Butrint National Park – How to Get There and What to See

Butrint National Park

Butrint National Park is home to an ancient port city in Southern Albania. We first heard about this UNESCO site on our visit to Tirana earlier in the year. Several locals advised us that it was one of the most interesting and complete historical sites in the Balkans. Assuming the presence of a little patriotic bias, we put it off for a couple of months until our next visit to Albania. In this blog post we detail how to get to Butrint National Park, the bus from Saranda to Butrint, entry to the Park, what you will discover there and loads of useful tips.

The Ferry from Corfu to Butrint National Park

Our next visit to the Balkans stared off in Corfu. We spent a few days here before heading to the port to catch the ferry to Saranda, Albania. Two days was enough time for us to explore the busy old town and beautiful harbour and to sample plenty of the Island’s cuisine. The ferry from Corfu to Saranda, takes around 30 minutes and is a relatively frequent service. After the usual ticket and passport checks we boarded our craft. Well worn but practical, economically priced and not uncomfortable, the boat passes the end of Corfu Island and moves across the Ionian Sea to Albania. We booked our ferry ticket in advance online here and the price ranges from about 25 – 50 euros each way, depending on the season.

Saranda, Southern Albania

On Arrival in Saranda we found a seaside resort, but not as you might know it. Relatively new to international tourism, Albanians have been spending summers in Saranda for decades. However, the invitation to global travelers has been a relatively recent development. The usual apartment blocks and beach bars are there but this holiday town certainly has a different vibe to it.

With three days planned in Saranda, the first was dedicated to exploring Butrint National Park. There are a few options for travelling to Butrint from Saranda. If you are short on time you can hire a taxi to take you there and back, costing around 15 euros each way. If you’re short on money, the local bus, or “furgon”, will take you there for around 100Lek (or 0.80 euros) each way, which is what we did. It is definitely possible to visit Butrint in one day from Corfu.

How to Get to Butrint National Park

The Bus from Saranda to Butrint

Taking the bus from Saranda to Butrint is the cheapest way to get there. From the port of Saranda, it’s easy to find the bus stop on foot. On exiting the port turn right and walk for about 220m until you see a roundabout with a huge tree in the middle and lots of cars screeching in every direction.

• The bus departs from here
• There is roughly one departure per hour
• It takes about 30 – 40 minutes
• The cost is 150 lek (€1.20) for a one way ticket
• You will pass at least two ATMs between the port and the bus stop
• You will need cash for the bus ticket
• Ticket bought onboard
• The return journey from Butrint to Saranda is just the reverse

You can find the most up to date bus timetable from Saranda to Butrint AND Butrint to Saranda HERE.

Our return journey took slightly longer, however. Our driver misjudged the distance between his bus and an oncoming car resulting in lots of shouting and an unexpected walk back to our flat.

Practical tip

There isn’t really an accurate timetable but locals and other tourists will keep you right.

Taxi from Saranda to Butrint

If you are visiting for the day from Corfu, a taxi will save you a bit of time.

• You can hail a cab from the port or turn right and walk a little towards the roundabout HERE where you will find more taxis
• It should cost about 2,500 Lek €20, but you might have to negotiate the price
• A taxi will take about 25 minutes, depending on traffic
• You can pay in Euros or Lek
• There are a couple of ATMs by the port
• Negotiate a price before you get in the car

We Arrive at Butrint National Park

Having plenty of time, we had opted for the bus from Saranda to Burtrint. On the journey we passed the seaside town of Ksamil, the beautiful islands and sandy white beaches. Around 40 minutes after leaving Saranda, the bus dropped us off right at the entrance to the National Park.

To enter, we each paid 700Lek (about 5.70 euros) and collected our information leaflet and map. Remember to bring cash! We walked into the park and began our trip through the ages. Initially impressed by the 15th Century Venetian tower at the entrance, that was just a warm up.

We followed the route provided through roman baths, an amphitheatre, an acropolis dating back to the 8th Century BC and, our favourite, the relatively complete basilica from the 6th century. We also learned that prehistoric sites have been identified within the area and the earliest evidence of occupation dates back to 50,000 BC. The civilization was eventually abandoned due to the progression of the marshland.

Walking through the ruins, some of which are nearly 3,000 years old, was a peaceful and thought provoking experience. Due to the location, there were very few tourists even in the height of summer. Although this park will surely gain popularity year on year. It is also possible to walk within the ruins, as if you were a citizen during roman times, admiring the columns, arches and mosaics. Spectacular views over the water and distant mountains can be appreciated from the ‘Lake Gate’ dating back to the 4th Century BC.

The Nature Within Butrint National Park

This protected area also has a diverse range of rare plant and animal species with over 900 species of plant and 400 animal species. Butrint is a microcosm of Mediterranean history as it has escaped the overdevelopment that other countries have undergone. When leaving the park, it is worth having a look at the small stalls selling locally made crafts. The sellers are clearly proud of their products and of the history of the area.

How long do you need in Butrint?

We would recommend setting aside at least 2-3 hours to explore the ancient city of Butrint. But, if you want to discover more of the surrounding countryside, you could easily spend the day there.

Ali Pasha’s castle is also nearby. However, you will need to boat to the island before investigating this fortress.

There are not many places to buy food or refreshments in the area so pack some snacks. If you plan to stay beside Butrint National Park, there is Hotel Livia very close to the park entrance. The hotel has a nice restaurant serving traditional, local food.

What to Pack for a Day Trip to Butrint National Park

We have put together a convenient packing list for your day trip to Butrint.

• Hiking boots or shoes for exploring
• Backpack
• Snacks for the bus
• A picnic if you plan to stay longer
• Book/audiobook for the bus
• Water bottle
• Weather appropriate clothing such as windbreaker, hiking socks, buff/hat, and fleece. Make sure to wear layers to account for the changing conditions if you plan on hiking
• Insect repellent
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, maybe even a hat in the summer months
• Map or downloaded GPS or map application on your phone
• Phone and power bank
• Decent camera with plenty of space for pictures of the spectacular scenery
• Cash for the bus and entry ticket

The Bus from Butrint to Saranda

After our self-conducted tour of the ancient city, we baked in the 40°C heat while waiting for our bus home. Just before melting point something a bit quirky catches our attention. To continue south beyond Butrint, one must cross a narrow part of the lake. There is no bridge, but a small barge on a pulley system. Cars, buses and pedestrians wait to board the flat, floating car park and are pulled to the other side. They then disembark and continue their journey. An invention the Romans themselves would have been proud of. We could see our bus coming over the cable ferry so prepared for the short journey back to Saranda.

Butrint is a fascinating and serenely beautiful place. The summer months are scorching hot so Spring or Autumn might be the best time to visit. If you are visiting Albania, or even Corfu, take the trip back in time to visit one of the most important archaeological sites in Albania.

Where to go next?

If you have more time in Saranda or Southern Albania we would recommend a visit to Syri i Kalter, or the Blue Eye. A mysterious natural spring of unknown depth and incredible beauty. Read why you should go and how to get there HERE

More Information

• If you would like to read more about the history of Butrint, check the UNESCO website here
• For tourist information in Saranda, click here
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Final note: Things change in Albania all the time and there is not much information online. We would definitely advise checking with a local where possible. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful.

Have you visited Butrint? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you!

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Saranda to Butrint National Park