In the south of Albania, between the crystal-clear banks of the Vjosa and the shadow of the proud mountains, lies Permet a small city but rich in nature, history and a welcoming spirit. Also known as the “city of roses”, Permet offers visitors a rare experience, the tranquility of a clean and green city, the authentic taste of the famous glikos and an impressive collection of natural and cultural monuments. From the legends that climb to the top of the “City Stone” to the polyphonic sounds echoing from the popular festivals, Permet is a destination that does not reveal itself in a hurry but fascinates at every turn. This guide will introduce you to the most beautiful and authentic attractions that this city has to offer, a perfect blend of wild nature and culture inherited from generation to generation.
The City Stone – The Symbol of Permet with a Legend and Impressive Views
Perched in the heart of the city like a silent guardian, the City Stone is a gigantic rock about 25 meters high, which not only forms a distinctive silhouette above the urban center, but also represents the resilient spirit of Permet. This rare limestone formation, declared a Natural and Cultural Monument of the first category, is associated with a local legend that tells of the daughter of the chieftain Premt, who threw herself off the cliff to avoid surrendering to the Ottoman invaders, a story that is believed to have given the city its name.
Today, a secured metal path allows visitors to climb to the top, from where a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Vjosa valley opens up. The rock is an iconic photo spot, a place where legend, nature and adrenaline meet. For anyone visiting Përmet, climbing this symbol of the city is an experience not to be missed.
Benja Thermal Springs and Lengarica Canyon – Natural spa and adventure in one place
Just 13 km from the city, in a natural wonder that defies postcards, lie the Benja Thermal Baths, sulfur-rich thermal springs that spring from the rocky depths of the mountain and create natural pools where visitors can relax all year round. With temperatures ranging from 26 to 32°C, these lixhas are famous for their curative properties, especially for rheumatic and skin diseases.
The road to the spa passes through the Lengarica Canyon, a spectacular geological formation with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Above the canyon rises the Ura e Katiut, an 18th-century Ottoman stone bridge, which adds a historical and photogenic touch to the place. Swimming under this bridge in the natural warm pools, while listening to the sounds of nature and seeing the rugged greenery around you, is an experience not easily forgotten. The area is also perfect for hiking, camping and photography – a place where relaxation meets adventure.
Churches and Tekkes – Spiritual monuments that preserve centuries of history
Përmet and its surroundings are a rich treasure trove of Albanian spiritual heritage, where Orthodox churches and Bektashi tekkes coexist in harmony, reflecting the history and religious tolerance of the area. Within the city, there is the Church of St. Friday, built in 1776 with a basilica structure and a magnificent iconostasis carved by the Albanian master Dhimiter from Konica. The frescoes are the work of Terpo Zograf, one of the most famous painters of the time.
There is also the Church of St. Kolli (1757), with a bell tower and a courtyard surrounded by cypress trees, which preserves a peaceful and sacred atmosphere. A little further away, in the village of Leuse, stands the Church of St. Mary, a rare cultural monument of the 18th century with elegant domes, narrow windows and mural paintings from 1812. Its walnut iconostasis is among the most beautiful in Albania and a testament to the art of traditional carving.
Beyond Orthodoxy, Permet also preserves important centers of Bektashi culture such as the Frasheri Tekke (1781), closely linked to national history, and the Baba Ali Tekke in Alipostivan, which gathered believers from all over Albania for hundreds of years. These cult objects are not only places of worship, but also places where history, architecture and culture harmoniously intertwine. A visit to these places brings a deep spiritual and cultural experience, a journey beyond the landscapes, towards the essence of the identity of this area.
Historical heritage and museums – The living memory of a nation
Permet is a city with deep historical roots, where every alley, building or monument carries important national memories. One of them is the Permet Congress Building, where on May 24, 1944, the Antifascist National Liberation Congress convened and the provisional government of Albania was proclaimed. This important historical moment made Permet the first city liberated from Nazi occupation. The building, reconstructed in 2017, today functions as a museum and living testimony to the city’s role in World War II.
In the famous village of Frasheri, there is another historical site of extraordinary importance, the House of the Frasheri Brothers. This building, where the emblematic figures of the National Renaissance: Naimi, Samiu and Abdyl Frasheri were born and raised, has been declared a Cultural Monument and attracts visitors every year who want to get to know the foundations of Albanian identity and literature up close. The house-museum preserves furniture, documents and the atmosphere of the time when the ideal of Albanian independence began to take shape.
A visit to these monuments is not just a tourist stop, it is a true journey into the memory of a nation.
Tradition, festivals and hospitality of Permet – The cultural heart of the south
Permet is not only a city of nature and history, it is also a living hearth of folk culture and rare Albanian hospitality. Permet folk music, with the characteristic sounds of the saz and labe iso-polyphony, is a cultural asset that enlivens every traditional celebration. Precisely for this reason, the city has become the host of the International Folk Festival “Permet Multicultural”, where groups from Albania and neighboring countries bring their sounds and dances to an atmosphere that fills the streets with color and liveliness.
Another beloved innovation is the “Nona” Festival, dedicated to Albanian grandmothers and their traditions carefully preserved through generations. During this summer festival, visitors have the opportunity to taste authentic recipes prepared by the grandmothers themselves, participate in craft workshops, and experience culture in its most loving and sincere form.
The hospitality of Permet is another attraction in itself. Every visitor is welcomed with a spoonful of gliko, candied fruit cakes and a glass of homemade raki. From the rose gardens to the friendly chats on the promenades by the Vjosa, every little detail in Permet creates a sense of familiarity that doesn’t let you leave easily. Përmet is a place where culture is not just to be seen, but to be felt.
How to experience Përmet according to your travel style
Whether you are a nature adventurer, a history buff, or simply looking for peace of mind and good food, Përmet has something for you. Below is a comparison chart to help you plan your experience according to your personal interests:
| Visitor Profile | Attraction Recommendations | Suggested Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Nature lover | “Bredhi i Hotoves” Park, Langarica Canyon, Vjosa River | Hiking, rafting, camping, panoramic photography |
| Relaxation and wellness seeker | Benja’s Baths, Katiu Bridge | Thermal baths, nature walks |
| History buff | Congress Building, Frasheri House, Old Bazaar | Visiting museums, exploring historic neighborhoods |
| Cultural and spiritual tourist | The churches of Leusa, Shën Premta, Shën Kolli, the Tekke of Frashëri, Baba Ali | Pilgrimage, architectural photography, cultural reflection |
| Culinary and festival explorer | “Nona” and “Multicultural Përmeti” Festivals, Glikotë, Raki, Traditional Cuisine | Tasting, participation in events, artisanal shopping |
Share Permet – Inspire someone else’s journey
If this article inspired you to visit Permet or brought back fond memories from a previous trip, share it with your friends. Maybe someone is looking for a place like this with natural beauty, inspiring history, and people who make you feel at home. Permet is not a city to pass quickly, but a place to experience with your heart. Who knows? Maybe your next trip starts with just one click.
For more practical suggestions, travel ideas, and detailed information about this amazing city, also read our article:
👉 Visiting Permet in Albania – 2025
