Saranda to Corfu Day Trip: Is it Worth Doing?
The last time I was in Saranda, I decided to take the ferry to Corfu, Greece. It was my birthday and I wanted to do something memorable. Going to a Greek island for the day sounded perfect!
Is the trip worth doing? Yes, it’s one of the best things to do in Albania, but there are a few things I would do differently next time.
Saranda to Corfu is easy to do on your own. Here’s everything you need to know from buying ferry tickets to what to do once you get there. And a few pitfalls to avoid so you have the best day trip.
Saranda to Corfu Day Trip: Is it Worth Doing?
Saranda is so close to Corfu, you can clearly see the island from just about everywhere in the city. Even though it’s so close, Corfu is a change of pace and very different from Saranda.
During communist times, the dictator turned Ksamil, just south of Saranda on the Albanian Riviera, into a military zone because he was afraid locals would literally swim over to the Greek island!
How to take the Ferry from Saranda to Corfu
There are multiple crossings every day. The frequency depends on the time of year. I recommend checking the ferry schedule on Direct Ferries and then buying your ticket directly through the ferry company.
Give yourself ample time because ferry schedules can change unexpectedly, (i.e. if you’re catching a flight or have anything time sensitive).
Where to buy ferry tickets & cost
I bought my return tickets in person at the Finkas office on Rruga Mitat Hoxha next to the Saranda port. You have to show your passport to buy tickets.
In summer purchase your tickets in advance. I went at the beginning of June and bought my ferry tickets the day before. The ticket office is open early – I was there before 8 am.
I was going to buy my tickets online, but couldn’t get the site to take my credit card, so ended up buying them in person. The tickets were actually €5 less each way in person. The round trip cost €40.
How long does it take?
There are two types of ferries: the hydrofoil (fast ferry) and the regular ferry (slow ferry).
The hydrofoil, also called the flying dolphin, takes 30 minutes. The slow ferry takes an hour or more. If you have a vehicle you will have to take the slow ferry.
I’ve done both. The hydrofoil is more comfortable, but the slow ferry is more of a traditional ferry experience where you can walk around and you’re outside.
Passport and Visa Requirements
You have to go through passport control leaving and entering both Albania and Greece. The Greek side is notoriously slow.
Canadian, American and British citizens do not need a visa to travel to Greece. Make sure you do not need a visa to enter Greece. Check visa requirements on the Greek government website.
Keep in mind Greece is part of the Schengen zone. Nationals of non-Schengen countries can only stay in the Schengen area 90 out of 180 days.
Currency in Greece
The currency in Greece is the euro. They will not accept Albanian lek. I took money out from an ATM near the old town in Corfu when I arrived.
Credit cards are widely accepted, but not everywhere (like taxis, smaller vendors). It’s definitely a good idea to have some euros.
Greece is a Different Time Zone than Albania
Greece is one hour ahead of Albania. This is important when you book your return ferry (you’re losing an hour). And don’t miss your departure ferry!
Cell Phone Coverage in Greece
Albanian sims will not work in Greece. This is one thing I wish I would have done differently. I thought if I left my maps open on my phone I would still be able to use it in Greece (that has worked before), but no!
I arrived in Corfu with no data, no maps and half the town was closed for Pentecost Sunday (including Vodafone). I did use Maps.me which does not require data, but it’s not nearly as good as Google maps.
Purchase a roaming package before leaving Saranda!
Arriving in Corfu from Saranda
The international port terminal is 1 km from the centre. I walked to the Old Town in about 20 minutes, but there’s plenty of taxis.
Another option is the Corfu Hop On Hop Off Bus. It picks up passengers at the cruise terminal (new port) which is next to the international terminal where you arrive.
What to do in Corfu
This is the itinerary I put together for myself for my day in Corfu. The day I decided to go happened to be Pentecost, so not everything was open (Greeks take their religious holidays seriously), but this is what I did and planned to do:
1. New Venetian Fortress
I decided to start with the New Venetian Fortress because it’s close to the port and looked like it would be good to do it before the day got too hot.
The fortress was originally built by the Venetians in the 1500s to protect the island from the Ottomans. Most of the buildings that are standing were built by the British in the 1800s.
Make sure you wear decent walking shoes – the cobblestones are slippy in places and steep. There are beautiful views of Corfu Town from the top.
2. Corfu Central Market
This is a very local market with lots of fresh fish, produce and local specialty items like honey, herbal tea and olives. Pick up some fruit to snack on.
If you want to do a lot of shopping, you may want to save Central Market for your last stop before heading back to the ferry.
3. The Liston (Eleftherias Avenue)
This is the main promenade in Corfu Old Town. It’s a historic street full of arcaded buildings with cafes and restaurants. Definitely touristy, but lovely nonetheless.
It’s a great spot to sit down for a coffee. There’s more cafes across from the arcaded buildings in the gardens. A lot of visitors eat here, but I wanted to find a more local taverna, away from the tourist crowds.
4. Loretto Gelato
Unfortunately they were closed when I went (on Pentecost), and I was very disappointed. This place has excellent reviews and it’s on the Liston.
5. Spianada Square
One of the largest squares in the Balkans, you can walk through here on your way to the Old Fortress.
The square is divided by Viktoros Dousmani Street, with gardens on one side and a cricket pitch on the other. The gardens side has a music pavilion and the Maitland Monument.
The gardens are pretty but I enjoyed Bosketo Gardens more, probably because it was more shady and dedicated to two of my favourite writers, Lawrence and Gerald Durrell.
6. Old Fortress
The Old Fortress has an interesting history that dates back to the 6th century.
Originally built by the Byzantine empire, the Venetians later added the huge moat (which even today you have to cross by bridge to enter the fort) to thwart an Ottoman attack.
The fort actually repelled three major Ottoman sieges between 1537 and 1716. Later it was occupied by the Italians, and used by the Nazis during WWII to imprison the Jewish population of Corfu before deportation to Birkenau.
There’s a nice church in the fort, Agios Georgios (St. George) built by the British in the 1800s for the garrison.
To be honest, I thought the New Fortress was more interesting to explore. But, if you know the history of the Old Fortress it takes on more depth.
7. Bosketo Gardens
Just outside the Old Fortress are the Bosketo Gardens. The gardens were a nice reprieve after walking around in the sun at the Old Fortress.
They’re not that big, but pleasant. Continue walking through to the Garden of the People, and onto the grounds of the Palace of St. Michael and St. George (where the Museum of Asian Arts is located). It’s all connected.
8. Mezen Restaurant
This is where I planned to eat, but did not. Between not having data on my phone to find it, and it being Pentecost (so it was probably closed) I couldn’t locate it.
It’s a bit off the beaten path and looked more authentic than the restaurants on the Liston. Plus it had very good reviews.
9. Pierre
Great little spot for sandwiches and pizza located just down the road from the back entrance of Holy Church of Saint Spyridon. This is where I ended up having lunch.
My sandwich was so good, I ordered a second one and topped it off with gelato (since Loretto Gelato was closed).
There’s a small tourist market on the same road with lots of souvenirs.
I actually wanted to eat at Di Santo Premium Sandwiches which has fantastic reviews and looks like they custom make your sandwich for you on the spot.
But without data I couldn’t find it. It’s around the corner from the Liston, on Evgeniou Voulgareos.
10. Holy Church of Saint Spyridon
Saint Spyridon is the patron saint of Corfu, and this Orthodox church is significant to Kerkyrans. It was built in 1590, and the bell tower is the highest point of Corfu Town.
The church is very traditional inside – large chandeliers, icons, an ornately painted ceiling and a crypt holding the remains of the saint. It’s beautiful.
11. Wander the Old Town
After Saint Spyridon I wandered around the Old Town, taking in the Venetian architecture and exploring the back lanes before heading back to the ferry terminal.
Corfu Town is a small, picturesque town, architecturally completely different from Saranda. It’s very pleasant to explore on foot.
Other Things to do in Corfu, Greece
These are the things I did not do, but would if I had more time:
- Corfu Museum of Asian Arts: Located in the historic Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George. It is the only Asian art and antiquities museum in Greece and is known internationally.
- Byzantine Museum of Antivouniotissa: Small museum in the Holy Mother of God Antivouniotissa Church. Religious art and antiquities.
- Archeological Museum of Corfu: Medium size museum with an extensive collection of antiquities from Corfu.
- Municipal Gallery of Corfu: Art gallery showcasing local artists. It’s located in the Palace of Saint Michael and Saint George.
- Faliraki Beach: Small local beach in Corfu Town with amazing views of the Old Fortress and Venetian walls. Even if you don’t go swimming, it’s nice to sit at the cafe and enjoy the amazing views.
- Paleokastritsa: Site of a beautiful monastery on the other side of the island. I visited Paleokastritsa 20 years ago and it was lovely. Today it’s more touristy with tour companies offering day trips that include the beach. Do it yourself by taxi (expensive) or local bus (bus terminal is 3.3 km from the port). Only visit Paleokastritsa if you’re planning to say overnight in Corfu – it’s a whole afternoon kind of excursion.
Where to Stay in Corfu Town
If you decide to say in Corfu Town, I recommend these places for their excellent locations and high ratings. Accommodation in Corfu Town is more expensive than Saranda.
- The Calliston: Luxury boutique hotel in the Old Town with sea views. Doubles start from $185 USD.
- History House: Guest house located just outside of the Old Town, very near the Archeological Museum. Doubles start from $160 USD.
- The Petite Apartment Airbnb: Studio apartment very near the Old Town. I was going to stay here myself, but dogs are not allowed (I travel with my small dog). From $95 USD per night, but two night minimum.
Last Things to Know for Before You Arrive in Corfu, Greece
- English is widely spoken: English is common, especially in tourist areas like the Old Town.
- Don’t drink the tap water: Just like Saranda, you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Corfu.
- Don’t plan to stay overnight without a reservation: In summer almost all accommodation in Corfu Town is fully booked.
- Corfu is Kerkyra in Greek: The Greek name is commonly used.
Three Things I Wish I Would Have Done Differently
- Bought a data roaming package before leaving Saranda. Not having data and Google maps really impacted the way my day went.
- Not gone on a religious holiday. Greeks are religious and half the town was closed for Pentecost, including restaurants I wanted to try and the Central Market.
- Not gone in summer. It was hot and busy. If summer is your only chance, then do it, but start early in the morning.
Last Words on Saranda to Corfu Day Trip: Is it Worth Doing?
Yes! It’s absolutely worth doing this unique day trip from Saranda to Corfu. When else can you so easily visit Greece for the day? And even though Saranda and Corfu are geographically close, the two destinations are very different.
