Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 9 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour worth booking?
Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour is a 2-hour experience in Saranda, Albania, from $85 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 9 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (9)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $85 per person
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 c
What you get
- Booster seat
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Booster seat
- All Fees and Taxes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Benja Thermal Baths
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!
180 minutes here · Admission included
Gjirokaster Castle
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Saranda
This is our agency physical location.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
This is our agency physical location.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Leka Tours & Car Rentals
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Saranda.
How much does Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour cost?
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Prices start at $85 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Saranda usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Saranda is not rushed.
Is Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 9 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Saranda, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Saranda can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Saranda and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Saranda within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Saranda?
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On Outty we rank every Saranda experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sarandë: Small-Group Boat Tour with Swim Stops, Drinks & Parasols, Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle, Saranda Boat Tour to Kakome,Hidden Cave and Beaches with Snorkell. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Saranda?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Saranda?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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