A day trip to Corfu from Saranda
One of the things we like most about where our apartment sits is that Greece is literally within sight. During a stay with us 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 very different from the Albanian side of the coast. This article is about what to see on the island and how to plan your day — the boats, timetables and tickets we've covered separately.
Getting there (and where we cover it in detail)
From the port in Saranda, which is a short hop from us, a fast catamaran crosses to Corfu in about half an hour. In season the boats run several times a day, so a morning departure and an evening return work comfortably. Full timetables, ticket prices, booking and how border control works are covered in our separate article on the Corfu–Saranda ferry — here we focus on the island itself.
Before you sail: documents, euros and the time change
This is an international trip between Albania and Greece, so you'll pass through passport control on both sides. EU citizens can usually travel on a valid national ID card, but a passport is the safe bet — some operators ask for one and the rules change, so check with your carrier before you go. If you're counting Schengen days, note that a day on Corfu counts towards the 90/180 limit. Greece is an hour ahead, so adjust your watch when you step off, and they use euros there (Saranda uses lek).
Corfu old town: Venetian alleys
The historic centre of Corfu is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it's the main reason to come over for the day. The island was never taken by the Ottomans; instead the Venetians, French and British each left their mark — and you can tell. Tall Venetian houses, washing strung between windows and a tangle of narrow lanes (locally kantounia) feel more Italian than Greek. The best approach is to have no plan and let yourself get lost for a while.
The Liston, the Spianada and St Spyridon
The Liston arcades were built under French rule, modelled on the Rue de Rivoli in Paris, and today they're lined with cafés — having a coffee there is part of the experience, even if you pay tourist prices for it. Opposite lies the Spianada, one of the largest squares in Greece, where cricket is still played at weekends, a British legacy. A little further on stands the church of St Spyridon, patron saint of the island, with a striking red bell tower you'll spot from almost everywhere.
Two fortresses and a view over the sea
The Old Fortress (Palaio Frourio) rises above the town on a rocky spur, and the New Fortress (Neo Frourio) sits on the other side — both Venetian, and both with views that make the climb worth it. On a clear day the Old Fortress looks back across to the Albanian coast, so you get to see the stretch of shore you sailed from that morning.
If you have time left: just outside town
For a single day, Corfu Town is about right, but if you keep a brisk pace you can add a trip out of town. Closest is Kanoni, looking out at Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the Vlacherna monastery; south of town stands the Achilleion palace, built for Empress Elisabeth (Sisi); and on the west coast lies Paleokastritsa with its coves. Do bear in mind that in one day you'll manage either the town at a relaxed pace or the town in a rush plus one stop — check connections and times locally.
How we'd spend the day
The simplest plan is to take a morning boat, walk the old town and one of the fortresses before noon, have lunch somewhere near the Liston and let the afternoon go on the alleys. The evening ferry gets you back to Saranda just in time for dinner on our street. In summer, buy your ticket a day or two ahead — the morning crossings sell out.
FAQ
What can you see on Corfu in one day?
Comfortably the old town: the alleys, the Liston and Spianada, the church of St Spyridon and one of the fortresses. At a brisker pace you can add one stop outside town, such as Kanoni with Mouse Island. Don't expect the whole island in a day — it's bigger than it looks.
Do I need a passport for Corfu, or is an ID card enough?
EU citizens can usually travel on a valid national ID card, but a passport is the safe bet — some operators ask for one and the rules change. Check the current requirements with your carrier before you travel. You'll go through passport control on both the Albanian and the Greek side.
What makes Corfu old town special?
It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, and unlike most of Greece it was shaped by the Venetians, French and British rather than the Ottomans. The result is tall houses, narrow lanes and an atmosphere that feels more Italian. That's why it's worth the crossing even when you have plenty of beach at home.
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 are back in the evening. The port is a short hop from our apartment. For timetable details, see our article on the ferry.
