Përmet rewards unhurried exploration. The Vjosa river is the town's constant backdrop — fast, cold, and boulder-strewn — and the footbridge across it leads quickly to forested hillsides. The town has more history packed into it than most visitors expect: two churches designated as Albanian cultural monuments, a Congress memorial, and strong connections to the Albanian national awakening of the 19th century. The day-trip to the Benja thermal baths in the Lengarica gorge is well worth the short drive.