Butrint is a magical place. Its special atmosphere is created by a combination of archaeology and nature not found elsewhere in the Mediterranean. The site lies slightly inland from the east shore of the Straits of Corfu, less than 10 km across the Straits from Corfu town. The nucleus of the ancient settlement of Butrint is located on a small hill, framed by the waters of Lake Butrint and the Vivari Channel, which links the lake and the nearby Straits. To the south the Butrint plain stretches off into the distance with nothing to disturb the eye but a few small Albanian villages. To the north and east the lake and marshlands give way to high mountains. The island of Corfu closes the view to the west. Butrint has been described as a microcosm of 3,000 years of Mediterranean history. The site has been occupied almost continuously since the 8th century BC. and was visited by Aeneas in his legendary journey from Troy to Italy.