Venetian Castle in Butrint
© Shutterstock / AlDigital On
The Agora of Buthrotum
The Ancient Theatre
Roman Baths
The Baptistery of Butrint
The Great Basilica of Butrint
The Lion Gate
Venetian Tower and Fortress
Butrint
Butrint Aerial View
View From Butrint
PARK
Butrint National Park is one of the most beautiful and important places to visit in Albania. It is close to Ksamil and Saranda, and very easy to reach by road. This complete guide to Butrint National Park will help you understand what to see, how to visit, and why this amazing place is so special.
The park is a mix of wild nature and ancient ruins. When you walk through Butrint, you explore Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman history in one place. The ruins are surrounded by forests, water, birds, turtles, and quiet paths. Many visitors say Butrint feels like walking through an old city that nature is slowly taking back.
Butrint National Park is also a protected natural area with wetlands, a large lagoon, and many animals. You can reach Butrint easily from Ksamil by road—you do not need a ferry to get to the main entrance. However, on the south side of the Vivari Channel, there is a small traditional ferry that takes cars and people across the canal.
Below you can see Butrint National Park on the map. This area includes the entrance, the Venetian Castle, the Roman Theatre, the Lion Gate, the Baptistery, lagoon viewpoints, and the small ferry crossing.
The Roman Theatre is one of the top things to see in Butrint. It was built in the 2nd century BC and could hold many people. Today, it is a quiet place surrounded by trees and old stones.
This large 6th-century church shows the strong Christian history of the Butrint archaeological site. The tall columns and big open space make it a special stop during your walk.
The Baptistery is a round building with beautiful mosaics on the floor. Most of the time they are covered to protect them, but when open, they show detailed patterns and colors.
© Shutterstock / AlDigital On
At the top of the hill is the Venetian Castle. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views over the lagoon. The castle also has a museum with many objects from different historical periods.
The Lion Gate is a famous entrance with a stone carving of a lion attacking a bull. It is an important symbol of ancient Butrint and very popular for photos.
The Roman Forum was the main public square of ancient Butrint. It was a busy place where people met, traded goods, and discussed daily life. Today, you can still see the stone foundations and imagine how important this area once was during Roman times.
Next to it, the Roman Baths show how people used water for relaxation and hygiene. You can walk around the small rooms and channels where hot and cold water once flowed. These ruins help you understand what everyday life looked like in the Roman city.
Butrint started as a Greek settlement around the 8th–6th century BC and grew into an important port.
The Romans made the city larger and added many structures:
During this time, Butrint became a Christian center with new churches and strong defensive walls.
The Venetians built castles, gates, and fortifications, including the triangular fortress near the channel.
Because of marshlands and sickness, people slowly left the area. Modern excavations began in the 20th century.
In 1992, Butrint became a UNESCO site for its natural and historical importance.
Butrint is in southern Albania, near the Greek border.
The road from Ksamil and Saranda leads directly to the entrance of the Butrint archaeological site.
The road from Saranda and Ksamil is simple and well-paved. Parking is available at the main entrance. The drive from:
Local buses run often, usually every 30–60 minutes.
The ride is cheap (usually around 100–150 lek) and very easy. Many visitors use this option in summer.
A taxi is fast, comfortable, and perfect for families.
Approximate prices:
There is a small ferry that crosses the Vivari Channel.
Important:
The ferry is not needed to reach the main entrance of Butrint from Ksamil or Saranda.
It is only used inside the park area to cross the canal or to travel further south.
Many visitors come from Corfu. Ferries from Corfu arrive in Saranda, and from there you can take a bus, taxi, or tour to Butrint.
Many travelers choose a guided tour of Butrint because it helps them understand the history better. Guides explain the meaning of each monument, important events, and small details that you might miss when walking alone.
Guided tours are available from:
Tours often include:
(Check the official website before your visit, as hours can change).
Official Butrint Website
Comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
Hot and busy, but still enjoyable.
Quiet but shorter opening hours.
Yes, definitely. Butrint is one of the top things to do in southern Albania, and one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the Balkans. It is easy to reach, peaceful, and full of history and nature.
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours inside the park.
Yes. The main path is flat and simple, but some areas have stones, steps, or tree roots.
Yes, toilets are available near the entrance.
There is a small café/kiosk near the entrance, but food options inside are limited.
Yes. The paths are safe for children, and there is shade in the forest areas.
Some parts are accessible, but not all. The ground is uneven in many places, so it is best to check the map and plan only the easier paths if you need accessibility.
You can walk alone with signs and maps, but a guide can help you learn more history.
No, swimming is not allowed in the lagoon.
