Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour
- 2–8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Instant confirmation
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
We shall drive over the mountains to the scenic Drinos valley to see Gjirokastra, the austere stone city perched on the Wide Mountain. One of the most famous mediaeval towns of the region the city dates back to the 3rd century BC. We shall visit the mighty fortress, the old Bazaar and the 300 years old Skenduli house as one of the best representatives of the original architecture of Gjirokastra. We shall visit Benja thermal baths..A stone bridge arcs over a winding stretch of brilliantly blue-green water. Built-in the Middle Ages, it has been letting people cross the sulfur-rich river since the days of the Ottoman Empire. Warm water rushes beneath it, providing a relaxing treat for those who visit. Near the bridge, you’ll find the the Benja Thermal Baths, born from the geothermal waters near Përmet, Albania. The heated water flows down the river unless it gets diverted into one of the several human-made pools. They’re a splendid spot for a hot soak on a crisp, cool day.
Inclusions
What's included
- Booster seat
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
The Vjosa River flows across the entire valley, and eventually branches out into the Langarica River – the latter stretching across a canyon of the same name. The caves within the Langarica Canyon are really a sight to behold! Warm waters join Langarica’s stream, which despite the naturally cold temperature of the river, keep it at a warming 29-30 degrees celsius all year-round. These are the thermal baths of Bënja, or llixha as they are called in Albanian. They are located only 13 km from the centre of the beautiful Përmet. People flock here to seek recovery from rheumatism, skin, and kidney ailmentsn to name but a few of the symptoms known to be relieved here. They say in fact, that each thermal pool, rich in minerals, serves a particular healing purpose!
Gjirokastër Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Gjirokastrës or Kalaja e Argjirosë) is a fortress in Gjirokastër, Albania (during Ottoman rule it was historically known as Ergiri while local Greeks referred to it as Argyrokastro, a name applied also to the castle). Gjirokastër Castle is situated at a height of 336 metres (1,102 ft).[1] The castle dominates the town and overlooks the strategically important route along the river valley. It is open to visitors and contains a military museum featuring captured artillery and memorabilia of the Communist resistance against German occupation, as well as a captured United States Air Force plane to commemorate the Communist regime's struggle against the imperialist western powers.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.8
- 57
- 42
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 9 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- This is our agency physical location.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Leka Tours & Car Rentals
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Saranda
- Its from-price is 23% above the median of the 62 day trips we list in Saranda.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 22 of 62.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Saranda
Saranda is a sunny port on Albania's Ionian coast, curved around a wide bay with the Greek island of Corfu in sight across the water.
Saranda climbs a steep hillside above its bay, with a palm-lined promenade at the water's edge and apartment blocks stacked up the slope. Its name is a local form of the Greek for Forty Saints, after a monastery whose ruins lie among the houses. The mosaic floor of an ancient synagogue was found near the harbour, and Lëkurësi Castle, a sixteenth-century fortress on the ridge, looks over the town towards Corfu.
Top-ranked sights in Saranda: Lekursi Castle (Kajala e Lekuresit).
Special offers in Saranda
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
