Corfu Island

Experience Corfu: The Ultimate One-Day Trip from Saranda

by Agnes & Krystian
Published: Updated: 17 minutes read

Being in Saranda, you can easily spot a large island on the horizon. This is Corfu, the Greek island that was known as Kerkyra in ancient times. There are two ways to reach it from Saranda – either take a direct ferry from the port of Saranda, or go to Greece to the town of Igumenitsa. In both cases, you can go there by ferry with the option of taking a car or a fast passenger boat. 

We, due to being in Saranda outside of the tourist season, which involved a lower frequency of trips, chose to travel without a car to Corfu by boats offered by Finikas Lines which is an Albanian carrier. We set off at 10:30am and were scheduled to return at 7:30pm, so we were able to spend almost the whole day in Corfu, in Corfu Town. Check out the attractions you can visit while being in this town for one day.

Corfu Island - Old Fort

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance (a minimum of one day before your trip) via the website or directly at the office, located right at the port in Sarande. A more convenient way for us was to go directly to the office and order tickets on the spot. The office is not far from the beach in Sarande, so after beachcombing it is worth going there. 

You will need to bring a valid ID (passport or ID card) with you on site. Payment can be made by cash in euros or by card. As of October 2023, the cost of a round-trip ticket from Sarande to Corfu is 50 euros per adult (22.50 euros per person one way), a child aged 5 to 12 years 23 euros (11.50 euros per person one way), while a child under 5 years pays 10 euros (5 euros one way). The entire cost of such a two-way trip is 123 euros (for a family like ours). However, it is worthwhile to check what the prices are with all carriers before booking. This can be done with the help of a collective search engine for ferry connections – Check ferries from Saranda to Corfu.

What is the check-in process after purchasing tickets?

At least 30 minutes before the departure of the ship, you have to go to the port of Saranda, from where the ships depart. It is a small port and with your tickets and valid documents (passport / identity card) you go through the check-in. It is not particularly restrictive. Only the documents are checked and customs officials ask whether we have any items to declare. 

If you bought your tickets online, you go to the office with your booking number and they print the tickets for you on the spot.

We sailed to Corfu with our dog, Loki, but no one paid any attention to him. No customs officer checked his passport or health book. On the ship, Loki sailed without a muzzle, but it all depends on the breed of dog. Certainly larger dogs and with more tourist traffic, a dog muzzle would be necessary.

Once you have checked in, you can proceed to the ship, where your tickets are checked. 

Depending on the season, tickets are numbered and everyone has their own seat. We, however, were comfortable enough that the ship was half full and we could choose the seats that suited us best.  The most spectacular seats on the ship are at the front and the back, where you can enjoy a cool view as you approach Corfu or see how you get away from Saranda. However, if you are sensitive to seasickness then by far the middle of the ship is the best possible choice.

We travelled towards Corfu on a fast boat with a crossing time of just 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for the car ferry, which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Of course, depending on the season the ferries run at different frequencies, so if you are curious about the timetable then take a look at the website: Saranda – Corfu – Saranda check-in times.

After arriving at the port of Corfu, you will need to proceed to another customs clearance – this time on the Greek side. Again, a minimum of paperwork takes place here and everything runs quite smoothly

Check the most convenient connection from Saranda to Corfu

It is worth to remember that when sailing from Albania to Corfu we are changing the time zone. The time in Greece will therefore be one hour ahead. When it is 10:00 in Albania, the watches in Greece will show 11:00..

Speedboat from Saranda to Corfu

Sightseeing in Corfu / Kerkira - how to get to the city centre

The town centre can be reached in several ways:

  • on foot from the harbour to the historic town centre is a matter of about 20 minutes of leisurely walking during which you have to walk about 1.5 kilometres. In high season, this may not be very pleasant, as the sun can be quite oppressive. However, on the way you pass shops, bars and ice cream parlours, so you can easily recuperate.
  • By public transport – right at the harbour exit there is a bus stop where two buses run to the centre: 15 and 2B, which travels in the urban zone A. A ticket in this zone costs €1.10 for an adult and €0.6 for a child.
  • Taxi – there are many taxi ranks at the port, so if you want to get into town quickly and comfortably, this is a good way to do it. However, you have to reckon that a taxi ride into town will be a minimum of €7-10 (depending on the season, prices may vary). A rather controversial price for a 4 minute car ride.
  • Hire a car – you can also hire your own vehicle, e.g. a scooter or a car to explore corners of Corfu other than its capital. In this case, consider renting from local networks where you can find very nice deals. Check the date you are interested in because, depending on the season, prices may vary. So it’s worth booking your car in advance – Local car rentals in Corfu.

We chose the walking option. To exit the harbour after passport control, go left and keep walking ahead. After passing the harbour gate, turn left again and walk along the coastline towards the old town. On the opposite side you can enjoy the shops and numerous cafés or bars. 

Our first longer stop while exploring Corfu was… the playground, where the children’s morale was recharged before exploring the other sites.

Corfu Playground for kids near port

Sightseeing in the Old Town of Corfu - highlights to visit

When visiting Corfu for a day, it is worth focusing on a personalised style of touring Corfu, as every tourist has different priorities. We, in terms of young children, opted for a more relaxed tour of the town, taking rests in playgrounds or at ice cream parlours.

However, it is worth bearing in mind the beauty of Corfu town and their buildings. Most of them are important relics of the island’s turbulent history, as it passed under the rule of other states over the centuries. Each of them has left some kind of mark and presence on Corfu, which is worth paying attention to. It is always through knowing the outline of the city that we somehow visit it differently and look at certain aspects.

Of course, we want to give this in telegraphic shorthand to make the history of the city interesting and shed some light on it. If someone is more keen to learn about Corfu’s turbulent history then surely they can find expert guides where everything will be described in detail.

A brief history of Corfu: The first relics found on the island, indicate that the island was already inhabited more than 150,000 – 100,000 years BC, but the increased development of civilisation occurred when it was settled by the Phaeacians who were great sailors. Later, it was ruled by the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Andewagens and the Venetians.

It is because of the constant battles that take place here that many military buildings can be seen in Corfu. One of these, for example, is the Angelocastero Castle located on the west coast of Corfu or the Gardiki Castle in the south of the island. In fact, every fortress has a military significance.

The greatest influence on the current appearance of the island was the reign of the Venetians, which lasted until the end of the 18th century. It was during their reign that olive trees monopolised cultivation on the island and became one of the biggest export products. Subsequently, Corfu passed into French and British hands, who also influenced the current appearance of the island in terms of the modernisation of the sewage networks, the supply of drinking water or other administrative aspects…. Today, Corfu as well as the other islands of the Ionian Sea are under Greek rule.

Corfu Island

The New Venetian Fortress towering over the old town

The first monument that catches the eye when walking into the old town is the fortress located on St Mark’s Hill. It is a fortress, the construction of which was started by the Venetians in 1537, while the current buildings were created by the British between 1816 and 1863. Entrance to the fort is charged at 5 euros. Please note that tours of the New Fortress are only available until 3.30 pm, with the last tickets being sold 30 minutes before closing. 

The fort itself is quite sparsely described, so it is advisable to find out more about the history on your own before visiting. The main advantage of entering the fort is the views you can see from the walls of the building. The old town square is perfectly visible, as well as Albania and mainland Greece visible on the horizon.

New fort in Corfu

The streets of the old town of Corfu / Kerkira

In our opinion, it is always worth venturing into the maze of streets of the old town, as you can explore it in a slightly different way and surprise yourself with some of the places. 

Some of you who have had the chance to see Venice will be able to recognise the characteristic townhouses, protruding church bell towers and narrow streets. This is because historically a very long period of time Corfu was under Venetian rule. For this reason, the architecture of the old town is very similar, although you can also see the French or British influence in it.

A visit to the old town comes quite naturally, as you will end up there anyway, either to eat or to take a short cut to the other side of the island. So explore it quietly, aimlessly and let yourself be surprised by what waits around the bend.

The streets of the old town are also where you can buy many popular souvenirs such as olive oil, soaps, carved wooden toys or other tourist products.

Corfu Streets

Beach destination Faliraki Corfu

If you hit a sunny day and want to relax by the water, a very popular place is Faliraki beach located by the old town. There is also a bar there and the water in the bay is calm, so you can cool off and relax there in peace. It is a popular place and even during our visit at the end of October we saw people there using the beach and swimming in the sea.

However, it is a place that will not be best for young children due to the rocks and the built-up descent into the water. There is no rocky or sandy beach. Access to the water is by steps or a ladder, and you can lie down on deck chairs or your own towel, which is offered for a fee by the nearby bar.

At low tide, when the water has receded a little, it is possible that a narrow strip of sandy beach will emerge.

Corfu City beach

The Palace of St Michael and St George and the Asian Art Museum

The next attraction we recommend seeing is the Palace of St Michael and St George, which now houses the Asian Art Museum. The building is sure to catch your attention because of its architecture. Historically, it was a very important building for the island, as during the British rule it was the seat of the government that ruled over Corfu. 

Then, after Corfu passed into the hands of the Greeks, the Palace of St Michael and St George remained the seat of the British crown, where the royal family lived when visiting. It was therefore a very well-kept place and furnished with many valuables.

In the small garden, you can see a statue that shows the likeness of Sir Adams, who for many years was responsible for organising life on the island and administering it. It was thanks to his efforts that the island’s water supply network was built, arming it with drinking water.

The place is currently a very popular site, in terms of tourism. This is mainly due to its distinctive Greek pillars built of sandstone and two gates in the form of arches.

DSC06969 1170x780 1 Experience Corfu: The Ultimate One-Day Trip from Saranda
DSC06972 scaled 1 Experience Corfu: The Ultimate One-Day Trip from Saranda

The Old Fort in Corfu

One of the most important attractions in Corfu is the Old Fort. It is of great importance because it is a true military masterpiece that was planned by the Venetians in the 16th century. It was them who came up with the idea of creating a fortification on a small rocky peninsula. The fortress is surrounded by a moat, which was an additional obstacle when trying to conquer the fort. 

The construction was so efficient that it successfully defended itself against three major Ottoman attacks, which was no mean feat and proved how well planned it was. 

There are many tourist attractions within the fort. As you enter the fortress you cross a stone bridge, which also served as a drawbridge cutting it off from the city.

To the right, beyond the door is the historic St John’s Garrison Church. St George’s. It was built by the British in the mid-19th century. After the Second World War it was rebuilt and given to the Orthodox Church. The street leads to Castel a Terra and passes the picturesque bell tower on the way, which is a must-see for photos. 

And from the lighthouse at the top of the fortress, you can enjoy an amazing view of the entire old town. The area is full of cafes where you can relax after a long walk through the winding streets. The fortress can be accessed from Corfu’s main square, the Esplanade, known as the second largest square in Europe.

The fort is open depending on the tourist season: IV-X daily 8am-8pm; XI-III daily 8am-3pm

Admission to the fort is €6 per adult, while a concessionary ticket is 50% cheaper.

For families with children (like us), the presence of a playground next to the castle will certainly be good news. It is located right between the Palace of St Michael and St George and the Old Fort, so it will be hard to miss.

Old fort of Corfu
Old fort of Corfu

Corfu Archaeological Museum - learn about the most important monuments and valuable exhibits

If any of you are interested in antiquity, a visit to the Archaeological Museum will be a must. The building underwent a major renovation that lasted 7 years and was reopened to the public in 2020.

Two floors, divided into given eras from Corfu’s history, have been made available to tourists. On the ground floor you can discover artefacts dating from prehistory to Roman times. The ground floor features artefacts from prehistory up to Roman times, such as primitive tools, jugs and bowls, as well as busts and richly decorated vases. 

The museum’s most valuable objects are located in the centre of the room and showcase the beautiful reliefs from the temple. The exhibits depicting Dionysus or the frontispiece of the temple of Artemis are estimated to date from 500 BC and the quality of their workmanship is very impressive.

So if you have the time and want to learn more about the history of the island of Corfu, you won’t find a better place than the Archaeological Museum.

Saranda at night

Return from Corfu to Saranda - the ferry

Our stay in Corfu passed very quickly. We had a whole day to explore, but we could easily spend two weeks here and we would not be bored. The island is full of charm and an extraordinary atmosphere that is impossible not to like. 

Our Finikas Lines ferry to Saranda was scheduled for 7.30pm and we had to check in 30 minutes before departure. Check-in was again done in a rudimentary manner (showing tickets and passports – again, no one asked about dog) and, along with a group of others, we waited in the harbour for our ferry. This time we were on a larger ferry that took about 1.5 hours to Saranda and could carry cars.

The ferry is zoned and vehicles are parked at the bottom of the ferry, while passengers are admitted at the top. Most of the seating is outside the ship, but there is an enclosed room with soft seats and air conditioning. Due to the late hour, we took advantage of this option and the children were able to relax in the comfortable seats. After such an intense day, they didn’t miss much to fall asleep and the rocking of the ship further helped them to nap.

image00007 1200x900 1 Experience Corfu: The Ultimate One-Day Trip from Saranda

Summary of one day in Corfu and interactive map with attractions

A trip to Corfu from the Albanian town of Saranda is a very good idea to spend your time in an interesting way. The ferry connection to Saranda is very convenient and with a fast boat you can get there in 30 minutes.

If you are going to Corfu, here is some important information to bear in mind when planning your trip.

  • Depending on the tourist season, the ferry service runs differently. During the high season the ferries run with greater frequency, while during the low season there are far fewer ferries. You can also sail to Corfu with your car, which will make you more mobile on the island. You can find the check-in schedule on the Finikas Lines website, which is constantly updated – Saranda Corfu Ferry Schedule.
  • If you want to take a drone with you to get a beautiful shot of Kerkira then unfortunately we have sad news. The whole town is in the airport zone and drone flights are not allowed on it. The app in your drone will independently warn you that you are in the forbidden zone and if your drone takes off it will automatically order it to land. It is not even worth trying, as there are significant financial penalties involved. If, on the other hand, you are planning to visit other areas of Corfu then it is worth familiarising yourself with the current aviation regulations.
  • In our opinion, one day in Corfu is definitely not enough to get a good feel for the atmosphere of the island. So if you have the opportunity to plan your visit so that you stay there at least one or two days, we definitely recommend this option. It is worth checking accommodation prices, as this is an island and during the tourist season accommodation prices can be very high – Check Corfu accommodation prices.
  • Corfu is a beautiful island and there are some very lovely smaller islands around it. If any of you would like to visit, for example, the Blue Cave or the island of Paxos then you can book such an excursion in advance. The experience is unforgettable and inaccessible to most visitors to Corfu. Cruises to these exotic areas take place from the port of Corfu – we recommend checking out – Paxos Island and Blue Cave Cruises.

Because Corfu is part of Greece, sailing from Albania you will be in a European roaming zone, so you can call your loved ones using your card from Poland. The same goes for internet. If you have an internet roaming limit, you can use it in Greece. With our provider this is, for example, 6 GB. 

If you need to top up cash, most ATMs in Corfu will do it without charging a commission (depending on the operator – Revolut has a very good offer and conversion rate). 

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More