From Ioannina to Butrint

The journey from Ioannina to Butrint takes approximately 2 hours (excluding the time required for customs formalities). From Ioannina, take the E90 road. At Kalpata turn left onto the E853 and continue to the border, at Kakavia. Here you must pass through Greek customs and Albanian passport control.

From Kakavia follow the road north, towards Gjirokastra. After approximately 10 km, just after the village of Jergucati, turn left and follow this road over the mountains. On the descent there is a choice of roads, both of which go to Saranda. The main road to the left, which follows the valley of the Bistrice River, is the better road. The other, much poorer, road goes via the town of Delvina.

At the foot of the mountains there is the source of the Bistrice River. At the head of the river there is a wonderful freshwater spring, known as the Blue Eye (Syri Kaltër). The main road follows the course of the Bistrice, along a gorge. After a few miles, where the gorge opens out, you will come to the monastery of Mesopotam.

The town of Saranda is a further 10 km along the road. You enter the town on the south side of the bay from the hill above. At the bottom of the hill, take the turning on the left. Butrint is 19 km along this road, after the village of Ksamili.

Both the Blue Eye spring and the monastery at Mesopotam are well worth a visit. To get to Blue Eye, stop at the bar and shop on the main road, at the foot of the mountains, and ask for directions. A small track takes you past a fish farm and lake, to the Blue Eye and its small visitor centre/restaurant.

The monastery at Mesopotam is normally open. However, information can be found at the bar next to the road; the sheperd who tends his flock nearby also has a key.

More information on Mesopotam and Blue Eye.