Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Balkans, if not the World. We would put it up there with Stonehenge, Angkor Wat and Machu Pichu. It is a palimpsest of history, wrapped up in natural beauty. Being somewhat hidden away in Albania for the past few decades, in comparison to most UNESCO sites it’s hardly visited.

All in all it’s a simply wonderful place, both glorious and peaceful. It’s a great half-day trip if you just want to see the surface stuff. If you want to dig deeper and enjoy the museum to the full, make a day of it and have lunch at the café by the entrance.

Here are all the best bits on-site

Just to wander around and wonder at the lives of the thousands of people who lived here through time is mesmerising. It would reward years of study but, if you’re only here on a fleeting visit, here are a few top things to check out:

1. Ancient Ruins – Explore the well-preserved ruins of a city that dates back to the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians.
2. Theatre of Butrint – A 3rd-century BC Greek theatre later used by the Romans, offering impressive acoustics and views.
3. Baptistery & Basilica – The 6th-century Baptistery has beautiful mosaic floors, while the Basilica showcases early Christian architecture.
4. The Lion’s Gate – A famous stone relief carving of a lion attacking a bull, a symbol of Butrint.
5. The Acropolis & Venetian Castle – Climb up for panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and the Ionian Sea.
6. The Roman Forum & Baths – See remnants of Butrint’s Roman past, including a forum, bathhouses, and villas.
7. The Butrint Museum – Located inside the Venetian Castle, it houses artifacts from different historical periods of the site.

Round and about

Wherever you go in Butrint you’ll be walking through history. But you can expand that perspective by venturing only a short distance further afield.

• Take a Boat Trip – Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Vivari Channel for a unique perspective of the site.
• Visit Ali Pasha’s Castle – A small fortress at the entrance of the Vivari Channel, offering historical insights and great views.
• Explore Nearby Ksamil Beaches – Relax at the stunning white-sand beaches just a short drive away.
• Birdwatching & Wildlife Spotting – Butrint is part of a national park, home to birds, turtles, and other wildlife.

Butrint is an unforgettable experience for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike and our most important ‘must visit’ place in Albania.

Albania boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by its geography, history, and Mediterranean climate. Menus are characterized by fresh, locally sourced ingredients, traditional cooking methods, and bold yet balanced flavours. The country’s wine culture, dating back thousands of years, is an integral part of its gastronomy, with indigenous grape varieties producing unique and high-quality wines.

Traditional Albanian Cuisine

Albanian chefs draw upon a delightful legacy of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Balkan influences. Meals are typically centred around fresh vegetables, meats, dairy products, and aromatic herbs. One of the most beloved national dishes is Tavë Kosi, a baked lamb and yogurt casserole that exemplifies the country’s comfort food tradition. Another staple is Fërgesë, a rich and creamy dish made from peppers, tomatoes, and cottage cheese, which can be served as either a side or a main course.

Meat plays a significant role in Albanian cooking, with dishes like qebapa (grilled minced meat sausages) and mish në hell (spit-roasted meat) popular favourites, especially for festive occasions. Fresh seafood is also a highlight in coastal regions like Durrës and Sarandë, where dishes such as tave me peshk (baked fish with vegetables) and midha me oriz (mussels with rice) showcase the country’s maritime heritage.

As in most Mediterranean countries, vegetables and legumes are widely used, with fasule (bean stew) and speca të mbushur (stuffed peppers) being staples on most menus. Bread, particularly byrek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, is standard fare. Dairy products like feta cheese, yogurt, and kaçkavall (a hard cheese) are frequent additions to cooked dishes, or appear served as appetisers.

Those with a sweet tooth will be happy to discover that Albania also has a vibrant tradition of desserts, with baklava, trilece (a milk-soaked sponge cake), and petulla (fried dough served with honey or cheese) being popular sweet treats.

Wine pairings

Albania has a long and rich winemaking tradition dating back over 2 millennia to the Illyrian period. The country’s favourable climate, fertile soil, and high-altitude vineyards create ideal conditions for wine production. International varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are cultivated, but Albania is particularly known for its fascinating indigenous grape varieties.

One of the most renowned native grapes is Kallmet, a robust red wine variety grown mainly in northern Albania. This wine is full-bodied, with rich flavours of dark berries, spice, and earthy undertones. Shesh i Zi, another prominent red grape, produces medium-bodied wines with a balance of fruitiness and acidity.

For white wine lovers, Shesh i Bardhë is a common varietal, known for its crisp floral notes. Offering a refreshing and aromatic taste, another unique Albanian white is Debinë e Bardhë, cultivated mainly in the southern regions,

Traditional winemaking methods are still preserved in many family-run vineyards, and the country’s wine industry is growing, gaining international recognition. Local wineries and wine tours have become popular, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavours of Albanian wines.

Mediterranean – but with a difference.

All things considered, Albanian food and wine are a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural abundance. From hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood to unique wines crafted from indigenous grapes, Albania offers a truly distinctive and different culinary experience. Whether dining in a traditional ‘tavernë’ or sipping wine in a picturesque vineyard, exploring Albanian gastronomy is a journey worth taking

Albania may be small, but it is culturally rich boasting a unique artistic and musical heritage shaped by its diverse history, through Illyrian and Ottoman influences to modern European trends. Despite periods of isolation, Albanian culture has thrived, maintaining its distinct identity while adapting to contemporary global movements.

Traditional and Contemporary Art

Albanian art has deep roots in antiquity, with Illyrian and Byzantine influences shaping its early forms. Ancient Illyrian artifacts, including jewellery, pottery, and relief sculptures, showcase the skills of bygone artisans. The medieval period brought stunning Christian iconography, most notably from a 16th-century painter called Onufri, known for his vivid use of red and gold tones in religious frescoes.

During the Ottoman era, Islamic artistic elements, such as intricate calligraphy and mosque decorations, became prominent, blending with local traditions. The 20th century saw socialist realism dominate under Enver Hoxha’s communist regime, where art was used as state propaganda, glorifying workers and revolutionaries. However, since the fall of communism in the 1990s, Albanian artists have embraced modern and abstract art forms, gaining recognition in international galleries. Contemporary artists such as Adrian Paci and Anri Sala have gained global acclaim for their thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, migration, and history.

Music: From Folk to Modern Genres

Albanian music is deeply tied to its regional diversity, with two major folk traditions: Gheg music in the north and Tosk music in the south. The north is known for epic ballads, often sung with the accompaniment of the lahuta, a one-stringed instrument. These songs recount heroic tales of Albanian warriors and historical events. Southern Albania is famous for Iso-Polyphony, a UNESCO-recognized tradition where multiple voices create haunting harmonies, reflecting the area’s Byzantine and Ottoman musical influences.

Instrumental music is equally diverse, with instruments like the çiftelia (a two-stringed lute), defi (a type of tambourine), and fyelli (a shepherd’s flute) playing a significant role in traditional performances.

In modern times, Albania has embraced contemporary music, producing successful pop, rap, and electronic artists. Singers of Albanian heritage, like Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, and Bebe Rexha, have achieved global fame. Meanwhile, domestic artists such as Elvana Gjata and Noizy have popularized Albanian pop and hip-hop. The country’s participation in Eurovision has further highlighted its musical creativity on an international stage.

Cultural Traditions and Festivals

Albania’s culture is rich with traditions, many rooted in the ancient Kanun, a set of customary laws that emphasize honour, hospitality, and family loyalty. Hospitality is central to Albanian identity, with guests treated with immense respect and generosity.

Major festivals celebrate Albania’s artistic and musical heritage. The Gjirokastër National Folklore Festival, held every five years in the historic town of Gjirokastër, showcases folk music and dance. Other events, such as Tirana International Film Festival and Kala Festival, celebrate cinema and contemporary music, blending Albania’s past with its modern cultural evolution.

Distinctive and unusual culture, well worth discovering

Albania’s art, music, and culture reflect its resilient spirit and diverse influences. From ancient Illyrian relics to modern pop icons, and from haunting polyphonic songs to abstract contemporary art, Albania’s cultural scene continues to evolve while preserving its rich heritage.