Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet

The best part of this horse ride near Permet is the way it gets you onto old mountain paths that would be easy to miss by car. You may pass stone villages, church ruins, sheep herds, cold springs, and the dramatic Lengarica Canyon, with the Vjosa River region spread around you.

I like two things right away: the horses are carefully cared for, and the guides give beginners clear help before asking for faster riding. I also like the small group and the simple picnic of fruit, cookies, water, and wine. The main drawback is that riding through hills can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially if you are not used to a saddle.

Key points to know before you book

• The ride follows old village paths: The favorite route runs beside Lengarica Canyon, once used to connect nearby villages.
• Beginners are welcome: Guides including Avenir, Avi, and Lilly help nervous riders gain confidence.
• The scenery is the real reward: Expect hills, valleys, springs, stone bridges, ruins, and views around Fir of Hotova National Park.
• The horses receive strong care: They are described as healthy, calm, friendly, and free to roam when not working.
• Food and drinks are included: Fruit, cookies, snacks, water, wine, or soft drinks come with the ride.
• The group is kept small: The operational details list a maximum of seven people, although the tour summary also mentions a cap of ten.

Riding through the wild Vjosa region near Permet

Permet is one of southern Albania’s best bases for outdoor trips. The town sits near the Vjosa River, often described as Europe’s last wild river, with Fir of Hotova National Park and the Lengarica area close by.

This is not a formal riding arena or a short pony loop. You spend about four hours on trails through the countryside, with the route chosen according to the riding ability of the group. That matters. A first-time rider needs a different pace from someone who already rides regularly, and the guides adjust the outing rather than forcing everyone into the same style.

The horses take you through terrain that changes often. You might ride across open hills, pass old stone structures, stop at a spring, and follow a route near the canyon. You may also see sheep and goats along the way. The setting feels rural and lived-in, not like a carefully staged attraction.

The strongest appeal is the mix of nature and local culture. You are not simply riding for an hour and returning to town. The route can bring you close to villages such as Benja, Ogdunani, Leuse, and Badlonje, known for stone houses, cobblestones, old churches, and traditional details.

What the four-hour route feels like

The exact trail depends on the group. The guides choose based on your riding background, which is useful for families and mixed groups. Someone nervous can focus on balance and control, while a confident rider may have the chance to move through several riding paces.

The early part of the outing is about getting comfortable with the horse. That is especially important if you have never ridden before. The guides have helped nervous beginners progress from uncertainty to trotting and, in suitable conditions, cantering. You should still be honest about your ability at the start. The route includes hills, so this is more demanding than a flat beach ride.

As you leave the starting area, the scenery opens into hills and valleys. The pace may be gentle at first, giving you time to settle in. This is when you notice the practical pleasure of riding: you can look around without a car window in the way, and the horse carries you along narrow paths that are not suited to normal vehicles.

The tour includes breaks for snacks, fruit, cookies, and drinks. A stop beneath a tree has been part of the outing, and local wine may be served along with water or soft drinks. These pauses are welcome because a four-hour ride can make you thirsty and sore.

At points, the guides may take photos and videos. Avenir has also been praised for keeping the mood light with music and taking plenty of pictures. The exact amount of photography can vary, but this is useful if you want a record of the ride without constantly handling your phone.

Saint Maria Church of Leuse

Saint Maria Church of Leuse is the named stop on the route. It gives the ride a cultural focus beyond the natural scenery.

Leuse is known for stone houses, old lanes, and an old church with striking paintings. The church stop lets you see a piece of the area’s religious and village heritage while giving your legs a break from the saddle.

You should not expect a long guided museum visit based on the information provided. The stop is part of a moving outdoor route, so the time available may depend on the group and the day’s trail. Still, it is a worthwhile contrast to the hills and canyon. You get a sense of how people once moved between these remote communities and why the old trails mattered.

If your main goal is historic architecture, this stop may feel brief. If you like combining riding with small cultural stops, it adds welcome variety.

Lengarica Canyon and the old trail network

The route beside Lengarica Canyon is the favorite choice. The canyon is one of the area’s strongest natural features, with steep rock walls and a rougher, more remote feel than the gentler countryside near town.

The old path beside the canyon once linked several villages. Riding there gives the trip a sense of purpose. You are not only passing through pretty surroundings; you are following a route that served local communities long before modern roads connected the region.

Conditions can affect the ride. A trail near a canyon and through hills will not feel perfectly smooth. You may encounter uneven ground, slopes, and narrow sections. That is part of the appeal, but it is also why you should wear practical clothes and expect some soreness afterward.

The canyon route also helps explain why this outing is better suited to people who want an active half-day. You need to pay attention to the horse, the trail, and the instructions. The scenery is beautiful, but you are not simply sitting back and sightseeing.

The horses and the help for first-time riders

Horse care is one of the most important details here. The horses are described as healthy, friendly, well behaved, and well looked after. They are allowed to roam the countryside when they are not working, which gives the operation a more personal and humane feel.

That does not mean every horse will suit every rider. Horses have different temperaments, and the best match depends on your size, confidence, and ability. Tell the guides if you are anxious or inexperienced. Avenir, Avi, and Lilly have been singled out for giving clear instructions and helping people feel secure.

The ride can work for both beginners and experienced riders, but it is not a guarantee of a relaxed pace at every moment. Some outings have included trotting and cantering. Those faster paces are exciting for confident riders, but they may worry someone who expected only a slow walk.

I would treat this as a genuine trail ride, not a gentle photo opportunity. If you have never been on a horse, you can still take part, but you should be comfortable with the possibility of hills, changing ground, and several hours in the saddle.

What the $96.79 price includes

At $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Permet area. The value depends on how much you want from the day.

You are paying for roughly four hours of riding, a guide, a safety riding cap, snacks, fruit, cookies, drinks, and an air-conditioned vehicle. The small group also matters. The operating details give a maximum of seven people, though another description states ten, so confirm the group size when booking if that is important to you.

The food is modest rather than a full meal. Water, wine or soft drinks, fruit, and light snacks keep the outing going, but lunch is not included. Lunch can be added for 15 euros per person, including drinks.

Insurance is not included. That is an important cost and safety point. You should check your own cover before booking, especially because the route involves active riding through hilly country.

For the right person, the price is fair. A four-hour guided ride, transport, refreshments, and a small group would cost more in many European outdoor destinations. The value is weaker if you want a short beginner ride, a full lunch, or a strictly predictable route.

Adding thermal baths after the ride

The thermal baths near Benja are about 20 minutes from Permet. They are not part of the riding time itself, but they make a natural add-on after a long session in the saddle.

The pools offer a chance to relax and explore the canyon area after riding. This is particularly appealing if your muscles are not used to horseback travel. The combination of a mountain ride and thermal bathing makes a fuller day in the Permet region.

The tour description also mentions packages with accommodation. That may suit you if you want more time in Permet rather than squeezing the ride between other stops. The basic ride ends back at Funky Guest House and Adventures in town, so the overnight option is a separate choice.

Do not assume that the thermal baths are included in the $96.79 price. They are presented as something you can enjoy after the trip, not as a listed inclusion.

Getting there and preparing for the ride

The meeting point is Funky Guest House & Adventures at Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri in Permet. The activity begins and ends at that meeting point, and an air-conditioned vehicle is included.

The location is listed under Gjirokaster, but the actual meeting address is in Permet. If you are planning transport from elsewhere in southern Albania, use the Permet address as your practical reference and allow enough time to arrive before the start.

Wear clothes that can handle dust and outdoor riding. Long trousers and closed shoes make more sense than shorts and sandals. Bring water if you prefer to carry your own, even though water is supplied.

A safety riding cap is included. You should also listen closely to the instructions before setting off. The guides can help you find your balance, but you remain responsible for telling them if the pace or route feels beyond your comfort level.

The activity is offered in English. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the tour is near public transport. Most people can participate, but you should consider your own fitness and comfort with several hours on horseback.

Who should book this Permet horse ride

I would choose this outing if you want to see the countryside at a slower pace and are happy with a little physical effort. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time riders, and experienced riders who want a scenic route rather than a formal lesson.

It is particularly good for a mixed group. Beginners can receive support while stronger riders may get the chance to trot or canter. The small group helps the guides keep an eye on different ability levels.

I would think twice if you dislike uneven paths, have a strong fear of horses, or want a polished sightseeing tour with fixed stops and a guaranteed timetable. The route changes according to riding ability and conditions, which is a benefit for some people but less appealing if you need certainty.

The ride also makes a thoughtful gift. It combines animals, scenery, local culture, snacks, and a clear sense of being outdoors. Just remember that the beautiful views come with saddle time and hills.

Should you book it?

Book this horse ride if you want an active way to see the Vjosa and Permet region, and if the idea of following old trails beside Lengarica Canyon sounds better than sitting in a vehicle.

The strongest reasons to go are the caring treatment of the horses, the patient instruction for beginners, the small group, and the mix of scenery and village culture. Add the thermal baths afterward if you want to turn the half-day ride into a more relaxing Permet outing.

Skip it if you want a short, flat, easy ride or if insurance and lunch need to be included in the price. For most people who are comfortable with a real trail ride, though, this is a memorable way to see one of southern Albania’s most appealing rural areas.

FAQ

How long does the horse riding activity last?

The ride lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Funky Guest House & Adventures, Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri, Permet 6401, Albania.

How much does the ride cost?

The listed price is $96.79 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes snacks, fruit, cookies, water, wine or soft drinks, a safety riding cap, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is lunch included?

No. Optional lunch costs 15 euros per person and includes drinks.

Can beginners join the ride?

Yes. The guides provide instructions for beginners, and the activity is also suitable for more experienced riders.

What happens if the weather is poor or the minimum group is not reached?

The activity may be canceled because of poor weather or an insufficient number of participants. You will then be offered another date or experience, or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.