Things to Do in Butrint — Ancient City and UNESCO National Park in Albania
Things to do in Butrint is one of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a trip to southern Albania. Butrint is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you want to discover what to see in Butrint, how to get to the ancient city and which attractions are worth visiting, this guide will help you plan your trip.
The ancient city is located in southern Albania near the seaside resorts of Saranda and Ksamil.
Historical Background
Butrint is both an ancient city and a national archaeological park. Its history began around the 8th century BC, which means the settlement is nearly 2800 years old.
In ancient times the city was an important port located on a busy trade route. Because of maritime trade, Butrint became a prosperous and culturally rich settlement.
Today the site preserves important remains from several historical periods.
Buildings and ruins from five different civilizations can still be found here:
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Greek
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Roman
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Byzantine
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Venetian
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Ottoman
Where Is Butrint in Albania
The ancient city of Butrint is located in southern Albania, close to the border with Greece.
The archaeological park lies on a peninsula next to Lake Butrint and is part of the Butrint National Park.
Distances to nearby destinations:
Saranda — about 18 km
Ksamil — about 5 km
Greek border — about 25 km
📍 Bus parking coordinates: 39.744087, 20.018602
Visitor Information
Opening days: every day of the week
Opening hours: 09:00 – 19:00
Entrance ticket prices:
- Adults: 1000 lek (about €10)
- Group visits: 800 lek
- Albanian students: 300 lek
- Albanian pensioners: 500 lek
- Children 12–18: 500 lek
- Children under 12: free
For updated information check the official website of Butrint.
Today Butrint is the most visited cultural site in Albania.
Map of the Ancient City
Butrint is located on a peninsula surrounded by water.
About 90% of the site is bordered by water, while only a small land strip connects the peninsula to the mainland.
The protected park area covers approximately 9,424 hectares.
Where to Stay Near Butrint
Most travelers stay in Saranda or Ksamil and visit Butrint as a day trip.
Both towns offer a wide range of hotels, apartments and guesthouses close to the sea.
👇 Check available hotels Booking near Butrint
Main Attractions in Butrint
If you are searching for things to do in Butrint, the archaeological park offers many interesting monuments from different historical periods.
Ancient Theatre
The ancient theatre was built in the 3rd century BC and later reconstructed by the Romans.
In ancient times it hosted theatrical performances and public gatherings.
Sanctuary of Asclepius
Above the theatre lies the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine.
Built in the 4th century BC, it was considered a place of healing and religious rituals.
Great Basilica
The Great Basilica (Basilica Major) is an early Christian religious building.
In Christianity, a basilica is a church granted special status by the Pope because of its historical or spiritual importance.
Baptistery with Mosaics
The baptistery dates back to the 6th century AD and is famous for its well-preserved mosaic floor.
A baptistery is a special building used for baptism ceremonies.
Lion Gate
The Lion Gate is a medieval entrance decorated with a carved lion figure.
The entrance is only about 1.2 meters high, so visitors need to bend slightly when walking through.
Acropolis and Fortress
The Acropolis stands on the highest hill of the ancient city.
A museum is located inside the main tower, and from the top visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Butrint and the national park.
Venetian Tower
Near the park entrance stands the Venetian Tower, built in the 16th century to control the nearby channel.
Tours to Butrint
Butrint is a large archaeological park, and many ruins can be difficult to understand without historical context.
A guided tour helps visitors learn more about the ancient city and explore the most important landmarks including the theatre, basilica, baptistery and acropolis.
Most tours depart from Saranda or Ksamil and last a few hours.
👇 Check available tours and current prices GetYourGuide:
Butrint National Park
Butrint is not only an archaeological site but also a protected natural area.
The Butrint National Park includes forests, wetlands and Lake Butrint.
The park is home to:
about 800 plant species
more than 240 bird species
over 100 fish species
Since 2003 the park has been officially recognized as a Ramsar wetland site.
Walking through the park combines history, archaeology and nature in one place.
How Long to Visit Butrint
Most travelers spend 2–3 hours exploring the archaeological park.
This is enough time to see the theatre, basilica, baptistery, fortress and acropolis.
If you want to visit the museum and explore the park more slowly, you may want to plan half a day.
How to Get to Butrint from Saranda and Ksamil
Bus Saranda — Butrint
A public bus runs regularly from Saranda to Butrint via Ksamil.
First bus: about 05:30
Last bus: about 21:30 (during summer season)
Frequency: every 30 minutes
Ticket price: about 150 lek (€1.5)
Travel time: about 20–30 minutes
Car Rental
If you are traveling around southern Albania, renting a car is one of the easiest ways to visit Butrint.
The drive from Saranda takes about 30 minutes and follows a scenic coastal road.
👇 Check available rental cars
Where to Eat Near Butrint
After visiting the archaeological park many travelers stop at small restaurants near the entrance.
Livia Restaurant
Livia restaurant is located near the bus parking area.
Visitors can sit inside or enjoy the shaded outdoor terrace under large trees.
Average beer prices:
large beer — about 450 lek
small beer — about 200 lek
Places to Visit Near Butrint
If you are traveling in southern Albania, several interesting destinations are located nearby.
Ksamil — famous for its small islands and beaches
Saranda — the main coastal city in the region
Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) — a famous natural spring
👉 If you are planning a trip around the country, read our guide:
Cities of Albania — where to live, travel and explore.
FAQ About Butrint
How long does it take to visit Butrint
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the archaeological park.
How much is the entrance ticket to Butrint
The ticket price is usually around 1000 lek (about €10) for adults.
How to get to Butrint from Saranda
Buses run regularly from Saranda via Ksamil every 30 minutes, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
When is the best time to visit Butrint
The best time to visit is spring, summer and early autumn, when temperatures are comfortable for walking around the archaeological park.
What to see in Butrint in one day
During one visit most travelers explore the ancient theatre, basilica, baptistery, Lion Gate, acropolis and fortress walls.
Shorts: A Tour of the ancient theater in Butrint, Albania
Date: September 5, 2024.
The video shows the ancient theatre and stone ruins inside the archaeological park.
Watch more videos on the Life in Albania channel with travel guides and updates about life in Albania.
All photos and videos are taken by the author during personal trips.
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