The ancient city of Apollonia lies in the southwest of Albania, approximately 13 miles from the city of Fier. The fascinating landscape of the archaeological park, consists of a successful combination between the beauty of monuments and nature, appealing throughout its long history, in an atmosphere of relaxation and meditation. It was founded during the first half of the 6th century BC by Greek colonist from Corfu and Corinth, led by Gylax, which named the city after his name (Gylakeia). After its quick establishment the city changed its name to Apollonia, according to the powerful divinity Apollo. It stands on a hilly plateau from where expands the fertile plain of Musacchia to the Adriatic Sea and the hills of Mallakastra. The ruins of Apollonia are discovered in the beginning of the 19th century.

This archaeological park or site contain also a Museum of Archaeology that is situated at the old Monastery of Saint Mary.

14 km south Saranda, this UNESCO site is an opportunity that you can’t pass up.

It’s the largest collection of ancient ruins in Albania at a location that has been occupied since the Stone Age. The ruins date back as far as 800BC when Butrint was settled by the Chaonians who occupied the coastal regions around western Greece and Albania. What remains are some excellent ruins, including an early-Christian basilica, a Roman theatre, a Roman temple and a Greek central square or agora with columns.