When visiting Southern Albania you will no doubt be blown away by the beaches of Ksamil, and the colorful shores of Saranda. However, there’s one more very important place that should be on your list! Butrint is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Albania, and it’s easy to see how well deserved that recognition is. Butrint National Park may be off the international radar, but it holds just as much historical importance as anywhere in the Mediterranean. Join us as we take you through all the best parts of Butrint, from the Lake to the Roman Theatre!

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Quick Guide to Butrint National Park

Hours: 8am-8pm

Cost: 700 Lek

Time Needed: 2 Hours

Location: SH81, Butrint, Butrint

Greek Origins and the God of Medicine

The early beginnings of Butrint Albania can be traced back to the nearby island of Corfu Greece. The Greeks came from just across the Ionian Sea in 6th century BC to create a settlement, but the area has been inhabited since pre-historic times.

It’s this movement and Asclepius, the God of Medicine, to which Butrint owes its growth too. The first section of ruins was the site of the temple in Asclepius’s name where people would seek refuge for hundreds of years. The following was so powerful a “Cult of Asclepius” even later emerged in Greece, Italy, and many of its colonies.

Roman Theatre

After passing the former site of the temple, you’ll walk over a bridge leading towards the 4th Century BC Roman Theatre. To our surprise, there were dozens of turtles in the water under the bridge! Entering the ancient theatre was the first moment when we realized not only the gravity of where we were, but that we were literally all alone in Lake Butrint!

As we sat and gazed at the well preserved Roman architecture, we started to wonder… How could something so legendary and special not be swarmed with tourists? After all, these 2,000+ year old artifacts are just as impressive as ones from the same time period in Greece and Italy.

The theatre of Butrint is said to have been able to seat a mind blowing 2,500 people in its heyday! This would be just the beginning of the Roman influence we’d see at this Albania UNESCO site. In the surrounding area were ruins of a public bathhouse, gymnasium, and even traces of an aqueduct that brought fresh water into the old city.

Plush Roman Villas

The next sign of wealth and success in ancient Butrint was the many villas that once surrounded the main town. You will come across them randomly throughout your Butrint Albania tour, and they always had us awestruck. If you can, stop and use your imagination and picture how elegant these private homes must of been! Although just pieces of them are still in tact, it’s another reminder of the greatness that once passed through this region many ages ago.

Book a Day Trip to Saranda Albania and Butrint National Park from Corfu Greece

Lake Butrint

Surrounding Butrint National Park is the beautiful lake. This multi-colored body of water has been a source of both food and transportation in Butrint Albania for as long as its existed. In our opinion, the greatest contribution from Lake Butrint to todays Albanian society is the delicious mussels!

We first discovered them in Saranda at a local restaurant. The owner told us they came from a “special lake” and that they were the best in all of the Balkans. Well after eating them everyday of the Southern Albanian portion our trip we can definitely confirm this to be true!

The Butrint Baptistery

As you get deeper into this Albania UNESCO site you’ll see an abundance of cultures, religions, empires, and how well it showcases Mediterranean civilization. The Baptistery is one of the earliest Byzantine monuments in all of Europe. Its intricate water filtration system leads many to believe it was originally a Roman bathhouse.

Half built pillars still standing from the 6th century surround where these rituals took place over 1,500 years ago! The most remarkable part of the Butrint Baptistery is the mosaic floor designs. Although not as popular, Butrint’s mosaics are on par with other famous works around the world. Can you believe archeologists only dug this up back in 1928? Amazing!

The Great Basilica

This was our favorite piece of history in Butrint National Park, and the most interesting architecture inside the ruins. Like the Baptistery, the Great Basilica also dates back to 6th Century AD and features one of a kind mosaic flooring. This was clearly a special period in this region where religions like Christianity had room to flourish. As we walked through the large gate-like structure and to the inside it was such a wild feeling. The now unfinished walls have you slightly enclosed, but still provide windows into the nature of Butrint.

The Castle and Museum

As you follow the Albania UNESCO site route you’ll cross under a stone tunnel with the imprint of a lion biting a bulls throat. This was meant to symbolize the strong defense of the city, and leads up to the former site of the acropolis.

As much as we had hoped the castle was as old as the other monuments of Butrint Albania, it’s actually a reconstruction of the medieval architecture built in 1930. Either way, you’ll have a glorious view from the top of the castle of Lake Butrint and beyond! There’s also a very nice museum inside the castle that gives you more of an in depth look at the history of this ancient city.

Have any questions on Butrint Albania, or want to share your own tips on Albania UNESCO sites? Please comment below!

Safe Travels,

Brigitte & Jake

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Since it’s so easy to get to Butrint National Park from Saranda or Ksamil we’ve included hotel recommendations for both! Also, make sure to check out our specific articles on these places at the bottom of this post.

Where to Stay in Saranda Albania

Ultra Luxury (High End) – White Residence Luxury Apartments – Large luxury apartments with gorgeous sea views. Modern decor and amenities just steps from the beach.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Vila Kalcuni – Set just outside the city center, Vila Kalcuni has beautiful views of the Ionian Sea. You’ll enjoy the buffet breakfast and great location in a quiet area of Saranda.

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – Alfred’s Apartments – Our home during our stay! Quality apartments of all sizes at a great price. Our apartment had a balcony and even a washing machine.

Hostel Life (Budget) – Sunset Hostel – Brand new hostel in Sardana with nice views over the city, comfortable beds, and great spot to meet other travelers.

For more places to stay in Saranda you can explore the latest prices here!

Where To Stay In Ksamil Albania

Ultra Luxury (High End) – Hotel Luxury – While there aren’t a ton of resort options yet in Ksamil, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Hotel Luxury! Located just 150 m from Paradise beach, this will be a great option at any time of year.

Fun Vacation (Mid Range) – Hotel Mira Mare – Small but beautiful boutique hotel with amazing views of the Ksamil islands. Easy walk from beach, the town, and all the great seafood restaurants.

Travel Couple (Longterm Travel) – VISI Apartments – Our home in Ksamil beach! VISI is right in the main town and just a 5 minute walk to the Ksamil beaches. Nice and affordable place to stay.

For more places to stay in Ksamil you can explore the latest prices here!

*By booking through our website we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This allows us continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! You can also bookmark this link for all your future stays*

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