Natural wealth
Not far from Sarandë and also not far from the Greek island of Corfu is Butrint National Park, which includes forests and wetlands. Its proximity to the great Lake Butrint makes this natural area even richer. Walk along the shores and search for hundreds of bird species or take a boat trip and look out for dolphins, seals and sea turtles. In the heat of the day, the best place to cool off is in the shade of the trees.
Archaeological cultural landscape
Surrounded by that magnificent nature lies the archaeological wealth of the abandoned city of Butrint. The ruins in this extensive complex reflect the many periods Butrint went through. The fascinating timeline is drawn in bumpy pavement and crumbling walls, an amphitheater and remnants of a viaduct and several basilicas. The oldest traces lead back to prehistoric times. Greek settlers, Roman rulers followed, it became a Byzantine bishopric and an important trading post on the Mediterranean. After a fierce battle, Venetians took possession of a badly damaged city. Eventually, swamping and earthquakes put an end to the once flourishing Butrint. People moved away; it became quiet in the city. Only natural sounds still broke the silence. Today, footsteps can be heard again in Butrint. A lizard runs nervously to its hiding place among the rocks as visitors pass by.