From Sarandë: Day Trip to Permet with Thermal Pool Visit

Planning a day trip from Sarandë to explore a slice of Albania’s natural beauty and cultural charm? This tour to Permet offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and history that can appeal to many travelers. With comfort transportation and a knowledgeable guide, it’s designed for those who want to see beyond the coast and experience the heart of Albania’s inland treasures.

Two things we especially like about this tour are its combination of relaxing thermal pools and scenic natural parks, giving you both a soothing and adventurous experience. However, a potential consideration is the long travel time—about 1.75 hours each way—which means you’ll want to be prepared for a full day on the road. This tour suits travelers who enjoy outdoor scenery, local culture, and authentic experiences rather than those seeking a leisurely, slow-paced day.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation ensures a smooth and relaxed journey.
• The guided experience offers historical and cultural insights at each stop.
• The tour includes a thermal pool visit, perfect for unwinding after sightseeing.
• Scenic locations like Langarica Canyon and Kelcyra Gorge provide excellent photo opportunities.
• The visit to Tepelene introduces you to Albania’s cold spring waters and local history.
• The tour is ideal for those who appreciate nature, history, and local cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Permet Day Trip

This tour from Sarandë is crafted for travelers eager to glimpse the natural beauty and local charm of Albania’s interior. Permet, often called the “City of Roses” and the “City of the River,” is famed for its colorful flowers, lush landscapes, and the winding river that carves through its surroundings. The trip offers a chance to leave behind the busy coastal areas and venture into a quieter, more authentic part of the country.

What makes this experience stand out is its mix of relaxation and exploration. You’ll soak in thermal pools to soothe travel fatigue, then walk through Fir of Hotova National Park—a woody wonderland—before visiting some of Albania’s breathtaking natural landmarks like Langarica Canyon and Kelcyra Gorge. Plus, there are historical sights like Ottoman-era bridges and Orthodox monasteries, providing a glimpse into the country’s layered past.

One potential drawback is the duration of the drive—about 105 minutes each way. While the bus ride is comfortable with air conditioning, some travelers might prefer a shorter journey or might find the long day tiring. Still, the scenic views on the way make this drive part of the overall experience.

This tour is well-suited for outdoor lovers, culture enthusiasts, and foodies who want a full day of varied activities packed into a manageable itinerary. It’s not ideal if you prefer a slow, relaxed pace with lots of free time, but it’s perfect for those who enjoy organized, guided excursions with a bit of everything.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point and Transport

The day begins at Rruga Skënderbeu 61 in Sarandë. From there, you’re whisked away in a comfortable AC minivan or van, which is key for maintaining comfort during the approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes ride each way. The vehicle’s air conditioning keeps you cool, and the small group size (limited to 12 participants) ensures a more personalized experience.

Thermal Water Experience

One of the first highlights upon arriving in Permet is a visit to the thermal pools. Travelers have consistently appreciated this stop, with one reviewer noting, “We loved the way the thermal pools made us feel relaxed and refreshed—perfect after some morning travel.” The pools are a natural gift, featuring hot waters believed to have health benefits. The inclusion of this stop offers a delightful blend of wellness and scenery, making it an ideal mid-morning break.

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Kanioni i Lengaricës (Langarica Canyon)

Next, the tour takes you into Langarica Canyon, where you can marvel at one of Albania’s most striking natural features. The canyon’s woody pathways and river views provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs. Visitors often mention the peaceful atmosphere and the impressive red rock formations. Standing beside the canyon, you might find yourself thinking, “This landscape is so wild and untouched, it’s easy to forget you’re in Europe.”

Tepelene – The Town of Cold Springs

The visit to Tepelene introduces you to a town famous for its high-quality cold spring waters. This stop provides a taste of local life and a chance to learn about traditional water sources. Some reviews highlight the authenticity of this experience, noting that it’s a place less touched by tourism, offering a genuine glimpse into Albanian daily life.

Kelcyra Gorge and Ottoman Bridges

The journey continues with stops at Kelcyra Gorge, a dramatic natural formation carved by the river. The gorge’s steep cliffs and rushing water make it a favorite for nature lovers. Nearby, you’ll visit Ottoman-era bridges, such as the Kati Bridge, which are examples of historic engineering and add a cultural dimension to your adventure. Many travelers find these sites provide a sense of timelessness, connecting Albania’s natural landscape with its historical architecture.

The Cultural Touchstones

The tour also includes visits to Orthodox monasteries, adding a spiritual and artistic element. These sites offer a peaceful environment to appreciate Albanian religious history. The combination of nature and faith adds depth to your understanding of local traditions.

Return and Reflection

After a full day of sightseeing, the group heads back to Rruga Skënderbeu 61 in Sarandë. The ride provides a moment to reflect on the day’s discoveries, with many travelers commenting on how the variety of experiences made the trip worthwhile. The day wraps up around 5 or 6 pm, depending on traffic and group pacing.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour’s price of $142 per person covers transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and a professional guide who will share insights in English and Italian. This kind of guided tour is great for travelers who prefer a structured day with expert commentary and the reassurance of organized logistics.

However, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to enjoy local cuisine during your stops. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off are not offered, so you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point in advance. The good news is that the meeting spot is centrally located, and arriving 15 minutes early is recommended.

Group Size and Accessibility

The small group limit (up to 12 participants) enhances the experience by allowing more interaction and personalized attention. Nevertheless, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to the nature of some sites and walking involved.

Cancellation and Flexibility

With a full refund available up to 24 hours in advance and a “reserve now, pay later” option, there’s flexibility for travelers who like to keep their plans adaptable.

The Value for Your Money

While $142 might seem like a reasonable expense for an all-day guided tour in a relatively remote area, it’s worth considering what you’re getting. The transport, guide, and entry to key sites are included, saving you the hassle of organizing these independently. The tour’s focus on authentic natural and cultural sites makes it a good deal for travelers wanting a comprehensive Albanian inland experience.

You’ll appreciate the well-paced itinerary that balances outdoor activities with cultural stops. If you’re someone who likes organized tours with small groups and local insights, this experience offers a lot of value. But if your priority is spontaneity or a leisurely pace, you might find the long drive and structured schedule a bit restrictive.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This day trip is perfect for adventure seekers, outdoor lovers, and history buffs looking to discover a less-touristed side of Albania. It suits those interested in natural landscapes, thermal wellness, and authentic local culture. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy active, scenic days, this tour provides a good mix of relaxation and exploration.

It’s less ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those wanting a very relaxed, unstructured day. Also, if you prefer shorter trips or less time on the road, you might want to compare other options.

FAQs

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses a comfortable AC minivan or car, making the 105-minute trip each way more pleasant, especially in warmer weather.

What does the tour include?
It includes transportation, a professional guide, and visits to the thermal pools, canyon, gorge, and cultural sites. Entry fees to the sites are generally covered.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or enjoy local cuisine during stops.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 participants, creating a small-group atmosphere that’s more personal and interactive.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, you need to arrive at the meeting point in Sarandë 15 minutes before the tour starts.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and breaks.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to walking and site accessibility.

Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak English and Italian, accommodating a broader range of travelers.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Sarandë to Permet provides a well-rounded taste of Albania’s natural beauty, history, and local life. With its combination of thermal pools, scenic canyons, historic bridges, and authentic food, it offers a meaningful way to experience inland Albania without the hassle of planning multiple logistics yourself. Its modest price, small group size, and diverse itinerary make it a practical choice for travelers seeking an active, insightful, and scenic day outside the coastal resorts.

While the long drive might be a consideration, the landscape views and variety of stops help justify the time spent on the road. It’s best suited for those who enjoy organized excursions, outdoor activities, and cultural insights, making for a full, enriching day in a less-traveled corner of Albania. If that sounds like what you’re after, this tour is definitely worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: