Phoenice — ancient Φοινίκη, modern Finiq — was once one of the wealthiest cities in all of Epirus and the capital of the Chaonians, the powerful tribe that controlled this corner of the ancient world. Today it's a quiet hilltop archaeological site above the village of Finiq, just inland from Saranda, where ruins, walls and wide plain views reward the few travelers who venture up. For anyone already visiting Butrint and the Saranda coast, Phoenice adds a layer of deep history that almost no tourists reach — including the spot where a treaty that ended a war between Rome and Macedon was signed.
The History
Phoenice was the capital of the Chaonians, one of the three main tribes of Epirus, and grew into one of the region's richest cities. Its most famous moment came in 205 BC, when the Treaty of Phoenice was signed here, ending the First Macedonian War between Rome and Macedon. The Chaonians' later alliance with Rome — in contrast to the Molossians, who sided with Macedon — meant Phoenice was spared when Rome took the region, while Molossian cities were destroyed. The hilltop preserves fortifications, a theatre, and the outlines of the ancient city.
What to See
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| City fortifications | Defensive walls around the hilltop |
| Theatre & civic remains | The outlines of the ancient city centre |
| Hilltop position | Wide views over the plain toward the coast |
| Location | Above Finiq village, ~10–12 km from Saranda |
Like the Drino-valley sites, Phoenice is read from its remains and its setting rather than from standing monuments — but the sense of a once-great capital on a commanding hill is real, and the views are excellent.
How to Visit
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| From Saranda | ~10–12 km / ~20 min by car |
| From Ksamil | ~25 min |
| Pair with | Butrint, Mesopotam, Delvinë |
| Facilities | Minimal — bring water |
A car is the practical way to reach Phoenice from Saranda. It pairs well with the other inland heritage stops near the coast — the Mesopotam monastery and the Ottoman town of Delvinë — and complements a Butrint visit with a less-touristed ancient site. Saranda-based tours are listed on GetYourGuide.
FAQ
What was Phoenice in ancient times?
Phoenice (modern Finiq) was the capital of the Chaonians, one of the three main tribes of Epirus, and one of the wealthiest cities in the region. It's best known as the site of the 205 BC Treaty of Phoenice, which ended the First Macedonian War between Rome and Macedon.
How do you get to Phoenice (Finiq) from Saranda?
It's about 10–12 km / 20 minutes by car from Saranda, on a hill above the village of Finiq. There's no direct public transport to the site, so drive or take a guided tour. It pairs well with the Mesopotam monastery and the town of Delvinë on an inland-from-Saranda day.
Is Phoenice worth visiting?
For history-minded travelers, yes — it's the capital of the Chaonians and the site of a Roman treaty, on a commanding hilltop with wide views, and almost entirely free of crowds. It's a quieter, deeper-history complement to nearby Butrint rather than a rival to it.
Bottom Line
Phoenice is Saranda's overlooked ancient capital — once one of Epirus's richest cities, site of a Roman treaty, now a quiet hilltop of ruins and views just inland from the coast. Pair it with Mesopotam, Delvinë and Butrint, bring water, and enjoy a major ancient site with none of the crowds.
