Day Trip to Corfu by Ferry from Saranda
One of our favourite things about where the apartment sits is that Greece is right there on the horizon. From the port in Saranda, a fast catamaran skips across the Ionian Sea to the island of Corfu in about half an hour, so you can spend a whole day in another country and still be back on your Albanian beach by evening.
Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek) is green, fragrant, and quite different in feel from the Albanian coast. Here is how to get there, what to know about the ferry, and how to make the most of a single day on the island.
The ferry from Saranda
The crossing leaves straight from Saranda's port, which is only a short way from our apartment. The fast catamaran or hydrofoil reaches Corfu in roughly half an hour, while the larger car ferries take a little longer.
How many crossings, and when
In high season (roughly June to mid-October) boats run several times a day, from morning until evening, so it's easy to pick a morning departure and an evening return. Off-season there are far fewer sailings — sometimes only one a day — so always check the current timetable before you plan.
Passport control and the border
Remember this is an international trip: Albania is outside the Schengen Area, so you clear passport control on both sides, leaving and arriving. Bring a valid passport, not just an ID card. If you've already used Schengen days elsewhere in Europe, note that a day on Corfu counts toward your 90/180-day allowance.
Small practical things
Greece runs one hour ahead of Albania, so set your watch forward when you step off the boat. Corfu uses the euro (Saranda uses the lek), so carry some cash or a card. Arrive at the port about an hour before departure to allow for check-in and the passport queue, which can be longer in peak summer.
What to see in Corfu Town
Corfu's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site shaped by Venetian, French, and British rule. Don't miss the Liston, an arcade of cafés modelled on Paris's Rue de Rivoli, the vast Spianada square, the Old and New Fortresses for their views, and the Church of St Spyridon with its distinctive red bell tower.
How we'd spend the day
The simplest plan is to take a morning boat, walk the Old Town and a fortress before lunch, eat somewhere near the Liston, and lose an afternoon in the lanes. The evening ferry brings you back to Saranda in good time for dinner on our street. In summer, book your ticket a day or two ahead, as morning sailings sell out.
FAQ
How long does the Saranda to Corfu crossing take?
About half an hour on the fast catamaran, and a little longer on the larger car ferries. It really is just a short hop across the Ionian Sea.
Do I need a passport for Corfu?
Yes. It's a crossing from Albania into Greece, an international border, so a valid passport is required — an ID card isn't enough. You clear passport control on both sides.
How much is a ticket, and should I book ahead?
A one-way ticket is approximately €19–30, varying by boat and season. In summer we'd book a day or two ahead, especially for morning departures, which can sell out.
Can I do Corfu as a day trip from the apartment?
Easily. In season the boats run several times a day, so you leave in the morning and return in the evening. The port is only a short way from our apartment.
