If you’re looking to travel to travel to both Corfu and Albania then the Corfu to Albania ferry is the way to do it. The easiest way to travel to Albania from the UK is by getting a flight from your local airport to Corfu and then getting the Saranda Corfu ferry. With not many airlines flying to Tirana from the UK we found it to be the easiest route. It then also means that you are starting your holiday to Albania in the best place – the Albanian Riviera.
The Corfu to Albania ferry only takes around 30 minutes on the fast ferry or maximum 1 hour on the slower ferry.
If you are thinking about an Albanian road trip then check out our post Albanian road trip for the Albanian Riviera. Also, check out our 10 day Albania Itinerary.
Where to get the Corfu to Albania Ferry
The ferry port in Corfu is close to Corfu Airport. It is easy to jump in a taxi at the airport and head straight to the ferry terminal. It is only around a 10minute drive from Corfu Airport to Corfu Ferry terminal. Look out for the big cruise liners!
Be aware that there isn’t much around the ferry terminal. If you have a long wait between a flight and the Corfu Saranda ferry you might be better off hanging around the airport first for food and drinks. The ferry terminal is the same place where the cruise ships dock so there is a lot of people coming in and out. There is a small cafe and toilets so we were fine waiting there for around an hour before getting our Corfu to Albania ferry.
How often is the Corfu to Albania Ferry?
There are multiple daily sailings between Corfu and Albania. The most popular ferry company, and the one that we used, is Finikas Lines but there are plenty of options. We always book any ferries through Directferries.com so that we have all the options and prices available.
- Finikas Lines – 9 daily sailings between 8am and 10.30pm
- Joy Lines – 2 daily sailings at 2pm and 7.30pm
- Ionian Sea Ferries – 6 daily sailings between 8.45am and 7.15pm
How long is the Corfu to Albania Ferry?
It depends on the type of ferry you choose for the Saranda Corfu ferry. There is a fast ferry that only takes 30 minutes or a slower ferry that takes around 1 hour and 10minutes. The fast ferry is more popular and is a little more expensive.
Because of choosing the best timings to suited us we caught both the fast and slower ferries. We were on a Finikas fast ferry from Corfu to Saranda but got the Finikas bigger, slower ferry from Saranda to Corfu. Both were absolutely fine, easy to use and quick to embark and disembark.
How much is the Saranda Corfu Ferry?
The cost of the ferry depends both on the company you use. Joy Lines appear to be slightly cheaper but that is also the longer ferry of 1hr 10minutes. The fast 30 minute ferry is slightly more expensive.
Prices range from around £16-25 one way or £35-55 return per adult. (August 2023 prices in peak season) prices are slightly cheaper out of peak season.
Is Ksamil or Saranda better?
It completely depends on what you are looking for. Saranda has good roads and is a good location to connect to other parts of the Albanian Riviera. It is a built up port town with lots of lovely restaurants and a decent beach. Plus lots of lovely hotels, check below for our recommendations.
Ksamil is a beach town with lots of stunning, white sand beaches. The beaches are mostly private with a cost to sit on the beach, however we found that pretty standard during our time in Albania. You need to drive through Saranda to get to Ksamil and Ksamil gets very busy. If you are planning on visiting Ksamil during peak times we would recommend staying a few nights there as the traffic and parking situation getting in and out can be overwhelming. Read our post on Are the Beaches in Ksamil Worth Visiting to read our full thoughts on visiting.
For our recommendations of Finding the Best Beaches in Ksamil then check out our post here.
Is it easy to get around when I arrive in Saranda?
On arrival in Saranda port area you will be greeted by a line of taxi drivers waiting to take you onwards. However, they will try and insist that their metre doesn’t work and most places will be quoted to you at 20Euro. We fell for this after a days travelling with the kids and paid 20Euro for what should have been a 4Euro trip only 5 minutes down the road.
Our advice would be to pre-arrange transport with your accommodation to have someone waiting for you on arrival. Or, to arrange a rental car to be waiting for you when you arrive.
Local Rent car hire service often offer cheaper car rental than the large companies. We managed to rent a small car locally in Saranda for around 100Euro for 5 days.
Where to stay in Saranda
Saranda is a gorgeous seaside town full of many hotels, restaurants and bars. It also has many beautiful beaches dotted along the coast. It is a great place to start your holiday in Albania.
Luxury Hotels Saranda
- Yacht Premium Hotel – boutique hotel with stunning views overlooking the sea, huge bathtubs and floor to ceiling windows.
- Hotel Butrinti & Spa – big beach 5* resort hotel alongside the coast
Mid-Range Hotels Saranda
- Bellavista Apartments Bougainville Bay – large seaside resort with swimming pools, self catering apartments suitable for the whole family
- Villa Skenderi – We stayed here for 5 nights, a 2 bedroom spacious bungalow/villa with access to pool and beach, gorgeous sunset views and really friendly, helpful hosts.
Budget Hotels Saranda
- Teo Apartments – Basic apartments only 200m from the beach with a restaurant and bar with balconies and a sea view. What more do you need?!
Is the effort of the Corfu Saranda ferry worth it to visit Albania?
We get it! Many people we talk to about how amazing Albania is, instantly tune out at the mention of a flight and a ferry to get to the destination. It seems like too much effort! Why not just stay in Corfu? Corfu is beautiful, stunning, glorious, wonderful – do go and spend some time there and break up the trip.
However, is getting a 30minute ferry and a flight worth it to go to Albania? Absolutely! Albania still has that undiscovered charm. You feel like you are visiting a secret place. It is off the tourist trail (although rapidly growing!), so much cheaper than Corfu – restaurants and bars literally half the price. The beaches in Ksamil are incredible.
After an incredible summer in 2022 we are heading back to spend 8 nights in Ksamil in 2023. We are so excited to explore more of this beautiful country. Watch this space for more blogs and information. We can’t get enough!
If you are looking for more information on Saranda then check out our post Saranda with Kids. Whilst you are in Saranda make sure to visit Blue Eye Albania. If you are interested in exploring more of Albania (do it!) then read our post 10 Days in Albania Itinerary or our Albanian Road Trip post. Also our Albania Guide for lots of valuable information for what to expect when arriving in Albania. Dhermi Beach is another stunning beach resort in Albania. If you are looking for a traditional town with lots of history make sure to check out Best things to do in Gjirokaster.
Check out our Corfu posts the best all inclusive hotel in Corfu as well as is Corfu Old Town worth visiting?
If you are looking for other travel inspiration then check out our Destinations Page for lots of itineraries and information on our other travel experiences.
Disclaimer: This post Corfu to Albania Ferry, has affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission – at no extra cost for you.
