Plizio Visual Lab

Butrint

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Butrint is Albania's most significant archaeological site and was the first location in the country to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. Situated on a lush peninsula between Lake Butrint and the Ionian Sea, the ancient city is surrounded by a vast national park. Its history spans several millennia, reflecting the rise and fall of various Mediterranean powers, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians. According to Virgil's Aeneid, the city was founded by Trojan exiles, though archaeological evidence dates its settlement back to the 10th century BC. Key landmarks include the 3rd-century BC ancient theater, the beautifully preserved 6th-century Baptistery with its intricate floor mosaics, and the ruins of the Great Basilica. The Venetian castle perched on the acropolis hill now houses a museum showcasing artifacts from the site's extensive excavations. Today, Butrint has a unique blend of monumental architecture and pristine natural beauty, making it one of the most evocative archaeological parks in the Mediterranean region.

Location: Albania
Top sights: Venetian Triangular Castle · Columns · Roman Bath-House
Nearby: Agios Stefanos (7 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	11	13	16	19	24	26	27	24	20	16	13
Rain mm	125	110	96	55	42	27	16	25	81	115	151	155

📋 Practical info

🚪

Visiting

Butrint is a large open-air archaeological site that you can explore on your own paths. The ruins of a Greek and Roman city are mostly walkable.

🕒

Typical hours

The site is usually open from 8:00 to 19:00 (summer) or until 16:00 (winter). Last entry is one hour before closing.

📷

Photography

Photography is allowed throughout the site for personal use. A tripod is likely permitted, but a permit is required for commercial shoots.

⏱️

Time needed

A thorough walk through the ruins and museum takes about two to three hours. If you want to explore the nearby wetlands, allow more time.

➕

Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby town of Saranda, which gives beaches and restaurants. The ancient site of Phoenike is also worth a trip.

🧭

Getting there

Butrint is about 20 kilometers south of Saranda, reachable by bus or taxi. A small car park is right at the entrance.

💡

Insider tip

Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there is little shade on site. A hat is essential in summer.

Geography

Coordinates

39.74310, 20.01950

Facts

Butrint became Albania's first UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.
The ancient theater was built in the 3rd century BC and held 2,500 people.
The 6th-century Baptistery is one of the largest early Christian buildings of its kind.
The city is famously mentioned in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid.
The Butrint National Park covers an area of approximately 9,424 hectares.
The site includes the 6th-century Great Basilica, once the seat of a bishopric.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Venetian Triangular Castle<1 km · WExplore →

Butrint Wetland2 km · SWExplore →

Xarrë3 km · SExplore →

Ksamil3 km · NWExplore →

Agios Stefanos7 km · NWExplore →

Manastir7 km · NExplore →

Kalami7 km · WExplore →

Agnitsini8 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Butrint (10)

Venetian Triangular Castle 🏰 castle

Triangular fortress built by the Venetian Republic, part of Butrint's fortifications.

🌐 butrint.org

Columns

Remains of columns, possibly from a public building or colonnade.

Roman Bath-House

Ruins of a Roman bath complex with preserved mosaic floors and hypocaust system.

Prytaneion

Foundations of the prytaneion, the ancient city's assembly and hospitality building.

Buthrotum

Ancient city of Buthrotum, a major archaeological site in southern Albania.

🌐 butrint.al🕒 Mo-Su 08:00-17:00💶

Archaeological Museum of Butrint🏛 museum

Museum displaying finds from Butrint excavations, including sculptures and everyday objects.

Venetian Acropolis Castle🏰 castle

Reconstructed Venetian castle on the acropolis of Butrint, offering wide views.

Medieval city wall

Remains of the medieval city wall of Butrint, dating from Byzantine times.

Stadttor

Ruins of a medieval city gate, once the entrance to the fortified settlement.

Venetian Tower

Ruins of a Venetian watchtower, part of the coastal defense system.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Butrint?

An ancient ruined city and UNESCO World Heritage site, combining Greek, Roman, and Venetian traces.

How much is the entrance fee?

The ticket for international tourists costs about 1000 LEK.

How long does a visit take?

Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire area comfortably.

Is the site shaded?

Yes, much of the path leads through a forest, making it pleasant to visit even in summer.

How to get from Saranda to Butrint?

A cheap public bus runs every 30-60 minutes directly to the park entrance.

Butrint: where is it located?

Butrint is located in Albania.

Butrint: what is there to see?

Highlights include Venetian Triangular Castle, Columns, Roman Bath-House.

Butrint: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Butrint: why is it worth visiting?

Butrint is Albania's most significant archaeological site and was the first location in the country to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Butrint

Best time to visit & climate