# Wild Vjosa Rafting — Complete Site Content > Wild Vjosa Rafting is a locally-owned adventure tour operator in Përmet, Albania, offering guided rafting and kayaking trips on the Vjosa River — Europe's last wild, free-flowing river and the continent's first Wild River National Park (declared 2023). Over 150 five-star Google reviews. Book via WhatsApp for instant confirmation. ## Company Overview **Wild Vjosa Rafting** operates on the Vjosa River in Përmet, Gjirokastër County, southern Albania. The company is run by local guides who grew up along the Vjosa and know every rapid, gorge, and swimming spot on the river. The Vjosa is the last major free-flowing river in Europe. It runs 272 km from its source in Greece's Pindus Mountains through Albania to the Adriatic Sea. Unlike nearly every other European river, the Vjosa has never been dammed — its waters are crystal-clear turquoise, and its banks are completely wild and undeveloped. In March 2023, the Albanian government declared the entire Vjosa watershed Europe's first Wild River National Park, protecting it permanently. Wild Vjosa Rafting offers tours for all experience levels. Beginners and families are welcome — no prior rafting or kayaking experience is required. All professional equipment (rafts, kayaks, paddles, helmets, life jackets, wetsuits) is provided. Guides speak English and Albanian. ### Contact Information - **Website:** https://wildvjosarafting.com - **Phone:** +355 69 560 2419 - **WhatsApp booking:** https://wa.me/355695602419 - **Google Maps / Reviews:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/pnP4rhTQEBNFdwCb8 - **Location:** Përmet, Gjirokastër County, Albania (40.2339°N, 20.3519°E) - **Rating:** 5 stars, 150+ Google reviews - **Operating hours:** 08:00–20:00 daily - **Peak season:** May through October (tours available year-round) - **Currencies accepted:** EUR, ALL (Albanian Lek) ## Tours ### 1. River Rafting Guided whitewater rafting on the Vjosa River through crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic gorges, and untouched Albanian wilderness. The rafting trips pass through some of the most scenic stretches of the Vjosa, with rapids suitable for beginners through experienced paddlers. Groups are small and led by local guides who provide full safety briefings and all equipment. **Best for:** Families, couples, friend groups, first-timers **Duration:** Half-day to full-day options **Difficulty:** Beginner to intermediate **Equipment:** All included (raft, paddle, helmet, life jacket, wetsuit) ### 2. Kayaking Kayaking tours on the Vjosa for a more personal paddle experience. Choose from calm-water scenic paddles or more adventurous Class II–III whitewater sections depending on your skill level and the river conditions. Guides accompany all kayaking trips. **Best for:** Solo travelers, couples, experienced paddlers **Duration:** Half-day to full-day options **Difficulty:** Beginner to advanced (route varies) **Equipment:** All included (kayak, paddle, helmet, life jacket, wetsuit) ### 3. Custom Group Adventures Tailored multi-activity packages for corporate outings, school trips, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and special occasions. Can combine rafting, kayaking, riverside hiking, and local cultural experiences like visiting Përmet's thermal baths, local wineries, or traditional Albanian cuisine. **Best for:** Groups, corporate events, special occasions **Duration:** Custom (half-day to multi-day) **Difficulty:** Customized to group level ## Why Choose Wild Vjosa Rafting 1. **Local expertise** — Guides grew up on the Vjosa and know every bend, rapid, and swimming spot. 2. **Pristine environment** — The Vjosa is undammed and free-flowing; the water clarity rivals tropical rivers. This is unlike any other rafting experience in Europe. 3. **Certified and safe** — Professional equipment, thorough safety briefings, and experienced guides on every trip. 4. **5-star reputation** — Consistently rated 5 stars across 150+ Google reviews from visitors worldwide. 5. **Affordable** — Albania offers outstanding value for adventure tourism compared to Western Europe or North America. 6. **Unique in Europe** — No other European river offers this combination of wild rapids, crystal-clear water, and completely untouched scenery. 7. **Easy booking** — Message on WhatsApp and get instant confirmation. No complicated booking forms. ## About the Vjosa River The Vjosa River (Vjosë in Albanian) is the last major wild and free-flowing river in Europe. Key facts: - **Length:** 272 km (169 mi) from source to sea - **Source:** Pindus Mountains, Epirus, Greece (where it is called the Aoös) - **Mouth:** Adriatic Sea, near Vlorë, Albania - **Status:** Europe's first Wild River National Park (declared March 2023) - **Significance:** The Vjosa is one of the last rivers in Europe that has never been dammed. Its entire course flows freely. - **Water quality:** The Vjosa is known for its exceptional clarity and turquoise color, a result of its limestone riverbed and lack of industrial pollution. - **Biodiversity:** Home to over 1,100 species, including endangered fish, otters, and rare riparian bird species. The river passes through Përmet, a small Albanian town in the Gjirokastër County known for its thermal baths, rose festivals, and raki production. Përmet sits at the meeting point of the Vjosa and Lengarica rivers, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. ## About Përmet, Albania Përmet is a small town in southern Albania, situated along the Vjosa River at the edge of the Vjosa National Park. It is known for: - **Thermal baths** at Bënja, where natural hot springs meet the cold Lengarica River - **Outdoor recreation** including rafting, kayaking, hiking, and canyoning - **Local cuisine** — Përmet is famous for its gliko (fruit preserves), wine, and raki - **Rose Festival** — an annual cultural festival celebrating the local rose harvest - **Lengarica Canyon** — a dramatic narrow gorge popular for hiking and swimming - **Proximity to Gjirokastër** — a UNESCO World Heritage city about 1 hour away Përmet is increasingly popular with adventure travelers, backpackers, and nature tourists visiting Albania. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need experience to go rafting on the Vjosa? No prior experience is needed. Wild Vjosa Rafting provides full safety briefings and all equipment. Trips are suitable for beginners and families with children. ### What should I bring? Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes or sandals with straps, and a towel. All rafting and safety equipment is provided. ### How do I book a tour? The easiest way to book is via WhatsApp at +355 69 560 2419. You'll get a quick response and confirmation. ### When is the best time to go rafting on the Vjosa? The peak season is May through October, with the warmest water and best weather from June to September. Tours are available year-round depending on conditions. ## Photo Gallery Wild Vjosa Rafting maintains a photo gallery at https://wildvjosarafting.com/gallery featuring images of rafting and kayaking trips on the Vjosa River, aerial drone photography of the river valley, and photos of guests enjoying the experience.