Benja Thermal Baths, Albania

A river-canyon soak with a medieval bridge nearby

Benja Thermal Baths are a cluster of small, stone-lined pools set beside the Lengarica River, a short drive from the town of Përmet. The setting is the hook: a narrow canyon, pale rock, and the Kadiu Bridge spanning the gorge. You are not arriving at a reception desk, you are stepping into an outdoor spot where the day’s comfort depends on weather, river level, and how many people had the same plan.

What you actually do here

Most visits are simple. You pick a pool, settle in for a short soak, then rotate as space opens up. The pools are small, so the experience shifts quickly between quiet and crowded. If you want a calmer feel, arrive earlier in the day, or visit later when day-trippers have moved on.

Keep expectations practical

This is a natural attraction with minimal infrastructure. Your best day here comes from being self-sufficient: bring your towel, footwear with grip, and warm layers for after. Treat it like a shared outdoor place, not a private spa, and it tends to go well.

Where it is
Benja Thermal Baths are near Përmet in southern Albania, in the Lengarica Canyon area. The pools sit beside the river close to the Kadiu Bridge, a useful landmark for navigation.

Getting there
Most travelers approach from Përmet by car or taxi on valley roads. The final approach is a short walk from a pull-off or parking area to the pools. It is not a hike, but you will be on uneven ground, with wet rock and mud near the waterline.

Road and season notes
After rain, the canyon path and pool edges get slick, and river noise can make hazards feel closer than they are. In colder months, mornings can be icy in the shade. If weather has been rough, check locally in Përmet and be ready to skip the soak if the approach looks unsafe.

What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip are the basics. Add a warm top for the walk back, plus a small dry bag for phone and keys. Pack drinking water and a snack so you are not relying on nearby services.

Before you go
This is an outdoor, unstaffed site, so conditions and crowding vary. If it is busy, wait or return later, the pools feel better when people rotate.

Benja is best for travelers who want a natural soak with dramatic scenery and do not mind a little mess. It fits a day around Përmet or a south Albania road trip, especially if you like places that feel outdoorsy rather than polished.

Families
It can work for families, but it is not a playground. Keep kids within arm’s reach on wet rock, set short soak limits, and have warm clothes ready so they do not stand around chilled after getting out.

Couples and solo travelers
Couples tend to love it when you time it for a quieter window. Solo travelers do well too, just keep valuables minimal and use a dry bag.

Mobility realities
The walk in is short, but uneven and often slippery. Expect stepping down into pools and balancing on wet rock. If you need stable handrails, level paths, or predictable entries, this may feel more stressful than relaxing.

Wheelchair expectations
I’m not claiming wheelchair access. There is no verified step-free route to the water, and entries are natural or stepped. If step-free access is essential, plan a staffed facility instead.

Expectation check
Think of Benja as a quick, shared soak. Some days it is calm, other days it is busy or muddy. Go in flexible and it usually delivers.

Footing is the main real hazard
Most injuries here are slips. Wet stone, algae, and muddy edges make the pools tricky, especially when you are carrying towels and shoes. Wear sandals with grip, move slowly, and keep one hand free for balance.

Respect the river and the canyon
The pools sit beside moving water. Do not treat the river edge like a seat, and keep kids close. After rain, spray and current rise fast, and the smart choice can be to skip the soak and enjoy the canyon from dry ground.

Heat pacing
Do short rounds with breaks. Warm water can hide overheating. If you feel dizzy, nauseated, or unusually tired, get out, cool down, and drink water. Avoid alcohol while soaking, it makes heat stress easier.

Hygiene, kindly stated
This is not a chlorinated pool. Keep soaps, shampoos, and oils out of the water. If you used sunscreen, rinse later at your accommodation. Small choices like that keep the pools pleasant for everyone.

Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Avoid camping on entry steps, keep your gear compact, and rotate if others are waiting. Voices carry in the canyon, so a quieter tone helps.

Leave it easy for the next person
Pack out trash, keep glass away from wet rock, and avoid rearranging stones. Benja stays special when visitors treat it as borrowed space rather than a spot to modify.

Do you need to book Benja Thermal Baths?

There is no widely advertised booking system because it is an outdoor, unstaffed site. Plan on a walk-up visit, and use timing, early or late, to manage crowds.

Is it close to Përmet?

Yes. Benja is reached by a short drive from Përmet, then a brief walk to the pools. Use the Kadiu Bridge area as your navigation anchor.

Are there changing rooms or toilets?

Do not count on dependable facilities at the pools. Many visitors change quickly with a towel as cover and keep valuables in a dry bag. If you want a proper changing setup, use facilities in Përmet before and after.

What should I pack?

Swimsuit, towel, and sandals with grip. Add a warm layer for after soaking, plus water and a snack. A small dry bag for phone and keys keeps the stop simple.

Is it suitable for kids?

It can be, but it needs close supervision. Keep children away from slick edges and moving water, and limit soak time. Warm clothes ready at the car help prevent post-soak chills.

Can you combine it with a canyon walk?

Often, yes, the canyon is part of the appeal. Just treat wet rock seriously and keep your footwear on when you are out of the pool. If conditions look slippery, enjoy the views and skip risky sections.