- For anyone interested in exploring Butrint on their own - it's really easy and I've put together instructions from my experience as I found it quite difficult to piece all the relevant information together. check out my full guide to flying to Albania. The first ferry boat from Corfu to Saranda departs at 9:00 AM. Albania is a country that has been shrouded in mystery until relatively recently. Soak up views of Albania on a ferry to beachside Agios Saranda, Enjoy free time in Saranda to stroll, sightsee, and enjoy the beaches, Opt to visit UNESCO-listed ancient Butrint on a side trip (additional cost), Explore Butrint's classical ruins, see the Ottoman Ali Pasha Castle, and enjoy an optional buffet lunch (own expense), Round-trip ferry rides from Corfu, plus hotel pickup and drop-off included, Port taxes 10 euro per person payable at the time of embarkation. And if you like history, there is also Lekursi Castle to discover. Do I need a visa? There are miles of beautiful white beaches with clear blue green waters, boat trips, beach bars and lots more. You can always check the latest ferry timetable from Finikas Lines on their website here -> https://www.finikas-lines.com/lines. - I decided against the tour as I wanted to visit the site myself and in my own time About Albania Tour Guide |Tripadvisor Reviews | Terms & Conditions | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy | Editorial Policy. A private minivan picks you up directly from your hotel and transports you to the ferry terminal, where the return ferry tickets to Saranda are included in your day trip fees. In this article we outline a number of different day trip options to Albania that you can take. Nestling amongst ancient olive trees on Corfu's dramatic west coast, . The first ferry from Corfu to Albania departs at 8:45 AM. Enter your first name and email to get Corona Travel Updates in your inbox. The two companies that operate a ferry boat between Corfu and Albania are Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways. I am a Private Tour Guide in Albania. Top 10 Day Trips From Lucca, Italy. Finikas Lines charges 38 euros for a return ticket from Corfu to Saranda and back. The Albania day trip combined a round trip ferry rife from Corfu, a visit to a mountain spring, exploration of a classical site, and visit to a modern city. Alternatively, opt for a side trip to Butrint to see its UNESCO-listed ancient Greco-Roman ruins, and take inthe nearby Ali Pasha Castle. Gjirokaster is not known as Albanias most beautiful town for nothing! Albania is very close to Corfu, because the distance is only 35 kilometres. So, you can check the website once and to see the price for the month of your holiday. I have written a full guide to the paradise-like Ksamil beach, which you can check out here. Ride a ferry to Agios Saranda, and enjoy free time to stroll, relax, and get to knowthis beach-fringed town. There is a ticket office across from the Domestic Terminal Building in the Port of Corfu. In the low season, Ionian Seaways charges 20 euros for a one-way ticket and 40 euros for a return ticket. We just werent prepared for the summer heat! Fabulous views and we had around 30 minutes there before returning to Sarande for an enjoyable lunch in a clean restaurant with lovely views over the bay. Antistaseos 24, Kerkira 491 00, Greece. A return ticket for an adult is between 40.00 47.60 in the high season. Tourists' entrance in Albania is further facilitated by the fact that no visa is required, and what they want to keep themselves busy with is up to them. The local bus stop is situated is situated right opposite the "Ruins of the 5th Century Synagogue", there are no signs and no bus times, but when I boarded the bus, there was a list of times You can get to Albania from Corfu by ferry. In the high season, a child pays between 10.00 13.00 for a one-way ticket. At the port, the bus makes two stops. Two chefs, one Greek and one international, oversee the kitchen offering an array of local and international dishes, with fresh fish delivered daily buy the chefs brother . Corfu to Saranda Ferry The Corfu Saranda ferry route connects Ionian Islands with Albania and is currently operated by 4 ferry companies. The most basic package includes a return ferry ride to Saranda and around 6 hours free time to explore and meander around the streets of Saranda. A Day Trip to the Albanian Riviera from Corfu. Why not take the bus from Saranda to the beautiful Lake Ohrid that lies over the border of Albania and North Macedonia. The hike to the top of Mount Pantokrator takes an average of 2 hours but you can also drive to the top. Full to the brim on wonderful Albanian cuisine (dont forget to try the Qofte! How can I help you? Two 3-day treks in Zagoria & Kurvelesh combined with UNESCO World Heritage sites Gjirokaster and Butrint as well as Riviera Coast. By taxi, it will only take 10 minutes and it will cost you roughly 10 euros. 2 replies; Day trips from Tirana 2 replies; private rooms in Tirana and Durres 4 replies; Tirana - Kotor 3 replies; Korce (Koritsa) to Tirana 2 replies Depending on the season, there are between 2 13 ferry departures per day. How can I help you? From 910 per person, including flights. You can go on a day trip to Corfu from Saranda. What an interesting travel idea! Ksamil is 18 kilometres to the south of Saranda. Basically, there are three companies, that operate boats between Corfu and Saranda. Depending on the season, there are between 2 - 13 ferry departures per day. Alternatively, it is also possible to book on the website of Direct Ferries. The ticket prices for the ferry from Corfu to Albania depend on the season. So that, you do not have to stress and worry about missing your flight home. Its possible to visit Gjirokaster and the Blue Eye in the day if you start early enough. By car ferry, it takes 65 minutes to travel from Corfu to Saranda. The Natural Adventure. The trip will cost 300 Lek (about 2) for a one-way journey. From Corfu Port, there is a ferry to the Albanian town of Saranda. This way you can combine both amazing attractions in one day. The number of boat departures per day, depends on the season. You can get to Saranda by bus, by taxi or by car from the mainland or by ferry from Corfu. The platform will show you the availability and ticket prices for all the above operators. Great day and very good value. A return ticket costs between 38-48 euros. With Finikas Lines, it is possible to go on a day trip to Corfu from Saranda between the 6th of April and the 31st of October. Thanks for sharing! https://albaniatourguide.com/albania-covid-travel-restrictions-pcr-testing-and-coronavirus/, Free Albania Planning Session via Skype / WhatsApp / Zoom. You will also need to print your ticket. The next morning I drag myself out of bed early and head down to the front desk to inquire again about ferry times. .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_content { background-color: #ffb845 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container .et_bloom_form_header { background-color: #ed9810 !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .wedge_edge .triangle { fill: #ed9810} .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #ffffff !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_fields i { color: #ffffff !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_content .et_bloom_custom_field_radio i:before { background: #ffffff !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_content button { background-color: #ffffff !important; } .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container h2, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container h2 span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container h2 strong { font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; }.et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container p, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container p span, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container p strong, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container form input, .et_bloom .et_bloom_optin_4 .et_bloom_form_container form button span { font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, Lucida, sans-serif; } When we arrived, we went through all the usual ticket and passport checks before we boarded our craft. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Compare tours, packages, and independent trips for a 2 week Corfu vacation. I wish I had known about this when we visited Corfu! To get on the ferry, you need to travel to the Port of Corfu. Drinks were not included but were very cheap. And finally, you can travel from the airport to the port by taxi. The conditions to travel to Greece or the Greek Corfu island are: -Negative PCR test 72 hours-Negative antigen 48 hours-Certificate of vaccination-Test or medical certificate that shows you recovered from COVID in the past 30-180 days is required to enter Greece, 2. Itineraries and trips from 19 experts. It is near the synagogue and is a good way to escape the heat for a while. Albania became an independent state in the early 20th century after hundreds of years of Ottoman rule. Short stop there then a return to town for about 90 mins free time before catching the bus back to the port for the return crossing and transfer back to your hotel. I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania. There is a 1 hour time difference between the Greek Corfu island and Albania. Stayed in Kasmil for lunch and for a quick beach trip, then started heading back to Saranda at around 3pm, and walked the coast of Saranda (the beaches in Saranda are very pebblelly so Kasmil is better) About Albania Tour Guide |Tripadvisor Reviews | Terms & Conditions | Website Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Refund Policy | Editorial Policy. I Would recommand that Journey. Now that youre desperate to visit this beautiful country of dramatic mountains, white beaches and quirky little towns, heres how to take a day trip from Corfu to Saranda. Once youve finished exploring the Venetian Castle, you then head towards Saranda where you can choose to explore independently and at your own pace, or have your guide show you around the city. Due to the close distance, you can see Corfu island from the beaches in Southern Albania. You can find the ticket office of Finikas Lines here: https://goo.gl/maps/Yem8M2qfFcUBABAh9. Visiting Butrint National Park is on the bucket list of many travellers venturing to the wonderful country of Albania - here is everything you need to know about it! The ferry arrives at Saranda but there is plenty of Albania waiting to be explored. The journey from Tirana to Saranda takes 5 hours. The routes connecting Corfu and Albania are operated by 2 different ship operators - Finikas Lines and Ionian Seaways - who have more than 43 sailings per week with frequent, all day . The Real Housewives of Atlanta The Bachelor Sister Wives 90 Day Fiance Wife Swap The Amazing Race Australia Married at First Sight The Real Housewives of Dallas My 600-lb Life Last Week Tonight with John Oliver There is a lot of information you need before taking the ferry boat. But couldn't find any option from there. ***Insider Tip***In the morning, take the bus from Saranda to Butrint. We hope to head over to Greece with the kids when the COVID situation improves (were in Australia so its a long way) but I never realised how easy it is to get to Albania from Corfu. Albania Tour GuideRruga Beslidhja 21, Lagjia nr. There are always taxis at the airport, so it is a good option if you need to be quick. Surrounded by mountains, the town overlooks the valley which stretches for miles. Adventure Trip from Corfu to Albania For more than 40 years this small Balkan country was sealed off from the rest of the world, now Albania is thriving with tourism. On the other hand, you can take the regular ferry boat, which takes 70 minutes. If you would like to visit these stunning sights in 1-2 days, you can visit my transportation page here. But did you know you can take a day trip by ferry from Corfu to Saranda? Read 521,760 traveler reviews and view photos of different trips from Corfu to various destinations. Find day trips to take today or this coming weekend. negatives. The ferry is so easy and relatively cheap. Slightly confusing on the Albanian dockside, but once on the coach all was well - a wonderful trip to Butrint and a knowledgeable guide. After lunch coach continued onto Butrint and tour guide was knowledgeable about buildings and history. From above you can see all of Corfu in a panoramic view, even Albania you can see from afar. Cruise to Albania from Corfu 48 Reviews Kerkira, Greece Share Save to Wishlist From $61.10 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. Somewhere different from Western Europe, somewhere ancient, exciting and welcoming. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. In the winter months, between November and March, it is not possible to book a day trip to Albania from Corfu with Finikas Lines. Book your freeAlbania Planning Session via Skype now, by using my online scheduler to find a time thats convenient for you. Very helpful driver to pick us up from the hotel and drop us back in the evening. Agni Travel can help you find your perfect holiday. Boutrint is a Must have, otherwise you will be 6 Hours in the City, thats to long. In the low season, a child pays between 8.00 10.00 for a one-way ticket or 16.00 20.00 for a return ticket. If you are spending the day in the town there is so much to explore in this ancient port city. The bus trip from the airport to the port takes around 20 minutes. Thanks for all of the great tips. Ksamil Islands are also a great day out near Saranda and the same bus that takes you to Butrint National Park, will stop in Ksamil. This looks amazing! Once you have passed through customs, the bus takes 20km along the beautiful Albanian Coast before arriving at the intriguing Butrint National Park. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! As you reach the second largest Ionian island, along the way, you will witness the wonderful landscape of the sea and mountains. Corfu Albania Day Trip by Ferry with Optional Butrint Tour 2023 Overview What's Included Meeting And Pickup What To Expect Additional Info Cancellation Policy Reviews Book online or call: +1 (702) 648-5873 Home Things to do in Greece Things to do in Ionian Islands Things to do in Corfu Corfu Tours Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises Cruises & Sailing I am a Private Tour Guide in Albania. Friendship Park is a nice little space to enjoy some quiet time. Also I love oddities, so the Hillary Clinton museum is on my list now. The cheapest way to get from Corfu to Albania costs only 66, and the quickest way takes just 4 hours. 10 Best Day Trips From Milan, Italy. Best Corfu to Albania day trip option for larger groups (up to 6 people) Private Tour to Albania from Corfu at a glance: Private Minivan pick-up from hotel in Corfu Return ferry tickets to Albania Entrance fees and guided tour of Butrint National Park included Free time to shop and explore Saranda Private Tour to Albania from Corfu in detail: As we walked along the Islands edge in the evening heat we looked over onto the calm water. We decided to walk it as a taxi would cost about 10. There are several ferry boats between Corfu and Albania every day. Ferry from Corfu to ALBANIA 40 replies; Car ferry from Durres to Trieste 10 replies; Tirana - Sarande/Gjirokaster - Athens ? The bus ticket costs only 1.20. Fancy a Day trip from Saranda to Corfu? We went through quick and yes the boat ride is longer than the hovercraft.because thats how science works enjoy the sail. On this full day excursion, you'll visit the ruins of ancient Butrint, go for lunch and enjoy free time in Saranda. You can book tickets with Finikas Lines or Ionian Seaways. There is also an optional add-on where you can go on a guided tour to nearby Butrint National Park and this includes a restaurant lunch. If you are catching a flight from Corfu, here are some helpful tips: In summary, make sure you allow a significant block of time between the ferry arrival and your flight departure time. I would love to visit whenever I go next! You can get many tour companies right outside the port from where the cruise starts. The ferry from Corfu to Albania departs from the Port of Corfu. We first heard about this UNESCO site on our visit toTiranaearlier in the year. I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. Skip navigation Menu. Thank you! From Butrint, the day trip heads to Ksamil, one of the main highlights of the Albanian Riviera. How to get to Albania from Corfu? I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. . So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! The ticket office is from Ionian Cruises, so look for that name. Spurs didn't make it but Albania stayed on my wishlist, and in September we made it part of a two-country holiday, travelling by hydrofoil from Corfu to Sarand on in southern Albania. Albania was one of our favourite countries in the Western Balkans and it certainly makes for the perfect day-trip from Corfu. For day trips, visit the stunning islands of Paxos and Antipaxos where you can have lunch before coming back to Corfu for a sundowner at one of the wonderful seaside tavernas. If you prefer to book your ferry ticket online, you can search for the websites of the ferry operators. Its lovely. And between 36.00 40.00 for a return ticket. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. In the winter months, between November and April, Ionian Seaways only offers 1 ferry boat departure per day in the early morning. St. Spyridon Church (Agios Spyridon) Tours & Tickets, Aqualand Corfu Water Park Tours & Tickets. Product Information. You can do a day trip to Albania from Corfu in the spring, summer and autumn seasons. Below, I have enclosed 3 x timetables for the ferry from Corfu to Saranda. See it on the mapHERE. The name is in greek language indeed but that does not mean it is greek city. Most of the day trips we outline begin in Corfu and help you sample some of the amazing Albanian culture that is found only a short ferry ride away. Between the 1st of July 2022 and the 21st of September, you can go for a longer day trip. . Entry to Butrini is 700 LE. The price ranges from about 25 50 Euros each way, depending on the season. This is certainly a wonderfully written post! . The ferry from Corfu to Albania departs from the Port of Corfu and it arrives in the Port of Saranda in Albania. Moreover, during the high season they open an extra kiosk inside the New Port Entrance. Do it: Regent (0117 453 7485; regent-holidays.co.uk) serves up "City and Lakes: Skopje & Lake Ohrid", an eight-day tour of the country. Drinks are not included but are v cheap circa 1@. You are then taken to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint - a glorious mix of Byzantine, Roman and Venetian ruins set in a beautiful national park. Thanks Nessica. Best tourguide, best Journey by the sea, everthing was fine. In the early 1960s, Emma Tennant's parents, on a cruise, spotted a magical bay and decided to build a house there. Hotel pickup offered Venetian Tower - Butrint National Park - Albania day trip from Corfu. We were staying in Saranda for a few nights but there are plenty of great activities to do in a day. Would you like to get Corona Travel Updates for Albania?Enter your first name and email to get Corona Travel Updates in your inbox. Iloved this excursion to Albania & Butrint. The winding cobbled streets are lined with well maintained Ottoman architecture and lead through the old town up towards the imposing castle. The country is jam-packed with endearing culture and fascinating history and is certainly going to be a popular destination for many years to come - so make sure to visit now before all the crowds take over. There is a lot of information you need before taking the ferry boat. The guides are VERY knowledgeable about the ruins and the country of Albania. So that, you get to experience the most beautiful places in Albania! Butrint is mentioned in pretty much every guide or article on the best places to visit in Albania and as soon as you see the UNESCO world heritage site for yourself, you will quickly understand why. Both Corfu and Albania are high on my bucket list. Albania is full of oddities too . Die berfahrt jedoch war sehr gefhrlich. . Butrint National Park contains an ancient port city in Southern Albania. Gjirokaster is a small city in the Gjer mountains about 1.5 hours by minibus from Saranda. Moreover, from Saranda you can travel to the beautiful Ksamil beach or Butrint UNESCO sight. I would recommend the trip they offer to the ruins and castle with lunch - worth the extra money. Important note: the optional Butrint National Park trip is payable to the guide on the boat, Best Corfu to Albania day trip option for larger groups (up to 6 people), Private Minivan pick-up from hotel in Corfu, Entrance fees and guided tour of Butrint National Park included. Are you planning a trip and need more information? In the high season, one adult will pay 20.00 23.80 for a one-way trip or 40.00 47.60 for a return trip. 23 . When I was recently looking for plane tickets to Albania, I wondered if getting to Albania from Corfu is easy. You can choose between different lines that operate, but the most popular one is the Finikas line. Southern Highlands extended 14-days from Corfu (also from Tirana possible) The above plus more days at the coast as well as hikes in the Llogara National Park and around Permet. The centre of the spring is a deep, dark blue whilst the surrounding water is a fresh green fading out to the white of the pebbly shore. The Oosterdam sets sail on a Tuesday (May 21, 2024) and returns on a Wednesday (June 12, 2024). Important note: This tour begins in Saranda so you have to get the ferry from Corfu to Albania independently - this is fairly straightforward though so no need to panic. Children (under the age of 12 years old) pay less for the ferry tickets from Corfu to Albania. I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania. I arrange your transportation and I am your English speaking guide. Because the timetables and ferry regulations are constantly changing. Der Ausflug nach Albanien war absolut sehenswert. But it was a reasonably cool day so not sure i would feel the same in the height of summer as very little shade in either location. Lets dig a little deeper, so that you have all the right information for your boat trip. You can check the latest ferry timetable from Ionian Seaways on their website here -> https://ionianseaways.com/timetable/. The port is about a 30 minute walk from the centre of the town of Kerkyra. See forgotten archaeological sites and villages where time seems to have stood still. But it's far from formidable, with a mild climate, warm summers and beautifully . The September 29, 2024 cruise on the Oosterdam departs from Piraeus, Greece. This former communist country offers a surprising array of unique attractions and stunning natural beauty, not least the seawater lagoon of Lake Butrint. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. The trip starts from Saranda Port in the morning. You can take the ferry boat from Corfu to Albania, which takes 30 minutes. Albania is just a short boat ride from Corfu. A Furgon, from Saranda will take you close to the Blue Eye. We found people to be really friendly and super helpful. If youre searching for the best day trip to take from Corfu to Albania, then you have come to the right place. On the 10th of July 2021, the Corfu-Saranda Ferry re-opened and it is fully operational. There are a few options for travelling to Butrint from Saranda. Corfu to Albania - easy to get to nice beaches ? From September 2021, there will be 6 x ferries between Corfu and Saranda each day. IMPORTANT: The ferry timetable has been changing every week for the past two months, so make sure you check the timetable before you travel frequently! - Arrived in Saranada just after 9.30am local time, told boat departs at 4.30pm, no immigration procedures, I just walked out Because the last ferry boat from Saranda to Corfu departs at 18:30 PM. And you can use the beaches. Bringing a car on board the ferry from Corfu to Albania will cost you between 40.00 42.00 for a one-way trip or 80.00 84.00 for a return trip. How do you get to Saranda Albania? On exiting the port turn right and walk for about 220m until you see a roundabout with a huge tree in the middle and lots of cars screeching in every direction. . Because the ferry boat only departs 1 x time per day. If you are short on time you can hire a taxi to take you there and back, costing around 15 Euros each way. If you enter your email address below, I will send you a weekly update about the Corfu-Saranda ferry. Get the best of Corfu in two weeks. You can travel to the port, from the city center of Kerkyra or from the airport. Overall the trip was very good. Zum Glck ist nichts passiert - mit einem kleinen Kind wre ein Kentern noch schrecklicher gewesen. For those looking to explore totally new lands and experience new cultures, this is one of the best day trips from Corfu for you. Top 10 Weekend Trips From New Orleans, Louisiana. This is especially important if you are catching a flight from Corfu airport. You can take a 30-minute ferry boat ride that starts at Corfu island and stops in Saranda in Albania. The journey only takes around 30 minutes on the fast boat and around 1.5 hours on the slower option. Have you visited Saranda or Albania? Affiliate links may earn us a commission if certain products are purchased. A bus ticket costs 100 LEK (0.80). I am an Albania Tour Guide, who organizes 1-day, 2-day or multiple day private tours in Albania. We were on English coach and guide was informative on history of area and Albania generally while we drove to beautiful Blue eye spring. The Archeological Museum of Corfu Town impresses, the many archeological exhibits aside, by its famous Gorgon Medusa statue and other works of art in Greece, Copyright 2006 Corfu - a World Tourism Brand. View prices for the Saranda and Butrint day trip here, View prices for the Albania Cruise day trip here, Click to see the latest prices for the private tour here, View prices for the Albanian highlights tour here. Skip to content. I love that feeling of day tripping to another country while already on vacation . For your trip, you can choose between two different types of boats: a speedboat or a ferry boat. SUBSCRIBE! Direct Ferries does not operate any ferries, it is merely a price comparison website. In general, you won't notice a huge difference in price between these islands, but a trip to Corfu might cost a little more, overall. We offer pick up service from holiday resorts around the island from specified points on the main roads In case of isolate accommodations which are far away from the main road / resorts there is possibility of supplement for private transportation. I travel with my dog (in other words, I rarely fly) and have often considered the route between Italy-Corfu-Albania.