Plan · logistics
The archaeological sites, and what they cost
Four sites carry most of Albania's classical and Ottoman heritage, they are cheap, and only one of them is on the national ticketing platform.
- Butrint first, and early1,000 lek for a standard adult, 500 lek for ages 12 to 18, free under 12, 800 lek for a group rate. Greek theatre, Roman town and Venetian tower on one wooded peninsula, and it is the busiest classical site in the country in July and August.
- Apollonia when you are inland600 lek for an adult, 180 lek for ages 12 to 18 and students, free under 12. Excavated streets and the re-erected bouleuterion facade on a hill above the plain, with a thirteenth-century monastery in the middle of it, and almost nobody there in any month.
- The two castles are the Ottoman halfGjirokastër is 400 lek plus 200 for the Weapons Museum. Berat is 300 lek and cash only. Gjirokastër's is the largest castle in Albania; Berat's is a walled quarter people still live in.
- Do not expect to book onlineThe national cultural-sites ticketing platform carries Butrint and nothing else on this list, so it is not the route to a ticket for Apollonia or either castle. Turn up and pay at the gate.
The figures
| What | Value | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Butrint entry | 1,000 lek (about EUR 10) standard adult; 500 lek ages 12 to 18, free under 12, 800 lek group | 2026-08-25 · Albanian cultural sites ticketing platform, Butrint |
| Apollonia entry | 600 lek for an adult, 180 lek ages 12 to 18 and students, free under 12 | 2026-08-25 · Albania Guidebook, Apollonia |
| Gjirokastër castle | 400 lek (about EUR 4), plus 200 lek for the Weapons Museum | 2026-08-25 · Love Albania, Gjirokastër castle |
| Berat castle | 300 lek (about EUR 3), cash only | 2026-08-25 · The Endless Travellers, visiting Berat castle |
Asked about this
Can I buy tickets in advance?
For Butrint, through the national cultural-sites platform. For Apollonia, Gjirokastër castle and Berat castle, no: that platform carries Butrint only, and the gate is the ticket office.
Which one should I see if I only see one?
Butrint, and go at opening. Four periods are stacked on one site and it is the best classical object in the country. Apollonia is the better morning if you are on the inland road instead.
Are children free?
Under twelves are free at both Butrint and Apollonia. Between 12 and 18 there are reduced rates at both: 500 lek at Butrint, 180 at Apollonia.