How to Take a Day Trip from Ksamil to Corfu, Greece
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If you’re soaking up the sunshine in Ksamil and fancy a change of scenery, how does hopping over to Greece sound? Just across the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea lies the stunning island of Corfu, and yes, you can absolutely visit it on a day trip from Ksamil (and vice-versa if you want to go from Corfu, Greece to Ksamil, Albania).
Whether you’re chasing blue and white backdrops, craving Greek food, or just curious to tick another country off your travel list, this quick escape is surprisingly easy to do. Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen.
Why visit Corfu from Ksamil?
Paleokastritsa, Corfu, Greece (by Corfu Diary)
It’s not every day you can visit two countries in one trip, let alone in one day. Corfu is less than an hour away by ferry and offers a totally different vibe from the laid-back beaches of Ksamil. You can picture colourful Venetian streets, vibrant local markets, and incredible Greek cuisine.
You can easily spend your day exploring the UNESCO-protected Old Town, shopping for local souvenirs, and grabbing a fresh seafood lunch by the marina. A day trip to Corfu packs a lot into a single day out.
Where to catch the ferry
To catch the boat to Corfu, you’ll first need to travel from Ksamil to the neighbouring coastal city of Sarandë, a larger coastal city roughly 20 minutes north. You can easily take a taxi, drive yourself, or hop on a local bus. Below you can see the 3 ways to travel from Ksamil to Sarandë, with estimated costs and distances.
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local bus | ~€2 | 24 min | Budget |
| Private taxi | €60–€75 | 21 min | Speed |
| Driving | €3–€4 | 21 min | Flexibility |
If taking the local bus: It's an incredible budget saver, but keep in mind that buses can get intensely hot and crowded during the peak summer afternoon departures.
If taking a private taxi: This is by far the fastest and most stress-free option. Just remember to always confirm and lock in the final price with your driver before stepping into the car.
If driving a rental car: This gives you absolute flexibility. However, we’d recommend leaving your car at the port rather than crossing with it, as Corfu is a very walkable place and you don’t want to waste time searching for parking there. In Sarandë, there are options for street parking available, but depending on the season and time of day, it may be difficult to find an empty spot. You can find a range of parking spaces on this map.
Booking your ferry tickets
Ferries run regularly from the Sarandë Port directly to Corfu Town. In the peak summer season, there are multiple departures daily. While exact schedules can shift depending on the month and sea conditions, the routes typically operate within these windows:
Sarandë to Corfu: Generally running from 6:00 AM until 8:00 PM (with the highest frequency of trips clustered between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM).
Corfu to Sarandë: Generally running from 7:30 AM until 10:00 PM.
You can choose between two main boat styles depending on your budget and itinerary:
The high-speed hydrofoil (fast boat): Takes just 30 to 40 minutes to cross.
The standard ferry: A larger car ferry that takes 60 to 70 minutes.
Round-trip tickets usually cost between €32 to €50, depending on the ferry type and season. While popular local operators include Finikas Lines, Ionian Seaways, and Albania Luxury Ferries, their individual websites can sometimes be difficult to navigate or translate accurately.
To avoid the stress of matching up different company timetables or risking sold-out slots at the summer port gates, it is best to compare every departure at once. We highly recommend checking live schedules and locking in your tickets ahead of time through Direct Ferries.
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All-in-one guided day trip option
If coordinating multiple separate ferry tickets, bus connections, and timelines feels like too much logistics for a relaxing holiday, you can opt for a fully guided day trip departing right from Sarandë. This eliminates the stress of independent planning by covering your round-trip boat crossings, border handling, and air-conditioned island transportation in one single booking.
Here is exactly how the itinerary is laid out, along with the practical requirements you need to know before you head to the meeting point:
The tour itinerary & highlights
The boat crossing (45 mins): You'll depart from the Sarandë Port on a fast boat cruising alongside the scenic Albanian coast before docking at the Port of Corfu.
Corfu Old Town (3 hours): A guided walking tour takes you through the heart of the historic UNESCO centre. You'll visit the massive Spianada square (the Liston), see Saint Spiridon’s Church, the Royal Palace, view the iconic Old and New Fortresses, and still have plenty of free time to wander the narrow shopping alleys.
Palaiokastritsa Village (3 hours): A private coach takes you across the island to Corfu's most photographed coastal area. Here, you can tour the Byzantine Monastery of the Virgin Mary (dating back to 1228), grab a fresh seafood lunch at a local taverna, or rent a small optional boat to explore the iconic sea caves and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
The boat return (70 mins): After a smooth ride back to the main port, you'll board the standard ferry to cruise back to Sarandë.
Important things to keep in mind
Meeting point: The tour checks in at the Ionian Seaways head office, situated just 50 meters before the main entrance of Sarandë's Port (Rruga Mitat Hoxha). You must arrive at least 45 minutes before departure to clear registration.
Border logistics: Because you are crossing an international border, you will pass through 4 total passport/ID control checks throughout the day (entering and leaving both countries). Ensure your passport or Schengen-valid visa is completely up to date.
What to pack: Bring comfortable walking shoes for the Old Town cobblestones, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a light jacket for the open-air boat cruise.
Port parking: If you are driving a rental car from Ksamil, secure parking is available right at the Sarandë Port for around €5 per day.
To view live starting times, current pricing, or lock in your spots with free 24-hour cancellation, check availability below:
Passport & border control
Because you are leaving Albania and entering Greece (and the EU Schengen Zone), you will pass through official border control customs.
UK and US passport holders can enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. EU citizens enjoy full freedom of movement and are not subject to this 90-day limit. As a best practice, ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity remaining and at least one blank page for stamps. Check current entry requirements before travelling, including whether you need an ETIAS authorisation.
The lines at both ports are straightforward, but you should arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure to clear security and customs smoothly.
What to do in Corfu on a day trip
Once your boat docks at the Corfu Port, the historic heart of Corfu Town is an easy, scenic 15-minute walk along the waterfront. To maximise your limited hours on the island, here are the absolute must-do experiences:
Wander Corfu Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with pastel-hued Venetian buildings, hidden alleyways (kantounia), and charming hidden plazas.
Conquer the Old Fortress: Walk up to the peak of this 14th-century citadel for stunning, panoramic views of the entire island and the blue sea stretching back to Albania.
Indulge in a local lunch: Grab an outdoor table and order a classic pork gyro, fresh grilled octopus, or Corfu's signature dish, Sofrito (tender veal cooked in a white wine and garlic sauce).
Browse the markets: Great for picking up local olive oil, soaps, and handmade goods.
Sip a Greek iced coffee: Do as the locals do and sit back at a café on the Liston Promenade with a refreshing Freddo Espresso or Freddo Cappuccino to soak up the Mediterranean vibes.
To make the most of your limited hours on the island and skip the hassle of figuring out where to go on your own, joining a guided experience is a fantastic option. It takes the guesswork out of your day so you can just focus on enjoying the atmosphere.
Here are our top three recommended activities in Corfu that fit perfectly into a day-trip itinerary:
Getting back to Ksamil
If you travel independently, keep a close eye on the local Greek clock (Greece is one hour ahead of Albania) and make sure you head back to the port in plenty of time for your return boat. Missing the final boat means an unexpected hotel bill in Greece (unless that sounds like part of the adventure, hahaha).
If you booked the all-in-one day trip, you don't need to worry about any of this. Your tour guide handles the schedule, keeps track of the time differences, and ensures everyone is safely grouped and boarded onto the correct return boat.
Once the ferry docks safely back in Sarandë, independent travellers and tour guests alike can hop right back into a taxi, local bus, or rental car. You'll make it back down to Ksamil with plenty of time to wind down and enjoy a relaxing, beachfront dinner. If you want to eat incredible seafood with great views, we highly recommend checking out Bar Restorant Luna, which is our absolute favourite spot in town for a sunset meal. You can read more about it in our post, Best Seaside Restaurant in Ksamil with Unique Sunset Views.
Planning a trip to Ksamil?
Skip the stress and endless research. This 33-page expert guide gives you everything in one place, from transit routes and stays to hidden gems. Bonus: Get our custom Google Maps list with 60+ pins synced directly to your phone to explore without wasting time.
Instant delivery. Compatible with any device.
Is the day trip worth it?
Absolutely. It’s not every day you get to wake up in Albania and have lunch in Greece. Whether you’re going for the culture, food or just live the idea of crossing borders on a day trip, this quick island escape is 100% worth squeezing into your Ksamil itinerary.
Final tips for a Corfu day trip from Ksamil
Bring your passport and check visa requirements.
Greece is one hour ahead of Albania. So if you leave Sarandë at 9:00 AM, you’ll arrive in Corfu at 10:30 AM local time, even though it’s only a 30-minute journey. Keep this time change in mind when planning your return ferry and exploring the island.
Check ferry schedules in advance and allow time for customs.
Bring euros for spending in Corfu; many places accept cards, but cash is handy.
Don’t forget sunscreen as you’ll probably be walking around a lot!
Thinking of making the trip or already ticked it off your list? Drop your questions, tips, or stories in the comments. We’d love to hear how your Corfu day went!
Ready to plan your Ksamil trip?
We’ve gathered top-rated recommendations for transport, accommodation, services, and tours below:
- Beachfront luxury: Hotel Panorama Ksamil (9.3/10)
- Resort vibes: ARAMERAS Resort (9.2/10)
- Private beach & half-board: King Hotel Ksamil (8.7/10)
