Osumi Canyon (Kanioni i Osumit) is one of Albania’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Imagine a 26-kilometer-long canyon carved by the emerald Osum River, flanked by towering cliffs, hidden caves, and seasonal waterfalls. For photographers, this is pure magic.
This guide covers the very best places to photograph Osumi Canyon — the viewpoints, bridges, and hidden corners that will make your portfolio (or Instagram feed) pop. Each spot includes tips for the best time of day, recommended gear, and composition suggestions so you can come home with epic shots.
Osumi Canyon Viewing Point (Çerenisht Side)
This is the most famous viewpoint of Osumi Canyon and offers a wide-open panorama over one of the deepest sections. It’s a classic first stop when approaching from Berat.
- Why it’s great: Perfect place to photograph the canyon’s depth and the winding river.
- Best time to shoot: Morning or golden hour to avoid harsh midday shadows.
- Composition tips: Frame the river in the bottom third of your image and include some foreground rock or vegetation for scale.
- Pro tip: Use a wide-angle lens (16–24mm full-frame) to capture the vastness without cutting off the edges of the canyon.
Osumi Canyon Viewpoint (Central Section)
Located slightly further along the road, this viewpoint gives you a tighter, more intimate look into the canyon.
- Why it’s great: Great for isolating one of the dramatic curves of the river.
- Best time to shoot: Late afternoon when the sun hits the cliffs from the side.
- Composition tips: Zoom in (70–100mm) to compress the scene and capture patterns in the rock faces.
- Pro tip: Look for birds or goats on the cliffs — they add a sense of scale to your shot.
Osumi Canyon Bridge
This stone bridge is a classic photography location because it allows you to shoot straight down into the river.
- Why it’s great: Leading lines from the bridge and road create natural depth.
- Best time to shoot: Golden hour, especially sunset, as warm light hits the canyon walls.
- Composition tips: Stand at one end of the bridge and use it as a leading line into your frame. Try a vertical shot to show the bridge, river, and sky.
- Pro tip: Bring a tripod for a long exposure and make the water look silky smooth.
Kanionet e Osumit Zabërzan
This spot is slightly off the main road but gives one of the most dramatic views into the canyon’s heart.
- Why it’s great: It feels wild and remote — fewer crowds, big reward.
- Best time to shoot: Sunrise or very early morning, when you may get mist lingering in the canyon.
- Composition tips: Go wide and include the curve of the river plus a bit of sky.
- Pro tip: Use a drone if you have one — aerial shots here are phenomenal.
Scenic Pull-Offs Along the Road
As you drive between Çorovodë and the canyon, stop at any roadside pull-off where you see a view — there are many unmarked gems.
- Why it’s great: Each pull-off offers a different perspective, some looking into narrower sections, others showing wider river bends.
- Best time to shoot: Morning for softer light, evening for dramatic contrast.
- Composition tips: Include the road in the foreground as a leading line.
- Pro tip: Shoot handheld and bracket exposures to deal with tricky light.
Bonus: Bogovë Waterfall
Though not technically in Osumi Canyon, this waterfall is a perfect addition to your photography trip — just a 20-minute drive away.
- Why it’s great: Turquoise pool and a curtain-like fall surrounded by lush greenery.
- Best time to shoot: Midday when the pool catches sunlight.
- Composition tips: Place the waterfall slightly off-center and include the rocks as foreground texture.
- Pro tip: Use an ND filter (3–6 stops) for a 1–2 second exposure to smooth the water.
Best Time to Visit for Photography
- Spring: Water levels are highest, rafting season is open, and waterfalls are most dramatic.
- Summer: Sunlight lasts longer and canyon walls stay dry, but river is lower.
- Autumn: Golden foliage contrasts beautifully with the grey cliffs.
- Winter: Some access roads may be tricky, but frost and mist make for magical shots.
Suggested Shooting Schedule for a One-Day Trip
- Midday arrival: Start at Osumi Canyon Viewing Point for first panoramic shots.
- Afternoon: Visit Kanionet e Osumit Zabërzan and Osumi Canyon Bridge for side-lit photos.
- Golden hour: Park at a roadside pull-off for the warm light hitting the cliffs.
- Evening: Wrap up with dinner in Çorovodë and review your images.
Photography Tips
- Gear: Wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for compressing layers, tripod, ND filter, drone if legal.
- Safety: Stay back from edges, wear proper shoes, and avoid wet rocks.
- Creative tip: Don’t just shoot wide. Use telephoto to find abstract patterns in the canyon walls or reflections in the river.