Terme de Bënjë

Insider tip — Terme de Benje spill from a limestone gorge above the Lenjani River in southern Albania's Permet region, where warm bicarbonate water at 35°C cascades over travertine terraces into natural rock pools carved by centuries of mineral deposition. The surrounding Vjosa River valley, one of Europe's last wild rivers, provides a backdrop of pristine wilderness that is increasingly attracting hikers and kayakers. Local shepherds have used the springs for generations, and the site remains blessedly uncommercialised with only basic wooden changing facilities. The nearby Ottoman bridge at Permet town and the Gjirokastra citadel two hours south are worthy companions to a thermal excursion here.