How To Get From Corfu To Albania By Ferry: Complete Guide 2025
Trying to get from Corfu to Albania? We’ve outlined exactly how to get there, where to go, and what to do!
Just a short ferry ride away from Corfu is the beautiful country of Albania. The Albanian Riviera is so close to Corfu that you are able to see picturesque beaches from Corfu’s north or East coast, as well as if you climb to the top of Mount Pantokrator.
Southern Albania has so much to offer, whether you want to take a day trip or extend your trip for several days or even a week. From the turquoise waters of Himarë to the archaeological wonders of Butrint National Archeological Park, there’s something for everyone.
This post will take you through exactly how to book a ferry from Corfu to Albania. We’ll tell you everything you need to know before you go, where to visit, and where to stay if you’re visiting for more than a day.
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Corfu To Albania Ferry Overview
Corfu To Albania Ferry
By far, the easiest and most convenient way to travel from Corfu to Albania is by ferry. Whether you want to take a quick day trip to explore another country or want to extend your stay to explore more of Albania, the ferry will be your best option to maximise both your time and money.
Where To Book Your Tickets
There are multiple ways to purchase a ticket for your Corfu to Albania ferry, however, we recommend using Direct Ferries, as it easily compares prices from all operators. This will allow you to have more flexibility on what time you leave and arrive back.
You can also purchase tickets directly through the ferry’s website.
Booking online also allows you to book in advance, therefore getting you a better deal on your tickets. You can also go to the docks in person up to 24 hours before your journey to purchase a ticket.
How Long Is The Ferry From Corfu To Albania?
The journey between the docks of Corfu and Saranda is roughly 30 kilometers (15 nautical miles). The voyage can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on which ferry operator and season you travel in.
High-speed hydrofoils are the quicker option, taking between 30-50 minutes, and are mainly for foot passengers. If you want to bring your car, which we don’t believe is necessary, you will have to choose one of the slower ferries which takes between 50 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
Top Tip – We recommend choosing a high-speed hydrofoil for a considerably faster and smoother journey.
How Much Is The Ferry From Corfu To Albania?
The price of the ferry from Corfu to Albania will vary based on several different factors. Summer months, between June and September, are the peak season and, therefore, will be more expensive than off-season. The ferry type will also affect price, with high-speed hydrofoils being more expensive than regular ferries.
Other variables that will affect price include whether you are travelling by foot or with a car, passenger type (children travel cheaper), and depending on if you are doing a return journey or one-way.
Typically, the price of a one-way journey will be around €30, and around €50 for a return journey.
Top Tip – Book as far in advance as you can, as prices will increase closer to the departure date.
Which Ferry Company To Choose
When it comes to selecting a ferry, there are three main operators: Finikas Line, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries. All of these operators are very similar in terms of prices, however, Finikas Line and Ionian Seaways tend to be marginally quicker compared with Albania Luxury Ferries.
We recommend researching which company is cheaper on your selected departure date.
What To Know Before You Go
Making sure you are correctly prepared before you leave can make all the difference between your trip being successful and a total disaster. Make sure you’ve got everything you need and know where you’re going beforehand!
What You Will Need To Bring
When arriving at the docks to board your ferry, you have to make sure you have your passport ready to show the security, as you are entering a new country. You will also need to make sure you have a physical ticket. You can get these from your ferry operator booth, which is located at Ethn. Antistaseos 4, Kerkira 491 00, Greece.
Depending on your nationality you may also require a visa to enter Albania. To find out if you need a visa we recommend going to your country’s government website.
Where Does The Ferry Leave From?
The Corfu to Saranda ferry will depart from Corfu Town port, also known as Kerkyra. This port is around a 30-minute walk from the Old Town. Make sure that when going to the port, whether by foot or by taxi, you specify the new port. The new port is roughly a 10-minute walk further away from Corfu Old Town compared to the old port, where smaller boats are docked.
When you arrive at the port, you will want to head to the large coral-coloured building to go through customs. Once inside, find the sign ‘To Albania’, this will be where you will need to show your passport and physical ticket. You will be stamped out of the country and be shown to the waiting room where you can buy some food and drinks.
Top Tip – ARRIVE EARLY. Your ticket will say to arrive 1 hour early, and we would recommend doing this. You will need to go through customs, and they normally start boarding 20 minutes before departure.
Can I bring a car?
Yes, you are able to bring a car on the ferry from Corfu to Albania. However, bringing a car will mean you will be paying slightly more compared to a foot passenger, and there are also fewer ferry options. We don’t recommend bringing a car if you are just going to Albania for one day, as there are plenty of public transport options. However, if you are planning on spending longer in Albania, then hiring a car and driving in Albania is definitely worth considering.
Top Tip – Hire a car through Discover Cars to get a good deal, and it will allow you to discover more of Albania’s hidden gems
Time Difference
Although it is only a 30-minute ferry between Corfu and Albania, there is a 1-hour time difference, with Albania being 1 hour behind. This means if your ferry leaves at 7am and takes 30 minutes, you will get to Albania at 6:30am. Therefore, make sure you change any clocks you have so that you are on time for your return ferry and you don’t miss any buses.
Arriving In Albania
So your ferry has arrived in Saranda, Albania. Now, what do you do? You will be taken through another passport control, where you will be stamped into Albania.
Once you leave the port, you will be at the end of Saranda Beach promenade. From here, you can turn right along the promenade and walk about 1 mile into the city center. Now it’s time for your adventure to begin.
Transport Options
If you want to explore Saranda, then walking will be your best method of transport. Sarada is a very walkable city, with most restaurants and cafes along the waterfront.
Want to head south to the likes of Ksamil or Butrint? Then you can catch one of the yellow buses from Rruga Jonianet, where the bus arrives every hour, at half-past the hour.
Saranda bus station is at Rruga Flamurit, however, there are no real terminals, rather just a street where most long-distance buses stop. These buses can take you to destinations such as Tirana, Gjirokaster, and Berat. A full bus timetable can be found here.
If you want to get somewhere slightly quicker, then there are plenty of taxis on the street that will happily take you to your destination for a reasonable price. However, note that most taxis won’t use meters, therefore, it is important to negotiate your price beforehand.
Currency Exchange
Unlike Greece, Albania does not use the euro. Instead, they use the LEK. On average, €1= 100LEK. Albania is also a country where most things are paid in cash, whether it’s your bus ticket or food at a restaurant. Therefore, it is very important to convert your money.
There are several money exchange offices across the city, with most not charging a conversion fee. Therefore, all you need to do is hand your euros over and they will give you the current conversion rate.
If you’re short on time, it is worth noting that most places will accept Euros, however you will likely not get the same value for money as if you use lek.
Travel Tips
One thing lots of people forget to do when arriving in a new country is to make sure that they can use their data without incurring roaming charges. This is why we usually use an eSIM, which we can activate as soon as we get to a new country. We recommend using Airalo, as they have amazing coverage for almost every country (including Albania), and it is very simple to activate.
We would also recommend learning a few key words and phrases in Albanian, as it will go a long way to making friends with the locals. Here are a few key words and phrases:
Why Visit Albania From Corfu
You might be wondering is Albania worth visiting and why would you travel all the way to Corfu just to visit another country. This is a perfectly valid point, however, I am here to try to explain why spending a day visiting Albania might just be the best day of your whole trip.
The south of Albania has so many gems that need to be explored. Regardless of what you want from a holiday, Albania will have exactly what you need.
More Beautiful Beaches
Yes, I know that Greece is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. However, most people (including ourselves) who have been to both Albania and Greece admit that the beaches along the Albanian coastline are more beautiful.
From turquoise water to the soft sand or smooth pebbles, it is clear why Albania is often referred to as the ‘Maldives of Europe’.
Less Crowded
Greece is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe, and potentially the world, with Corfu being one of the most well-known islands. Therefore, it is inevitable that Corfu will be very crowded, especially during the summer months of July and August.
However, just a short journey across the Ionian Sea is a much more peaceful but equally as beautiful location. With beaches where you can walk along the shore without having to avoid treading on 50 people’s beach towels, to beautiful towns where you can wander cobblestone streets without another tourist in sight.
Affordable Luxury
When it comes to price, there is a clear difference between Greece and Albania. In Greece, you can expect to pay anywhere from €20-50 for a meal at a restaurant. However, the same meal on the other side of the Ionian Sea will cost around €5-15.
Not only is food cheaper, but most aspects of travelling are significantly cheaper, including transport, tours and accommodation.
To put it simply, your money will go a lot further in Albania compared to Corfu. And you will be able to splurge on little bits of luxury while you are in Albania.
Fascinating History
Albania doesn’t just have stunning beaches, it also has a fascinating and complex history. Believe it or not, just 30 years ago, Albania was closed off to tourists due to the strict communist dictator Enver Hoxha.
However, Albania’s history dates back thousands of years, with archeological sites such as Burtint National Park offering an insight into the country’s more ancient history. It really is a no-brainer to visit Albania from Corfu.
Where To Stay In Albania
If you’re visiting Albania from Corfu and want to stay a few nights, we highly recommend basing yourself in either Saranda or Corfu. This will give you the perfect base to explore the surrounding area, and reduce your time spent travelling.
If you want a lively atmosphere with plenty of bars and beach clubs, Saranda is the place to be. If you want more of a relaxed holiday, Ksamil is the one for you.
Where To Stay In Saranda
- Best Budget Stay – Villa Alfred – Spacious apartments just a few minutes walk to the town centre. Each apartment comes with a kitchen and stunning sea views. Click HERE To Book
- Best Mid-Range Stay – Hotel Mano – This Beachfront Hotel is in the perfect location as it is directly opposite the ferry port. The staff are also extremely friendly and welcoming. Click HERE To Book
- Best Luxury Stay– Yacht Premium Hotel – With amazing sea views, this deluxe hotel is the perfect place to stay and unwind. Just a short walk from Saranda Beach, you can relax in style. Click Here To Book
Where To Stay In Ksamil
- Best Budget Stay – Twins Hotel – This has to be one of the best value-for-money accommodations in Ksmail. Twins Hotel is in a great location, just 300m from Lori Beach. Click HERE To Book
- Best Mid-Range Stay – Dine Hotel – Just 4km from Butrint National Park and very close to Paradise Beach and Ksmail Beach 9, Dine Hotel is great for relaxing and exploring. Click HERE To Book
- Best Luxury Stay – Duka’s Hotel – Easily one of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Ksamil. Only 300m away from the stunning Ksamil Beach 9 and an outdoor swimming pool, Duka’s Hotel has everything you will need for a relaxing stay. Click HERE To Book
Best Places To Visit In Albania
Saranda is located in the far south of Albania, however, there are plenty of places that are within 90 minutes of the city. As there are great transport options from the city it means you can easily explore other towns and cities from Saranda.
Explore Saranda
Obviously one place you can explore when you get off the ferry is the city of Saranda. Saranda is a beautiful seaside city with plenty to do, especially if you just want to relax and unwind.
One of the best things to do is to walk along Hasan Tahsini Boulevard, where you get stunning views of the Ionian Sea, and stop at one of the many delicious restaurants.
Any trip to Saranda would not be complete without lounging on the beach and jumping in the sea. However, Saranda also has a reputation as the fun, party, beach club city. So, if you want to enjoy a few drinks and have a bit of a party, then this is the place for you.
Burtint National Archeological Park
One of the main day trips people take from Saranda is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint National Archeological Park. Whether you are into history or not, this is a great place to explore and appreciate some stunning architecture.
When you leave the port, head to Rruga Jonianet (roundabout with the large tree), and there is a bus that goes directly to Butrint via Ksamil at half past the hour, every hour.
This journey takes around 45 minutes and will cost only 200LEK each way (€2). Entrance to the archeological park is 1000LEK, and you can have all day to explore the ancient sites.
Ksamil
Ksamil is a beautiful seaside town located just 30 minutes south of Saranda. This is the perfect place to grab a deck chair and unwind. There isn’t too much to do in the town of Ksamil, however, that just adds to the charm, as you are forced to relax.
If relaxing isn’t for you, then you can head to the water to do one of the many water activities, such as kayaking or paddle boarding and go on the inflatable obstacle course.
Gjirokaster
If you want to discover one of the more unique places in Albania, then look no further than the city of Gjirokaster. Located just a 45 to 60-minute bus ride away from Saranda, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is nicknamed ‘the city of stone’, and it is very clear to see why. The unique Ottoman architecture offers visitors a magical experience when wandering the cobblestone streets.
There are plenty of things to do in Gjirokaster, including heading up to Gjirokaster Castle, where for only 400LEK, you can wander the picturesque grounds of the castle and learn a bit about Albania’s fascinating history.
The Blue Eye
If you want to discover some of Albania’s beautiful nature, then make sure to head to the Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër). This natural wonder is located just a 30-minute drive from Saranda. Here, you can admire the natural spring, containing the bluest water you have ever seen.
When here, you can also enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant, or go for a walk around the lake. The entrance fee is just 50LEK and is cash only, so make sure you convert your money beforehand.
Himarë
If you want to head north of Saranda, then a great option is the picturesque town of Himarë. This chilled seaside town is perfect for those who don’t want to party in Saranda and want to avoid the busy tourist-orientated Ksamil. To get to Himarë, there is a 1 hour 30 minute bus from Saranda, and it will cost you 600 LEK.
Himarë has multiple beaches, with the main one called Plazhi i Himarës. There are plenty of amenities to enjoy right on the sea front. It is also one of the few places we found where you don’t have to hire a sunlounger to be able to lay on the beach.
Albania To Corfu Ferry
Once you have enjoyed all the amazing things that Albania has to offer, you will want to head back to Saranda to get the ferry back. The process is exactly the same as the journey from Corfu. You will need to go through customs control on both sides of the Ionian Sea and it is suggested you arrive at the port early.
Make sure you keep your return ticket safe while exploring Albania, as if you lose it you may need to purchase a new one.
Flying from Corfu To Albania
Yes, you can fly from Corfu to Albania if you really don’t enjoy water travel. However, we definitely don’t recommend this method of transport. There are no direct flights from Corfu to Albania, meaning you will have to have a layover in another location, most likely Athens or Rome.
The flight from Corfu to Tirana will be at least 4 hours and will be more expensive than the ferry. However, if you do choose this option we would recommend either exploring the beautiful capital of Tirana or renting a car to explore more of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a few questions about travelling from Corfu to Albania? We’ve answered the most common ones below.
Can I Do A Day Trip From Corfu To Albania?
Yes it is possible to do a Corfu to Albania day trip. We would get one of the morning ferries, leaving at 9am or possibly earlier, then get an evening ferry back. This will allow you to spend the day exploring Saranda or the surrounding area.
Do You Have To Book Your Tickets In Advance?
While it may not be a necessity during the off-season, during peak season, these ferries can get very busy and can be sold out. Therefore, we always recommend booking in advance, not only to secure your spot on the ferry and guarantee your time, but also to get the best deal.
How Long Should I Spend In Albania?
Albania is a big country with a variety of landscapes to explore. We spent 1 month road-tripping Albania and barely scratched the surface. Therefore, no matter how long you spend in Albania, you’ll likely wish you stayed longer.
We would recommend spending at least 1 week in Albania, which will allow you to visit several different places. This will mean you can enjoy the stunning beaches, but also head inland to enjoy some of the beautiful towns and villages.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Albania?
There is no bad time of year to visit Albania, as there is always something to do. We suggest visiting in May- June as this will mean you have amazingly warm weather, with the average temperature of 23 degrees, but also fewer tourists. As Albania is an up-and-coming travel destination, it gets busier during peak summer.
Is Albania Safe?
YES!! Based on our experience, Albania is an incredibly safe country. After spending a month travelling around, we never encountered any problems, nor have we heard of anyone else having issues.
In fact, Albanians are some of the kindest and most welcoming people we’ve met on our travels. They genuinely want to help in any way they can and love to strike up a conversation!
Do They Speak English In Albania?
Yes and no. In major cities and tourist hotspots like Saranda, you’ll find that English is commonly spoken to some degree. However, many people over the age of 35 may have limited English skills. Under the communist regime, which lasted until the ’90s, learning English was prohibited, so older generations often never had the chance to study it.
That said, we never found language to be a barrier. Locals are very accustomed to communicating through Google Translate and are more than happy to do so. We recommend downloading the app for offline use before your trip and learning a few basic Albanian phrases – locals will appreciate the effort!
Wrap Up: Corfu To Albania Ferry
If you are heading to Corfu this year for a holiday, we would definitely recommend hopping over to the other side of the Ionian Sea to enjoy the beauty of Albania.
Whether you want to see unique natural wonders or want to avoid the tourists of Greece, then Albania is definitely a place you should go and explore. Even if you just take a day trip from Corfu to Albania, you definitely won’t regret making the journey.
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