Beyond Butrint and the environment
Albania is a country of dramatic diversity of scenery and changing landscapes. Its mountains rise abruptly from the coastal lowlands to elevations of more than 2,400 m. The intertwining valleys and lowlands, which impose obstacles for the modern roads, are the very features that make the landscape so suitable for hikers, walkers and nature lovers in general.
The hills, mountains, river valleys and gorges provide breath-taking scenic views, the seas, rivers and lakes shimmering mirrors of the landscape, the ever-present limestone and serpentine outcrops, peaks and cliffs a stark, angular backbone to the environment.
Albanias rich heritage means that churches, mosques, Roman ruins, ancient Hellenistic cities or prehistoric sites can be found almost everywhere. The unspoilt landscape of Albania is also a cultural landscape.
Outside the medieval walls of Butrint lies a remarkable array of historical sites including Roman cemeteries, villas and temples as well as Venetian and Ottoman castles. The archaeological and cultural heritage that these represents is an integral part of the topography and environment protected by the Butrint National Park.
Beyond, in the southern part or the Pavllas Valley, in the coastal region around Saranda, or in the Drinos Valley encompassing the World Heritage site of Gjirokastra, are several monuments of nature, monuments of religious, cultural or historical significance, as well as a wealth of archaeological sites.
- The bridge over the Brataj river
- Marked walks in the Butrint National Park