The archaeological sites in Albania reveal a fascinating history of ancient cities, temples, theatres, and fortifications from Illyrian, Greek, and Roman times. Albania is full of ancient cities, temples, theatres and fortifications. Many of them are still being studied, and the finds are displayed in excellent local museums.
Here are the main archaeological sites and connected museums you should know about.
Butrint
Butrint is Albania’s most famous archaeological park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ruined city includes a theatre, baptistery, basilica, fortifications and a beautiful lake setting. The on-site Archaeological Museum helps you understand each time period, from Greek to Roman and Byzantine.
Apollonia
Near the modern city of Fier, Apollonia was once a major Greek colony and later an important Roman center. The park contains ruins of temples, streets and public buildings. The Archaeological Museum is set inside a former monastery, which adds charm to the visit.
Durrës
Durrës is one of the oldest cities on the Adriatic coast. An ancient amphitheatre and city walls can still be seen. The Archaeological Museum of Durrës, close to the sea, displays mosaics, inscriptions and artifacts found in the region.
Other archaeological locations
Smaller but interesting sites include:
- Amantia, with its ancient stadium and rural landscape
- Orikum, near Vlora
- Various castle ruins and fortifications across the country
How to include them in your trip
If you fly into Tirana, you can easily reach Durrës and Apollonia in one or two days. For Butrint, use Sarandë or Ksamil as a base. Archaeological visits combine well with beaches, lakes and mountain views, making your itinerary both relaxing and educational.
