Butrint: an ancient city near Saranda
For us, Butrint is the best day trip you can take from our part of Saranda. It is a sprawling ancient city on a peninsula between a lagoon and the sea, listed by UNESCO, where you walk through more than two thousand years of layered history – from a Greek theatre to Roman baths to a Byzantine baptistery.
What we love most is that Butrint isn't only about old stones. The ruins sit inside a shady forest of oak and pine, with a bird-filled lagoon and the Vivari Channel alongside – so the visit is half ancient history, half easy nature walk.
What you'll see
The main circuit leads you past a 4th-century BC Greek theatre, Roman baths, an early Christian baptistery with a remarkably preserved mosaic floor, the Lion Gate and the acropolis. Up in the Venetian castle there's a small museum with finds from across the site's long history.
Getting there from our part of Saranda
Butrint lies about 17 km south of Saranda, at the very end of the coastal road past Ksamil. A direct bus runs from the ferry terminal (roughly 30 minutes), or you can take a taxi or drive – just follow the Riviera all the way to the end of the road.
How long to spend
Allow at least an hour for the main monuments, though it's easy to spend two to three hours wandering the site. Summers are hot and there's plenty of walking, so bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
Combine it with Ksamil
Butrint is only a few kilometres past Ksamil, so the two pair perfectly into one day. We'd suggest the ruins in the cool of the morning and the Ksamil beaches in the afternoon – or the other way round, depending on the weather.
Why it's a great trip from the apartment
From our apartment in Saranda, Butrint is easily within reach, and you can do it without a car thanks to the bus. It's a perfect day when you fancy a break from the beach and want something other than sun and sea.
FAQ
How do I get to Butrint from Saranda without a car?
A direct bus runs from the ferry terminal in Saranda, stopping in Ksamil on the way and reaching Butrint in roughly half an hour. In season it leaves about every hour, so the trip is easy to do even without your own car.
How much time should I set aside for Butrint?
An hour is enough for the main monuments, but most people happily spend two to three hours. If you want to climb up to the acropolis and enjoy the lagoon views, set aside a whole morning.
Can I combine Butrint with Ksamil in one day?
Yes, and we recommend it. Butrint is only a few kilometres beyond Ksamil, so you can easily do the ancient city in the morning and the beach in the afternoon – both are a short hop from our place in Saranda.
