Bathe in Albania’s Benja Thermal Baths
Beneath a striking stone bridge in Permet, Albania that is shaped like a half-moon flows a warm, sulfuric river that is surrounded by several turquoise hot springs that are celebrated for their healing properties. The Benja Thermal Baths bubble up to the surface from deep within the rocky recesses of Langarica Canyon.
Photo by depositphotos.com
Visitors can soak in one of several rocky pools that contain warm, mineral-rich water. The Benja Thermal Baths aren’t piping hot, but an average temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit is sure to soften your skin and relieve minor aches and pains. The Benja Thermal Baths are easily accessible via a short hike, but the terrain surrounding them can be rocky and muddy so sturdy waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended. Muddy shoes are a small price to pay for a day spent bathing in a series of curative thermal pools that are surrounded by a picturesque canyon.
Getting there
Public transportation is not available to reach the Benja Thermal Baths, thus requiring either a personal vehicle or a pre-booked tour for the journey. From Saranda, it typically takes around two hours, making Bënjë a feasible destination for a day trip.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Bënja Thermal Baths, Lengarica River, near Kadiut Bridge, Përmet, Albania
- Coordinates
- 40.243772, 20.432406
- Access
- The outdoor pools lie beside the Lengarica River at the canyon entrance near Kadiut Bridge. On 5 August 2026, Përmet Municipality said rehabilitation and visitor-service works were still ongoing, while noting visitors continued to use the baths and attractions. No later completion notice was found by 20 October. Confirm which pools and paths are open locally before travelling. Rocks are uneven and slippery; river levels change, and high water after rain or snowmelt can cover pools or make the canyon unsafe.
- Admission
- No bath-entry charge is reported by current visitor guides; no official tariff was found on the National Tourism Agency or municipality pages. Parking is separate: recent guides report roughly 100–200 ALL, but the charge and amount are not consistently confirmed. Check posted/local information on arrival.
- Time needed
- Allow about 1–2 hours for the pools and nearby bridge. This is a local operator-guide estimate, not an official limit; a half-day plan usually includes a walk into Lengarica Canyon, whose conditions vary with river level.
- Best season
- No official best season is published. The municipality describes the natural baths as usable year-round, but river and weather conditions govern safe access; choose a dry period and avoid high water.
- Opening hours
- The National Tourism Agency and municipality publish no daily hours or verified staffed gate schedule. Do not assume 24-hour access. Përmet Municipality still described rehabilitation and visitor-service works as ongoing on 5 August 2026; no later completion notice was found by 20 October. Check current local notices and work-zone access before travelling.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-20
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-27
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