Do you need to know how to visit Benjë Thermal Baths near Permet in Albania? Albania is a country known for it’s beautiful beaches, historic hilltop cities and dramatic mountain scenery.
There are also some real hidden gems here that are well worth visiting. The Hot Springs near Permet is definitely worth a visit, especially if, like us, you enjoy getting out in nature and a little off the regular tourist trail.
From the hot spring pools to relax in, the historic Ottoman bridge, canyon hikes and hidden communist era tunnels, the Benjë Thermal Baths has something for everyone.
We visited the Permet area in April 2025 in our campervan. In this post you’ll learn how to get to the Hot Springs at Benjë, where to stay, what to see and a few surprising spots that others might not tell you.
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What is the Benjë Thermal Baths
The Benjë Thermal Baths (also called Benjë Hot Springs or Benja Thermal Pools, or Llixhat e Bënjës in Albanian) are a series of pools in the Langarica River at the end of the Langarica Canyon. Mineral water comes out of small fissures in the side of the cliffs and flows into pools that have been man-made.
Each of these pools has a different mineral composition, and each is supposed to have different health benefits. I will say though, all of them are pretty stinky! There’s a definite sulphur smell here.
How to get to the Benjë Hot Springs
The Hot Springs are located around 14km from the town of Permet, or an hour from Gjirokaster. The Langarica River flows through the canyon of the same name, before joining the Vjosa River.
By Car
Most people arrive at Benjë Thermal Pools by private car. You’ll turn off the main road just south of Tepelenë, and drive over the Vjosa River Bridge. After passing Permet, you’ll turn left down a narrow road just before the village of Petran. It’s signposted Benjë. The road is paved all the way, however, there are a few potholes and rough areas.
You’ll come to a large parking area (which was being remodelled when we visited in April 2025). After this point the road crosses the river and becomes an unpaved track, suitable for a 4×4 vehicle only.
NOTE: If you’re an adventurous driver in a suitable vehicle, you can take this road all the way to Osumi Canyon near Berat.
By Bus
You can take a public (mini) bus from Permet to Benja Hot Springs. The bus leaves regularly between 8am and 12 noon, and returns up to 4pm. Apparently the bus costs around 200 Lek
By Taxi
You can catch a taxi in Permet to take you to Benjë, from the Taxi Stand near the main city bridge. Make sure you confirm the price with the driver before setting off!
By Tour
You can take a day tour to Benjë Thermal Baths from Tirana or Durres; or from Saranda/Ksamil.
Where to stay near the Benjë Thermal Baths
Most people choose to stay in Permet (a lot of people actually call the springs the Permet Hot Springs). There is a variety of accommodation between Permet and Benjë, with small guesthouses being very popular.
Camping at Benjë Hot Springs
If you’re interesting in camping at the Benja Thermal Pools, there is a campsite right near the large carpark at the end of the sealed road. It will be on your right as you approach. We met some Germans who were staying there in their campervan and they told us it was 1500 Lek per night, with electricity.
We wild camped just by the river for three nights. This was one of our favourite wild camps as we travelled through Albania in our Campervan. There were other campers near us every night (and a couple of people sleeping in their cars).
NOTE: There is a lot of development going on around the carpark, and what looks like cabins being built there. Perhaps when this is finished it won’t be possible to wild camp here. We were unable to find any information on what is actually being built here – but hopefully a toilet block!
What to see at the Benjë Thermal Baths
Hot Springs and Pools
At the Benjë Thermal Baths you’ll find around 6 pools with thermal water. The water isn’t “hot”, rather, lukewarm. The first pool is the largest, and the most popular. This pool tends to be very crowded almost all day.
The second pool is just to the left as you cross the Ottoman Bridge, this one is much smaller and also gets very crowded.
Walking up stream, you’ll find another three pools on the left side of the river, these are all fairly small. Just before the canyon narrows, you’ll come to the final pool, which is on the right side of the river.
There’s a little wooden hand rail leading up some small steps to get to this pool. This “secret” pool isn’t so secret, as it’s marked on Google Maps. However, this pool does tend to be less crowded than the other pools.
Ottoman Bridge
Perhaps the most striking (and photogenic) feature of the area is the Ottoman-era bridge. Known as the Kadiut Bridge, this bridge was built in the 18th century. The bridge stands 7m high above the river and is 30m long.
Originally built to connect the the rural loggers with the agricultural towns in the Vjosa Valley. We have to wonder, did the Ottomans also come to soak in these pools?
Langarica Canyon
You can hike up into the Langarica Canyon. However, be warned that after the final thermal pool, the water upstream is much colder, and you will need to wade through the water and cross the river many times.
At some points the walls of the canyon are up to 100m high and only 20-30m wide.
Communist era tunnels
The openings of the tunnels are visible from the river. You can take a small path (marked with red arrows painted onto the rocks) up the side of the hill to the tunnels.
The tunnels do not go very far back, unlike the tunnels we visited near Vlore. The views of the bridge are great from here too.
Facilities at Benjë Thermal Baths
At the time of writing (May 2025) there are no facilities at Benjë Thermal Baths. No toilets, showers or changerooms. However, when we visited in April 2025 there was a lot of construction going on around the carpark. So we can only hope that they are building at least a toilet block here!
What to bring to Benjë Thermal Baths
Visiting the Hot Springs is a wild, rustic experience. Other than a small refreshment stand, there are no facilities here. No café, restaurant or shops. So you’ll need to bring everything with you!
We recommend bringing water shoes, or at least shoes you don’t mind getting wet, if you are planning to walk up to the furthest thermal pools. You will need to cross the river.
I would also recommend hiking poles as I find them useful for keeping balanced when crossing rivers.
Bring swimwear and a towel and sun protection.
Bring drinking water and snacks! You should also bring a rubbish bag to take your rubbish away with you. There are a couple of bins around, but they were overflowing when we visited.
When is the best time to visit Benjë Thermal Baths?
Summer would be very busy here, especially on weekends, as local Albanian people come from the nearby cities of Tepelenë and Gjirokaster. We recommend visiting in the shoulder season, Spring or Autumn.
We visited in early April and had a couple of lovely sunny days. It did tend to rain every afternoon around 3pm, and rained heavily one of the three nights we were there.
On our last day we got up early and went to the pools before anyone else. We would highly recommend visiting first thing in the morning. Not only will you be there before the crowds, but also, you can see all the steam and mist coming off the pools, which looks absolutely beautiful.
Around the Benjë Hot Springs
Permet
Permet is known as the “City of Roses” and as the sign coming into towns says “We have everything except the sea”. If you’re looking for an authentic experience of Albania, without the tourist crowds, Permet is perfect!
We wandered around the streets, had coffee in the main square and byrek at a small bakery (while we watched the lady hand making byrek and other pastries). We shopped for fresh fruit and vegetables at a local market (the prices were VERY good).
You can visit the former Church in the centre of town which we found fascinating. A local viewer commented on our YouTube video that the church was turned into an entertainment centre during the communist times. Since then they have been petitioning the government to turn it back to a church, but nothing has happened. Visit the annex to see the icons on display, and light a candle just outside.
Rafting on the Vjosa River
As you drive out towards Permet and the Benjë Thermal Baths you’ll see many places offering Rafting Trips. This is a popular place for rafting. The best time of year is during the spring when the rivers have more water.
Final Thoughts
We believe the Benjë Thermal Pools are definitely worth visiting on your Albania Road Trip. If you’re driving south towards Gjirokaster (or north from Gjirokaster) its only a short detour off the main highway.
The Hot Springs are a great opportunity to get out into nature and see one of Albania’s Hidden Gems.
Don’t forget to grab out FREE Albania Road Trip Checklist before you set off on your journey!
Watch our Benjë Thermal Baths Travel Film
As we are road-tripping around Albania we are producing weekly films for our YouTube Channel. You can watch the full Albania Playlist for more inspiration.
Where to next?
Continue your journey south to Gjirokaster – the Stone City, and then along to Korçë or, if it’s nature you’re craving, check out our post on the Albanian Alps.
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