Monument: Thermal Springs of Bënja
Status: Maintaned
Municipality: Përmet
State_MN: Good
The springs are located 7-8 km near Petran, 300 m above sea level. They are thermomineral springs with a temperature of about 25 – 300 C, which emerge on both sides of the river Lengarica, with sulfur content and dissolved gases in them. They are of scientific importance, especially in the field of geology and hydrogeology, because they are related to the great tectonic detachment of the province and they are active tectonic movements. The object also has curative, didactic and tourist values. It is visited along the road Përmet – Petran – Banja and then the pedestrian road to the monument is taken.
A medieval bridge stretches over a sulfur-rich river that leads to year-round natural hot springs
Albania is home to therapeutic landscapes where thermal baths and hot springs, known as ‘llixha’, meet with nature, history, and architecture. The country is relatively rich with low up to the middle enthalpy, with waters coming out as natural springs and wells. There are 12 natural springs and ten wells. Thermal tourism is part of medical and wellness in the T&T industry and in many countries, it’s a major source of income. Compared to other sectors of the tourism industry, seasonal variations from summer to winter have no impact on thermal and hydrothermal therapy. Therefore, it has the potential to maintain tourist traffic all year round.
Rich in minerals and healing properties, the thermal baths of Albania in nowadays Elbasan, or Benja were mentioned since the Roman period. Thermal baths and springs in Albania can be found in different parts of the country. Some are well known among Albanians and international visitors, others are completely unknown. There is a route of European thermal heritage that takes visitors to numerous destinations across different countries, but when one searches for Albania, there are no results. Hence, IIA made this guide to the thermal baths and hot springs in Albania for those looking for relaxing and refreshing treatments for the body and mind.
Thermal Springs in Albania
Zheji 1 and 2
Shupali
Elbasan thermal baths
Banja/Hydraj torrent
Peshkopia thermal Baths
Benja thermal springs, Lengarica, Permet
Vronomeri/Sarandoporo, Leskovik
Holta torrent in Gramsh
Postenan steam spring in Leskovik
Kapaj in Mallakstra
Treblova in Vlora
The Vjosa River flows across the entire valley, and eventually branches out into the Langarica River – the latter stretching across a canyon of the same name. The caves within the Langarica Canyon are really a sight to behold! Warm waters join Langarica’s stream, which despite the naturally cold temperature of the river, keep it at a warming 29-30 degrees Celsius all year-round. These are the thermal baths of Bënja, or llixha as they are called in Albanian. They are located only 13 km from the centre of the beautiful Përmet. People flock here to seek recovery from rheumatism, skin, and kidney ailmentsn to name but a few of the symptoms known to be relieved here. Each thermal pool, rich in minerals, serves a particular healing purpose. Benja Thermal Pools are smooth and clear, and also contain a high content of sulphur. The stone baths are the most authentic, and as such, attract a large amount of visitors all year-round. The winter, when the temperature in Përmet falls below 0 degrees Celsius is the best time to immerse yourself in these hot baths. Enjoy that satisfying contrast between the air and water! Remember though, 20-25 minutes in the pool usually suffices! More time in the highly sulphuric waters can be quite overwhelming, and not necessarily that good for you. The Benja Thermal Pools are highly-recommended by doctors for their health benefits, but are also wonderful to immerse yourself in for no other reason than pure pleasure! The muddy deposits of the thermal waters contain regenerative properties for the skin. The waters flow from the deep chasms of the cliffs surrounding the famous Langarica Canyon. They have been well-known for their health purposes since antiquity. You can find two of the largest and most popular baths at the foot of the Bridge of Katiu (the Judge’s Bridge). These are known for being particularly beneficial for curing gastric and rheumatic diseases. A visit to these natural baths provides you with wonderfully natural health benefits, whilst taking in the spectacular scenic landscape of Përmet.
The water at Benja Thermal Bathscontains Sulphur and has enormous high curative effects, 4 of the sources areused for chronic disease of rheumatism, another one is especially used stomachdisease and the last one for skin diseases. The Benja Thermal Waters have a temperature of 26 – 32 grade Celsius. The water contains Sulphur and there is a strong smell in the area. The gods must have been truly inspired when they conceived the town of Përmet, blessing it with a timeless picturesque landscape. Here, the mountains, hills, rivers, and forests play a truly breathtaking game of hide-and-seek! Përmet has gradually become one of Albania’s most visited destinations for outdoor adventure. Whether it’s rafting across the Vjosa River, or healthy recreation in its natural thermal baths. Close to this touristic natural and cultural site there is also the beautiful Ottoman bridge another popular attraction in an area highly-regarded for its archaeological value. The earliest objects found in the cave settlements here belong to the Neolithic (7000-3000 BC) and the Eneolithic (3000-2000 BC) periods. Near the bridge, you’ll find the the Benja Thermal Baths, born from the geothermal waters near Përmet, Albania. The heated water flows down the river unless it gets diverted into one of the several human-made pools. They’re a splendid spot for a hot soak on a crisp, cool day. Some say the baths have healing properties. As such, you may see some locals arriving to bathe there and reap the water’s alleged health benefits. The pools are off the beaten path, though, so you can still expect a fair amount of privacy. The area surrounding the old bridge and the hot springs is stunning. Walking atop the stone overpass is a great way to soak in the views. The river carves through a beautiful gorge, back dropped by distant mountains that stretch toward the sky. Small waterfalls rush and ripple along some parts of the river. It’s a gorgeous spot to camp—if you don’t mind spending the night breathing in air saturated with the stinky stench of sulphur.
