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 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 to Ksamil).

Whether you’re chasing blue and white backdrops, craving Greek food, or just curious to tick another country off your 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?

Corfu Street Views Daylight blue skies cobbled pavements — Image by Artem Stoliar

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. Think colourful Venetian streets, vibrant local markets, and incredible Greek cuisine.

Whether you want to wander the Old Town, shop for souvenirs, or grab a fresh seafood lunch by the marina, Corfu packs a lot into a single day.

Where to Catch the Ferry

To get to Corfu, you’ll first need to travel to Sarandë, a larger coastal city about 20 minutes from Ksamil. You can easily take a taxi, drive yourself, or hop on a local bus. Below you can see estimate costs and distance.

3 Ways to travel from Ksamil to Sarande. Bus Taxi and Drive

If you plan on driving to the port, 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. 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 parkings on this map.

Ferries run regularly from Sarandë Port to Corfu Town. In high season, there are often multiple departures per day. You can choose between fast hydrofoils (a fast boat) (around 30 - 40 minutes) or standard ferries (60 - 70 minutes).

Booking Your Ferry Tickets

It’s best to book your tickets in advance during summer, especially if you’re travelling on a tight schedule. Some popular ferry operators include:

You can book directly on their websites or through third-party platforms like Direct Ferries. Round-trip tickets usually cost between €35 - €50, depending on the ferry type and season.

Although it may also vary by company and season, you can expect to be able to catch a ferry as early as 5am from Sarandë and hop back around 8pm at the latest. This gives you plenty of time to explore and enjoy the day.

Passport & Border Control

Since you’re crossing an international border (Albania → Greece), you’ll need your passport. EU and UK travellers can usually enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days, but double-check your requirements before travelling.

Border control is straightforward, but allow some extra time for checks when boarding in both directions.

What to Do in Corfu on a Day Trip

Once you arrive in Corfu Town, most of the highlights are within walking distance from the port. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your day:

Wander the Old Town – A UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with pastel buildings, cobbled streets, and charming squares.
Explore the Old Fortress – Climb to the top for panoramic views of the island.
Browse the Markets – Great for picking up local olive oil, soaps, and handmade goods.
Eat Like a Local – Don’t miss trying a gyro, grilled octopus, or Corfu’s famous sofrito.
Relax at a Café – Grab a freddo espresso (Greek iced coffee) and soak up the Mediterranean vibes.

Getting Back to Ksamil

Make sure you’re back at the port in time for your return ferry, missing the last boat could mean an unexpected overnight stay in Corfu (unless that sounds like part of the adventure).

Once you return to Sarandë, it’s a short ride back to Ksamil in time for a sunset dinner on the beach.

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

🛂 Bring your passport and check visa requirements if you're not from the EU/UK.
🕒 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!

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