Overview

In between all of your visits to Ksamil’s many beaches, be sure to check out Butrint National Park. This is one of the best things about Ksamil, in my opinion. The ancient city of Butrint has a long history, stretching back to the Greeks, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. But, it was a staple of defense (and a bit of vacation) for the Romans, especially Julius Caesar. There’s an extensive museum inside the ruins that details the history of the region. I’d recommend spending a few hours in the park as there’s a lot to see, and it’s worth taking your time. But, if you’re looking to get away from the beaches, a trip to Butrint makes a great day trip. Butrint National Park houses the well-preserved ruins of an ancient city. These ruins are included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Here, find an old amphitheater, monastery, watchtowers and a fort. Butrint is about 20 minutes away from Ksamil by bus. Stroll along the olive groves if you still have energy afterwards. The main attraction of Ksamil is the archaeological park of Butrint and the great Butrint Lagoon, a kind of large salt lake formed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. The sea enters the lagoon through the Vivari Channel, right near the ancient town of Butrint. Butrint, located 17 km south of Ksamil, was an important city of Epirus in Ancient Greece, later becoming an important Roman colony. It also had an interesting Byzantine past and a troubled history during the Middle Ages. The Venetians used the port of Butrint and the lagoon as a shelter for their fleet, while under Ottoman rule it became a fortified citadel.