Deep in the southern Albanian mountains, the small town of Përmet with its 5000 inhabitants is developing into a very attractive base for cultural and natural exploration. With several excellent places to stay and delicious local specialities, it lies along the Vjosa river and the stunning mountain route between Gjirokastra and Korça, between a rugged mountain range and an extensively forested national park, with waterfalls, thermal baths, and historical and cultural attractions all around. Përmet suffered greatly in World War 2, when it was the proud base for Albania’s liberation. The modern town centre, recently upgraded and pedestrianised, is still surrounded by charming older neighbourhoods that are full of flowers - giving Përmet its nickname, ‘City of Roses’.

This travel guide is one of five regional In Your Pocket guides produced in cooperation with the Albanian Ministry of Tourism and Environment (Ministria e Turizmit dhe Mjedisit, www.turizmi.gov.al). Copies of the guide are free and can be found at local municipalities, accommodations and tourist information centres, as well as at Tirana’s airport and embassies.
There are three guides for destinations in north Albania: Shkodra, Theth & Velipoja; Malësia e Madhe; and Puka, Vau i Dejës & Fushë-Arrëz. In southern Albania, two guides cover Gjirokastra and the Vjosa River Valley around Tepelene and Përmet. In Your Pocket also has a guide for Tirana.