Butrint National Park, National park and archaeological UNESCO site in Vlorë County, Albania.
Butrint National Park combines archaeological sites and large natural areas in Vlorë County. The territory includes freshwater lakes, salt marshes, reed beds, and Mediterranean islands along the Ionian coast.
Greeks founded the settlement in ancient times, which later grew into a city with public buildings under Roman rule. The area gained national park status in 2000 and UNESCO recognition followed in 2013.
The ancient theater sits on a hillside with views over the lagoon from its stone seating rows. Visitors follow paved Roman pathways between temple foundations and bathhouse remains that show how people once lived and worked here.
The site lies about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Sarandë and offers guided tours through the ruins. Staff maintain protection of the natural habitats, so visitors should follow certain rules during their visit.
More than 246 bird species use the area as a stopover along the Adriatic flyway, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons. The birds spread across wetlands, forests, and rocky slopes depending on season and migration patterns.
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