The Vjosa river valley is located in southern Albania, stretching 272 kilometers from the Pinde mountain range in Greece to the Adriatic coast in Albania. It was recently designated Europe’s first national park of wild rivers. The Vjosa is famous for its free-flowing nature, preserving a rich biodiversity with over 1,100 animal species, some of which are globally threatened. Its natural beauty is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including impressive canyons and meanders, and riverbeds that can stretch over two kilometers wide.
The river offers exceptional opportunities for rafting and kayaking, with sections ranging from gentle floats to challenging rapids. The Vjosa’s course is also punctuated by historic towns and cultural sites that offer a window on local traditions, cuisine and festivals. In Përmet, visitors can enjoy a warm and authentic experience at the “Shtepia ime” guest house offered by Agence Zemra Travel. They’ll have the chance to discover how gliko, a typical candied fruit of the region, is made, and is a key element of Përmet’s local cuisine.
Its status as a national park, and the variety of activities available, make Vjosa Wild River National Park an important natural and cultural treasure, offering adventure and tranquillity for visitors and contributing to environmental conservation.