Getting to Us from Corfu by Ferry
Many of our guests don't fly straight to Albania - they fly into Corfu in Greece instead, since flights there are often cheaper and more frequent. From Corfu it's an easy half-hour hop across the water to Saranda by ferry. Here's how the whole journey works, step by step, so you arrive relaxed and find us without any fuss.
From Corfu airport to the old port
Corfu airport (CFU) sits just a few kilometres from the old port where the Saranda ferries leave, so this leg is short. A taxi takes around 15 minutes and costs roughly 20-25 euros (taxis are available around the clock at the airport). The budget option is the city bus - the blue line no. 15 runs about once an hour and reaches the port in roughly 20 minutes for a fraction of the cost. If you're travelling with big suitcases, a taxi is the easier choice.
Crossing the water to Saranda
Two kinds of boat run between Corfu and Saranda. The fast catamaran (hydrofoil) makes the crossing in about 30-35 minutes, while the standard car ferry takes roughly 70-90 minutes. For most guests travelling without a car, the fast boat is the simplest pick - you sit down and you're in Albania before you know it. You can't take a car aboard the fast craft; for that you'll need one of the few daily car ferries that run in season.
How often, and when
In season (roughly June to mid-October) there are plenty of sailings - often ten or more a day - so you can pick a departure that fits your flight. Off-season the timetable thins out a lot, and in winter there's often just a single passenger crossing per day. Winter weather can also occasionally cancel a sailing when the sea is rough. Always check the current timetable for the time of year you're travelling.
Bring your passport - it's an EU border
This one matters: the ferry crosses the border between Greece (EU) and Albania (non-EU), so you'll need a valid passport. A national ID card isn't enough here. Passport control happens before boarding and again on arrival - it's quick and routine, but factor it in and reach the port with time to spare. Keep your passport handy rather than buried at the bottom of a bag.
Tickets and booking ahead
In peak season and at weekends the boats fill up, so we recommend buying tickets online in advance - you'll lock in a specific time and usually a better price. A few weeks ahead is a sensible head start, especially in summer. Off-season you can often buy on the day, but with few sailings it still pays to check departures first. Prices and timetables change, so treat any specific figures as approximate and confirm current details with the operator.
Arriving in Saranda and the last short hop
The boat docks right in Saranda's port, in the centre of town by the seafront promenade. Our apartment is only a short way from the port - you can reach us on foot or with a quick taxi, depending on how much luggage you have. We're in a lively, local part of Saranda, the beach is right behind the house (about 2 minutes on foot), and there's a small shop right under the building. Just let us know your arrival time in advance and we'll happily help with the final stretch.
FAQ
How long is the Corfu to Saranda ferry?
The fast catamaran does it in about 30-35 minutes, while the standard car ferry takes roughly 70-90 minutes. If you're not bringing a car, choose the fast boat.
Do I need a passport for the ferry?
Yes. This is a crossing between Greece (EU) and Albania (non-EU), so a valid passport is required and there's passport control. A national ID card is not enough.
Does the ferry run in winter?
Yes, but much less often - in winter there's often just one passenger crossing a day, and weather can cancel a sailing. Always check the current timetable for your travel dates.
How far is your apartment from the port?
Only a short way - from Saranda's port you can reach us on foot or with a quick taxi. Send us your arrival time in advance and we'll help with the last stretch.
