Venetian Castle in Butrint
The Agora of Buthrotum
Ancient theatre
Butrint
Butrint
Butrint National Park
PARK
Butrint National Park is one of the most important historical and natural sites in Albania. Located in the far south of the country, about 20 kilometers from the city of Saranda, it combines ancient ruins, wild nature, and peaceful coastal scenery.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and protected wetland. It holds ruins from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman periods, all surrounded by lakes, forests, and marshes. You can explore it in half a day, but if you love history and nature, you could easily spend a full day here.
Most visitors come on a day trip from Saranda (about 30–40 minutes by car or bus) or from Ksamil (about 15 minutes). The site is well-organized, safe, and walkable. Trees shade the paths, and signs in English explain the main points of interest.
Map of Butrint National Park
The Ancient Theatre
This 3rd-century BC Greek theatre, later expanded by the Romans, once hosted plays and public gatherings. You can still see the stone seating and ancient inscriptions, which give a real sense of Butrint’s cultural past.
The Roman Forum and Baths
Once the city’s busy public and commercial center, these ruins show the remains of columns, mosaic floors, and stone-paved streets. The baths give insight into daily Roman life in Butrint.
The Baptistery
An early Christian structure from the 6th century, famous for its wide circular mosaic floor decorated with animals and patterns. The mosaic is usually protected under sand, but sometimes part of it is uncovered for visitors.
The Great Basilica
This large Byzantine church has high stone arches and columns surrounded by greenery. It shows how important Butrint became in the early Christian era.
The Venetian Tower and Fortress
Built to control access to the Vivari Channel, this medieval structure offers views across the lagoon and wetlands. It marks the later Venetian period of Butrint’s history.
The Lion Gate
This ancient stone gateway, decorated with a relief of a lion attacking a bull, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the park. It dates back to the Hellenistic period.
Natural Surroundings
The ruins are surrounded by forest, lakes, and wetlands full of birds and wildlife. The mix of nature and ancient architecture makes walking through the park peaceful and relaxing.
Allow at least 3–4 hours to explore the site. It’s larger than it looks on the map, and paths can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are important. Summer days get very hot, so bring water and try to visit in the morning or late afternoon for shade and cooler temperatures.
There is a small café near the entrance for snacks and drinks, and toilets are available nearby. Parking is also available right next to the entrance, which makes visiting easy by car.
Tickets can be bought at the entrance (cash and cards are usually accepted). Guided tours are available and can help you understand the long history of the site in more detail.
