Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet

The best part of this four-hour ride is the setting: you move through the hills beside the Lengarica Canyon, following old routes that once linked villages in southern Albania. This is not a quick loop around a farm. Depending on your riding ability, the guides may take you past springs, ruins, stone bridges, sheep herds, and old villages.

I like the way the guides adjust the route to your experience, and I like the small-group feel. The horses are described as healthy, calm, and well cared for, with plenty of room to roam when they are not working. The main caution is simple: this is a real mountain ride, not a gentle sightseeing trip. You may trot or canter, and the terrain can be hard on your body if you are not used to riding.

Key points to know before you book

• Four hours on horseback: Plan for a half-day ride through the countryside around Përmet.
• Lengarica Canyon is the star: The route follows an old village trail with canyon views, valleys, springs, and mountain scenery.
• Strong support for beginners: Avenir, Avi, and Lilly are praised for clear instructions and calm handling of nervous riders.
• The horses are a major part of the appeal: They are described as friendly, healthy, well behaved, and well cared for.
• A small group keeps things personal: The tour information gives a maximum of seven participants, while the highlights describe groups capped at ten.
• Hot springs add a useful extra: After riding, you can visit the thermal pools near Përmet, though the bath visit is not listed as part of the horse-riding duration.

Starting at Funky Guest House in Përmet

Your meeting point is Funky Guest House & Adventures at Sheshi Abdyl Frashëri in Përmet. The activity returns to this same point, which makes the day easy to manage if you are staying in town or arriving by local transport.

The tour is sold under the Gjirokastër area, but the practical base is Përmet. Keep that distinction in mind when planning your day. Përmet is the place connected with the Vjosa River, Fir of Hotova National Park, Benjë, Leusë, and Lengarica Canyon.

An air-conditioned vehicle is included. That matters because the ride itself begins outside the town setting, and you will want to save your legs for the horse. The information does not give a separate transfer time, so ask the operator for the exact departure schedule when booking.

The ride is offered in English. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is described as suitable for most people. That does not mean every rider will find it easy. A basic level of balance and comfort around horses will help, especially once the route reaches hills and uneven ground.

Choosing the right trail for your riding ability

The guides choose the route based on the experience of the group. This is one of the strongest features of the outing. A first-time rider should not be placed on the same route or pace as someone who rides often, and the descriptions from the guides suggest that beginners receive patient instruction before the ride gets moving.

Avenir is singled out for dependable support, while Avi is praised for giving clear instructions and building confidence. Lilly also receives credit for helping nervous riders feel comfortable. One family group included three people who had never ridden before, yet they progressed to trotting and cantering during the outing.

That detail is encouraging, but it should not make you assume the ride is effortless. The route heads into the hills, and one account describes it as not for the faint hearted. You may ride at different speeds, including a faster section near the end. If you are uneasy about cantering, tell the guides early so they can match the pace to your comfort.

The group size is another plus. The additional information lists a maximum of seven people, while the tour highlights describe a cap of ten. Either figure is small enough to allow the guides to watch the group more closely than on a large trail ride. Since the details differ, confirm the expected group size before you pay if this point matters to you.

Leusë and the Saint Maria Church

The stated itinerary includes Saint Maria Church of Leusë. This gives the ride a cultural stop as well as a natural one. Leusë is known for stone houses, cobbled lanes, springs, and old churches with striking paintings.

A stop here breaks up the riding and gives you a chance to look at the older side of the Përmet area. The village setting is part of what makes this tour different from a standard horseback trip in open fields. You are moving through places connected to local life and older routes, not just circling a purpose-built riding track.

The information does not specify how long you stay at the church or whether the building is open during every departure. Think of it as a planned point along the route rather than a guaranteed guided church visit. Wear shoes that can handle uneven ground if you expect to walk around the village or stop near old stonework.

Following the old trail beside Lengarica Canyon

The favorite route follows Lengarica Canyon, along an old path once used to connect several villages. That gives the ride a clear sense of place. You are not simply looking at the canyon from a roadside viewpoint. You follow a route through the surrounding hills, valleys, and countryside on horseback.

The scenery changes as the trail moves through hills and open country. You might pass cold-water springs, old ruins, stone bridges, and small settlements. Sheep and goats may appear along the way, adding a practical rural touch that you will not get on a tightly controlled attraction.

The route is also the reason to think honestly about your riding comfort. Hills and old paths can be uneven, and riding for several hours takes effort. The descriptions praise the views, but one also notes that the ride could be painful. That is useful advice, especially if you are a beginner or have not ridden for some time.

The reward is a pace that lets you see more than you would from a vehicle. You can stop at springs, look across the valleys, and take in the canyon from different angles. The guides may also take photos and videos, and music was part of one especially well-received outing. These extras are not presented as a guaranteed feature, so treat them as possible touches rather than promises.

Snacks, fruit, cookies, and local wine

The food provided is modest but well suited to a half-day ride. You receive snacks, fruit, cookies, water, and either wine or soft drinks. The picnic may include fruit and nuts, with a stop under a tree mentioned in one account.

I like this arrangement because it keeps the break simple and local. You can pause near a spring or in the countryside instead of losing time at a formal restaurant. The wine also gives the stop a distinctly Albanian feel, though you should use common sense if you plan to ride again afterward.

Lunch is optional and costs 15 euros per person, including drinks. The standard price is $96.79 per person, so the included snack stop helps the value, but this is not an all-day food tour. If you want a full meal, budget for the extra lunch rather than expecting the fruit and cookies to replace it.

What the $96.79 price really covers

At $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend four hours in Përmet. The value depends on what you want from the day. You are paying for the horses, guides, a small group, riding instruction, transport, a helmet, and refreshments, plus access to countryside that is difficult to experience in the same way on foot or by car.

The price looks more reasonable if you are a beginner who needs close guidance. A good guide can make the difference between feeling tense and enjoying the ride, and the available feedback places strong emphasis on the help given by Avenir, Avi, and Lilly.

It also offers better value for experienced riders who want a proper trail rather than a short beginner circuit. You may use different riding speeds, follow older paths, and reach areas around Lengarica Canyon that feel remote from town.

The main limitation is that lunch, insurance, and any extra accommodation package are separate. The tour includes safety caps, but it does not include insurance. You should check your own cover before setting out.

Adding the hot springs near Përmet

After the ride, you can enjoy the thermal baths near Përmet. The baths are described as about 20 minutes from town, where you can relax in the pools and explore the canyon.

This is a smart way to finish a riding day. Warm water can feel welcome after several hours in the saddle, and the canyon provides another reason to stay in the area rather than rushing back to a hotel. Still, read the timing carefully: the horse ride itself is approximately four hours, while the thermal bath visit is described as something you can do afterward.

The basic tour details do not clearly state that entrance to the thermal pools is included in the $96.79 price. Ask Funky Adventures before booking if you want the baths included in your plan. You may also want to arrange the sequence of the day in advance, since the riding schedule and the bath visit could affect transport and meal timing.

Accommodation packages for a longer stay

Funky Adventures offers an upgrade that includes accommodation. This may suit you if you want to use Përmet as a base for more than one night and combine the ride with local villages, the river area, the canyon, and the thermal pools.

One booking account specifically recommends taking the overnight stay before the ride, particularly when arriving very late. The operator is described as waiting for a late arrival around 1 a.m., but you should not assume that kind of arrangement without confirming it directly.

An accommodation package can also reduce the pressure of fitting the ride between long transfers. If you are already moving through southern Albania, staying in Përmet gives you more time for Leusë, Benjë, Ogdunani, Badlonjë, the Vjosa River, and Fir of Hotova National Park.

Who will enjoy this ride most

This experience is a good match for:

• A beginner who wants patient instruction and a small group
• An experienced rider looking for hills, village trails, and faster sections
• Families with older children who can follow safety directions
• Couples looking for a memorable outdoor activity
• Anyone interested in rural Albania beyond the main towns
• Visitors planning to add thermal baths or an overnight stay in Përmet

It may be less suitable if you dislike heights, uneven paths, or several hours in the saddle. It is also not the right pick if you want a relaxed vehicle tour with little physical effort. The pace can be adapted, but the setting remains mountainous and active.

The horses appear to be one of the strongest reasons to choose this operator. They are described as happy, free to roam when not working, healthy, friendly, and problem-free. That matters to anyone who wants an animal-based activity handled with care.

Practical details for a smoother day

Wear clothing that allows movement and shoes suitable for walking on rough ground. A safety riding cap is supplied, but you should still follow the guide’s instructions closely, particularly during trotting or cantering.

Bring any personal items you need for changing weather. The activity requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund. The exact route also depends on weather and the riding ability of the group.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted. The minimum group requirement can also affect departure, in which case you are offered another date, another activity, or a full refund.

Should you book the Përmet horse ride?

Book it if you want a hands-on way to see the countryside around Vjosa National Park and Lengarica Canyon, and if you value friendly instruction, well-kept horses, and a small group. The included snacks, transport, helmet, and drinks make the price easier to justify, especially for riders who would otherwise need to arrange several separate activities.

I would be more cautious if you are uncomfortable with hills or have not ridden for years. Ask about the planned pace, group size, lunch, and thermal bath arrangements before booking. For confident riders, the canyon trail and faster sections add excitement. For beginners, the patient guides and calm horses offer a reassuring start, provided you are ready for a proper four-hour ride.

FAQ

Where does the horse riding experience start?

It starts at Funky Guest House & Adventures, Sheshi Abdyl Frashëri, Përmet, Albania.

Where does the activity end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Përmet.

How long does the horse ride last?

The ride lasts approximately four hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $96.79 per person.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What food and drinks are included?

Snacks, fruit, cookies, water, and wine or soft drinks are included. Optional lunch costs 15 euros per person and includes drinks.

Is a riding helmet provided?

Yes. A safety riding cap is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can also result in a new date or a full refund.