Sarandoporo Thermal Springs, Albania

A border-canyon soak that still feels undiscovered

Sarandoporo Thermal Springs sit in a narrow limestone canyon right on Albania’s border with Greece, near the Tre Urat crossing area. Instead of one big pool, you’ll find a larger soaking area plus smaller pockets of warm water, including a spring tucked into a cave. There’s no resort wrapper here, just warm water, stone, and whatever the day’s weather decides to do.

Why people come

The draw is space and quiet compared with the better-known baths around Përmet. Because there’s little infrastructure, most visitors arrive prepared, soak for a short round, then move on. When the canyon is calm, it’s an easy place to linger. When wind or rain moves in, you’ll appreciate having your plan and your layers sorted.

What makes or breaks the visit

Access is the main variable. You’ll drive a side road, park, then walk down into the canyon. If water levels are high or the path is slick, the sensible choice is to skip the cave section and keep the stop conservative. Treat it as an outdoor wild spring, not a guaranteed spa session, and it usually delivers.

Where it is
Sarandoporo’s springs are in the Vjosa Valley region near Leskovik, in the canyon of the Sarandoporo River along the Greece border. Most travelers approach from the paved road linking Përmet and Leskovik, then branch off toward the canyon.

By car
A commonly used route is a roughly 4 km turn-off from the main asphalt road. Reports describe newer pavement for part of the access, with the last stretch remaining unpaved but usually passable for standard cars in good conditions. Drive slowly, avoid deep ruts, and do not force it if the road looks washed out.

On foot
From the parking area, plan on a walk of under a kilometre into the canyon. It is short, but it can be uneven and slick, especially near the water and around the cave spring. Treat it like a mini-hike: shoes to get in, then sandals with grip for wet rock.

Seasonality
Access depends on weather and water levels more than the calendar. After heavy rain, the canyon floor can be messy and the walk can feel risky. In hot months, midday crowds are possible, while early or late tends to feel calmer.

What to bring
Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, and a warm layer for after soaking. Add drinking water, a small dry bag for valuables, and a headlamp if you might be walking back near dusk.

Sarandoporo is best for travelers who want a wild, quiet soak and are comfortable doing their own logistics. It fits well if you are already in the Leskovik area or you are threading a slow road trip between Përmet and the southeast. Because there’s no staffed facility, your comfort comes from preparation, not amenities.

Who will enjoy it most
If you like simple natural pools, canyon scenery, and the feeling of being away from the tourist belt, this is a good match. It is also a nice alternative when Bënjë feels crowded. Expect a more rugged stop, with less sitting space and fewer places to warm up between rounds.

Families
I would not plan this as a family-first soak. The approach can be slippery, the pools are small, and there is moving water nearby. Some families still visit, but it goes best with older kids who follow directions, short soak rounds, and a fast change back into warm clothes.

Mobility realities
The walk is short but uneven, and entries are natural or stepped, with wet rock underfoot. If you need level paths, handrails, or predictable pool edges, this will be frustrating and potentially unsafe.

Wheelchair expectations
I’m not claiming wheelchair access. There is no verified step-free route into the canyon or adapted water entry. If step-free access is essential, a staffed spa or a city pool is the better option.

Footing is the main risk
Wet limestone and algae-slick rock are where people get hurt. Wear sandals with grip, move slowly, and keep one hand free. If you are carrying towels, phones, and bags, make two trips.

Canyon conditions change fast
Rain upstream can raise water and make the canyon feel tighter. If the path looks muddy, icy, or flooded, keep the visit conservative and skip the cave section. Remote spots are not the place to gamble on one slippery step.

Heat pacing
Do short soaks with breaks. Warm water can hide overheating, especially after a long drive. If you feel lightheaded, nauseated, or unusually tired, get out, cool down, and drink water. Avoid alcohol while soaking, it makes heat stress easier.

Water quality basics
Keep soap, shampoo, and oils out of the pools. If you used sunscreen, rinse later at your accommodation. Small habits keep a small pool pleasant for everyone.

Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Don’t sit on entry steps, keep voices low, and rotate if others arrive. Photos are fine, just aim them away from other bathers, the space is tight and privacy is easy to disrupt.

Leave-no-trace, without drama
Pack out all trash, keep glass away from wet rock, and don’t rearrange stones. This place stays open and enjoyable when visitors leave it exactly as they found it.

Do you need to book Sarandoporo Thermal Springs?

No booking system is typical here. It’s an unstaffed natural site, so you arrive, choose a pool, and share space as needed.

How do you get there from Leskovik?

Most people drive from Leskovik toward the Përmet road, then take a short side road toward the canyon near the Tre Urat border area. The last stretch can be unpaved, so go slow and turn back if it looks damaged.

How long is the walk from parking?

Expect a short walk of under a kilometre into the canyon. The distance is modest, but the footing can be slick, so plan on moving carefully.

Are there changing rooms or toilets?

Don’t count on facilities. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want the simplest change, and bring a towel you can use as cover.

Is it suitable for kids?

Only with close supervision and a conservative plan. The edges can be slippery and there’s moving water nearby. For younger kids, a staffed spa is usually a better day.

What should you pack?

Swimsuit, towel, traction sandals, drinking water, and a warm layer for after. A small dry bag helps keep keys and a phone from getting soaked, and a headlamp is useful if you might leave near dusk.