Explore Butrint

Of course, we’re here to make sure you have a good time wherever you go, so let’s see how you can spend time while in The Butrint National Park. There’s something for everyone, so you can choose to:

#1. Explore Archaeological Sites

As we have mentioned before, Butrint National Park is home to countless valuable archaeological sites, some of them being:

The Amphitheater. The theater was originally built by the Greeks in 2 BC and was later remodeled to be influenced more by Roman culture. It was used for religious ceremonies and meetings with the community.

Sanctuary of Asclepius. The temple is set on numerous terraces and stands in front of the amphitheater. The ground is well-preserved ( from 3 BC to this very day) and pretty easy to explore. 

The Baptisery. This isa late antique structure known for its almost-in-perfect-shape mosaic floor. It was made of 16 columns that once supported a wooden roof in the 6th century AD.

The Great Basilica.  This place was the principal church in the ancient city of Butrint, and parts of it are still well-preserved. During Butrint’s time of wealth and success, in the 13th century, it was the Basilicas’ time to shine once again—it was rebuilt and became Butrint’s cathedral.

#2. Take a Boat Tour

The park’s surroundings make it possible for anyone to take a boat tour around its coastal wetlands. From there, you can see a large variety of bird species, including here herons, egrets, cormorants and many more.

There are also some boats that depart from Saranda, pass through the Butrint National Park, and end up at the beautiful beaches of Ksamil. A ride costs around 22 euros, but the price typically depends on the boat tour you’re taking.

#3. Hike Through the Butrint National Park’s Forests and Hills

If you’re feeling up for a walk, you can hike through a large forest and climb some hills, too.

The scenery just takes your breath away (literally, if you get easily tired!). It’s all worth it when you see the landscape that accompanies you during the walk, with all the birds chirping and creating the perfect symphony that goes so well with the amazing scenery. Don’t forget to dress appropriately for hiking, or else you won’t be able to fully enjoy it!

#4. Visit the Butrint Museum 

For any history lover, going to the Archaeological Museum of Butrint would be a dream come true. This  was opened in 1938 to display the many Graeco-Roman finds, and it’s now enriched with objects found from excavations within Butrint.

Seeing these ancient objects helps tourists understand the conditions of the rise and development of the city of Butrint during the Hellenistic and Roman times.

#5. Go to the Butrinti Summer Festival

Butrinti Summer Festival is also a great and fun way to enjoy your time in Butrint. Many people from all the surrounding places gather to see this festival bring life to the park.

This event usually takes place in July and lasts a week, with dancers and singers coming from Albania, Greece, Macedonia, and even Ukraine. They give amazing performances in the form of dances and songs. This symbolizes the importance of all different cultures coming together as one for the sake of art and making people happy.

#6. Visit Ali Pasha’s Castle or Ksamil 

Ali Pasha’s castle is situated close to the Vivari Channel in the Butrint National Park, but the only way to get there is by boat. So, having this in mind, we can safely say that it’s a real hidden gem. It was built in the 15th or 16th century (that’s unsure to this day) and was named after the Ottoman ruler Ali Pashe Tepelena.

A boat trip to the castle costs about 22 euros, but the entrance to the castle itself is free.

#7. Relax on the Beach

Of course, we can’t help but mention the amazing beaches near the Park, some of them even being the best of Albania.

The most popular ones are the above-mentioned  Saranda and Ksamil beaches, which  are very close to Butrint. Grab a beach chair and an umbrella and just unwind—after soaking up all that knowledge in the National Park, you also deserve to soak up some sun!