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Why Visit Butrint National Park?
Butrint National Park encompasses over 23,000 acres of lagoon wetland, as well as the ancient city of Butrint, a UNESCO world heritage site. The wetlands are home to diverse flora and fauna, with 800 kinds of plants and 246 bird species. The ruins of the once-thriving port town date back to the 8th Century B.C.
Butrint (originally Buthrotum) was a Greek city until the Romans took over in 228 B.C. It was later ruled by Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. At Butrint, you can experience layers of history, from Greek temples and Roman baths to Byzantine basilicas and Venetian towers. The natural scenery that surrounds these ruins is simply stunning.
Where is Butrint National Park?
The ancient city of Butrint is located on a peninsula in southern Albania, about 10 miles from Saranda, a popular resort town on the Albanian Riviera. The Greek island of Corfu lies to the west, across a narrow strait.
To get to Butrint, take a taxi or bus from Saranda. The taxi ride is less than a half hour and should cost no more than 1,500 lekë (15 USD) each way. The bus is far cheaper (150 lekë) and runs twice an hour. Travel time is about 35 minutes.
If you’re staying on Corfu, you’ll need to take a ferry (and your passport) to Saranda—there’s no boat to Butrint. Finikas Lines can get you to the port in just over a half hour by hydrofoil. The regular ferry takes up to 2 hours. Taxis will be waiting when you disembark, or there’s a bus stop. Wait for the bus with a Butrint sign, and ride it all the way to the terminus at the entrance to the archaeological site.
Butrint National Park is open 7 days a week from 9 AM till 7 PM. Tickets are 1,000 lekë for adults and 500 for ages 12 to 18. Kids under 12 get in free.
Explore the Ancient City in Butrint National Park
Like many ancient Greek cities, Butrint is topped by an acropolis. These were high, defensible settlements containing temples, forts and royal residences. It’s best to explore the lower city first, and work your way up to the acropolis. From there, you can descend via stairs to the parking area.
Before you dive in, pick up a free map at the entrance. It clearly indicates all the areas you’ll want to see, and explains the history of the structures you’ll encounter.
Ancient Theater
Start at the theater. It was built by the Greeks and later expanded by Romans to seat 2500 spectators, including deluxe boxes for VIPs. There are numerous inscriptions carved into the stone, mostly listing emancipated Greek slaves. Performances are still held here.
To the left of the theater is a temple dedicated to the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius. People traveled for many miles to drink the healing waters of Lake Butrint. They brought offerings and money, and the city soon grew into a wealthy cult center. According to one of the inscriptions, the theater was built with funds collected by the priests.
Watch the pool around the temple for Balkan and European pond turtles—they like to bask on logs. Past the theater are the remains of the Greek agora (and Roman forum). This was the center of commercial and government activity in the city. A Roman bath complex is nearby.
The Baptistery
Go down past the Gymnasium to the Roman villa, then over to the Byzantine baptistery. Only the bottom quarter remains, but the floor is richly decorated with early Christian mosaics. These mosaics are covered for protection against seasonal flooding, and only revealed to the public for short periods every few years. Consider yourself lucky if you get to see them.
The Great Basilica
Beyond the baptistery is the basilica, also dating to Byzantine times. The basilica was the seat of a bishopric, and had an impressive mosaic floor. In medieval times, the floor was covered with flagstones, and a semi-circular apse was added. This is one of the best-preserved buildings on the site.
Along the Water
Follow the path down to the shore and walk along the old city walls. The large rectangular stones date to Greek times. Brickwork is Roman. Views across the water are amazing. You’ll pass the Tower Gate, the Lake Gate and the Lion Gate, which features a carving of a lion (the city’s symbol) devouring a bull. It was a warning to any enemies who might invade. The opening is small, so an attacking army would have to slowly (and vulnerably) filter through.
The Venetian Castle
Now head up the hill to the acropolis. You’ll find a Venetian castle there now. Parts of the castle date to the 14th century (The Republic of Venice purchased Butrint and Corfu in 1387), but much of it was reconstructed in the 1930s. There’s a small museum inside with statuary and other artifacts excavated from the city. The panoramic views from the hilltop are spectacular. It’s a bit of a climb to reach the summit, so relax for a while and take it all in.
Eating at Butrint National Park
There’s a café near the Venetian castle, but it’s only open in summer. Feel free to pack a lunch and find a scenic spot to kick back. Bring water, too. Drink vendors usually aren’t around during the off-season. Restrooms at the castle are open year-round.
Hiking and Biking in Butrint National Park
There are bike and hiking trails outside the ancient city in the surrounding wetlands. If you want to explore this unique ecosystem stop at reception for maps and directions. This area of the park is less visited than the archaeological site, so your chances of spotting wildlife are much higher.
Where to Stay to Visit Butrint National Park
The Republika Hotel in Saranda is on the promenade, right across from a beach. Every room has a balcony—try to get one with a sea view. Book well ahead in summer when the resort season is in full swing. Come winter, Saranda is much quieter. Tourists disappear and some of the locals depart for Greece in search of agricultural work.
If you want to stay even closer to Butrint, the beach town of Ksamil is only 3 miles away. The Hotel Meta Ksamil is steps from the water, and has a very good breakfast buffet.
