A day trip to Osumi Canyon is one of the most exciting adventures in Albania. Known as Albania’s Grand Canyon, this gorge stretches 13 kilometers and cuts through the Skrapar region with cliffs up to 150 meters high. The canyon, carved by the Osum River over three million years, is full of waterfalls, pools, and dramatic landscapes.
Nearby, Bogovë Waterfall has a refreshing natural pool hidden in the mountains. So, why not combine them in your itinerary? Renting a car is the best way to reach these sites. It gives you the freedom to stop at villages, enjoy scenic roads, and explore at your own pace. Keep reading our Osumi Canyon travel guide to start planning your road trip.
Driving to Osumi Canyon is easiest from Berat. However, if you are flying from another country, you will most likely land at Tirana Airport. From Tirana, the drive to Osumi Canyon takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes over a distance of 180 km. The main route follows the SH72 highway through Elbasan and Berat before reaching Çorovodë, the nearest town to the canyon.
After leaving the airport, you’ll join the A1 motorway and then connect to SH2 toward Elbasan. From here, the road leads you onto SH4, passing scenic countryside, small towns, and stretches of farmland. Once you reach Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” continue south on SH72 toward Çorovodë. This section of the drive winds through rolling hills and vineyards before narrowing into mountain roads near the canyon area. Parking areas are available near Osumi Canyon.
If you are from Berat, buses connect Berat with Çorovodë. They run several times daily and take around 2 hours. The last bus back often departs in the early afternoon, so public transport limits your flexibility.
Many tours depart from Berat, including round-trip transfers, guides, and lunch. They also stop at Bogovë Waterfall before reaching the canyon. While convenient, these packages follow fixed schedules. For travellers who want independence, renting a car in Albania is the top choice.
Your experience depends greatly on the season. River levels, temperatures, and vegetation all change the type of activities available.
Osumi Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the Balkans. Often called the Colorado of the Balkans, it stretches for about 13 kilometers, cutting through dramatic cliffs that reach 80 meters in height. Here’s what you need to know before a day trip to Osumi Canyon:
The Osumi Canyon was formed more than 3 million years ago, as the Osum River carved its way through the region’s soft limestone. Over time, this process created vertical walls, hollows, and arches, making the canyon so striking today. The water continues to shape the rock, leaving smooth grooves and polished surfaces behind. Along some parts of the river, you can even find clay pockets. Local guides often point these out, as visitors can apply the natural mud on their skin.
The most spectacular stretch lies just south of Çorovodë, where the gorge narrows into tight slots before suddenly opening into pebble beaches and natural pools. In spring, as snowmelt raises the water levels, you’ll see temporary waterfalls tumbling from the canyon rim into the river. The flowing water constantly changes the shape of the gorge. Kayakers often paddle through these sections in early spring, when the river is high, while summer brings lower water and calmer pools ideal for swimming and exploring.
The Blazënckë Bridge is one of the best spots for photos, as it spans a wide opening of the canyon. The Bride’s Hole viewpoint is linked to a local legend. Another highlight is the Zabërzan footbridge, often called the most romantic place in the canyon, where towering cliffs rise dramatically on both sides. If you want a sweeping perspective, head to Flamuri, the canyon’s highest point.
Osumi Canyon is best known for adventure. Depending on the season, you can raft, hike, swim, and canyon.
When the Osum River runs lower in the summer, shallow pools form along the canyon floor. These areas become popular swimming spots and places for supervised cliff jumping. Local guides know which parts of the river are safe for diving, since water depth can change with the season. The pools are surrounded by cliffs that provide shade. The cold mountain water is refreshing, and you can cool off after a hike. For those less adventurous, simply wading or floating in the calmer areas is a peaceful way to enjoy the canyon.
Hiking is another highlight of the canyon. A full perimeter hike is about 18 kilometers, with 9 kilometers along each side. The west side follows dirt tracks that weave through farmland and rocky terrain. The east side follows a paved road, which makes it easier but hotter in the summer sun. Completing the full loop takes 5 to 6 hours with around 500 meters of elevation gain. If you prefer something lighter, there are shorter hikes to bridges and viewpoints, like the Blazënckë Bridge or Zabërzan footbridge.
For thrill-seekers, canyoning and abseiling are popular with local guides, especially around the Waterfall of Love, where you descend into a narrow gorge beside rushing water. The canyon also hides small caves with limestone formations. Many visitors enjoy a more relaxing tradition: covering their skin with the natural clay mud along the riverbanks. Once it dries, you can rinse it off in the cold river.
Guided tours offer safe, structured ways to explore the canyon. They include transport, lunch, and equipment. In spring, rafting tours last two to three hours. Certified guides from the Albanian Rafting Federation ensure safety. Packages include helmets, neoprene suits, and life jackets. Prices usually cover transport from Berat and a local lunch.
In summer, rafting stops, but river hiking begins. These tours combine swimming, trekking, and cliff diving. Guides provide waterproof bags, wetsuits, and helmets. The activity lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and is followed by a local meal. Tours often include transport, equipment, guides, and meals. Prices range between 35 and 100 euros. Some packages add accommodation in Berat or near the canyon.
Bogovë Waterfall is about 1 hour from Osumi Canyon. The drive follows a winding mountain road filled with hairpin bends and small potholes, but the scenery is worth it. You’ll pass farmland, terraced hills, and panoramic viewpoints before reaching the village of Bogovë. The walk to the falls is 1.6 kilometers from here and takes around 30 minutes. The trail runs alongside the river on a dirt road, crosses a bridge, and then continues through a small forest, leading directly to the cascade.
When you arrive, the waterfall is in a craggy ravine, plunging over two levels into a natural teal pool. In summer, the icy water is perfect for cooling off after hours in the canyon, while in spring, the flow is stronger. The pool is deep enough for swimming, though the temperature is cold year-round. Around the base, there are flat rocks, shaded patches, and a few worn picnic tables. Visiting Bogovë Waterfall after Osumi Canyon is the perfect way to end your trip. The canyon offers adrenaline with rafting, river hiking, and cliff jumping, while Bogovë provides relaxation with shade, cool water, and forested trails.
Here are some final tips for your Osumi Canyon adventure:
A road trip to Osumi Canyon is one of the best ways to experience Albania’s natural beauty, cultural stories, and outdoor adventure. The canyon becomes a rafting paradise in spring with rushing water and waterfalls. Summer shifts the focus to hiking, swimming, and river trekking, while autumn and winter bring quieter but equally scenic viewpoints. Together with Bogovë Waterfall, the trip balances adrenaline and relaxation. Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to freely plan your route, stop at viewpoints, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
