Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Përmet: Vjosa River Rafting from Permet or Berat city
This Vjosa River rafting tour offers an exciting adventure along Albania’s last wild river, recognized as part of UNESCO. With full equipment provided, options to depart from Përmet or Berat, and a typical duration of 4 to 9 hours, it suits those seeking a balance of adventure and nature. The tour is run by Albania Rafting, a pioneer in Albanian rafting since 1999, ensuring a safe experience with top international safety standards.
The tour includes two daily departures, with guides sharing local river legends, history, and nature insights. The Class III rafting experience is designed for beginners, families, and thrill-seekers alike, featuring playful rapids and calm stretches amid untouched canyons and crystal waters. While the trip offers a relaxing and scenic pace, those sensitive to water-based activities should note that pregnant women, people with heart problems, and wheelchair users are not suitable for this adventure.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Daily departures from Përmet and Berat with full rafting gear included
- Class III rapids suitable for beginners and families
- Guides with extensive experience and local storytelling skills
- Stunning scenery in Vjosa National Park, untouched and Dams-free
- Options to extend the experience with local lunch or overnight glamping
- Duration varies from 4 to 9 hours, depending on the chosen program
Planning more time in Permet? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Rafting Starting Points in Përmet and Berat
The tour begins at Albania Rafting’s base in Përmet, just 2.5 km from the town center, with free parking available. Alternatively, Berat offers a morning departure from the Castle Park Hotel or Gorricë Hanging Bridge. Both options involve a short minibus transfer to the river, with scenic routes passing through traditional villages like Tërpan, Buz, and Ballaban.
This flexible setup allows travelers to choose their preferred start point, with scenic drives adding to the adventure. The scenic road between Berat and Përmet provides panoramic mountain views, making the journey an extension of the outdoor experience.
The Rafting Experience on the Vjosa River
Rafting lasts around two hours and begins with a safety briefing and paddling instructions from certified guides. Guides are known for their knowledge and friendliness, sharing stories about the river, its wildlife, and local history during the trip. The raft navigates playful rapids, includes calm floating sections perfect for swimming, and often features rock jumps—a highlight for many participants.
The crystal-clear waters of the Vjosa carve through dramatic canyons, wide riverbeds, and islands, creating a varied landscape. The untouched nature of the river means travelers encounter peaceful stretches far from urban life, with plenty of photo opportunities. After the descent, travelers can relax at the adventure base, change into dry clothes, and enjoy hot showers.
Optional Add-Ons: Lunch and Glamping
For an extra fee, the tour offers a local lunch served in an open-air restaurant under safari tents—perfect for recharging after rafting. For an extended escape into nature, an overnight stay in luxurious glamping tents provides a chance to unwind amidst untouched wilderness. These options enhance the day but are not included in the basic rafting price.
More Great Tours NearbyVjosa River Rafting from Berat: A Scenic Day Trip
Starting at Castle Park Hotel Berat or Gorricë Hanging Bridge, travelers enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Përmet, passing traditional villages and mountain vistas. The short transfer to the river is smooth, with gear-up times taking approximately 15 minutes. The rafting route here follows a similar pattern, with guides providing storytelling on the river’s natural beauty and cultural importance.
After rafting, travelers are invited to relax in safari tents and indulge in a regional lunch before returning to Berat in the afternoon. The easy logistics make this a popular choice for those based in Berat, seeking a full-day adventure.
While you're exploring Permet, here are other experiences we've looked into
The Guides: Experienced Storytellers and Safety Experts
Albania Rafting’s guides are praised for their professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge. They explain safety procedures clearly, ensuring confidence for all participants. Many guides also share local legends, history, and nature insights, adding depth to the experience.
Aldo, Kevin, Daniel, and other guides are highlighted in reviews for their engaging storytelling and attention to safety. Guides often take photos during the trip, capturing memorable moments like rock jumps and swimming stops.
Practical Details and Recommendations
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and a reusable water bottle. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the raft for safety reasons. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, or those in wheelchairs.
Tours are available all year round, with live guides speaking Albanian and English. Cancellation is free if canceled 24 hours in advance, and booking flexibility allows reservations with pay later options.
The Scenic Setting of Vjosa National Park
The Vjosa River flows freely for 270 km from the Pindus Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. Its untouched waters are free of dams, making it a rare natural wonder in Europe. The river’s canyons, islands, and wilderness create a spectacular backdrop for rafting, contributing to an authentic adventure.
Reviewers emphasize the stunning scenery and crystal-clear water, creating an atmosphere of peace and adventure. The park’s protected status adds to the special feeling of floating through such pristine landscapes.
Perfection for Beginners and Families
The Class III rapids provide just enough adrenaline without being overwhelming. Many reviews mention the chill pace, with options to jump into the river or swim. The guide’s instructions make it accessible for first-timers, and the calm sections allow time for relaxation and photos.
The activity is family-friendly, with rock jumps and swimming stops that appeal to children and adventure lovers alike. However, those seeking high-intensity rapids may find the experience too gentle.
Why Choose This Rafting Tour?
This Vjosa River rafting experience offers a combination of safety, scenery, and storytelling that appeals to a broad audience. The local guides enrich the adventure with insights that deepen appreciation for the river’s natural and cultural importance.
The full equipment and scenic drives make the trip feel well-organized and comfortable. The option to extend the experience with lunch or overnight stays allows for a personalized escape into nature.
The high review scores—a 4.7 out of 5 from 238 reviews—attest to the quality of the professional guides, beautiful landscape, and value. It remains highly recommended for beginners, families, and adventure lovers seeking a safe yet exhilarating outdoor activity in Albania.
✨ Book This Experience
Përmet: Vjosa River Rafting from Permet or Berat city
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the rafting last?
Rafting typically lasts about two hours on the river, with total tour durations ranging from 4 to 9 hours depending on the program and optional extras.
Where do departures take place?
Departures are from Përmet at the Albania Rafting base, just 2.5 km from the town center, or from Berat at the Castle Park Hotel or Gorricë Hanging Bridge.
What equipment is provided?
Full professional gear, including neoprene suits, helmets, life jackets, and thermal layers, is supplied for all participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is appropriate for families and beginners, especially since it includes calm sections and easy rapids. However, children should be comfortable swimming and be supervised closely.
Can I book the rafting for a different date?
Yes, the tour is available all year round, with live guides and flexible booking options that include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
What should I bring?
Participants should bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, and a reusable water bottle. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the raft.
Are meals included?
Meals are optional extras; a local lunch can be purchased after rafting, and overnight glamping is available for those who want to extend their stay.
What level of difficulty is this rafting?
The experience is Class III, suitable for beginners and those looking for a relaxing yet fun adventure. More intense rapids are not part of this itinerary.
Is safety a concern?
Albania Rafting adheres to top international safety standards, and guides are certified. The safety briefing ensures everyone feels confident before entering the river.
What makes this rafting tour special?
The untouched waters of the Vjosa, its dramatic canyons, and local storytelling from experienced guides create a rich, scenic, and safe experience unmatched in Europe.
