Butrint National Park is a true gem among Albanian attractions and one of the most fascinating archaeological parks in the Balkans. Located in the south of the country, just a dozen kilometers from the border with Greece, it is a remarkable combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This UNESCO-listed site is a place where history literally emerges from underground. Walking among the ruins of the ancient city, you can trace more than 2,500 years of history - from Illyrian beginnings, through the Greek, Roman and Byzantine periods, to the Venetian occupation. The most impressive remains are the well-preserved defensive walls, Roman thermae, a baptistery with beautiful mosaics, and an acropolis with a panoramic view of the Strait of Corfu.

One of the most striking landmarks in Butrint is the Butrint Ancient Theater, an ancient theater that could accommodate about 1,500 spectators. Built in the 3rd century BC during Greek times and later rebuilt by the Romans, it still impresses today with its acoustics and architectural craftsmanship. Sitting on the stone benches, one can almost hear the echoes of past performances and imagine what cultural life was like for the inhabitants of the ancient city. Interestingly, the theater is still used during summer festivals, which adds a special charm to the place and allows you to experience history in a unique way.

Butrint National Park, however, is not only ruins - it is also a unique ecosystem where history is intertwined with nature. Located on a peninsula, surrounded by the waters of Lake Butrint and the Ionian Sea, it offers picturesque landscapes and an abundance of flora and fauna. While exploring, you may come across turtles, various species of birds and even jackals. Dense olive and cypress forests create a shady shelter from the scorching sun, making sightseeing enjoyable even on hot days. It's worth reserving at least half a day to visit the park, so you can explore all its nooks and crannies in peace.

Moving to the north of the country, visit Apollonia Archaeological Park - another of Albania's fascinating archaeological parks. Located near the town of Fier, it was one of the most important ancient cities on the Illyrian coast. Founded by Greek colonists from Corinth and Corkyra in the 6th century BC, the city flourished during the Roman period, when it became an important cultural and educational center. It was here that young Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus, was receiving his education when news of the assassination of Julius Caesar reached him.

Today, visitors can admire the monumental remains of this once vibrant city - the impressive buleuterion (city council building), odeon, nimphaeum, Roman baths and fragments of temples. Of particular interest is the monastery of Shën Mëri, a medieval Byzantine church that now houses a small museum with artifacts found during excavations. On the other hand, the colonnade, which stands on a hill, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is an excellent spot for souvenir photographs.

Worth mentioning is the Byllis Archaeological Park, a lesser-known but equally fascinating archaeological site. Located on a hill with a panoramic view of the Vjosa River valley, the ancient city of Byllis was one of the most important Illyrian centers. Founded in the 4th century BC, it reached its peak of development during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Today you can admire the impressive remains of a theater, stadium, aqueduct and early Christian basilicas with beautiful mosaics. Of particular interest are the well-preserved floor mosaics in the basilicas, depicting geometric patterns and scenes from everyday life.

For lovers of ancient mosaics, a real treasure will be the Lin Ancient Mosaics, located in the picturesque village of Lin on the shores of Lake Ohrid. These early Christian mosaics, dating from the 5th to 6th centuries AD, were discovered by chance in the 1960s and are some of the best-preserved examples of Byzantine art in the region. The mosaics decorated the floor of the basilica and depict geometric patterns, floral motifs and Christian symbolism. Their delicacy and precision of workmanship testify to the high artistic level of the craftsmen of the time.

Berat Castle, also known as Kalaja e Beratit, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the Balkans and a true landmark of Albania. Built on a steep hill, it dominates the city and the Osum River valley, offering unforgettable views. The history of the site dates back to the 4th century BC, when the Illyrians built the first fortification here, but the castle owes its current shape mainly to Byzantine and Ottoman builders. What makes this place unique is that inside the fortification walls there is still a lively residential area with narrow, cobbled streets and traditional houses housing about 100 families.

Strolling through the castle grounds, one can discover numerous religious monuments, including several Byzantine Orthodox churches with beautiful frescoes. Particularly noteworthy are the 14th century Holy Trinity Church and the 16th century St. Michael's Church. The Red Mosque (Xhamia e Kuqe), a testament to the Ottoman presence, is also located in the central area. The castle also offers excellent vantage points from which to enjoy a panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. Particularly picturesque is the view of the Mangalem district at the foot of the hill, with its distinctive white houses with large windows, which have earned Berat the nickname 'city of a thousand windows'.

Old Town Berat, or Berat's old town, is another reason to visit the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it consists of three historic districts: Mangalem and Gorica, located on opposite banks of the Osum River, and Kalaja (castle) on the hill. The Mangalem district, with its distinctive white Ottoman houses climbing the hillside, creates an unforgettable sight resembling a pyramid of white cubes. These traditional houses, built one above the other, have distinctive large windows that were meant to provide as much light as possible for the artisans working inside.

The opposite district of Gorica, connected to Mangal by a historic stone bridge, offers a slightly different perspective and equally charming streets. Walking through the old town, it is worth noting the numerous religious monuments - both Orthodox churches and mosques, which testify to the city's multicultural history. Of particular interest is the King's Mosque (Xhamia e Mbretit), dating back to the 16th century, and the Cavaliers' Mosque (Xhamia e Beqarëve). Berat is also famous for its traditional cuisine, and local restaurants serve delicious regional dishes that are worth trying while visiting.

Moving to the south of Albania, it's impossible to miss Gjirokastra Castle - a monumental fortress towering over the 'city of stone'. Dating back to the 4th century, this imposing structure has been rebuilt many times by successive rulers - from the Byzantines, to local magnates, to the Ottoman Turks. The castle owes its present shape mainly to Ali Pasha of Tepelena, who greatly expanded the fortifications in the early 19th century. Inside the walls is the fascinating Weapons Museum, displaying a collection of weaponry from antiquity to World War II, and the Gjirokastra National Museum, documenting the turbulent history of the region.

But the real attraction of the castle is an American spy plane, shot down in 1957 during the Cold War and displayed as a trophy by the communist government. The fortress walls offer a breathtaking view of the city and the Drino River valley. The castle is also the site of the National Folklore Festival, held every five years, which features traditional dances and music from different regions of Albania.

The UNESCO-listed Gjirokastra Old Town is a true architectural gem, often referred to as the 'city of stone' or the 'city of a thousand stairs'. Characteristic of Gjirokastra are the monumental fortress houses (spheres), built by wealthy merchant families in the 18th and 19th centuries. These unique structures, with thick stone walls, small windows and interior courtyards, were meant to protect residents in troubled times. Many of them are open to the public today, such as the Zekat House and the Skendulay House, which provide a glimpse into the lives of Albania's aristocracy two centuries ago.

Strolling through Gjirokastra's cobbled, steep streets, you can feel like you're in a medieval fairy tale. Note the traditional roofs covered with flat stones, a distinctive feature of the local architecture. In the center of the old town is a bazaar where you can buy traditional handicrafts - from hand-woven carpets to copper products to local delicacies. Gjirokastra is also the hometown of two famous Albanians - writer Ismail Kadare and communist dictator Enver Hoxha, whose controversial legacy continues to stir emotions among locals.

The amphitheater in Durrës is one of the most important Roman monuments in Albania and the largest amphitheater in the Balkans. Built in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, it could hold some 20,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in the Roman Empire. Interestingly, the amphitheater was only accidentally discovered in 1966, when a local resident was carrying out work in his garden. Today you can admire the preserved parts of the auditorium, the tunnels where wild animals were kept before the battles, and the early Christian chapel with beautiful mosaics, which was added later when the bloody spectacles ceased.

When planning a trip to Albania's historical treasures, there are a few practical aspects to consider that can make a significant difference to your visit. First of all, the best time to visit the described places is from May to October, when the weather is favorable for exploring the monuments outdoors. I especially recommend May, June and September, when the temperatures are pleasant and the number of tourists is lower than in the high season. It is worth remembering, however, that in July and August temperatures can exceed 35°C, which can make it difficult to visit the extensive archaeological complexes, especially those without shade, such as Apollonia and Byllis.

As far as transportation is concerned, Albania does not have an extensive rail network, so the most convenient way to move between the described attractions is by car. Renting a car is relatively inexpensive, and the roads have improved considerably in recent years, although it is still possible to hit sections in worse condition, especially in the more remote regions. Alternatively, there are buses (vans) that run between major cities, but their schedules can be irregular and their comfort varies. It is worth noting that Albanian drivers are notorious for their rather relaxed approach to traffic regulations, which requires increased attention on the road.

Comparing the described attractions in terms of accessibility, Butrint National Park and the castles in Berat and Gjirokastra are the most accessible and best prepared to accommodate tourists. They have marked tour routes, information boards (often also in English) and basic tourist infrastructure. In contrast, less popular sites, such as Byllis Archaeological Park and Lin Ancient Mosaics, can be harder to find and offer limited facilities for visitors. It's a good idea to check current information on opening hours before you go, as they can change depending on the season.

Admission prices to Albanian attractions are generally lower than in other European countries. The most popular sites, such as Butrint National Park and the castles of Berat and Gjirokastra, have slightly higher ticket prices, but are still in the affordable range. Smaller attractions, like Byllis and Lin Ancient Mosaics, are even cheaper, and some can be visited completely free. It is a good idea to carry cash in the local currency (Albanian lek), as not everywhere can be paid by card.

As for accommodation, the best bases for visiting the described places are the cities of Saranda (for Butrint), Berat, Gjirokastra and Durrës. They offer a wide range of accommodations - from cheap hostels, to guesthouses run by local families, to luxury hotels. A particularly interesting option are traditional houses converted into boutique hotels, which can be found in the old towns of Berat and Gjirokastra. They allow you to experience life in historic buildings while enjoying modern comforts.

Albanian cuisine is also worth mentioning and is an added attraction when visiting the country. It combines Mediterranean, Balkan and Turkish influences to create a unique blend of flavors. While visiting the described sites, try local specialties such as tave kosi (lamb casserole), fërgese (a dish made of peppers and feta cheese) or byrek (filo pastry stuffed with cheese or meat). Restaurants near tourist attractions usually offer menus in English, making it easier to choose dishes.

Comparing the described attractions in terms of popularity with tourists, Butrint National Park and the cities of Berat and Gjirokastra attract the largest crowds, especially during the high season. If you prefer a quieter sightseeing experience, consider visiting these places outside the main season or early in the morning. On the other hand, lesser-known sites, such as Byllis Archaeological Park and Lin Ancient Mosaics, offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to quietly admire the sights without the crowds.

All in all, Albania offers a remarkable wealth of historical attractions that will satisfy both lovers of ancient ruins and medieval architecture. Each of the described places has its own unique character and tells a different part of the country's fascinating history. Butrint National Park delights with its combination of archaeology and nature, Berat and Gjirokastra captivate with their unique architecture and atmosphere of past centuries, and the lesser-known archaeological sites allow you to discover less obvious aspects of Albanian heritage. Whether you have a few days or two weeks, Albania is sure to offer you an unforgettable experience and make you want to return.