27/10/2023

By far the most visited Albanian site. We chatted to a couple from Dublin who had come on a day trip from Corfu. Never less than 5 coaches in the car park.

Butrint spans 2.5 millenia. Occupied and expanded by all. What makes it special, in my opinion, is the location.

A simple leaflet guided us around the site. English info boards. A lot of the buildings had water inside … below the water table. This is not a recent global warming phenomena, but one huge house complex was abandoned during Roman occupation due to regular flooding. They have to keep a significant mosaic covered over due to potential water damage.

We had our picnic on the edge of the car park overlooking the marshlands.

We caught the chain ferry across the river that separates the Butrint Lagoon from the sea. Had to hold Corrie tight as the steel cable ran in a groove the length of the floating pontoon.

We walked the sometimes muddy track to see Ali Pasha’s Castle. The guide book warned most of the path is submerged in winter. Lots of evidence of land slide along our causeway.

A good good day and a budget day. Butrint was expensive by Albanian standards at £16.50. Return ferry £2.50. Picnic and salad at home. No coffee or ice cream out. We CAN do a budget day!!!