Permet might be exactly the answer if you are looking for a place where nature, hospitality, and traditional flavors come together in an unforgettable experience. Hidden among the mountains of southern Albania and embraced by Europe’s last wild river — the Vjosa — this small town, rightly called the “City of Roses,” is one of the most authentic destinations in Albania.
This is Love Albania’s HUB article for Permet, connecting all of our detailed guides about:
- Tourist attractions
- Accommodations
- Traditional restaurants
- Local cuisine
- Outdoor activities
- Practical travel tips
If you are planning your visit, start here.
How to get from Tirana to Permet
Getting to Permet is part of the experience.
Option 1: Tirana → Fier → Tepelena → Permet
⏱ 3–3.5 hours | ~240 km
This is the most direct and comfortable route. Follow the SH4 highway toward Fier and Gjirokastra, then at the Tepelena exit turn left toward Kelcyra and Permet.
The Tepelena–Permet segment is one of the most scenic roads in Albania, following the Vjosa River as it winds between high mountains.
✔ Recommended for families
✔ Suitable for tour buses
✔ Accessible year-round
Option 2: The Panoramic Route
Tirana → Elbasan → Pogradec → Erseke → Leskovik → Permet
⏱ 4–5.5 hours | ~280 km
For nature lovers and motorcyclists, this route passes through alpine landscapes and lesser-explored regions.
✔ Ideal for stops in Pogradec or Erseke
✔ Mountain road with panoramic curves
✔ More adventurous
If you want the full destination overview: Visit Permet
Exploring the town – Your first day in Permet
After arriving in Permet and checking into your hotel, take time to get to know the town, small in size, but rich in history, tradition, and character.
Walk through the center & the stone of the city
Start your day with a walk along the main promenade that leads to the Stone of the City, Permet’s iconic rock formation. The climb takes only about 5 minutes, but the view from the top rewards every step: the town stretches below, while the Vjosa River flows between the surrounding mountains.
Historic places of worship
Within a very short walking distance, you will find the Orthodox Church of Saint Premte, the Town Mosque, and a Bektashi tekke, standing close to one another — a beautiful symbol of the interfaith harmony that defines Permet.
Coffee or lunch in the heart of town
Stop for a spoon of traditional gliko and a glass of homemade raki in a quiet local café. Permet hospitality is natural and spontaneous — here, there is no need for formalities.
For lunch, Love Albania recommends the highest-rated traditional restaurants in town:
- Restaurant Antigonea – Known for “Tava Antigonea” and wild game, combining tradition with professional service.
- Bar Traditional RIVER VJOSA Restaurant – A panoramic restaurant above the Vjosa River with grilled meats and impressive views.
- Restaurant Velia – A family-run spot with recipes passed down through generations and home-grown ingredients.
- “Te Çuli” Traditional Cooking – Famous for Tava Kosi and generous portions with warm family-style service.
- Bar Restaurant Lulishte – A central restaurant with a green garden setting, known for traditional dishes.
- Trifilia – Restaurant – A calm choice with traditional cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Sofra Përmetare – Focused on authentic local flavors and classic regional recipes.
- Restaurant FAMILJARI Permet – A warm, family atmosphere with traditional dishes served in generous portions.
- Hani Kika’s Restaurant Bar – A rustic venue featuring grilled meats and local products.
- Veranda – An open-air setting that pairs traditional cuisine with a relaxed atmosphere.
Visit the Permet Congress Museum
For history lovers, an important stop is the Permet Congress Museum, located in the historic building where Albania’s provisional anti-fascist government was declared in May 1944. The museum features documents, photographs, and exhibits that reflect a key moment in Albanian history.
This first day is all about finding Permet’s rhythm — calm, friendly, and deeply sincere.
Flavors of Permet
Permet’s cuisine is a celebration of tradition and taste. Here, every dish tells a story of the land, the climate, and the local culture. For a more detailed look at specialties and culinary traditions, read our full guide 👉 Permet’s Cuisine.
- Gliko – Permet’s sweet welcome
From the very first moment, Permet hospitality begins with a spoon of gliko and a glass of homemade raki. Gliko is made from everything: watermelon, melon, walnuts, cherries, even small eggplants — all handmade with care and love. - Raki and wine in Permet
Permet raki is well known for its quality and aroma — especially mulberry and grape raki. The area also produces excellent red wine, thanks to its mild climate and fertile soil that supports varieties such as Debina, Merlot, and Muscat. - Local traditional dishes
Try shqeto, a comforting soup made with lamb, milk, and eggs — the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
Spinach-free but full of flavor, nettle or bean byrek is another local favorite, alongside kukurec and desserts like reshedi made with syrup and starch.
Where to Stay in Permet
After a day full of activities, a quiet and welcoming place to sleep is an essential part of the Permet experience. The town offers several fantastic accommodation options that best reflect the local spirit and contemporary standards. At Love Albania, we carefully selected the best places to stay in Permet based on authenticity, comfort, and real guest experiences from Google and TripAdvisor: Top 5 Best Accommodations in Permet
- White Villa – The highest-rated guesthouse in Permet, combining modern design with traditional elements and offering high comfort near the town center.
- The Stone House – A traditional stone house with family hospitality, panoramic views, and authentic Albanian breakfasts.
- Bujtina Lugina e Vjosës – A rural stay surrounded by nature, offering organic farm products and easy access to nearby natural attractions.
- Honey House “Kastrioti” – A riverside stay by the Vjosa with homemade food, artisan honey, and a warm family atmosphere.
- Chri Chri Guesthouse – A mountain escape in Leusë with breathtaking views and total peace for anyone craving a real disconnect.
- Garden Guest House – A comfortable stay with a green garden and calm atmosphere close to Permet’s center.
- Guest House KrisHen – A clean and welcoming guesthouse offering solid comfort and a friendly family vibe.
- The Mosaic House – The House with the Mosaic – A unique stay with distinctive decorative details and an artistic atmosphere.
- Traditional GuestHouse Permet – A traditional-style guesthouse that preserves the authentic spirit of Permet’s local life.
- Vila Culli – A quiet accommodation with good comfort standards and a practical location for exploring the area.
In Permet, sleep is part of the magic. Locals are known for their cleanliness and reliability, and evenings here feel fresh and peaceful, starting with sunset over the surrounding slopes, then continuing under a star-filled sky with the soft sound of night cicadas in the background.
The Vjosa River and the Surrounding Villages
The Vjosa is considered the last wild river in Europe. It offers striking landscapes and plenty of options for both relaxation and adventure.
- Wild river beaches along the Vjosa
On sunny days, you can go “beaching” on the river’s untouched shores — places like the Kelcyra Gorge, the road toward Carshova, or near the old Kanikoli bridges. Expect clear water, white pebbles, and absolute quiet. For adventurous visitors: near the bridges you can usually find small paths that lead down to the riverbank. - Here are a few wild beach spots recommended by LoveAlbania experts if you want something off the beaten path:
- Undiscovered villages
Visit villages like Carshova, Buali, Benja, or Kosina, which preserve traditional buildings and a calm pace of life. Many of these villages sit along roads that follow the river — making the drive itself part of the experience.
Outdoor Adventure – Fresh Air & Adrenaline
If you are someone who cannot sit still, Permet offers rafting rapids and trails leading to spectacular mountain peaks. For a complete overview of activities and local operators, read our guide to outdoor activities in Permet.
- Rafting on the Vjosa River
Experience the adrenaline of navigating the wild flow of the Vjosa. The sections around Permet are perfect for beginners and families, with trained guides and breathtaking scenery. - Horseback riding
A beautiful way to explore nature. Local services offer guided tours through rural villages and open meadows. - Hiking – easy or challenging
For lighter walks, try the trails in Fir Forest National Park (Bredhi i Hotovës) or visit the Sopot Waterfall. - For experienced climbers, summiting Mount Nemërçka (2,485 m) is a demanding adventure rewarded with spectacular panoramic views.
- 4×4 Tours
A full-day off-road adventure combined with a traditional lunch and a relaxing dip in natural thermal baths — a perfect mix of adrenaline, culture, and relaxation.
Nature here is not just a backdrop — it is an invitation to explore and breathe deeply.
Benja & Sarandopor Thermal Springs – A Natural Spa Experience
Thermal waters flow freely around Permet, offering relaxation in untouched natural beauty:
- Benja Thermal Baths
Located about 14 km from town, these natural pools (22–28°C) are rich in minerals known to help circulation, rheumatism, skin, and respiratory conditions. Above them stands the iconic Kadiut Bridge, a historic Ottoman stone bridge that completes the spectacular scenery. - Sarandopor Thermal Springs
Less known but unique, located near Piskovë village. The water is warmer and richer in minerals. The road is partly paved, then requires either a 4×4 vehicle or a short hike. Nearby you’ll also find an interesting cave and natural rock formations. - Important note: This is a border area with limited phone signal. Hiking shoes are recommended and caution is advised.
- For adventurous explorers, LoveAlbania experts suggest a hidden warm-water river spot — follow the maps link here: Secret Sarandopor Spot
Churches & Tekkes – Spiritual Harmony with Mountain Views
In Permet, places of worship are not only spiritual — they are also scenic:
- Saint Mary’s Church in Leusë
Just 2 km from town, this 18th-century church impresses visitors with preserved frescoes and an intricately carved wooden iconostasis. - Saint Mary’s Church in Kosina & Benja Monastery
Cultural monuments preserving medieval Orthodox heritage, offering a journey back in time. - Bektashi tekkes on hilltops
Some hilltops host tekkes built in spiritually significant locations. Among the most famous is the Tekke of Ali Postivani, offering rare views across the entire valley.
Wine & Raki Tasting – A Glass Filled with Tradition
- Permet Raki: A local pride, made mainly from grapes or wild berries. Strong but pleasant, meant to be enjoyed slowly. Every family has its own recipe.
- Local Wine: The Vjosa Valley’s mild climate gives grapes unique quality. Red Debina, Merlot, and Muscat are among the most known varieties. Small artisanal wineries offer tastings directly on site.
Frequently Asked Questions – What to Do in Permet
2–3 days are ideal for rafting, thermal baths, and exploration.
Spring and summer for outdoor activities; autumn for colors and tranquility.
Yes, it is one of the best outdoor experiences in Albania.
Yes, and winter is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit them.
Share This Experience
After rafting the Vjosa, tasting gliko, listening to traditional saze music, and breathing fresh mountain air, one thing becomes clear: Permet is more than a destination — it is a feeling that stays with you.
If you can picture yourself rafting down the Vjosa, soaking in Benja’s thermal waters, or sipping raki under the Stone of the City, then Permet is calling you.
📩 Share this guide with friends, family, or your social media followers. Experiences like this become even more meaningful when shared.
