Amazing Horse Riding Experience at Vjosa National Park in Permet

The best part of this Përmet horse trek is the setting: you ride through southern Albania’s quiet hills, old village paths, and canyon country rather than simply circling a riding arena. I like the choice of trails based on your riding experience, and I like that the outing includes a simple picnic of fruit, snacks, water, and local wine. The horses are also described as calm, healthy, and well cared for.

The main consideration is that this is a real mountain ride, not a gentle photo stop. You may trot, canter, and ride uphill, and one rider described the outing as painful despite loving it. If you are nervous, tell the guide at the start and ask for a quieter route.

Key points to know before you book

• Lengarica Canyon is the favorite route: You follow an old trail once used to connect villages in the area.
• Saint Maria Church of Leuse is part of the outing: The church gives the ride a cultural stop, not just countryside views.
• Beginner riders are welcome: Guides provide instructions, and the horses are described as friendly and well behaved.
• The ride lasts about four hours: That makes it a substantial half-day activity, with time afterward for the thermal baths.
• The group is small: The information gives both seven and ten as the maximum, so confirm the exact group size when booking.
• The $96.79 price includes useful extras: Snacks, drinks, a riding cap, and air-conditioned transport are included, while lunch costs an additional €15.

Riding into Përmet’s mountain country

Përmet is one of southern Albania’s best bases for a nature trip. The Vjosa River runs through the region, and the river is protected as a national park. The area also includes Fir of Hotova National Park, old settlements, cold-water springs, stone houses, churches, and the Lengarica Canyon.

This ride gives you a slower way to see it all. From the back of a horse, you move along old paths rather than rushing between viewpoints by car. You can watch the hills change around you, pass stonework and ruins, and stop where the guide finds a good place for a rest.

The experience begins at Funky Guest House & Adventures on Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri in Përmet. An air-conditioned vehicle is included, which matters because some parts of the route are away from the town center. The outing ends back at the same meeting point.

The ride is planned for roughly four hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper excursion, but short enough to fit into a day that also includes a walk around Përmet or a visit to the thermal pools.

What the route can include

The exact trail depends on your riding ability and the conditions on the day. The guides choose a route that fits the group, so you should not expect every departure to follow an identical sequence.

The most popular option follows the Lengarica Canyon. This is not only a scenic place. The trail was once used to link several villages, giving the ride a practical connection to the region’s past. You may pass hills, valleys, springs, old ruins, and stone bridges as you follow the route.

The countryside is a strong part of the experience. You might see sheep and goats, pass through open hills, or stop near a spring. The ride has a feeling of moving through working rural Albania rather than visiting a neatly packaged attraction.

The published stop is Saint Maria Church of Leuse. The church is in the characteristic village of Leuse, one of the settlements known for stone houses, cobbled lanes, and old religious buildings. The church adds variety to the day. You are not spending four hours looking at the same type of view.

Other villages connected with the area include Benja, Ogdunani, and Badlonje. The route may not visit every one of them, so treat these names as part of the wider setting rather than a fixed checklist.

Why the horses matter

A horse ride is only as good as the care given to the animals. Here, the horses are repeatedly described as healthy, friendly, and well behaved. One especially useful detail is that they are allowed to roam the countryside when they are not working.

That does not guarantee a perfect match for every rider, but it is a reassuring sign. The horses are not presented as nervous or difficult, and the guides are used to helping people who have never ridden before.

The ride can include different gaits. Some people have progressed from basic riding to trotting and cantering during the outing. That can be thrilling on open ground, but it also means you should be honest about your comfort level.

If you are new to riding, ask for clear instructions before setting off. Keep your hands relaxed, follow the guide’s directions, and say so if the pace feels too fast. A confident rider may enjoy the faster sections, while a first-timer may prefer to stay at a walk.

The safety riding cap is included. Insurance is not, so check your own travel cover before booking.

Beginner-friendly, but not a soft ride

This experience is suitable for beginners as well as people who already ride. The guides provide support, and the horses are described as easygoing. Families have taken part with several first-time riders, including people who began the day very nervous and later felt confident enough to trot and canter.

Still, beginner-friendly does not mean effortless. Riding for several hours can be tiring, especially on uneven ground or uphill trails. You may feel sore afterward, and one account specifically praised the outing while warning that it could be painful.

That is useful advice, not a reason to reject the tour. Wear practical trousers and closed shoes. Avoid clothing that rubs, and bring sun protection. The supplied information does not list a weight limit, age limit, or detailed footwear rule, so ask Funky Adventures if any of those points affect you.

The ride is a better match for someone who wants an active half-day in the countryside than for someone seeking a passive sightseeing trip.

A picnic with local flavor

Snacks are included, along with fruit, cookies, water, and either wine or soft drinks. The food is served during a short break, often under a tree or near one of the natural stops along the route.

This is a modest picnic rather than a full meal. You should not count on it as lunch if you normally need a substantial meal after a morning of activity. An optional lunch costs €15 per person and includes drinks.

I like the simplicity of this arrangement. Fruit, nuts, cookies, and local wine fit the setting better than a formal restaurant stop. The break also gives you time to rest your legs, take photographs, and enjoy the countryside without trying to stay mounted every minute.

If you do not drink alcohol, soft drinks are available. If you need a full lunch, arrange the €15 option in advance rather than assuming the included snacks will be enough.

Meeting the guides

The experience is operated by Funky Adventures through Funky Guest House & Adventures. Guide names appear as Avenir, Avi, and Avenira in the available information, so you may want to confirm who is leading your particular departure.

The guide’s role is important here. A good horse trek depends on clear instructions, sensible pacing, and the ability to match the route to the group. The available feedback gives particular attention to friendly support, useful riding advice, photos, videos, and a relaxed mood.

Music has also been part of at least one outing, along with a generous number of photographs and videos. Do not assume every departure includes exactly the same extras, but it is worth asking if you care about photos.

The group is designed to be small. One part of the information says the maximum is ten people, while the additional details give a maximum of seven. That difference should be clarified before booking. Either way, this is intended to be a more personal outing than a large saddle-to-saddle procession.

What happens after the ride

The thermal baths near Benja are one of the area’s best-known attractions. They are about 20 minutes from Përmet, and the ride information suggests visiting them after the horseback outing to relax in the pools and explore the canyon.

The baths are not included as part of the listed four-hour ride, so confirm transport and timing if you want to add them. The schedule may depend on the chosen trail, weather, and the group’s pace.

This combination makes sense. Horse riding uses your legs and back, while a warm pool offers an easy way to unwind. The nearby canyon also gives you a second way to experience the area on foot.

Do not book the horse ride expecting a long thermal-bath session within the four hours unless the operator confirms it. Think of the pools as a possible follow-on activity.

Is $96.79 good value?

At $96.79 per person, this is not the cheapest activity in Albania. The price is easier to justify if you value a small group, a four-hour ride, organized transport, a riding cap, and refreshments.

You are paying for more than time on a horse. The route includes access to rural trails, a guide, animal care, a picnic break, and the chance to see parts of the Përmet region that are awkward to reach on foot in half a day. For a first-time rider, the instruction and support add real value.

The value is weaker if you only want a short introduction to horseback riding or if you are mainly interested in the thermal baths. In that case, a simpler local activity may suit you better.

There is also a package that includes accommodation. This could be useful if you are already planning to stay at Funky Guest House or want to make Përmet a longer stop. Compare the package price with a separate room and ride before deciding.

Timing, weather, and cancellations

The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can take another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times use local time in Albania.

The activity is available with a mobile ticket and is offered in English. Confirmation is provided when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify exact pickup times or a door-to-door hotel transfer, so confirm those points if you are staying outside central Përmet.

Who should book this ride?

I would choose this tour if you want:

• A half-day outdoors rather than a standard town walk
• A small-group activity with personal guidance
• A chance to ride through rural Albania
• A route with cultural stops, springs, ruins, and canyon scenery
• A horse ride that can work for beginners and experienced riders
• A natural follow-on visit to the Lengarica thermal baths

I would think twice if you dislike heights, uneven ground, or several hours in the saddle. You should also reconsider if you want a guaranteed fixed itinerary, since the trail changes according to rider experience and conditions.

The ride has particular appeal for couples, families with older children, and anyone looking for a memorable gift. It can also suit experienced riders who want more than a basic guided loop, provided the group’s pace matches their expectations.

FAQ

Where does the horse ride start and finish?

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

How long does the experience last?

The horseback outing lasts approximately four hours.

What places might I see on the ride?

The route may include Lengarica Canyon, old village trails, springs, stone bridges, ruins, hills, valleys, and Saint Maria Church of Leuse. The exact route is chosen according to the riders’ experience.

Is the ride suitable for beginners?

Yes. The horses are described as well behaved and friendly, and the guides provide instructions. The pace and trail are selected based on the group’s riding ability.

What is included in the price?

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

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is optional and costs €15 per person, including drinks.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also lead to an alternative date or a full refund.

Should you book the Përmet horse trek?

Book it if you want an active, scenic introduction to the countryside around Përmet and like the idea of reaching old paths, village churches, and Lengarica Canyon on horseback. The small group, kind guides, calm horses, and included picnic make the price easier to accept.

Before paying, confirm the group-size limit, the guide for your date, the exact trail, and whether the thermal baths can be added afterward. If you are comfortable with a little exertion and do not expect a gentle pony ride, this is one of the more distinctive ways to see the Përmet area.