Corfu To Ksamil: How To Get There

Corfu and Ksamil are two of the most popular tourist destinations on the Ionian coast. Corfu, located in Greece, boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, while Ksamil, located in Albania, is known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty. These destinations offer travellers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

If you’re planning a trip to this part of the world, you may be wondering how to get from Corfu to Ksamil. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to make the journey as easy and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re looking to take a ferry, bus, taxi, or rental car, we’ll help you find the best option for your travel needs. So, sit back, relax, and let’s explore the beautiful Ionian coast together!

How To Get From Corfu to Ksamil

There is no direct ferry from Corfu to Ksamil Albania, but you can take a ferry from Corfu to Saranda and then take a taxi, Transfer or bus to Ksamil. You can easily book a ferry ticket to Saranda Albania. Saranda Port to Ksamil is only 16 Kilometres away which is about a 30-minute drive. There are many options to get to Ksamil once in Albania with the easiest being Renting a car that gives you the most flexibility to come and go as you like especially if you are travelling with family or friends.

Steps To Get To Ksamil From Corfu:

1. Book a Ferry from Corfu To Saranda
2. Take Local Transport options From Saranda to Ksamil
   • By Public Bus 150 Leke (1.4€)
   • Rent a Car through a Comparison Site like Discover Car or even From local People via Rent from Locals Saranda
   • By Taxi 1500 – 1700 Leke (11 – 15€)
   • By Private Transfer

How Much is the Ferry from Corfu to Ksamil?

For the most economical ferry fare from Corfu to Ksamil (Saranda), plan ahead and steer clear of peak travel times. Typically, booking in advance yields the best rates. On the day of travel, expect to pay between €20 to €25 per ticket, though prices may vary based on availability, time of day, and whether it’s peak season.

How Long is the Ferry from Corfu to Albania?

The ferry from Corfu to Albania takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on the ferry company and the weather conditions. There is no ferry to Kamil but instead, you go to Saranda which is not far. The trip from Corfu to Saranda is shorter than the trip from Corfu to Vlore, which can take up to 3 hours.

Visiting Ksamil

Ksamil is a small coastal village in Albania that is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ksamil:

• The beaches: Ksamil is home to several stunning beaches, including the famous “Three Islands Beach”. The beaches are the main draw for visitors to Ksamil, and they offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Butrint National Park: Located just a few kilometres from Ksamil, Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features ancient ruins, a medieval castle, and a beautiful lake. It’s a great place to explore for history and nature lovers.

When comparing Ksamil with Saranda, another popular tourist destination in Albania, it’s important to note that both places offer different experiences. Ksamil is a quieter and more laid-back destination, while Saranda is a bigger and more bustling city with a wider range of activities and attractions. Ksamil is great for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation, while Saranda is better for those looking for a more active and diverse vacation.

Beaches in Ksamil

The beaches in Ksamil are mainly public, meaning that they are open to everyone. There are some private beaches as well, but they are usually associated with a particular hotel or resort. Most of the public beaches in Ksamil are well-maintained and offer amenities such as beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment. Some of the most popular beaches in Ksamil include Three Islands Beach, Pulëbardha Beach, and Manastiri Beach.

In addition to swimming and sunbathing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy on the beaches in Ksamil. These include kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and boat tours.

Is Ksamil Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Ksamil is a hidden gem on the Albanian coastline, known for its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. The town offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes serving fresh seafood and traditional Albanian cuisine.

Day Trip from Corfu to Ksamil

While it is possible to do a day trip from Corfu to Ksamil, it can be a bit of a challenge. The ferry ride takes around 30-45 minutes, so you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to get to and from the ferry terminal, as well as the time spent waiting for the ferry. This can make for a long day, especially if you want to explore Ksamil and its surroundings.

If you’re short on time and just want to see Ksamil’s beaches, a day trip can be a good option. However, if you want to explore more of the area and visit places like Butrint National Park, it’s recommended to stay overnight in Ksamil or nearby Saranda.

While there is no direct way to reach Ksamil from Corfu, there are several options available. Whether you choose to take the ferry to Saranda or Igoumenitsa, a visit to Ksamil is well worth the journey. With its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, Ksamil is a must-visit destination on the Albanian Riviera.

Transport Options From Saranda to Ksamil

Public Bus

To go to Ksamil you take the bus from Saranda to Butrint that stops at Ksamil on the way. The earliest bus leaves at 6:30 am and there is one for every hour after that until 18:30.

The bus stop is only 200 meters from the port and should take you 3 minutes to get there. The price of a single ticket is around 150 Leke (Under 1.5€). You buy the ticket from the Bus driver so it is advisable to have some change of the local currency with you.

The journey will take around 20-25 minutes and slightly longer during peak season because of traffic.

Taxi

There are several taxi firms that will take you to Ksamil. Their prices are around 1500 Leke (13€) for a one-way trip. choosing a taxi is a more comfortable way to get to your destination without the need to wait as you do with a bus. The journey is slightly faster than the bus as it doesn’t make any stops on the way.

Rent a Car

The final option is to Rent a Car. This option gives you plenty of flexibility and allows you to explore more of Albania. The Cost of renting a Car starts at around 20-25€ for the day. that is similar if not cheaper than getting a round trip with a taxi.

From Ksamil to Corfu

If you are already in Ksamil Albania and want to visit the island of Corfu then you just do the opposite. First, you need to make your way to Saranda this can be done by bus, Taxi, private transfer or even a boat. From there you simply take the flying dolphin ferry to Corfu.

Alternative Route – Ksamil via Igoumenitsa

Another way to get to Ksamil is by crossing over to Igoumenitsa first. This way is preferable if you have your own car and you want to take it to Ksamil or if you want to visit other locations on mainland Greece or Albania.

• By car: If you don’t have your own car then you can rent a car in Igoumenitsa and drive to Ksamil. The distance between the two places is about 80 kilometres, and it takes around 2 hours to reach Ksamil. However, make sure to check the rules and regulations for crossing the border between Greece and Albania, as you may need to have certain documents and permits.
• By bus: There are buses that operate from Igoumenitsa to Saranda, which is a town near Ksamil. From Saranda, you can take a taxi or bus to Ksamil. The journey by bus takes around 3-4 hours and costs around 15-20 euros.
• By ferry: There are ferries that operate from Igoumenitsa to Saranda. The journey takes around 1-2 hours and costs around 20-25 euros. From Saranda, you can take a taxi or bus to Ksamil.
• By private transfer: You can also hire a private transfer service to take you from Igoumenitsa to Ksamil. This is a more expensive option, but it provides more comfort and convenience. The cost for a private transfer varies depending on the provider, but it can range from 80-150 euros.

A Little bit about Ksamil

Ksamil is a beautiful coastal village located in the southern part of Albania, near the border with Greece. It is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Ionian Sea, and it is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and beautiful white sand beaches.

The village itself is small and charming, with a few restaurants, cafes, and shops. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals, making it a popular destination for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

The beaches in Ksamil are the main attraction, and they are some of the most beautiful in Albania. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities. Visitors can also take boat trips to nearby islands or explore the underwater world with scuba diving.

Overall, Ksamil is a hidden gem in Albania, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the country’s coastline in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Things to do in Ksamil

Here are some things you can do while in Ksamil:

1. Relax on the Beaches: The main attraction of Ksamil is its beautiful beaches. The most popular are Ksamil Beach, Pasqyra Beach, and Manastiri Beach. You can spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in the clear blue water, and enjoying the stunning scenery.
2. Visit Butrint National Park: Butrint National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just a few kilometres from Ksamil. The park is home to the ancient city of Butrint, which dates back to the 7th century BC. You can explore the ruins of the city, including the ancient theatre, the Byzantine basilica, and the Venetian fortifications.
3. Take a Boat Trip: Ksamil is located near several small islands that are perfect for a day trip. You can take a Kasmil boat tour to explore the islands, swim in secluded coves, and enjoy a picnic on the beach.
4. Try Local Cuisine: Albania has a rich culinary tradition, and Ksamil is no exception. You can sample traditional Albanian dishes such as burek, a savoury pastry filled with meat or cheese, and tavë kosi, a baked dish made with yoghurt and lamb.
5. Visit the Blue Eye: The Blue Eye is a natural spring located in the nearby village of Muzinë. The spring is known for its vivid blue colour and crystal-clear water, which is so clear that you can see all the way to the bottom.
6. Go Scuba Diving: Ksamil is an excellent location for scuba diving. The clear water and diverse marine life make it an ideal spot for exploring the underwater world. You can take a guided tour or rent equipment and explore on your own.
7. Enjoy the Nightlife: While Ksamil is a quiet village, there are still plenty of options for nightlife. You can enjoy a cocktail at one of the beach bars or head to Saranda, a nearby city known for its vibrant nightlife scene.

Related Links

• Corfu Airport to Corfu Town and Port