minutes. Entrance to the pools is free of charge.

The baths can be reached by an asphalted road that turns off the main road from Përmet to the Tre Urat border crossing in the village of Petran. The nearest restaurant and guesthouse can be found on the roadside about four kilometres from the spa towards Petran. Near the car park is where you can pitch a tent or park a motorhome (in season there is a fee of 200 leks/person).

TIP: The Stone House Guesthouse in the village of Petran has an ideal location for visiting Bënja Thermal Baths as well as other beautiful locations in the Vjosa Valley. It offers delicious food and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

In the high season, it can get quite busy and you may have trouble squeezing into the pools by the bridge. Fortunately, the other ponds are “hidden” a few dozen metres further upstream, where the Lengarica Canyon already starts. You will almost certainly find a free place to take a bath there.

About three kilometres from the springs lies the village of Bënja, which is typical for its stone houses and the newly restored Church of the Virgin Mary (Kisha e Shën Mërisë) surrounded by cypress trees. For its charm and historical value, the village has been declared a conservation area.

One of the most popular activities offered by local agencies is horseback riding in the surroundings of Bënja Thermal Springs. The Kadiu Bridge is also a starting point for the spectacular hike through or around the Lengarica Canyon.

TIP: Those who consider the thermals in Bënje too busy, can visit the Sarandopor Hot Springs a few dozen kilometres away. It is located in the gorge of the river of the same name right on the Greek border near the Tre Urat border crossing. Water suitable for treating rheumatism with a temperature of 29 to 40 degrees also feeds several pools there. The place is still almost untouched by tourism.

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