Përmet District

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The District of Përmet (Albanian: Rrethi i Përmetit) (Greek: Πρεμετή) is one of the thirty-six districts of Albania. Its population of 26,000 (2004 estimate) includes Aromanian minorities. The post-Communist era has seen a revival of the Albanian Orthodox church and Muslim sects. Protestant and other western Christian groups have also entered the religious scene. The district has an area of 929 km². It is in the south-east of the country, and its capital is Përmet, pronounced as Parmèt. Other places in this district include Këlcyrë.

The District of Përmet has traditionally been renowned for the production of wine and raki, a beverage of high alcohol content distilled from grape fermentation and traditionally home-made. Geographical features are Dhëmbel, Nemërçkë, Trebeshinë mountains, Vjosë river, and Bënjë hot spring. The town of Permeti is known for its rose and flowery landscapes; also known nationally as "the town of the roses". This small town is famous for its tradition of folk music and it is hometown to Laver Bariu, a renowned clarinet folk artist.

Permet is a traveling spot waiting to be discovered by travelers from outside Albania. The Mediterranean climate coupled with geographic features makes white water tubing/canoeing and mountain hiking an enjoyable adventure in this remote part of Albania. The Benje hot-springs are only about 10 km south from town. An SUV is an ideal vehicle to get there; there are no paved roads for the last five kilometers and the terrain is quite tough. Renting mountain-bikes may also be an option. Although, lack of a tourism infrastructure means that all arrangements have to be improvised. Some architectural attractions are the Byzantine style orthodox churches. The Church of Leuse was built in the 1600s.

The best way to experience the culture is to try and merge with the locals. Try and visit street coffee shops, which feature full alcohol bars, go shopping for organic food in the farmers' market in early mornings, or go for an evening walk around the parks. The locals are quite helpful but English is not widely spoken. An interpreter can be hired for a very reasonable price for the entire trip or for specific situations.

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Districts of Albania