The Best and Most Scenic Route from Saranda to Corfu by Ferry

The distance between Saranda and the beautiful island of Corfu is about 25 miles or 40 km. You’ll get to enjoy the ferry ride for approximately one hour or so, depending on the type of vessel and the route taken. 

It’s a beautiful journey, passing through the Ionian Sea and along the Albanian Riviera. Along the way, you’ll see the ruins of the ancient city of Butrint, the breathtaking Llogara Pass, Durres Castle, and the Elina Islands. 

The route is usually quite calm, with only a few choppy waves in the summer months. The ride is comfortable, offering great views and plenty of space to relax.

It’s definitely one of the most scenic and enjoyable ferry trips in the Mediterranean, as along with the spectacular scenery, it offers comfort and maximum pleasure for the traveler.

Find the Perfect Ferry and Schedule to Fit Your Travel Plans and Budget

You can choose from a variety of ferry companies to get to Corfu. Each has different price ranges and conditions to suit every traveler’s plans and budget. Let’s go through some of the main ferry companies to help you choose the best option.

#1. Finikas Lines

Finikas Lines has been offering transportation from Saranda to Corfu since 1994. These daily shuttles are available in the mid-season, whereas in the winter, there is only a single-day return crossing. 

The ferries take off at 10:30 a.m. every morning, and the crossing takes between 30 and 70 minutes, depending on whether you take the high-speed ferry or the car ferry service. The cost of a return ticket is around $45 and the ferry leaves Corfu at 8:30 a.m. every morning.

#2. Ionian Seaways

Having regular daily services, Ionian Seaways links the Greek Island of Corfu with Saranda. At the peak of the season, there are six departures, and a journey can take as little time as 30 minutes thanks to its high-speed hydrofoil fleet. 

A one-way trip costs $25 per person, but you can also book two-way tickets by choosing the preferred dates on the website.

Ionian Seaways also has additional facilities for people with disabilities, and for pets, which are allowed in cabins available for pet carriage.

#3. Joy Lines

Joy Lines is one of the main ferry operators in Albania, and it was the first ferry company to provide a ferry service between Greece and Albania. At every turn, each staff member is willing to help you whenever you need anything, so you can relax and enjoy your journey. 

Joy Lines offers 14 sailings per week, or two per day, with a one-way ticket costing around $27 per person. The ferry ride with Joy Lines can take a little bit longer, though, around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Joy Lines ferries are the newest models and are capable of holding both cars and passengers. The ferries have indoor and outdoor seating and a cafeteria where you can enjoy meals and snacks during your ride.

The Easy and Stress-Free Process of Buying Tickets and Boarding the Ferry

Buying ferry tickets from Saranda to Corfu is pretty hassle-free. You can purchase tickets online or at the port, with cash or by credit card. Online ticketing portals are the most convenient, allowing you to select your departure date and time, check the Saranda to Corfu ferry schedules, and pay with a credit card from the comfort of your own home. 

Note that the tickets bought online must be printed out before boarding the ferry.

You can also purchase tickets at the port from the ticket windows or ticket vending machines. However, be prepared to wait in line, as the ticket windows tend to be busy on the day of departure.

You’ll be required to present valid identification, such as a passport, before boarding, and it’s also important to note that the ferry has a strict luggage policy and allows only two pieces of luggage per passenger.

Sit Back and Relax with an Incredible Onboard Experience

You can expect a comfortable and relaxing ride from Saranda to Corfu. The seating arrangements typically include comfortable chairs for you to relax in, and also reclining seats and couches. 

There’s also a wide range of amenities, such as snack bars, cafes, and duty-free shops. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the crystal blue water and the many islands, cliffs, and beaches that make up the Ionian Sea. 

Depending on the time of day, if you’re lucky, you can also spot dolphins, seals, and other wildlife in the waters. On the horizon, you’ll spot the traditional sailing and fishing boats that dot the waters, providing a unique glimpse into the local culture.

Arrive in Corfu

Once you finally arrive in Corfu, you must pass through customs and immigration. Once cleared, you can take advantage of various transportation options to get around the island. 

The main bus station is just outside the port, with buses departing regularly to popular destinations on the island, like Corfu Town, Kassiopi, etc. You can easily get a taxi straight to your destination.

The port is located in the heart of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. You can also visit the Old Fortress, the Church of St. Spiridon, and the Archaeological Museum.

Remember that the official currency of Corfu is the Euro, although you might find some places that still accept the Albanian Lek. However, it’s important to note that the exchange rate between these two currencies is highly volatile.

Don’t Forget!

With all the information provided in this article, hopefully you can now make your choice and hop on the next ferry to Corfu!

Let’s have a look at some key takeaways:

• The scenic ferry ride from Saranda to Corfu takes you across the Ionian Sea in under two hours.
• The journey to Corfu is calm and pretty comfortable, with views of the Llogara Pass, Durres Castle, and much more accompanying you along the way.
• Based on your budget and travel plans, you can choose from a couple of ferry companies, ranging in price and facilities.
• As for tickets, you can easily purchase them online or at the port’s ticket vending machine.
• Once you arrive in Corfu, you can start to enjoy your visit by looking at some interesting sights of the island and soaking up all the local culture.