Our Park4Night App failed to get us to a camp spot that felt right in Saranda, Albania. First time that happened but luckily I also had CamperConnect installed and that led us to this hotel that allows campers to park with electric hook-up and bathrooms with showers for pretty cheap.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

As we crept towards the southern edge of Albania, we couldn’t help but to reflect on the stray dog population here. We weren’t bothered as much by the stray cats of Croatia and Montenegro because they seem to be all doing pretty well for the most part. But dogs? They are bred for human companionship. There were a handful of dogs that literally ignored food from us until they got some love and affection first.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

On our way south, we stopped to visit Butrint National Park, one of the largest archaeological parks of the Balkan Peninsula.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

It stood as a Greek colony and a Roman city in ancient times.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Luka was really into leading us to all numbered spots on the park’s map.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

This way, guys!

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

This was once an ancient city that Julius Caesar and Augustus created for their war veterans’ retirement.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

And now our kids are using it as their playground. 

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Kids said they were doing yoga moves. Funny because I haven’t done yoga in months. Thanks for the reminder, kids.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

The Lion’s Gate! See it?

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Besides its historical significance, the park protects large numbers of flora and fauna.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

We opted to take a manned ferry in order to take the shorter route to the Greek border. It was short but not cheap. 10 euros. Ouch. Felt like a rip for a one minute ride but the prices were posted and that was the going rate for a camper.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

At the border crossing between Albania and Greece, we were required to drive the van into a garage for inspection. Agents looked all around the van, popped the hood and even had a young drug sniffing German Shepard make a few rounds. Getting into Greece after that was a breeze. SO easy, in fact, that we had to stop to ask them to look at our papers.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

We drove straight to the seaside town of Igoumenitsa and parked in a large lot in town.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

We showed up just as golden hour began.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

I couldn’t resist taking a million photos of the kids.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Not bad, Greece. Not bad.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

A better view of our camp spot for the night.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Butrint, Albania to Igoumenitsa, Greece.

Don’t forget to watch our VLOG from Butrint National Park and crossing into Greece!

Thanks for following along on our full-time travels,
Marlene


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