Corfu To Albania Day Trip – An Easy How To Guide

Embark on a quick adventure across the Ionian Sea and discover the hidden gems with a Corfu to Albania on a day trip! This Balkan nation boasts stunning cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and friendly locals, all within easy reach of your Greek island paradise.

• Unique Culture: Albania offers a glimpse into a different culture with its Ottoman and Byzantine influences. Explore charming towns, historical sites, and local customs for a taste of something new.
• Breathtaking Landscapes: Albania’s coastline rivals Greece’s with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs. Relax on the shore or embark on a scenic hike for breathtaking vistas.
• Archaeological Wonders: Dive into history at UNESCO-listed Butrint, an ancient city boasting Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. Explore temples, theatres, and a fascinating archaeological park.
• Great Value: Albania is a budget-friendly destination compared to Greece. Enjoy delicious meals, unique souvenirs, and experiences without breaking the bank.

Getting There: Ferries are the only way to reach Albania from Corfu. Two companies, Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways, offer daily services to the port of Saranda in Albania.

There are two main ferry options to consider for your day trip to Albania from Corfu: fast ferry and regular ferry. The best choice for you depends on whether you prioritise speed or bringing a car.

• Fast Ferry: Also known as a hydrofoil or “flying dolphin,” this option gets you to Albania in a brisk 30 minutes. These ferries operate year-round, weather permitting, and are passenger-only.
• Regular Ferry: Taking roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes, the regular ferry offers a more leisurely pace. This is the only option if you want to take your car to Albania. Important Note: Only your own car is allowed; rental cars are not allowed to leave the island or be taken abroad.

Ferries for your Albanian adventure depart from Corfu Town Port and arrive at Saranda Port. Remember, Saranda Port is where you’ll catch your return ferry back to Corfu. Tickets start at around €20 for a single journey, with prices increasing during peak hours.

To ensure a smooth departure process, we recommend arriving at Corfu Town port at least one hour before your scheduled ferry time. This will allow ample time to complete any necessary border formalities.

During peak season, ferries can get crowded. Consider purchasing your tickets in advance, especially if you’re travelling with a car.

• Saranda: Explore the charming seaside town of Saranda, known for its beautiful beaches, lively promenade, and Lëkurësi Castle offering panoramic views. Savour fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant.
• Ksamil: Venture south of Saranda to Ksamil, a picture-perfect resort town boasting stunning beaches with white sand and clear turquoise waters. Relax on the shore, swim to nearby islands, or explore the charming village atmosphere.
• Blue Eye Spring (Syri i Kaltër): Journey inland to discover the Blue Eye. A natural freshwater spring known for its mesmerizing turquoise colour and crystal-clear water. Enjoy the scenic beauty and serenity of this natural wonder.
• Lekursi Castle: Towering over Saranda, Lekursi Castle is a historical landmark offering stunning views of the coastline and Corfu Island. Explore the castle ruins, learn about its Ottoman past, and capture panoramic photos.
• Butrint: Journey back in time at Butrint, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the fascinating ruins of an ancient Greek and Roman city, including a theatre, temples, and a baptistery. Be awestruck by the captivating blend of historical periods at this archaeological marvel.
• Gjirokastra: For a deeper historical immersion, consider a detour to Gjirokastra, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman town. Renowned for its cobbled streets, distinctive Ottoman houses, and imposing castle. Gjirokastra offers a glimpse into Albania’s architectural heritage. (be aware that this might be too ambitious for a day trip due to travel time).

There are several ways to experience Albania on a day trip from Corfu, catering to different preferences and budgets:

• Corfu Pick-up and Ferry: Some tour operators offer pick-up from your Corfu location, ferry transportation (often via Igoumenitsa, Greece), and then a guided tour in Albania. While convenient, this option can involve longer travel times due to transfers or a regular ferry that is needed for your transport vehicle.
• Independent Tour with Pick-up From Saranda: For a popular and more flexible approach, book a tour with pick-up near the Saranda port in Albania after you arrive independently by fast ferry. This allows you to choose from various tours focusing on specific locations or offering multi-stop itineraries.

Once in Saranda there are several GetYourGuide Tours or Viator tours available that will include one or several of the locations mentioned earler. Some popular tours trom Saranda include:

• Saranda Jeep Safari (Lekuresi Castle, Borsh Beach, Llamani Beach, Porto Palermo Castle, Qeparo, Piqeras, Shënvasili and The Blue Eye)
• From Saranda to Butrint and Ksamil in a half-day tour
• Butrint, Blue Eye, Ksamil and Lekuresi Castle Tour From Saranda
• See All Viator Albanian Tours

• Go at your own pace: Embrace complete freedom by purchasing ferry tickets directly. Once in Albania, you can choose from several options:
  • Your Car: If you have your own car in Corfu (Not Rental) then you can go to Albania via a regular Ferry. Once there you can pick and choose where you like to go.
  • Rent a car: Explore Albania on your terms with the flexibility of a rental car from Albania. Be sure to research international driving permits and car rentals in Albania beforehand. Some Saranda rental car comparison sites include: Rent a Car RentalCars and Discover Car.
  • Public transportation: Buses connect Saranda to other destinations like Butrint and Gjirokastra. This option requires more planning and may limit your itinerary compared to a car.

• Currency Exchange: Euros are not widely accepted in Albania. Exchange some currency to Albanian Lek (ALL) before departure or use ATMs upon arrival.
• Border Crossing: Carry your passport and any necessary travel documents. Be prepared for immigration procedures at both ports.
• Visas: Most nationalities don’t require a visa for short stays in Albania. Check visa requirements for your specific citizenship.

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll likely do some walking, so pack comfortable footwear for exploring towns and historical sites.
• Swimsuit (Optional): If your itinerary includes beach time in Ksamil or Saranda, or a dip in the Blue Eye (not recommended for swimming), pack a swimsuit and beach towel.
• Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as Albania enjoys a sunny Mediterranean climate.
• Currency Converter App: Download a currency converter app to navigate Lek pricing easily.
• Albanian Phrasebook (Optional): Learning a few basic Albanian phrases can enhance your experience.

A Corfu to Albania day trip is a fantastic way to experience a new culture, explore historical wonders, and soak up the beauty of the Albanian Riviera. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Image Credits
Saranda Aerial : Karol Chomka
Kalaja e Lëkurësit : Igor W