Butrint is one of the most peaceful and historic places in Albania. It is located in a national park with a lot of nature and old ruins. It is one of the most important cultural sites in the country and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's easy to reach it by renting a car from Tirana. On the way, you'll see mountains, lakes, and the Ionian Sea along the Albanian Riviera. Most roads are smooth, with beautiful stops along the way, like Vlora, Himarë, or Sarandë. You'll love the peaceful setting and green scenery as a Dutch tourist. Keep reading to plan your road trip to Butrint, learn what makes this site special, and get travel tips to make the most of your visit.
Butrint National Park is in southern Albania. It is around 18 kilometres south of Sarandë, close to the Vivari Channel and Lake Butrint. The area is part of a protected natural zone with many types of plants and animals. The park has green hills, wetlands, reed beds, and small islands. It’s a quiet place where you can enjoy both nature and history.
The drive from Tirana to Butrint takes about 4 to 5 hours, covering a distance of 281 kilometres. Most people follow the coastal road through Vlora, Himarë, and Sarandë, which offers great sea and mountain views. The roads are mostly well-paved, and there are signs to guide you along the way. You can also visit places like Ksamil or Llogara Pass. There is parking near the entrance to Butrint.
Dutch travellers should bring a valid Dutch driving licence. You don't need an international licence if you only stay for a short time and have a standard European ID. Most of the time, car rental companies want a credit card as a deposit. You must also be at least 21 years old, but some companies may charge more if you are under 25.
Pick a car that fits your route. For city driving, choose a small car. For exploring the hills or coast, choose an SUV. Always ensure your rental has basic insurance and ask about the fuel policy. You will drive on the right side of the road in Albania. Most road signs are in Albanian, but there are also signs in English in tourist areas.
Butrint National Park is one of the most historically layered sites in the Balkans. Its ruins tell the story of a city shaped by many empires over thousands of years. The park’s layout, architecture, and surviving monuments show how different rulers influenced life here.
Butrint began as a Greek settlement in the 7th century BCE. It became a Roman colony under Julius Caesar in the 1st century BCE. The city expanded with Roman baths, forums, and civic spaces. In the Byzantine era, churches and basilicas were added, many of which still stand today. During the Venetian period, fortifications and lookout points were built to protect the area. Finally, the Ottoman Empire left its mark, especially through Ali Pasha’s Castle, located across the Vivari Channel. This timeline is still visible in the walls, temples, baths, and gates that survive today.
In 1992, Butrint was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This recognition highlights how well the archaeological layers have been preserved. You can walk through different parts of the park and explore structures from each major era. The site’s conservation efforts and continued research help protect it for future visitors. Dutch travellers interested in ancient cities, layered history, and UNESCO sites will find Butrint peaceful and inspiring.
Butrint National Park holds one of the richest archaeological landscapes in Albania. You will walk through ruins from different periods. Most paths are easy to follow, and signs in English explain each site clearly. Here are sites not to miss in the park:
This ancient Roman theatre is one of Butrint’s most famous sights. Built in the 3rd century BCE, it once held over 1,500 spectators. It was used for public performances, speeches, and ritual events, especially healing-related ones. Behind it is the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. Pilgrims came here to seek cures, often leaving small offerings. Together, these ruins show how the city was a centre for culture and health in ancient times. The area is shaded and peaceful, with views of trees and water nearby.
The 6th-century basilica is a large religious building from the Byzantine period. Its stone columns and arches still stand tall. Next to it is the early Christian baptistery, one of the largest in the Balkans. Its highlight is the mosaic floor, made with colourful stones forming animal and plant shapes. The mosaic is usually covered for protection, but some tours or special days reveal parts of it. These sites show how Christian faith grew strong in Butrint during late antiquity.
The Lion Gate is a small entrance with a stone carving of a lion biting a bull. This symbol was likely meant to show strength and protection. You pass through a narrow passage that adds to the historic feel. The Water Gate faces the Vivari Channel and was used for bringing supplies by boat. These gates were part of Butrint’s defence system, which controlled who entered the city. The designs show a mix of Roman and medieval military ideas.
The Venetian Castle was built on a hill near the entrance when Venice was in charge of the area. From the top, you can see the lake, hills, and ruins all at once. The castle's tower museum displays old tools, coins, pottery, and statues. These things were found in the park and help us understand what life was like in Butrint. The museum is small but has a lot of information, especially for people who are going for the first time.
Across the Vivari Channel, you will spot the Venetian Triangular Castle, shaped to guard the narrow waterway. It was built to protect the area’s rich fish traps, which were important for food and trade. You can reach it by taking a short car ferry or asking a local fisherman for a boat ride. The castle sits in a quiet area and offers peaceful views. Many visitors miss this spot, but it looks different at Butrint’s role as a port.
Butrint has many smaller ruins that still show daily life from long ago. The Roman Civic House has rooms arranged around a courtyard. The Fountain of the Nymphs once gave clean water to the city, decorated with statues and carvings. You’ll also see strong city walls, paved paths, and lookout spots. Many of these are hidden in the trees, making it feel like a quiet outdoor museum.
Butrint is not only known for its ancient ruins. It is also part of a protected natural zone with rich biodiversity, landscapes, and peaceful views.
Butrint National Park covers around 9,500 hectares and includes many natural features. You will see wetlands, forests, salt marshes, hills, reed beds, lakes, and coastal islands. These habitats support over 1,200 species of plants and animals, making it one of the most important ecological zones in Albania.
The park is also a great spot for birdwatching, especially near Lake Butrint. This area is part of the path used by migratory birds. Depending on the season, you may spot herons, pelicans, and other birds resting or feeding. Some birds live here all year, while others pass through during certain months. You can use walking and cycling paths to explore nature without crowds. These trails are marked on maps and offer a quiet break from the main ruins.
You can take a boat ride across the Vivari Channel to visit Ali Pasha’s Castle, which is apart from the main ruins. The castle started as a Venetian defence post, but it was rebuilt by Ali Pasha, a local Ottoman ruler. He used the fort to guard the water area and control fish traps. Many visitors miss this site because it is not beside the other ruins. However, it gives you a different view of the park, away from the busy walking paths. You can cross by car ferry or arrange a short boat trip with a local fisherman. The journey offers great views of the channel, lake, and quiet hillsides.
It's important to know the practical details when you plan your trip to Butrint National Park. The site is easy to reach, well-kept, and welcoming to all kinds of travellers. Everything, from the hours of operation to the cost of entry, is set up to make your visit easy and stress-free.
The standard entry fee is 1000 lek for adults. Teenagers pay a cost of 500 lek, while children under 12 can enter for free. If you are a student or pensioner in Albania, you will also get a discount. You can request a group rate at the entrance for organised tour groups of 12 or more people. The staff are helpful and prices are displayed clearly, so you will know exactly what you are paying for. Carry some local currency, as not all areas accept cards.
The park is open every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The paths are marked, and many have signs in English explaining the ruins. At different points in the park, you will also find information boards, rest benches, and public toilets. Some parts of the park, especially near the main entrance and the larger ruins, are wheelchair accessible.
Inside the park, near the main archaeological ruins, there is a small café and restaurant where you can enjoy a snack or a drink. Close by, you will also see a gift shop that sells books, postcards, and local crafts. These are items to take home as souvenirs or to learn more about the park's history. Public restrooms are available across the site.
To see the main Butrint ruins, you should plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours in the park. This gives you enough time to walk around and read the signs. You may want to stay longer if you enjoy nature walks or a boat ride. The best times to visit are spring and early autumn, when the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded. Summer can be hot, so plan accordingly.
Butrint National Park is the perfect destination for Dutch travellers looking for ancient ruins, scenic landscapes, and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll walk through history while listening to birds and gazing at lake views. Rent a car in Albania with Final Rentals to make your trip smooth and flexible. You can book online, choose from compact cars, SUVs, or family-friendly vans, and pick up your vehicle at Tirana Airport.
