Butrint
Go in April–May or October, early in the day: the site has little shade, and the coach groups arrive by mid-morning.
When is the best time to visit Butrint?
The best time to visit Butrint is April–May or October, when days are around 20–24° and the site is quiet. In July and August, come at the 8:30 opening, before the heat and the coach groups.
Month by month
- Ideal
- Good
- Workable
- Poor / Avoid
- Now
October · Ideal.
Pick a month to read its note
Opening season
Open every day of the year: April–October 8:30–20:00, last entry 18:00; November–March 9:00–17:30, last entry 15:00.
Where to stay near Butrint
Stay in Ksamil, a few minutes up the road, or in Sarandë, ≈35 minutes by bus, which has more choice and is open all year.
Sarandë
The nearest town, ≈35 minutes away by bus, with the most hotels and restaurants.
Ksamil
A few minutes from the gate, with beaches and islets for the afternoon after the ruins.
How much does it cost to visit Butrint?
The ticket is 1,000 lek, and children under 12 go free. The bus from Sarandë costs 200 lek each way.
Ticket
1,000 lek; under-12s free
No booking
Getting to Butrint
Buses from Sarandë run through Ksamil to the Butrint gate, about hourly in summer; the ride takes ≈35 minutes. A taxi saves the wait.
Getting there
- By air
- Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA)
Sarandë to Butrint
≈35 min by bus
The Ksamil bus runs on to the Butrint gate, about hourly in summer. From 200 lek.
Before you go: visas, safety and money
Entry and safety rules are Albania's; see the Albania guide. Bring water and a hat: there is little shade between the ruins.
Visas and safety
Entry rules and safety advice are Albania's: see the Albania guide.
Quick facts
- Emergency
- 112 police · 127 ambulance · 128 fire
- Money
- Albanian lek (ALL). Buy tickets at the gate or online in advance; bring cash in lek for the café and the bus back to Sarandë.
- Plugs
- Type C and F, 230 V
Questions people ask
How long do I need at Butrint?
Two to three hours for the loop through the ruins and the museum in the castle. Add an hour if you stop to read every panel.
Can I buy Butrint tickets online?
Yes, on the cultural sites ticket platform, at the same 1,000 lek as at the gate. An online ticket is valid for a month and cannot be refunded.
Is Butrint open in winter?
Yes, every day. From November to March it opens at 9:00 and the last entry is at 15:00.
Can I visit Butrint as a day trip from Corfu?
Yes, in summer. Take the morning ferry to Sarandë (30–70 minutes), then the Butrint bus (≈35 minutes), and check the last ferry back before you set off.
How long do I need at Butrint?
Two to three hours for the loop through the ruins and the museum in the castle. Add an hour if you stop to read every panel.
Can I buy Butrint tickets online?
Yes, on the cultural sites ticket platform, at the same 1,000 lek as at the gate. An online ticket is valid for a month and cannot be refunded.
Is Butrint open in winter?
Yes, every day. From November to March it opens at 9:00 and the last entry is at 15:00.
Can I visit Butrint as a day trip from Corfu?
Yes, in summer. Take the morning ferry to Sarandë (30–70 minutes), then the Butrint bus (≈35 minutes), and check the last ferry back before you set off.