Osumi Canyon

The Osum river has cut a canyon some thirteen kilometres long through limestone south of Berat, in places only a few metres wide with walls rising to about eighty, with caves, side gorges, waterfalls dropping in from above and pools along the bed. It is the best known canyon in Albania. In spring, when snowmelt raises the river, it is rafted, with the descent taking most of a day; in summer, when the flow drops, it is walked, wading and swimming through the narrows, which is the way most visitors see it. Both are done with guides and equipment from Corovode or Berat. Viewpoints on the rim give an idea of the depth without going in, and a road runs along part of the top.

What you actually see

• Eighty-metre walls - the gorge at its deepest and narrowest.
• Side waterfalls - streams dropping into the canyon from above.
• Rafting in spring - the descent when snowmelt raises the river.
• Summer wading - walking and swimming the narrows at low water.

When to go

April to June for rafting, when the water is high; July to September for walking, when it is low. A day either way. Guides are necessary and trips book out at weekends. Flash flood risk after rain.

Honest expectations

Rafting and walking need different conditions and neither works year round. Guides and equipment are essential. Flash floods are a real risk and trips are cancelled after rain. Access roads are rough. Facilities are in Corovode, not at the canyon.

Nearby

Berat is north; Permet and the Vjosa lie south.