Osum Canyon

Natural Phenomenon in Çorovodë

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Fadion Dashi

Osum Canyon (Kanioni i Osumit) is one of the top attractions in Berat for travellers seeking wild landscapes, adventure, and the kind of untouched beauty Albania is famous for. Stretching over 26 kilometres near the town of Çorovodë in Skrapar, the canyon features towering limestone cliffs, emerald-green river water, echoing caves, and seasonal waterfalls that spill down from the canyon walls. Whether seen from the river or from high above, it's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Berat's wider region and a perfect escape into southern Albania's dramatic nature.

In spring, melting snow from Mount Tomorr fills the Osum River, creating the perfect flow for rafting. By summer, the water calms and reveals sandy banks, hidden caves, and warm stone ledges that make swimming and sunbathing irresistible. This spot is one of the best places to see in Osum Canyon for visitors who love a blend of adrenaline, scenery, and peaceful natural spaces.

History and Significance of Osum Canyon
Things to See and Do in Osum Canyon
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Osum Canyon
Where to Stay close to Osum Canyon
Is Osum Canyon Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting
Nearby Attractions to Osum Canyon

History and Significance of Osum Canyon

Osum Canyon was carved over millions of years by the slow but powerful erosion of the Osum River as it travelled through layers of limestone. The result is a vast gorge with cliffs up to 80 metres high, shaped into smooth, flowing formations that resemble sculpted stone curtains.

The Skrapar region has long been known for its wild landscapes, hospitable villages, and strong traditions. The canyon is deeply tied to local folklore, with legends like the tale of forbidden lovers whose tears formed the river, or the Bride’s Hole cave where a young woman hid from an arranged marriage.

Today, the canyon is celebrated as one of Albania’s most impressive natural landmarks and a major hub for eco-tourism, drawing visitors for rafting, canyoning, hiking, and viewing its incredible geological formations.

Things to See and Do in Osum Canyon

Rafting is the most iconic activity, especially in spring when snowmelt creates ideal water levels. Eco-adventure companies in Berat and Çorovodë offer guided rafting trips that take you beneath waterfalls, through narrow corridors of rock, and along quiet stretches where the water reflects the cliffs like a mirror.

Hiking along the canyon rim offers a completely different perspective. Trails lead to panoramic viewpoints where you can look directly into the gorge and across the rugged landscape of Skrapar. The Old Zaberzan Bridge (Ura e Vjetër e Zaberzanit) is especially well-known for its dramatic canyon views.

In summer, lower water levels reveal shallow pools and riverside beaches. Swimming, wading, sunbathing, and photographing the canyon’s curves and colours are popular activities. Local guides often share stories about the region’s legends, nature, and history along the way.

How to Get There

Osum Canyon is located about 65 km (roughly 1.5 hours) southeast of Berat. Travellers flying into Albania typically land at Tirana International Airport before driving to Berat and then to Skrapar. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Berat on Booking.com.

The easiest route is by car along the SH72 road through Poliçan and Bogovë to Çorovodë. The drive is scenic and mostly well-paved, with some winding sections. Parking is available in Çorovodë and at various canyon viewpoints. If you are looking to rent a car in Albania I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Public minibuses run between Berat and Çorovodë, but schedules can be irregular. Tours from Berat are ideal if you're relying on public transport.

Practical Tips on Visiting Osum Canyon

Best time to visit Osum Canyon: Spring for rafting; summer for swimming and photography.
Entrance fee in Euros: Often €1-2 if collected at certain entry points.
Opening hours: Open at all times; rafting only during specific seasons.
Official website: None; local operators in Berat provide updates.
How long to spend: Half a day for rafting; a full day for hikes and viewpoints.
Accessibility: Rim views accessible by car; rafting requires basic fitness.
Facilities: Basic facilities in Çorovodë; limited options inside the canyon area.
Photography tip: Early morning or late afternoon for the best canyon shadows and colours.
Guided tours: Highly recommended for rafting and canyoning.
Nearby food options: Rustic restaurants in Skrapar, especially near the Old Zaberzan Bridge.

Where to Stay close to Osum Canyon

Most travellers choose to stay in Berat and visit the canyon as a day trip. For comfort and views, Hotel Rezidenca Desaret is a favourite. For traditional charm within the old town, Hotel Mangalemi offers warm hospitality. Those seeking historic atmosphere may prefer Vila Aleksander, close to Berat’s riverfront and old quarters.

Is Osum Canyon Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Osum Canyon is one of Albania's most spectacular natural landscapes, offering adventure, serenity, geological wonder, and rich local character. Whether you're rafting through its narrowest passages or standing on a cliff edge looking down into its emerald depths, the experience is unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.8 (660)

Osumi Canyon viewing point in Cerenisht, Albania offers dramatic cliff-and-river scenery with multiple accessible viewpoints: visitors note three distinct sections — a panoramic spot showing both canyon sides and a sinuous river, a section known as Bride's Hole, and a lower cliff area suitable for swimming — all reachable with short walks from parking. The approach road is winding and has variable surface quality but is paved and generally passable by ordinary cars; there are parking areas, places to camp, and a small buffet at the site. The views are widely praised, several roadside pull-offs allow extra photo stops, and the canyon is popular for hiking, rafting and simple sightseeing.

Sara

3 months ago

"Osumi Canyon in Albania is an adventure lover’s paradise—towering cliffs, winding rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls create a natural playground.Whether hiking, rafting, or just soaking in the views, every moment here is pure adrenaline and awe, making it one of Albania’s most unforgettable landscapes...."

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Suciani Arta

6 months ago

"This canyon has 3 different parts to visit and make sure you visit all of them as each of them will offer a different photo background. The firstpart is where you can see both sides of the canyon and where the river is making the snake shape. The second part is where you'll find Bride's Hole. Then come the last part with the lowest cliff where you can swim in the river. No hiking needed, just a short walk as all 3 places are accessible by car...."

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Guliola Lena

8 months ago

"So amazing point. There are place for camping and there are parking where you can leave car and go to organized view point(i add pictures).Everything civil. We was in Saturday in mid April and was no people. In others reviews I read about not good road,but with our experience wasn't same. We move from Berat and road was very good,was some parts thine but asphalt everywhere good and existe. Definitely recommend to everyone for visit. Who like rafting its good place for it and from Berat there are many options...."

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FAQs for Visiting

Yes, in spring the rapids are Class II-III, ideal for first-timers with guides.

Yes, but guides are essential for rafting and helpful for navigating the region.

Yes, especially in summer when the river is calm.

Around 65 km or 1.5 hours by car.

Spring for waterfalls, summer for clear emerald water.

Nearby Attractions to Osum Canyon

Bogove Waterfall: A jade-coloured pool and 20-meter cascade in a forested valley.
Mount Tomorr: Sacred peak with trails, wildlife, and sweeping views.
Çobo Winery: Family-run winery offering tastings near Berat.
Poliçan: Mountain town with panoramic viewpoints.
Berat Castle: Historic hilltop fortress with museums and medieval churches.

If you want a full entry for the Old Zaberzan Bridge, rafting companies, or nearby villages like Çorovodë or Bogovë, send the text and I'll format it.

The Osum Canyon appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Berat!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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