Hot Springs Albania: How to Visit Benja Hot Springs Near Permet
Let me start by saying the Albania hot springs of Benja near Permet completely exceeded my expectations. Not only is the setting insanely beautiful, the springs themselves are clean, organized and easy to visit on your own.
These thermal baths ended up being one of the highlights of my trip through southern Albania.
What are the Benja Hot Springs
The Benja Hot Springs are a series of mineral-rich thermal pools that are known for their healing properties. The water is lukewarm rather than hot, but still very pleasant to soak in, ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F).
When I visited there were 5 baths on the far side of the Ottoman era bridge and a new one on the other side.
It looks like the government is in the process of making the site more tourist friendly. When I visited there was a new parking lot under construction, brand new change rooms, wooden decking and even a newly built thermal pool.
I was there in late April and there were quite a few tourists and locals.
I’ve heard the thermal baths are popular all year, but the drive there might be a little challenging in winter.
The thermal springs and parking were free when I was there, but I don’t know if that will change in the future with the improvements the Albanian government is making to the site.
Where are the Benja Thermal Pools
The Benja hot springs are located in the Vjosa Valley by the Langarica Canyon, 14 km from the city of Permet. I drove there from Permet and it took less than half an hour.
People do visit these thermal baths from Gjirokaster (1.5 hour drive – 72 km) and Saranda (2 hour drive – 106 km) as well, but it’s way more convenient from Permet.
I thought Permet was a really nice small city and great for nature lovers. I saw lots of cyclists, hikers and people rafting on the Vjosa River when I was there.
How to Get to the Benja Thermal Baths
I drove to the Benja Hot Springs from Permet, which took less than 30 minutes and was straight-forward. I already had a rental car because I was exploring southern Albania on a week long agritourism road trip with my daughter.
I rented my car through Discover Cars. I’ve used them multiple times in Albania and had good experiences (except for the flat tires – but that’s because of the roads).
If you don’t have a car the best way is by taxi (arrange for the return too), or a guided tour. The Benja Hot Springs are in the middle of nowhere, the nearest town is nearly 7 km away – so not accessible by bus.
Here’s a highly rated half-day tour from Permet to the Benja Thermal Baths.
There are also guided tours from Tirana, Durres, Saranda and Ksamil.
What to Do at the Benja Hot Springs in Albania
The best thing to do is soak in the mineral pools, of course! The pools have varying depths and temperatures, so try a few of them. To get to the hot springs you have to cross the Kadiu Bridge, which is exciting in itself.
If you want something more active, the hot springs are located in the Langarica Canyon, a popular hiking spot.
The trail starts at the Kadiu Bridge and continues on for about 7 km, some of it along the river bed. You have to follow the same route back.
It’s best to do this with a guide, or at least only go on a very fine day. The canyon is prone to flash floods in wet weather, and most hiking guides won’t take you out if there’s any chance of rain.
Here’s a 5 hour guided hiking tour of the canyon from Permet that includes time at the thermal springs.
What to Expect at the Benja Mineral Baths
These are the things I noticed that might come in handy to know before you visit these hot springs in Albania:
- Benja Hot Springs are free – at least for now.
- There is lots of parking and currently free, although locals told me a fee of 200 lek ($2.50 USD) may be introduced once the new parking lot opens.
- Bring water and snacks because there’s nowhere to buy them at the springs.
- There are no toilets on site yet, although that may change with the recent development work.
- Bottom of thermal pools can be slippery, since they are natural stone.
- Not child or differently abled friendly. To reach most of the pools you have to cross the narrow stone bridge on foot, which doesn’t have any guardrails.
Other Thermal Baths in Albania
I have not visited these thermal springs yet, but here are others you can visit in Albania:
- Sarandaporo Thermal Springs near Leskovic: A short hike is required to reach the springs. These are very old and ‘wild springs’ in a natural setting.
- Peshkopia Thermal Springs: Two groups of thermal springs are located just outside the city of Peshkopia. These are organized thermal pools in buildings.
- Elbasan Thermal Springs: Elbasan has a several mineral pools, but they are all in spas or hotels.
Last Words on How to Visit the Benja Hot Springs Near Permet, Albania
The Benja Hot Springs in Albania have got to be among the most beautiful natural thermal pools in Europe. They are definitely the most beautiful hot springs in Albania.
Surrounded by nature in the Vjosa Valley, with views of a historic Ottoman era bridge on one side and snowcapped mountains on the other, it feels truly magical.
