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Vjosa River Rafting from Gjirokastra: Class II-III on Europe’s Last Wild River

Full-day rafting on the Vjosa, Europe's last wild river: Class II-III rapids, two certified guides per raft, riverbank lunch and a Bënja thermal springs soak on the way back. €60 all-in from Gjirokastra.

€60·Updated
  • Nature Escape
Group paddling a raft through white-water rapids with splashing water on the Vjosa River in Albania
Group paddling a raft through white-water rapids with splashing water on the Vjosa River in Albania
Several rafts floating on the turquoise Vjosa River between green hills near Gjirokastra
Several rafts floating on the turquoise Vjosa River between green hills near Gjirokastra
Two children in helmets and life jackets giving thumbs up beside the Vjosa River View all 7
Two children in helmets and life jackets giving thumbs up beside the Vjosa River
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Tour Overview

The Vjosa runs about 270 kilometres from the Greek border to the Adriatic without a single dam. That makes it the last wild river of its size in Europe, and in 2023 Albania protected the whole thing as the Vjosa Wild River National Park. You raft a stretch of it through open valleys and green hills.

Is it good for beginners and families? Yes. The water is Class II to III, which means real rapids and splashes but nothing extreme. A trained guide steers each raft and tells you what to do, so you do not need any experience. It suits older kids, friends and anyone who wants a day on the water.

What is included? The guide, the raft and all the safety gear, and pickup from Gjirokastra. Bring a swimsuit, a towel and shoes that can get wet. The rafting season runs through the warmer months, when the river is at a good level. It is one of the best adventure things to do in southern Albania.

Day Trip Itinerary

  1. Stop 1: Pickup in Gjirokastra

    08:30

    Hotel pickup and the ~90-minute drive through the Drino Valley to the Albania Rafting Group base near Përmet.

  2. Stop 2: Gear-up & safety briefing

    10:30

    Wetsuit, helmet, life jacket and paddle, then a 20-minute safety briefing on the riverbank.

  3. Stop 3: Morning rapids

    11:00

    On the water for the Class II–III descent from Përmet through the Vjosa canyons, two guides per raft.

  4. Stop 4: Riverbank lunch

    13:00

    A riverbank lunch at the operator’s riverside spot — usually grilled meat, salad, bread and water.

  5. Stop 5: Afternoon section & return

    14:00

    Calmer water with swim stops toward Këlcyrë, then transfer back and drive to Gjirokastra for an early-evening drop-off.

  6. Stop 6: Soak in the Bënja thermal springs

    14:30

    Bënja, Përmet

    Change out of your wetsuit and unwind in the warm natural pools at Bënja, by the Ottoman-era Katiu Bridge, before the scenic drive back to Gjirokastra.

What's Included

  • Round-trip Mercedes Sprinter transfer from your Gjirokastra hotel
  • Two ARF-certified rafting guides per raft
  • Full rafting equipment (raft, paddle, helmet, life jacket, wetsuit, waterproof bag)
  • A riverbank lunch at the operator's spot
  • Activity liability insurance
  • A stop at the Bënja thermal springs to soak before the drive back

What's Not Included

  • Hotel pickup outside Gjirokastra (separate quote for Berat, Saranda or Tirana)
  • Photo or GoPro package (often available on site)
  • Alcoholic drinks beyond any welcome raki at lunch
  • Gratuities for the guides (optional)

Price & Booking Details

Pricing coming soon.

Booking: Request to book

Meeting Point, Pickup & Logistics

Meeting point
InAlb pickup — Gjirokastra
Address
Gjirokastra hotels (free pickup) — Gjirokastër 6001, Albania
Duration
Full Day
Time
08:30 – 16:30

Transportation: Minivan

Who This Tour Is Best For

Best for adventure seekers and families with kids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Vjosa called Europe's last wild river?

It flows 270 km from the Greek border to the Adriatic without a dam. No other river of this size in Europe runs free-flowing for its entire length, and the Vjosa Wild River National Park was designated in 2023 specifically to preserve that.

Do I need rafting experience?

No — Class II–III on the Vjosa is forgiving and the two-guides-per-raft ratio carries first-timers through cleanly. Most of our guests have never rafted before.

How does it compare to the Osum?

Different rivers, different shapes. The Osum is a tight 26-km canyon with walls dropping 450 m — a narrow gorge. The Vjosa is wider and longer with river islands — an epic riverscape. Both Class II–III, both worth doing on a longer trip.

When is the best season?

April–June for the strongest water and rapids from snowmelt; July–October for warmer temperatures, calmer water and longer swim sections.

Is the river cold?

Wetsuits are provided. In April–May the water is cold (10–14°C); June–September it warms (15–20°C). The wetsuit keeps you comfortable either way.

How long are you actually on the water?

Two to 2.5 hours of rafting, split into morning and afternoon sections with the riverbank lunch in between. The total day door-to-door from Gjirokastra is about eight hours.

Do we stop at the Bënja thermal springs?

Yes. After the rafting you change into dry clothes and stop at the Bënja thermal springs near Përmet, where warm natural pools sit beside the Ottoman-era Katiu Bridge. It is the perfect way to warm up after the river before the drive back to Gjirokastra.

How much does Vjosa rafting from Gjirokastra cost?

The full day costs €60 per person: round-trip Mercedes Sprinter transfer from your Gjirokastra hotel, two ARF-certified guides per raft, full rafting equipment including wetsuit and waterproof bag, a riverbank lunch and the Bënja thermal springs stop. Minimum age 7. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Verified Customer Reviews

Customer reviews coming soon.

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