Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour in Saranda, Albania
Saranda, Albania

Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.8 · 9 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $97
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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 $97 per person. It scores 57 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
57 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (9)
Duration
2 hours
From
$97 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 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 you get

    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

    1. 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

    2. 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

    Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour in Saranda, photo 2Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour in Saranda, photo 3

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 9 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    9 verified traveler reviews for Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    7
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    Sort
    997kejsik · March 2026

    Tour to permeti

    Thanks to Leka tours i had an amazing time during my trip. I think the prices are reasonable regarding the wonderful experience. Its highly recommended

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy to hear that you had such a great experience with Leka Tours and that you found the tour to be good value for the experience offered. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Thank you for traveling with Leka Tours! 😊

    via Tripadvisor

    Y7777ZTcristinal · April 2024

    Nice place!

    It is a beautiful place in the middle of nature. Relaxing and nice to take photos and fly a drone. They are hot springs, clean and spacious.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    markbC9033GQ · June 2023

    Permet + Gjirokaster Tour

    It wasn't the best day to visit Permet and Gjirokaster because of the rain but our guide and owner of Leka Tours, Kevin makes the best out of this day for us. His english is very well and its easily to communicate with him Permet and Gjirokaster are simply to beautiful to dont visit when you are in the South Albania. So when you are in the Saranda ask for Leka Tours and Kevin.

    via Tripadvisor

    DERRIVADOS123 · March 2023

    Bath time with friends when I visit Permet.

    Visiting this place is an absolute must when I visit Permet. Lovely when it is a little cold in the air to descend into naturally heated water. It is so powerful that it can be used for counter-current training. Just be careful as it is very smooth on the edge of the pool.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Xhuljahh · February 2021

    Best tour ❤️

    Omg ! The best place I’ve ever visited! I hope I will be back soon 🥰 The stuff was the best in town 👍

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much. 🤗

    via Tripadvisor

    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

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Leka Tours & Car Rentals, who run 7 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 61.3 and 1 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Leka Tours & Car Rentals runs

    Why this scores 57

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)80
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)32
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)55
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    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 $97 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?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 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 Tour Gjirokaster,Blue Eye & Lekursi Castle, Sarandë: Small-Group Boat Tour on Speedboat Swim & Snorkel Stops, 1-Day Tour in Blue Eye, Monastery, Gjirokaster and Lekursi Castle. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

    What is included in Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour?

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    Included: Booster seat; All Fees and Taxes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 16 listed pickup locations in and around Saranda. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Bënja Thermal Baths (Përmet) & Gjirokastër Fortress Tour?

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    Across 9 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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