Përmet: Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa NP

This horse riding tour in Përmet offers travelers a chance to explore one of Albania’s most beautiful areas on horseback, passing through lush hills, ancient villages, and scenic landscapes. With a reputation for stunning vistas and friendly guides, it’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and experience the local culture without the need for prior riding experience.

One of the things we particularly appreciate is how accessible and well-organized the trip is—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, everyone can enjoy the ride safely. The opportunity to see Gjirokaster District’s scenic countryside from a different perspective makes this experience stand out.

A potential consideration is that this tour is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or those with certain health issues, so it’s best to check your personal comfort and health before booking. Still, if you’re looking for an authentic, fun-filled adventure that combines nature, history, and friendly local hospitality, this horse trek is perfect for travelers craving a genuine Albanian experience.

This tour is best suited for those who love outdoor activities, curious about local villages, and enjoy spectacular mountain views. It’s a great value for anyone wanting to explore Albania’s last remaining wild river region on horseback.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: Experience breathtaking views of hills, valleys, and old villages.
• Authentic experience: Visit villages with stone houses, churches, and cultural landmarks.
• Inclusive for beginners: Well-behaved horses and friendly guides make it accessible.
• Cultural insights: Meet local people, see old churches, and enjoy traditional springs.
• Photos and videos: Capture the moments with professional shots during the trip.
• Safety focused: Safety helmets provided, with clear guidelines for a secure ride.

Overview and Setting

The horse riding tour in Përmet is a 4-hour excursion offered by Funky Adventures, based out of the Funky Guest House. The experience takes place in Vjosa National Park, which is not just any park but the last wild river in Europe, making the scenery here one-of-a-kind. This region is known for its diverse wilderness, traditional villages, and striking landscapes.

The tour is designed to suit a broad range of travelers—beginners should feel comfortable, thanks to well-behaved horses and guides who tailor the experience to individual skill levels. Plus, the scenic routes run on both sides of the Vjosa River, allowing for varied views and discovery.

Meeting Point and Logistics

Start your journey at the Funky bar within the Funky Guest House, a cozy and friendly meeting point that sets the tone for the adventure. The activity ends back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward. It’s easy to coordinate, with flexible starting times (be sure to check availability), and the group size is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.

Booking flexibility is a highlight: you can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This makes it easy to plan your trip without stress. Remember, you’ll need to provide your height, weight, and any riding experience so guides can match you with the right horse and trail.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes everything you need for a comfortable ride: safety helmets, snacks, drinks, and a memorable collection of photos and videos captured during the experience. This allows you to fully focus on enjoying the scenery without worrying about logistics.

Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, suitable for outdoor activity. Since alcohol and drugs are not permitted, it’s best to arrive sober and ready for an active outdoor adventure.

The Trail and Highlights

As you set out on horseback, you’ll pass through some of the most stunning parts of the park. Expect to traverse gorgeous hills, with panoramic views, and visit charming old villages like Benja, Ogdunani, Leuse, and Badlonje. These villages are characterized by their stone houses, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old churches, many decorated with impressive paintings, which tell stories of a long-standing local history.

The trail also includes stops at natural springs—perfect for a quick break featuring traditional snacks, fresh fruits, and even local wine. These moments give you a chance to breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak in the authentic Albanian rural life.

One of the most engaging aspects is the chance to encounter sheep herds, goats, and friendly villagers, giving a true taste of local life. The views are nothing short of spectacular—gorgeous canyon vistas, lush valleys, and rugged hills—that will make your camera work busy.

Authentic Villages and Cultural Stops

Many reviews highlight the charm of the villages visited along the trail. With stone houses and old churches, they evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Guides often share stories and insights about the history and traditions of these communities, enriching the experience beyond just a scenic ride.

Reviewer quotes reflect how engaging and personalized the guides are—”The tour was very engaging and personally guided,” says one traveler. They appreciated the well-behaved horses that even beginners can ride confidently, making it accessible for families or those new to horseback riding.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Throughout the ride, the guides are attentive and professional, ensuring everyone feels safe and comfortable. Riders often comment on the friendly atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides who go beyond just leading the horses—they share interesting tidbits about the landscape and local culture.

The pace of the ride is moderate, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the breathtaking views and take photos. Expect to pass by ruins and old structures, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty.

The Value and Overall Impression

Compared to similar outdoor activities, this tour offers excellent value—the price includes a lot more than just the ride. You get safety gear, snacks, drinks, and a professional photographer capturing your moments. Plus, the chance to see the last wild river in Europe is a compelling reason to choose this experience.

Most travelers leave with a collection of photos and videos—some even say they plan to create albums from the footage. The combination of scenic adventure, cultural exploration, and friendly guides makes this a memorable outing.

This horse riding experience in Përmet suits a variety of travelers. If you enjoy outdoor activities and scenic landscapes, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s especially perfect for those curious about Albanian villages and rural life, as well as anyone wanting a non-touristy, authentic experience away from crowded destinations.

While it’s not suitable for children under 8 or those with certain health issues, active seniors and couples looking for a relaxed yet adventurous day will enjoy the pace and safety focus. The small group size and personalized approach make it ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate connection with the landscape and local culture.

This horse riding tour at Vjosa National Park offers a beautiful blend of natural beauty, cultural sights, and genuine Albanian hospitality. It strikes a great balance between adventure and comfort, with well-behaved horses and friendly guides making it accessible even for beginners.

The views are truly spectacular, from rolling hills to old churches, and the stops at springs and villages add depth to the experience. The inclusion of photos and videos means you’ll have plenty of memories to share long after the ride ends.

If you’re a lover of outdoor explorations, rural charm, or simply looking for a unique way to see Albania, this tour provides excellent value and authentic moments. It’s a perfect choice for curious travelers who want to combine adventure with cultural discovery in a stunning setting.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for beginners. The horses are well-behaved, and guides tailor the experience to your skill level, ensuring everyone can enjoy the ride safely.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor activity are recommended. Be sure to dress for the weather, as the ride passes through outdoor terrain.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, safety helmets are included in the tour to ensure rider safety throughout the experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The flexible booking policy allows you to reserve now and pay later.

What will I see during the ride?
You’ll pass through scenic hills, valleys, and old villages with stone houses and churches. Expect to see natural springs, rugged canyons, and possibly meet local shepherds or villagers.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, this tour is not suitable for children under 8 years old, nor for pregnant women, or those with certain health conditions like back, heart, or insect allergies.

This horse riding experience in Përmet offers a genuine taste of Albania’s natural and cultural heritage. With stunning scenery, friendly guides, and a relaxed yet adventurous atmosphere, it’s an inviting choice for travelers eager to see the country from a different angle.