During the spring, high water from melting snow makes it possible to explore the whole length of the canyon from the river. The rapids are Class II, so one does not need prior white water experience to navigate them. At the end of the summer, when the water is lower, the full length of the canyon is not navigable, but there are various walks with opportunities for swimming in various pools and streams.
The edges of the canyon have an unusual ecosystem that preserves the greenery on both sides of the canyon year-round. Mediterranean bushes like heath and briar flourish along with rich flora and fauna. On the slopes of the canyon, erosion has created pockmarked cavern walls with small caves. Some of the rock formations in the canyon have fanciful names such as the Cathedral, the Eye, and the Demon’s Door. The canyons are 26 km (16 miles) long, at an altitude of 450 m. They are thought to have been formed 2-3 million years ago by water erosion.
It is generally thought that many years ago the river flowed underground, but over time the rock above the river disappeared, creating the current form of the canyon. In the gulf of this canyon that passes Osum River in both its sides, water flows come from different villages which pass in a rock chain. The local inhabitants tell many interesting legends, such as those of Saint Abaz Ali. The canyon includes six narrow sections ranging from 1.5 m wide in the riverbed up to 35 m wide further up the sides of the canyon.
Gradeci Canyon, the most beautiful and spectacular canyon of the valley of Osumi, stands close to the cave. It is 4 km long, 40 m high, and in different spots, only 1.5 m wide. Its slopes descend rapidly into the river. To reach the other canyons of Osumi, you must journey southward. These other canyons are located 3 km south from the town of Çorovoda. They are magnificent natural objects with a total length of 15 km. In this area, you can practice water sports like canoeing, rafting and kayaking. There are also several spots that serve as small beaches, such...
Read moreThe Osumi river gorge is one of the most spectacular natural attractions of Albania. During the spring, high water from melting snow makes it possible to explore the whole length of the gorge from the river. Spring is also the best time to view the many waterfalls in the gorges, which thunder from above as explorers pass below on boats. The rapids are Class II, so one does not need prior white water experience to navigate them. At the end of the summer, when the water is lower, the full length of the gorge is not navigable, but there are various walks with opportunities for swimming in various pools and streams. The edges of the gorge have an unusual ecosystem that preserves the greenery on both sides of gorge year-round. Mediterranean bushes like heath and briar flourish along with a rich flora and fauna. On the slopes of the gorge, erosion has created pockmarked cavern walls with small caves. Some of the rock formations in the gorge have fanciful names such as the Cathedral, the Eye, and the Demon's Door. The gorge is 26 km (16 miles) long, at an altitude of 450 m. They are thought to have been formed 2-3 million years ago by water erosion. There are many underground passages and unexplored caves throughout the length of the gorge. It is generally thought that many years ago the river flowed underground, but over time the rock above the river disappeared, creating the current form of the gorge. In the gulf of this gorge that is passed from Osum river in both its sides, outflow falls from different villages which pass in a rock chain. In the slopes of the gorge, erosion has created a rock chain, one of the rarest found in Albanian gorges The local inhabitants tell many interesting legends, such as those of Mulliri i Babait, Vrima e Nuses and Saint Abaz Ali. The gorge includes six narrow sections ranging from 1.5 m wide in the riverbed up to 35 m wide further up the sides...
Read moreI took a tour as I was told it was utterly impossible todo from berat on my own, but it really isn't hard. I'd recommend staying in a town called çorodova or sharovë in one of the guest houses, you can get a bus straight from berat or near to. Then walk a little while, past the brides hole (a landmark on the canyon) you'll see a sign for camping on the road, take the little path and it will lead you to a lovely part of the canyon where there is a low bridge connecting the two sides of the canyon. Depending on the weather and the hight of the water you can jump from some of the rocks but always with caution. Cross the little bridge and follow the path (it's not the most easy to follow but keep going up) and you'll come to an amazing view point (10 minutes max walking) and then take the same path back down. You can try to hitch hike it, from others experience it took about 5/6 different cars of hitch hiking back to berat as it is far. But don't pay for a tour, its...
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