The international travel platform Travel and Tour World recently highlighted Albania once again with its article “Discover Albania’s Vjosa River: A New UNESCO World Heritage Destination for Ecotourism”, bringing global attention to one of Europe’s most extraordinary natural wonders: the Vjosa River.
This recognition confirms what nature lovers, scientists, and adventure travelers have long known—Vjosa is unique, irreplaceable, and wild.
Flowing freely for more than 270 kilometers from the Pindus Mountains in Greece to the Adriatic Sea, the Vjosa is Europe’s last wild river, untouched by dams, artificial barriers, or major infrastructure. Its recent designation as a National Park and UNESCO-recognized natural heritage site marks a historic milestone not only for Albania, but for environmental protection across the continent.
At the very heart of this protected ecosystem lies Albania Rafting Group, the pioneer and leading operator of adventure and experiential tourism on the Vjosa River.
The Vjosa River: A Living Laboratory of Nature
As highlighted in the Travel and Tour World article, the Vjosa River is not just a river—it is a living ecosystem. Its braided channels, gravel islands, floodplains, and crystal-clear waters create habitats for hundreds of species of birds, fish, insects, and plants, many of them rare or endangered.
Unlike regulated rivers elsewhere in Europe, the Vjosa still follows its natural rhythm:
- Seasonal water level changes
- Natural sediment transport
- Untouched riverbanks and forests
This makes the Vjosa a global model for sustainable ecotourism, where nature is not consumed, but experienced, respected, and protected.
Albania Rafting Group: 25 Years at the Heart of the Vjosa
For more than 25 years, Albania Rafting Group (ARG) has been operating on the Vjosa River, long before it became an international symbol of river conservation. ARG was among the first to understand that the true value of the Vjosa lies in keeping it wild and sharing it responsibly with the world.
Declared multiple times by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment as one of Albania’s leading companies for sustainable and nature-based tourism, Albania Rafting Group has played a key role in:
- Promoting the Vjosa internationally
- Educating visitors about river ecosystems
- Creating economic opportunities for local communities
- Proving that tourism and conservation can grow together
Glamping Albania Rafting: An Ecological Base on the Vjosa
One of Albania Rafting Group’s most important investments is its Eco Adventure Base and Glamping Center, located in the Vjosa Valley, near Përmet—one of southern Albania’s most charming and authentic regions.
This ecological base is not a hotel in nature, but a part of nature itself.
What makes our Eco Base unique:
- Safari-style glamping tents immersed in greenery
- Renewable energy systems and low-impact infrastructure
- Professional outdoor equipment center
- Open-air restaurant and culinary space
- Direct access to rivers, trails, and villages
Every year, thousands of international and Albanian visitors are welcomed here, choosing to stay close to nature without sacrificing comfort, safety, or quality.
10+ Sustainable Activities on the Vjosa River
From our eco base, Albania Rafting Group offers one of the widest ranges of outdoor activities in the Balkans, all designed in harmony with the environment and aligned with UNESCO ecotourism principles.
Water-Based Adventures
- Rafting on the last wild river in Europe
- Packrafting for deeper exploration of untouched river sections
- Kayaking & Inflatable Kayaks
- Hydrospeed for adrenaline seekers
- SUP (Stand Up Paddle) on calm river sections
Land & Cultural Experiences
- Hiking and trekking in the Vjosa Valley and surrounding mountains
- Canyon exploration in hidden gorges
- E-bike tours through villages, vineyards, and thermal springs
- Off-road experiences to remote areas
- Cooking classes with local families, preserving culinary heritage
Each activity is guided by certified professional guides, trained according to European standards, many of whom are locals who know the river and the land intimately.
Tourism That Supports Communities
As emphasized by international media, the success of the Vjosa as an ecotourism destination is closely linked to its people. Albania Rafting Group works directly with:
- Local farmers
- Family guesthouses
- Traditional cooks and artisans
- Young guides trained in sustainable tourism
This ensures that tourism revenue stays in the region, helping villages thrive while protecting their natural heritage.
Why the World Is Looking at the Vjosa
The Travel and Tour World article reflects a growing global trend: travelers are no longer searching only for destinations, but for meaningful experiences. The Vjosa River offers:
- Authentic wilderness in Europe
- Real sustainability, not marketing slogans
- Adventure combined with education and culture
- A rare chance to experience nature as it once was
Albania Rafting Group is proud to be one of the main actors transforming this vision into reality—day by day, guest by guest, river by river.
Experience the Vjosa with Those Who Know It Best
The recognition of the Vjosa River by international media and UNESCO is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of a new chapter for Albania as a leading ecotourism destination.
At Albania Rafting Group, we invite you not just to visit the Vjosa, but to live it:
- Paddle its waters
- Walk its valleys
- Taste its food
- Meet its people
- Understand why it must remain wild
Because the Vjosa is not only Albania’s pride—it is Europe’s last wild river, and its future depends on how we experience it today.
