Butrint – 3,000 Years of History Between the Lagoon and the Sea

Saranda , Albania

Butrint – 3,000 Years of History Between the Lagoon and the Sea

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About this experience

The journey to the Butrint Archaeological Park is made in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, offering a pleasant and safe ride. The group is small, up to 8 people, which ensures maximum attention from the professional guide, who has in-depth knowledge of the site’s history and architecture.
• This professional and highly specialised tour, focused exclusively on the Butrint Archaeological Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—offers an in-depth and well-structured exploration of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian ruins. With our expert guide, you will discover the main highlights such as the ancient theater, fortifications, Roman forums, the mosaic-adorned baptistery, the basilica, and the Venetian towers, all set within a stunning natural landscape by the lake. The exclusive focus on Butrint ensures a high-quality educational experience, with detailed historical and architectural explanations, without any deviations from the main site.

Available options

Butrint – 3,000 Years of History Between the Lagoon and the Sea

What's included

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Departure from Saranda and Scenic Coastal Drive (45 minutes)
We depart from Saranda in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan, enjoying stunning views of the Saranda and Ksamil coastline. During the drive, our professional guide shares initial insights into the region's history, the strategic importance of the Vivari Channel, and the significance of Butrint as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Exploration of the Ancient Greek Theater and Fortifications (45 minutes)
Upon arrival at the Butrint Archaeological Park, we begin our journey through time at the impressive Ancient Greek Theater and the Temple of Asclepius. We explore the massive Hellenistic defensive walls and the iconic Lion Gate, gaining a deep understanding of the site's origins through detailed historical explanations from the guide.

Visit to the Roman Forum, Byzantine Baptistery, and Great Basilica (45 minutes)
We continue by exploring the Roman Forum and the remains of luxury villas like the Triconch Palace, which illustrate Roman urban life. We then move to the famous Byzantine Baptistery, known for its magnificent mosaics, and the Great Basilica, two of the most significant monuments of early Christianity in the Balkans.

Visit to the Butrint Archaeological Museum and Acropolis (45 minutes)
We ascend to the top of the hill to visit the on-site Archaeological Museum housed within the Venetian Castle. Here, important artifacts and statues discovered during excavations are displayed, enhancing our understanding of Butrint's evolution from a Greek sanctuary to a Roman colony and a medieval fortress with specialized commentary.

Panoramic Views and Return Journey to Saranda (45 minutes)
Before concluding the tour, we enjoy a panoramic stop at the Acropolis terrace overlooking the Vivari Channel and the Triangular Castle of Ali Pasha. We then begin our return journey to Saranda, where the guide provides a final summary and answers any remaining questions before arriving back at the original meeting point.

What's not included

Meals

Entrace fee for Butrint Park

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of alpeti gas station

About Saranda

Saranda is a charming coastal town in southern Albania, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the ancient ruins of Butrint. It offers a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Butrint National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Greek and Roman ruins, including a well-preserved theater, baptistery, and various temples.

Historical 2-3 hours €7

Lekursi Castle

A historic castle offering panoramic views of Saranda and the Ionian Sea. It's a great spot for sunset views.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Ksamil Beach

A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and small islands nearby. It's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free to €10 for sunbeds and umbrellas

Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër)

A natural spring with incredibly clear, blue water. It's a popular spot for swimming and enjoying the natural beauty.

Nature Half day €2 for parking

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavë Kosi

A traditional Albanian baked dish made with lamb, rice, and yogurt.

Main Dish Contains dairy and meat

Byrek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Peshk në Zgarë

Grilled fish, often sea bass or sea bream, served with lemon and olive oil.

Main Dish Contains fish

Fërgesë

A traditional dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese, often served with bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Butrint National Park Scuba diving in Ksamil Boat tours to Ksamil Islands Sunbathing at Ksamil Beach Yoga on the beach Spa treatments Exploring Butrint National Park Visiting Lekursi Castle

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the peak tourist season with warm weather, ideal for beach activities and exploring the town. The sea is at its warmest, and the town is lively with various events and festivals.

25°C to 35°C 77°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Albanian
Widely spoken: English, Italian, Greek
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas

Currency

Albanian Lek (ALL)

Time Zone

GMT+1

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Saranda is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Getting there

By air

Ioannis Kapodistrias International Airport • 200 km from Saranda

By bus

Saranda Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Local buses are affordable and convenient for getting around Saranda. They are frequent and connect major points in the town.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Taxi Albania

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Ksamil Butrint

Day trips

Corfu, Greece

15 km from Saranda • Half day to full day

A beautiful Greek island with ancient ruins, historic sites, and stunning beaches.

Llogara Pass

80 km from Saranda • Full day

A stunning mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the Albanian Riviera.

Gjipe Canyon

60 km from Saranda • Full day

A beautiful canyon with a hidden beach, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Festivals

Saranda Summer Festival • July to August Butrint Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Butrint National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Take a boat tour to the Ksamil Islands for a unique and unforgettable experience.
Try local dishes like Tavë Kosi and Byrek for an authentic taste of Albanian cuisine.
Explore the town on foot or by bike to discover hidden gems and local secrets.
Attend local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.