Albania: Day Trips and Tours from Corfu

Across the Straits of Corfu awaits a whole new country. The closest point in Albania from Corfu is only a few kilometers as the crow flies, making a journey between these two destinations an ideal day trip.

While exploring the Greek island, take a short boat ride to explore the dynamic history and rich culture of Albania.

Relax in the beachside town of Saranda and live the slow life, or discover UNESCO-listed Greco-Roman ruins on a day trip to Albania from Corfu.

Below you will find our comprehensive guide on Albania, one of the most exciting day trips from Corfu.

How do I get to Albania from Corfu?

Albania lies just off the east coast of Corfu across the Straits of Corfu, and is accessible via ferry.

From Corfu to Albania by ferry

In order to reach Albania from Corfu, you will have to take a ferry trip across the Straits of Corfu.

Numerous ferry operators work this route, including Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways or Joy Lines.

The 35-kilometer route takes about 1.5 hours to complete and you will reach land in the town of Saranda.

Guided tour to Albania from Corfu

If you don’t want to spend your holiday worrying about travel arrangements and planning itineraries, take a guided tour to Albania to see all the best that the country has to offer during a comprehensive day excursion from Corfu.

What is the typical itinerary of a day trip to Albania?

The ferry from Corfu departs around 9 AM and the ride to Saranda takes about 1.5 hours. Once you reach Albania, you will have some free time to enjoy coffee and a walk around town.

Shortly after, coaches depart to Butrint Archaeological Park south of Saranda, where you can explore captivating Greco-Roman ruins. This excursion is optional on some tours, and you can choose stay behind and enjoy the sights and sounds of Sarandë if you prefer.

After a 90-minute tour of the ruins, you will return to Saranda for a buffet-style lunch and walking tour. You will have some more free time to fully enjoy the town and its coastline.

A coach will take you back to the port for the return ferry to Corfu, and there will be transportation waiting on the island if you have selected an option with hotel transfers.

What are the best tours to Albania from Corfu?

Choose a day tour to Albania that suits your travel style and budget.

Guided tours to Albania from Corfu

Guided trips to Albania allow you to spend a relaxing day in the historic town of Saranda, and even take advantage of the coach tours to the Butrint archaeological site if you choose.

You can also opt for a tour that includes lunch and hotel transfers, or stick with a bare-bones tour if you are looking to save some money.

Private tour to Albania from Corfu

Take a private day trip to Albania for an experience tailored to your travel style. The day is filled with sightseeing and your guide will indulge you in the nuanced history of this culturally rich destination.

You set the pace and your guide will accommodate your wants and needs as far as possible, making this the ultimate luxury way to travel. See the ruins at Butrint and take an in-depth tour through Saranda to learn about the country’s fascinating history.

How much will I pay for a day trip to Albania from Corfu?

A basic day tour from Corfu to Albania costs €45 per person. For €50 per person, your tour will include hotel pick-up and drop-off.

The most comprehensive group tour to Albania includes your entry fees to Butrint, a walking tour of Saranda as well as lunch to keep you energized. This tour costs €55 without hotel transfers and €60 with transfers.

The cost of a private tour cost is based on the number of people joining. A single person will pay €560, while a booking for two people costs €290 per person. The maximum number of people on a private tour is 8 and that will cost €105 per person.

What will I see and do on a day trip to Albania?

The 10-hour day trip to Albania from Corfu takes you to historic landmarks and picturesque destinations.

You will travel across the stunning Ionian Sea before arriving in Saranda, where you will have the opportunity to explore the historic town center, home to the 40 Saints Monastery, or relax on one of its many beaches.

If you choose to visit the Butrint Archeological Park, you will step back in time. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Butrint boasts ancient ruins dating back to the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian periods. It's also a natural haven, filled with fauna and flora.

Indulge in the relaxing atmosphere of the Albanian coast with a buffet lunch and coffee break before heading back to Corfu.

When is the best time to visit Albania?

The best months to visit Albania from Corfu are April to October, when the weather is generally pleasant, and you can expect warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. November is the rainiest month and January and February are quite cold.

It's worth noting that the peak tourist season is from July to August, which can result in crowded beaches and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October).

What other day trips can you do from Corfu?

• Paxos Island day trips from Corfu
• Antipaxos Island day trips from Corfu
• Sivota day trips from Corfu
• Parga day trips from Corfu
• Blue Lagoon day trips from Corfu

Travel tips

• Remember to pack your passport as you will be entering a different country.
• Pack your swimsuit and towel to enjoy the beaches of Saranda.
• There are tours in German, Russian, French and Italian on different days of the week.
• There is an additional €10 port tax. Bring cash to pay for this separately from your tour, and double check if this is included in your tour cost.
• Consider drinking sea-sickness medication 2 hours before the ferry ride if you suffer from motion sickness.