Përmet: Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa NP

The best part of this four-hour ride is the chance to see Vjosa National Park from horseback, moving through hills, valleys, old villages, and river country at a slow, human pace. I like the calm horses and the way the route can be matched to your riding experience. I also like that photos and videos are included, so you can enjoy the ride instead of constantly reaching for your phone.

The main point to consider is that this is not a fit for everyone. You must share your height, weight, and riding background in advance, and the activity excludes children under 8, people over 65, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and anyone with several listed medical or allergy concerns. At $101 per person, it is best value if you want a full half-day outing rather than a short horse ride.

What makes this ride worth your time

• Ride beside one of Europe’s last wild rivers: Vjosa gives the outing a strong sense of place, with open river scenery and mountain views.
• Gentle horses for mixed ability levels: Beginners can ride alongside more experienced riders, with the horse and trail selected to suit each person.
• Four hours on varied trails: Expect hills, valleys, springs, old ruins, churches, villages, and wide views rather than one short loop.
• A real local pause: Snacks, fruit, drinks, and local wine are included during a break on the trail.
• Photos and videos included: Guide Avenir takes pictures and videos during the outing and sends them to you afterward.
• Small group size: With no more than nine participants, the guide can pay attention to different riding abilities.

Starting at Funky Guest House in Përmet

You meet your guide at the Funky bar at Funky Guest House. This is in Përmet, in Albania’s Gjirokastër District, an area known for mountain scenery, traditional food, old stone villages, and access to the Vjosa valley.

The outing lasts about four hours, so plan on giving it a good part of your day. This is useful if you want more than a quick introduction to riding. You have time to settle onto the horse, get used to the pace, stop for food and drinks, and take in several different types of scenery.

The group is limited to nine people. That matters here. Horse rides work better when the guide can keep track of every rider, especially when a group includes complete beginners and people with more experience. A small group also keeps the outing quieter, which suits the rural setting.

The guides speak Albanian and English. Avenir is specifically praised for adjusting his approach to what riders need and for handling a group with different experience levels. You should still give accurate information when booking. Your height, weight, and riding background help the team choose a suitable horse and route.

Gentle horses and a sensible match

You do not need advanced riding skills for this experience. The horses are described as calm, patient, friendly, and well trained, which makes a major difference if this is your first ride or your first ride in a long time.

The horses are also reported to be well cared for. That is worth paying attention to. A pleasant outing depends not only on kind animals, but on good treatment before and after the ride. The descriptions of the horses suggest that the operator takes their condition seriously and that they appear comfortable doing this work.

Your experience level still matters. Tell the operator if you have never ridden, if you are rusty, or if you are confident in the saddle. The route and horse can then be selected with your comfort in mind. You should not assume that a gentle horse makes every trail suitable for every rider.

Safety caps are included. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you can use outdoors. The activity does not include insurance, so check your own travel cover before you book.

Following the Vjosa through open country

Vjosa National Park is the setting, but the ride is more than a standard park visit. The route operates on both sides of the Vjosa River, known as the last wild river in Europe and now protected as a national park.

The river gives the outing its main sense of direction. You can expect views across open country, hills, valleys, and mountain slopes, with the horse providing a quieter way to move between them. On horseback, you are not sealed inside a vehicle or rushing from one viewpoint to the next. You have time to notice the trail, the changing ground, and the people who live in the area.

The exact route depends on the horses, the group, and your riding experience. That is a strength, not a weakness. A fixed route can be less comfortable when one person is a beginner and another is experienced. Here, the operator can make a better match.

You may pass sheep or goats, and you may meet local people along the way. Those encounters are part of the appeal. The ride connects the national park with the working countryside around Përmet, rather than keeping you on a single scenic platform.

Villages, churches, springs, and old ruins

The surrounding area includes several characteristic villages, including Benja, Ogdunani, Leusë, and Badlonje. Their stone houses and cobbled streets give the ride a strong local character.

You may pass old churches with painted interiors, old ruins, cold-water springs, and narrow valleys. These are not presented as long formal sightseeing stops with a detailed historical program. Instead, they form part of the route, giving you small points of interest between the riding sections.

Leusë is particularly associated with old stone buildings and churches. Benja is known in the wider Përmet area for its springs and access to scenic countryside. The experience information does not promise a specific stop at every village or church, so think of these places as possible features of the trail rather than guaranteed scheduled visits.

That flexible format suits the activity. Horse riding is most enjoyable when you are not hurrying from one stop to the next. You can pause, take photographs, and enjoy the setting without turning the ride into a packed sightseeing circuit.

A break with fruit, snacks, and local wine

A short break is planned during the ride. Snacks, fruit, and drinks are included, with local wine listed among the refreshments.

This pause gives you time to rest your legs and let the horses take a break. It also adds a taste of the area’s hospitality, which is one of the reasons Përmet appeals to people looking beyond Albania’s busiest coastal spots.

The wine is worth noting, but the activity does not permit alcohol or drugs as a general rule. The included local wine should be treated as part of the planned refreshment stop, not a reason to drink heavily before or during a ride. You need to remain alert and comfortable around the horses.

If you have dietary needs, ask before booking. The provided details confirm snacks, fruit, and drinks, but do not specify ingredients or alternatives.

The photos and videos are a real bonus

Photos and videos are included, and Avenir takes them during the experience before sending them to you. This is one of the strongest practical extras.

Horseback riding is awkward to photograph while you are doing it. You need both hands available, and stopping to take pictures can interrupt the rhythm of the ride. Having the guide record the scenery and group means you can stay present and still finish with a useful set of images.

The photos also capture details you might miss while concentrating on the horse: the shape of the valley, the line of the trail, the old stone buildings, and the group moving through the countryside. Do not expect a professional photography session, but do expect a personal album from the day.

This inclusion adds value to the $101 price. A cheaper ride that excludes drinks, equipment, and photos may not cost much less once you add extras. Here, the price covers the horse, cap, refreshments, guide, and media, though not insurance.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this ride to you if you want an active half-day in southern Albania and like the idea of seeing rural scenery at a slow pace. It works especially well for:

• First-time riders who want calm horses and a guide who can adapt the route
• Mixed-ability groups, since the experience can accommodate different riding backgrounds
• Couples, friends, and small groups looking for a shared outdoor activity
• People who enjoy villages, springs, old churches, and local countryside more than formal attractions
• Visitors staying in or near Përmet who want a memorable way to explore the Vjosa area

The activity is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with back or heart problems, people with recent surgery, people with animal or insect allergies, or anyone over 220 pounds, or 100 kilograms. It also excludes people over 65.

Those limits may feel strict, but horseback riding places real demands on balance, joints, and the back. Take them seriously. If you have any medical concern that is not clearly covered, ask Funky Adventures before paying.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move. Comfortable shoes are required, and practical outdoor footwear is a better choice than anything delicate or slippery.

Send your height, weight, and riding experience before the trip. This is not just paperwork. It allows the operator to select the right horse and trail, which can make the difference between a relaxed ride and an uncomfortable one.

You should also arrive ready for changing conditions on the trail. The provided information does not specify weather equipment, so check the forecast and ask the operator if you need extra advice. Carry only what you need, since a bulky bag can become a nuisance on horseback.

The activity is guided in Albanian and English. If you are joining with a group, make sure everyone understands the riding requirements and the restrictions before booking.

Is $101 a fair price?

At $101 per person, this is not Albania’s cheapest outdoor activity. The value depends on how much time and support you want.

You receive about four hours of riding, a safety cap, snacks, fruit, drinks, a guide, and photos and videos. The small group limit of nine also matters. You are paying for a guided experience that can account for different riding levels, not simply access to a horse for a short circuit.

The price makes the most sense if you value the full package and want an outing that becomes one of the main activities of your day. It is less compelling if you only want to sit on a horse briefly or if you are mainly looking for a low-cost way to see the river.

The included media improves the calculation. You do not have to choose between handling your phone and enjoying the ride, and you take home more than a memory of passing through the park.

Cancellation and booking details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your route through Albania is still changing.

Check starting times before booking, since the ride is offered at set times based on availability. Meet at the Funky bar inside Funky Guest House, not at a separate trailhead unless the operator tells you otherwise.

Funky Adventures is the experience provider. Since the route is adapted to the participants, provide your details early and be honest about your riding ability.

Should you book the Vjosa horseback ride?

Book it if you want a personal, active way to see the Përmet area, and if four hours on a horse sounds appealing rather than tiring. The calm horses, small group, flexible trail choice, local refreshment stop, and included photos make this a well-rounded outing.

Skip it if you have one of the listed health, mobility, age, allergy, or weight restrictions, or if you want a quick and inexpensive attraction. You should also think twice if you dislike outdoor riding or feel uneasy around animals.

For the right person, this is not just a ride through a national park. It is a day of river views, old villages, springs, mountain trails, and quiet contact with the countryside. The price is fair when you want that complete experience and plan to make it a highlight of your time near Përmet.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride meet?

Meet your guide at the Funky bar at Funky Guest House.

How long does the experience last?

The horseback ride lasts four hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What languages are available?

The guides speak Albanian and English.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to nine participants.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the horse ride, safety cap, snacks, drinks, photos, and videos. Insurance is not included.

Who is not suitable for this activity?

The ride is not suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, people with back or heart problems, wheelchair users, people over 65, people with animal or insect allergies, people over 220 pounds or 100 kilograms, or people with recent surgeries.