Vjosa Day
Kayaking
Two to three hours on the Vjosa in your own kayak — wild scenery, clear water and an unforgettable taste of Albania's iconic river.
Your own kayak on Europe's wildest river
What to Expect
A self-paddled kayak trip on the Vjosa, one of Europe's last wild rivers. A van takes you upstream to the launch inside the national park, and you steer your own two-person inflatable kayak back towards Përmet, through moving water, small rapids, wide gravel banks and dramatic mountain scenery.
Trip facts
(self-paddled)
paddling experience
14 years
(daily)
At a glance
A Day on
the Vjosa
Two to three hours on the water, April to October, in two-person inflatable kayaks.
How It Works
Step by step
How the Trip Works
- 1
Check in
Trips start from a riverside centre near Përmet, with parking and changing rooms.
- 2
Kit & briefing
Helmet, life jacket and a wetsuit when the water is cold. The briefing covers steering and what to do if you capsize.
- 3
Van upstream
A short drive takes you and your kayak to the launch, inside the national park.
- 4
Paddle back
Steer your two-person kayak downstream through moving water and small rapids, back towards Përmet.
- 5
Hot shower
Showers and dry clothes at the base. The whole trip takes 2–3 hours.
Trip Highlights
- Paddle one of Europe's last wild rivers
- Steer your own two-person kayak through small rapids
- Inside the Vjosa Wild River National Park
- Van to the launch, then paddle back downstream
- Showers, changing rooms and free parking at the base
Equipment
+ Safety briefing, van to the launch & back, and drinking water
Is This Trip for You?
- You are 14 or older
- You have paddled before and can paddle for about two hours
- From April to June: you have paddled on moving water
- You are comfortable in moving water and can get back into a kayak
The kayak trip is self-paddled. There is no dedicated safety raft for kayaks; a rafting guide is on the same section and can help. Capsizing can happen on the rapids, and helmets and life jackets are always worn.
Never paddled, or travelling with young children? Join a guided rafting trip on the same stretch instead: everyone sits in the raft with a guide, from age 3 in summer.
Practical Info
- Season
- April to October
- Duration
- 2–3 hours in total
- Where
- The Vjosa near Përmet, inside the national park. Open in Google Maps
- Facilities
- Free parking, changing rooms, showers, toilets and storage
- Bring
- Swimwear, water shoes or trainers that can get wet, towel and dry clothes, sunscreen
Day Trip
Questions
Can complete beginners join the kayak trip?
No. The trip is self-paddled and not for complete first-timers. If you have never paddled, join a guided rafting trip on the same stretch of the Vjosa instead.
Can children come?
The minimum age for the kayak trip is 14. Younger children can join a guided rafting trip, from age 3 in summer conditions with an adult in the raft.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, water shoes or trainers that can get wet, a towel and dry clothes, and sunscreen. Valuables can stay in storage at the base.
Can I take my phone on the water?
It is best to leave it on land, because capsizing can happen on the rapids.
What happens if the weather or the water is bad?
Trips do not run when the water is too high or the weather is bad, so check conditions shortly before you go.
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