Butrint is the most important archaeological site in southern Albania, and one of the most rewarding day trips from Borsh. It is also not a short outing: plan on about 1.5 hours each way by car and two to three hours on site. Treat it as a full day and it is a very good one.
What Butrint is
Butrint lies about 14 km south of Saranda, close to the Greek border, on a wooded hill above the Vivari Channel. It began as a Greek settlement, became a Roman colony and later the seat of an early Christian bishopric, before an earthquake flooded much of the city and it was abandoned in the Middle Ages. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and became a national park in 2000.
What you will see
- The theatre: the city had a theatre by the 4th century BC. Because the site is low-lying, the area around the theatre and the Roman forum can sometimes stand in water.
- The baptistery: a 6th-century early Christian baptistery, one of the largest buildings of its type.
- The basilica and the city walls, including the Lion Gate.
- Later fortifications, and nearby a small castle of Ali Pasha.
The site is spread out, with paths through woodland between the ruins. You do not need a guide to enjoy it, but reading a little beforehand helps the stones make sense. Part of the appeal is the setting itself: water on several sides, trees between the ruins and views across the channel and the lagoon.
Planning the day
- Leave early. The drive goes south along the coast to Saranda and on past Ksamil. In July and August the traffic around Saranda and Ksamil is heavy, and the site is hottest from late morning.
- Tickets and hours: the national park sells tickets at the entrance and online on its official website. Opening hours differ between summer and winter, so check the site shortly before you go.
- Time on site: 2 to 3 hours at a steady pace, more if you like to read every sign.
- Shoes: the paths and ruins are uneven stone. Wear proper walking shoes.
- Water, hat and sun protection: some paths run under trees, but much of the site is open.
Making a day of it
A good combination is Butrint plus a swim and lunch at Ksamil or in Saranda on the way back. You can also add the Blue Eye, but that makes a very long day. We would rather do one properly. If you arrive via Corfu and Saranda, keep in mind that Butrint lies south of Saranda while Borsh is to the north, so it rarely fits into a travel day (see our Corfu ferry guide).
Back in Borsh in the evening, the beach is quiet and the balcony is waiting. See our apartments.
