One of my favourite day trips from Albania was taking the Corfu Sarande Ferry. It’s a very quick crossing from the port in Sarande into Corfu Old Town. Here, you can explore the beautiful and historic cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town. Shop the boutiques, have coffee in the square and explore the Old Fortress.
Equally, if you’re staying on Corfu, then take the ferry from Corfu to Albania to explore the charming town of Sarandë or the stunning Ksamil beaches.
In this blog, I have the timetables, the prices, how to take the ferry and what to do at your destination whether you’re travelling from Sarandë to Corfu or Corfu to Sarandë.
So let’s take a look at this amazing day trip, taking the Corfu Sarande ferry.
Why Take to Corfu Sarande Ferry
The first question you may have is why take the Corfu Sarande ferry. So let’s take a quick look at the appeal of both destinations. Later in this blog I’ll set out some suggested itineries for each day trip.
If you’re staying in Sarande, then Corfu is a beautiful, Greek island with so many things and places to explore that a day may not be enough!
The Old Town, a short bus ride or 20-minute walk from the arrival port, is full of narrow cobbled streets. These are packed with bars, restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and artisan stores to explore. From trendy hangouts to authentic, Greek tavernas, you get a real experience of Greek culture here.
You can also explore the Old Fortress, with stunning views over Corfu and it’s Old Town. If you prefer, you can hire a car and head to the incredible beaches on the east of the island. The beaches around Paleokastritsa are stunning and worth the journey.
If you’re staying in Corfu, then a trip across the Straits of Corfu to Sarande is a fascinating opportunity to experience life in Albania. There are some excellent things to do in Sarande.
It has some incredible bars and restaurants, with a cost of living very favourable compared to Corfu. The Castle, nestled on the hill, is a beautiful spot for a drink and to take in the view of Sarande and Corfu in the distance.
Sarande is also an excellent starting point to see some of the best highlights in this part of Albania. The Blue Eye is gorgeous and a short drive, or tour, from Sarande.
For history buffs, Butrint National Park is a short trip down the coast. If you prefer a day by the beach, the Ksamil beaches are some of the best (and most instagrammable!) in the whole of Albania.
Hopefully that has wetted your appetite for these two hotspots in the Ionian Sea, so let’s take a look at how to take the Corfu Sarande ferry.
Corfu Sarande Ferry Price
Let’s start with the all important prices! The Corfu Sarande ferry price is actually very reasonable. However, it does differ depending on which type of ferry you take.
There are two types of foot passenger ferry between Corfu and Sarande. The fast ferry, as the name suggests, is quicker and takes around 30 minutes. This one is, as you may expect, slightly more expensive.
The regular ferry takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and is a more cost-effective alternative. The slow ferry runs later than the fast ferry as well. So this may play into your decision as to which to take.
The Corfu to Saranda ferry price changes depending on the season, the type of ferry and whether you are taking a return trip. Here are the average prices.
Low Season – Jan to mid-June and October to December
A one way adult ticket on the slow ferry will cost you around €20. Children between 4-12 years old are €10 and children under 4 years old are €4.
The fast ferry, one way, will cost €25 per adult, €13 per child and €5 for under 4s.
Several operators offer a same day return special offer. So if you travel there and back on the same day, you will get a slight discount. This is only available in the ticket offices. It should be around €25 per adult for a one-day slow ferry return, €30 on the fast ferry.
High Season – Mid-June to end of September
The prices in the high season increase by €5 per adult. So the slow ferry will be €25 for an adult and the fast ferry will be €30 for an adult. A day return on the slow ferry will be €30.
Children are €13 (slow ferry) and €15 (fast ferry) and under 4s are €4 on the slow ferry and €5 on the fast ferry.
The Corfu to Albania ferry prices are pretty reasonable, given you get to travel to a new country!
Where to Buy your Corfu Sarande Ferry Tickets
Three main ferry companies operate the Saranda Corfu ferry services. These are Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways and Joy Lines.
All operate fast and slow ferries, and both have car options for the slower ferries if you wish to take a vehicle between the two destinations.
The prices between the various operators are all very similar. So it will likely come down to which times you wish to travel as to which operator you will use.
Buying Corfu Sarande ferry Tickets Online
In terms of buying tickets, you can book your tickets in advance online if you wish. This is often the easiest way, although you don’t get the same day return special prices online.
You can buy tickets directly on each operator’s website. However, it may be easier to use a comparison website for booking. This will give you the different ferry times for each operator.
The main comparison website I would recommend is Direct Ferries. Here you can compare the prices and times of the slow and fast ferries of all operators of the Corfu Sarande ferry.
Buying Ferry Tickets in Sarande
The main ticket offices for the ferry companies are located next to the Sarande ferry terminal, on Rruga Mitat Hoxha, in the centre of town.
Along this road, there is the Finikas Lines ferry company main office as well as various tour companies selling tickets.
We bought our tickets in the Finikas Lines main office as those times worked best for us.
You can walk between them to check the timetables for that day and buy your tickets.
Top Tip: Remember to take your passport, as they will need this for when you buy your tickets.
Buying Ferry Tickets in Corfu
If you’re looking to take the ferry from Corfu to Albania, then tickets are available from outside the domestic ferry terminal at Corfu Port. It’s important to note that the ferries from Corfu to Sarande (and vice versa) arrive into the international ferry terminal, but the tickets are sold outside the domestic terminal.
Head to Eth Antistaseos which is the main road that runs between Corfu Old Town and the ferry terminals. The main operator offices are located along this road, opposite the ferry terminals.
Corfu Sarande Ferry Timetable
The Corfu Sarande ferry timetable does vary throughout the year and different operators have different timetables, so it’s important to check the current timetable before you plan your trip.
Generally speaking, the operators will run 1 ferry crossing a day (in each direction) in the off season between January and April.
In the shoulder season, between April and July, this increases to around 3 crossings per day and then in the peak season there can be as many as 9 crossings per operator every day.
The Corfu Saranda ferry timetable for Finikas Lines, for their various seasons through the year, can be found on their website. This is also available on the website for Ionian Seaways. This can help you get an idea of the routes on your chosen dates.
The best way to make sure these are up-to-date is to check the Direct Ferries website which will have the specific times, for each operator, on your chosen date.
Equally, if you are buying your tickets in person, then enquire at the ticket office for the Corfu to Saranda ferry time that works best for you.
Remember that each operator has different timings. So if you’re heading to the ticket office, visit more than one to double-check times and select the route that works best for you.
Having arranged your ferry, take a look at my suggested 1-day itineraries for your perfect day trip to either Corfu or Sarandë.
1-day Itinerary in Corfu
We took the Corfu Sarande ferry for the day on my birthday and I had the best day!
If you’re heading from Saranda to Corfu for a day, I suggest heading from the ferry terminal into the heart of Old Town. You can walk or take the shuttle buses that run regularly between the two.
When in the Old Town, head towards Starenio Bakery on Guildford Street. Along the way you’ll see some beautiful architecture and great boutique shops to explore. At the bakery, try their excellent spinach pie and a coffee in this rustic little café.
From here, head to the statue of Ioannis Kapodistrias, a local boy who became the first Greek president. You can get some great views from here over the sea and the ships anchored in the bay.
From the statute, head into the park opposite, which leads to Spianada Square and divides the Old Town from the Old Fortress. There are cricket pitches here which are a throw back to the days of British rule.
From here, cross the road and explore the Old Fortress. Tickets cost €6 per adult and inside you can explore the fortress, the Church of St George and head right tothe top of the Fortress for some incredible views over the whole island.
Head back into Old Town for lunch on the popular Liston Street. Here you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
In the afternoon, explore the incredible Church of St Spyridon in the heart of Old Town. If history is your thing, head to the archaeological museum. If it’s hot, and you fancy a cool off then head to Faliraki which is a little jumping off point for locals and tourists alike. You can take a dip and sunbathe here.
If you prefer a slower pace, head to Mikro Café for a quaint and beautiful spot for some drinks. Set on various levels, it offers al fresco drinks with a great spot for people watching!
If you have time for dinner before your ferry back, then consider the Venetian Well, which is a highly recommended gem located in an atmospheric square away from the main tourist trail in Corfu.
Grab your ferry back to Sarandë fed and refreshed by the culture, beauty and laid back nature of Corfu Old Town!
1-day Itinerary in Sarandë
If you’re heading from Corfu to Saranda, then you will not be disappointed with the incredible things to do in Sarande.
When you get off the Corfu Sarande ferry, take a stroll along the promenade at Sarande beach. It’s a stony beach but has some beautiful clear waters for a dip.
However, if you want to see the best beaches in the Albanian Riviera, then take a taxi down to nearby Ksamil. The Ksamil beaches are the ultimate Instagram worthy beaches. They’re full of beach bars, restaurants and water sports for the perfect beach day.
If you want to stay in Sarandë, then head up to the castle on the top of the hill. From Sarandë castle, you get a beautiful view over Sarandë and the Ionian Islands beyond. You can stop for a drink or for food. It’s a perfect spot for the sunset if your timings allow.
If you prefer to stretch beyond Sarandë, then I would highly recommend the Blue Eye. This incredible underground spring is located within a national park and has some incredible blue water. You can jump in, although it’s very cold!
In the same direction is Butrint National Park, an important Byzantine, Roman and Venetian city now partially rediscovered and explorable. You’ll encounter an amphitheatre, Venetian castle and the Great Basilica amongst many others.
Or combine both stops with a great day trip tour from Sarandë. This one is highly recommended and allows you to explore 2 of the top things to do in Albania in one day trip!
For food in Sarandë, I would highly recommend Haxhi Restaurant. Incredible food, great staff and service, and all at an excellent price. For amazing seafood, head to Taverna Fish Filipi. It’s near the port and offers an authentic and local setting for the freshest fish, caught that day.
For drinks before you head home, Tipsy Drinks located on the promenade has great cocktails and has a rooftop spot with excellent views over the sea and beyond.
The port of Sarandë is in the centre of the town, so you can start exploring the moment you step off the ferry. There are bars, restaurants and cafés everywhere, and you can’t go wrong with just picking one you like the look of.
If you want beaches, head to Ksamil for some of the best in the country. If you prefer to explore further, a tour of Blue Eye and Butrint is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy your Day on the Corfu Sarande Ferry!
I had a fantastic trip on the Corfu Saranda ferry to visit Corfu Old Town for my birthday. Whichever way you are heading, the differences in culture for two places that are so close together is something that should definitely be experienced.
Equally, both Corfu and Sarandë have some amazing things to do. Exploring Corfu Old Town was a highlight, and I loved how magical and beautiful it’s windy streets were.
Equally, I lived in Sarandë for a month and loved the diverse and incredible things to do in Sarandë and just beyond.
I hope this blog helps you plan your perfect day trip. If you have any queries, feel free to leave me a comment below to get in touch on socials, and I’d be more than happy to help.
Have a great trip!
Disclaimer: My blog contains affiliate links. If you buy something through these, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you x
