THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
A half-day 4x4 circuit from Përmet that links Fir of Hotova’s ancient firs, the frescoed Church of Saint Mary in Leusë, and the warm pools of Benja. Expect canyon views, a traditional picnic, and short walks into rugged karst scenery.
A half-day 4x4 circuit from Përmet that links Fir of Hotova’s ancient firs, the frescoed Church of Saint Mary in Leusë, and the warm pools of Benja. Expect canyon views, a traditional picnic, and short walks into rugged karst scenery.
Dust kicks up behind the 4x4 as the road peels away from Përmet and the valley exhales — firs and limestone ridges push skyward while the Lengarica River threads a cool line through the gorge. You move from pasture to canyon in the span of a morning, stopping to listen to water daring you into its pools and to trace frescoed saints watching over stone villages.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Funky Adventures · Permet, Gjirokastër
Dust kicks up behind the 4x4 as the road peels away from Përmet and the valley exhales — firs and limestone ridges push skyward while the Lengarica River threads a cool line through the gorge. You move from pasture to canyon in the span of a morning, stopping to listen to water daring you into its pools and to trace frescoed saints watching over stone villages.
The route stitches together distinct layers of local history: Leusë’s Church of Saint Mary preserves Byzantine-style murals and an 1817 carved iconostasis; Fir of Hotova is a remnant of Pindus-era forests that survived glacial shifts and human use. Geologically, the area is karst country — limestone canyons, thermal springs where groundwater meets tectonic heat, and terraces carved by the Lengarica. Culture here is hands-on: villagers tend stone houses, bridges and family-run farms serving robust, organic fare at a picnic lunch.
Expect a small-group, 4–5 hour circuit in an air-conditioned 4x4 with short guided walks to viewpoints, canyon rims and the thermal pools at Benja. The canyon can be navigated from above or through shallow sections; baths are suitable for a soak. Come prepared: sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, swimwear for the pools, and layers for mountain breezes. Hydrate — water sources exist but carry a bottle — and time your outing for morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The tour balances easy walking with rugged scenery, and rewards travelers who want close contact with southern Albania’s living landscape and cooling thermal water.
easy.
4–5 hours.
Light to moderate fitness; able to do short walks (15–45 minutes) on uneven ground.
The tour lasts about 4–5 hours; operators typically run morning or early afternoon departures — check booking details for exact times.
Yes — pools are shallow in parts, but there are uneven surfaces and some steps; infant seats are noted as available and staff can advise on access.
A traditional picnic is usually included; small shops in villages accept cash for extras — bring euros or lek for local purchases.
The area hosts species like wild boar and deer; sightings are usually from a distance. Standard precautions apply — do not approach wildlife and follow guide instructions.
Leusë’s church preserves early 19th-century murals and a carved walnut iconostasis; the region’s villages reflect Ottoman and Byzantine era settlement patterns.
Fir of Hotova is a protected national park; visitors should stick to paths, avoid littering, and respect thermal spring areas to reduce erosion and ecological impact.
Funky Adventures operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dust kicks up behind the 4x4 as the road peels away from Përmet and the valley exhales — firs and limestone ridges push skyward while the Lengarica River threads a cool line through the gorge. You move from pasture to canyon in the span of a morning, stopping to listen to water daring you into its pools and to trace frescoed saints watching over stone villages.
Dust kicks up behind the 4x4 as the road peels away from Përmet and the valley exhales — firs and limestone ridges push skyward while the Lengarica River threads a cool line through the gorge. You move from pasture to canyon in the span of a morning, stopping to listen to water daring you into its pools and to trace frescoed saints watching over stone villages.
The route stitches together distinct layers of local history: Leusë’s Church of Saint Mary preserves Byzantine-style murals and an 1817 carved iconostasis; Fir of Hotova is a remnant of Pindus-era forests that survived glacial shifts and human use. Geologically, the area is karst country — limestone canyons, thermal springs where groundwater meets tectonic heat, and terraces carved by the Lengarica. Culture here is hands-on: villagers tend stone houses, bridges and family-run farms serving robust, organic fare at a picnic lunch.
Expect a small-group, 4–5 hour circuit in an air-conditioned 4x4 with short guided walks to viewpoints, canyon rims and the thermal pools at Benja. The canyon can be navigated from above or through shallow sections; baths are suitable for a soak. Come prepared: sturdy shoes for uneven terrain, swimwear for the pools, and layers for mountain breezes. Hydrate — water sources exist but carry a bottle — and time your outing for morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The tour balances easy walking with rugged scenery, and rewards travelers who want close contact with southern Albania’s living landscape and cooling thermal water.