Benje Thermal Baths — A Natural Wonder of Albania

Benje Thermal Baths are sulfuric hot springs with a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, located near the city of Permet in Albania.

You can search for them by keywords like Bënjë Thermal Baths, Langarice Canyon, Kadiut Bridge.

There are six hot springs along Langarice Canyon, but this article will focus on the most popular one among tourists.

Benje Thermal Spring — Complete Overview

Properties of the Thermal Water

The spring near the ancient Kadiut Bridge is an artificial reservoir built into the mountainside, through which hot sulfuric water flows.

As of today, there are two outdoor pools for bathing.

The water temperature ranges from 22 to 28 degrees Celsius, and it may vary slightly between different pools at different times of the year.

Mineral composition of the water: chloride, sodium, calcium.

There is no sulfur odor near the spring, as the source is not hydrogen sulfide-based.

The water is used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including skin and internal conditions. The baths help with kidney, stomach, and intestinal diseases.

Additionally, people suffering from rheumatism and joint problems find relief here.

Some visitors come for several days specifically to undergo a wellness treatment course.

What the Benje Thermal Baths Look Like

The pools are artificial structures surrounded by a 1.5-meter wall.

Hot water continuously flows into the pool from underground and gradually cools down before spilling over the edge into the river.

The small pool is located near the bridge support across the river, while the larger pool is situated on an open area at the base of the mountain slope.

There are no amenities or changing cabins nearby. However, there is a small grassy area and some shrubs on the slope near the pool.

Tip: Bring a mat and flip-flops to avoid placing your belongings on the ground and to prevent walking barefoot to the pool. Also, bring a towel, especially if you visit during winter, to quickly dry off.

The water in the pool is much warmer than the air outside during winter.

There may be wind near the pool, but it could also be calm.

Tip: Choose a sunny, windless day to visit to enjoy your bath to the fullest.

Kadiut Arch Bridge Near the Spring

The ancient arch bridge of Kadiut is an example of construction from past centuries.

In those days, they built semicircular arches between the bridge supports.

The bridge is about 1.8 meters wide and lacks railings. You will need to balance while crossing.

Langarice Canyon starts right from the bridge.

The canyon is surrounded by small hills, up to 100 meters high, with steep rocky slopes.

Officially canyon’s width is from 20 to 30 meters, and its length is 3-4 km.

Langarice Canyon

The Langarice Canyon starts immediately from the bridge, running along a shallow mountain river.

The river is shallow and widely spreads over pebbles and small boulders.

There is a road along one side of the canyon, where you can walk above the canyon’s edge.

Alternatively, you can walk along the riverbed through the canyon.

It is possible to walk in sneakers, hopping from stone to stone.

Ideally, bring sandals with straps to confidently walk in the water and on the pebbles.

Both routes are interesting for curious travelers and mountain enthusiasts.

How to Get to Benje Thermal Baths

The thermal baths are located approximately 12 km from Permet.

Coordinates of the ancient Kadiut Bridge, Benje: 40.244403, 20.432430

Important: There is no public transport to the site. You can get there by private car or taxi via the main road.

First, drive to the city of Permet.

Then, about 6 km after Permet, turn onto the Benje road along the tributary of the Vjosa River.

After passing the village of Langarice, turn left at the hill with a cross on top.

Then, drive about 3 km to the river, where there is a large open space for parking.

Park your car here and continue on foot for approximately 200 meters across open terrain to the bridge and thermal baths.

As of 2025, work is underway to create a modern parking area and tourist accommodations near the bridge and thermal spring.

In summer, small food stalls operate near the bridge, but they may be closed during the off-season (winter). Keep this in mind and bring your own food if needed.

The road to Permet and beyond runs between mountain ranges along the Vjosa River. Then along its tributary, the Langarice River.

The route offers breathtaking views of the river and mountains along the valley.

Advice for Tourists

Plan a full-day trip to have enough time for bathing (about 1 hour).

Walk 200-500 meters through Langarits Canyon. It will take about 1-2 hours and depends on your goals.

You will leave with unforgettable impressions of nature and mountains.

Shorts

Filming date: March 20, 2025. Benje Thermal Baths near Permet, Albania.

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