Albania
Day 12: Day trip to Butrint National Park
Today you’ll take a day trip to Butrint National Park, Albania’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. After that, head to the beach for a relaxing afternoon and finish the day with sunset views from a castle.
Visit Butrint National Park
Just a 10-minute drive from Ksamil, you’ll find Butrint National Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The park covers 29 square kilometers and is full of ruins from different time periods, from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. Some of the highlights include the Roman Theater, Roman Baths, the Great Basilica, and the Archaeological Museum. The site is quite large, but well marked with plenty of signs to help you find your way. The entrance fee is 1,000 LEK (€ 10) per person.
Relax at Mucobega Beach
After exploring Butrint, head to Mucobega Beach in Saranda. It’s the only beach in Albania where we really got that “Maldives” feeling: clear turquoise water, soft sand, and a peaceful vibe. Two sunbeds and an umbrella cost 1,000 LEK (€ 10). We loved this place and would definitely call it one of our favorite beaches in Albania.
Sunset at Lekuresi Castle
In the evening, drive up to Lekuresi Castle for sunset. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the area, sitting on top of Lekuresi Hill with sweeping views over Saranda and the sea. There's a restaurant with a large outdoor terrace inside the castle, and while it can get busy in summer, it’s a great spot for drinks at golden hour. Even if you don’t plan to eat, you can still visit the castle for free. Try to get there at least one hour before sunset to grab a good seat.
