Corfu is magnificent on its own, but its position at the crossroads of the Ionian Sea opens up a world of possibilities beyond the island itself. From the turquoise waters of Paxos to the ancient ruins of Albania, from the wild Diapontia Islands to the stunning mainland coast of Epirus, a week in Corfu can easily include adventures that span two countries and dozens of islands. Here is your complete guide to the best day trips from Corfu.
In This Guide
Why Take a Day Trip from Corfu?
Corfu sits at the northern tip of the Ionian island chain, closer to Albania than to mainland Greece. This unique geographical position means that within a radius of just 50 nautical miles, you have access to pristine Greek islands, a foreign country with fascinating history, and the dramatic Epirus coastline. Many of these destinations are surprisingly quick to reach - Saranda in Albania is just 30 minutes by hydrofoil, and Paxos is under 90 minutes by ferry.
A day trip adds a completely different dimension to your Corfu holiday. One day you might be swimming in the jaw-droppingly blue waters of Antipaxos, and the next exploring a 2,500-year-old Roman city in Albania. These are experiences that transform a good beach holiday into an unforgettable adventure.
1 Paxos & Antipaxos - The Blue Paradise
If you take only one day trip from Corfu, make it this one. Paxos and its tiny sister island Antipaxos offer some of the most extraordinary seascapes in the entire Mediterranean. The water around these islands is a shade of blue that defies description - turquoise, azure, and cobalt layered together in impossible clarity. You can see the seabed at depths of 20 metres or more.
Day trip boats typically depart from Corfu's New Port early in the morning, cruising south along the coast before reaching the dramatic west coast of Paxos. Here, towering white limestone cliffs rise vertically from the sea, riddled with sea caves that glow with an otherworldly blue light as the sun penetrates the translucent water. The most famous of these, the Blue Caves (Ipapanti), are genuinely breathtaking.
After the caves, boats usually stop at Antipaxos for swimming. This minuscule island has two famous beaches - Voutoumi and Vrika - both regularly rated among the best in the world. The water is Caribbean-clear, the sand white, and in the morning before the day-trip boats arrive, you could be on a private island. Antipaxos also produces a surprisingly good wine from its small vineyards, available at beachside tavernas.
The afternoon is typically spent on Paxos itself, with free time in either Gaios (the main harbour town), Lakka (a charming bay on the north tip), or Loggos (a tiny fishing village). All three are delightful, with waterfront tavernas, pastel-coloured houses, and a pace of life that makes even Corfu feel hectic. If you have time, a seafood lunch in Gaios harbour is an experience you will remember long after your tan has faded.
Cost: Day trip boats range from approximately 25 to 45 euros per person, depending on the operator and whether lunch is included. The regular ferry is cheaper (around 12-15 euros one way) if you prefer to explore independently.
2 Saranda, Albania - The Riviera Next Door
Visible from Corfu's eastern coast on a clear day, the Albanian port city of Saranda (also spelled Sarandë) is one of the most accessible international day trips anywhere in the Mediterranean. Hydrofoils make the crossing in as little as 30 minutes, while regular ferries take around 70 minutes. Suddenly you are in a different country with a different language, different currency, and a fascinating recent history.
Albania has transformed dramatically since the fall of communism in the early 1990s, and Saranda exemplifies this change. The waterfront promenade is lined with modern cafes and restaurants, the beach is clean and well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming. Prices are significantly lower than in Greece - a full lunch with drinks might cost 8 to 12 euros per person, and a coffee is around one euro.
The town itself has a relaxed, Mediterranean feel, with a lively morning market, a small archaeological museum, the ruins of an early Christian synagogue (one of the oldest in the Balkans), and the hilltop castle of Lekuresi offering panoramic views across to Corfu. For many visitors, the experience of stepping into another culture - hearing Albanian spoken, tasting different food, seeing the contrast with Greece - is the main draw.
If you enjoy walking, the Ksamil area south of Saranda has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Albanian Riviera. The four small islands just offshore, set in impossibly turquoise water, are a favourite with Instagrammers for good reason. You can reach Ksamil by local bus or taxi from Saranda in about 20 minutes.
Important: You will need a valid passport or EU national ID card. Albanian currency is the Lek, but euros are widely accepted in Saranda. Most shops and restaurants accept card payment.
3 Butrint, Albania - UNESCO Ancient City
If Saranda is the appetiser, Butrint is the main course. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on a peninsula surrounded by a lagoon about 20 kilometres south of Saranda, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean. Layer upon layer of civilisation lies here - Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman - spanning over 2,500 years of continuous habitation.
The site is set in dense, almost subtropical vegetation, which gives it an atmospheric, Indiana Jones quality that dry, exposed ruins elsewhere in Greece simply cannot match. You walk along shaded paths, and around every corner another marvel appears: a beautifully preserved Roman theatre, a baptistery with extraordinary mosaic floors, massive Cyclopean walls, a Venetian tower, and a Byzantine basilica. The combination of nature and archaeology is genuinely extraordinary.
The Roman theatre is the highlight for many visitors. Still remarkably intact, it once seated 2,500 spectators and is occasionally used for performances even today. The acoustics remain perfect - stand in the centre of the stage and speak in a normal voice, and someone in the back row can hear every word.
Most organised day trips from Corfu combine Saranda and Butrint into a single itinerary, which is ideal. You take the morning ferry to Saranda, transfer by coach to Butrint for a guided tour, return to Saranda for lunch and free time, then catch the evening ferry back to Corfu. It is a long but immensely rewarding day.
Entry fee: Approximately 1,000 Albanian Lek (about 9 euros). Allow 2-3 hours for a thorough visit. Wear comfortable shoes - the paths are uneven in places. Bring water and insect repellent in summer.
4 Diapontia Islands - The Forgotten Archipelago
Northwest of Corfu, scattered across the Ionian Sea like stepping stones towards Italy, lie the Diapontia Islands: Othoni, Ereikoussa, and Mathraki. These are among the most remote inhabited islands in Greece, with combined permanent populations of just a few hundred people. If you want to experience Greek island life as it existed 50 years ago, before tourism transformed the Aegean, this is your chance.
Othoni is the largest and westernmost, holding the distinction of being the westernmost point of Greece. According to mythology, this is where Calypso held Odysseus captive for seven years. The island has a few tavernas, a handful of rooms for rent, and beaches that you might have entirely to yourself. The main settlement of Ammos has a small harbour, and the interior is covered in olive groves and wild vegetation.
Ereikoussa is the most popular with day trippers, thanks to its beautiful sandy beach (a rarity in the Ionian islands), crystal-clear water, and a charming, walkable village. The island has a summer population of a few hundred, swelling from a winter population of under 50. It feels wonderfully remote, yet you are just an hour from Corfu.
Mathraki is the smallest and least visited, which is precisely its appeal. A single village, a single road, and beaches where your footprints might be the only ones. The island has a wild, rugged beauty and a sense of isolation that is both humbling and deeply peaceful.
Day trip boats run from Corfu's Sidari port in summer, typically visiting one or two of the three islands. Check schedules locally, as services can be weather-dependent. Alternatively, the regular ferry from Corfu Town serves the islands several times per week.
5 Mainland Greece - Igoumenitsa & Parga
The Greek mainland coast of Epirus, visible from Corfu on clear days, offers a completely different landscape of towering mountains plunging into the Ionian Sea. The ferry to Igoumenitsa takes about 75 minutes and runs multiple times daily, giving you access to one of Greece's most beautiful and underrated coastal regions.
Parga is the jewel of the Epirus coast and the main draw for day trippers. This small town cascades down a hillside to a natural harbour, overlooked by a Venetian castle and surrounded by islands, olive groves, and turquoise water. It looks like a miniature version of an Italian Riviera town, and the comparison is not coincidental - Parga was under Venetian control for centuries. The town is about an hour's drive south of Igoumenitsa along a spectacular coastal road.
In Parga, you can explore the Venetian fortress for panoramic views, swim at Valtos or Lichnos beaches (both stunning), wander the narrow lanes of the old town, or take a boat to the tiny island of Panagia opposite the harbour. The seafood restaurants along the waterfront are excellent, and the whole atmosphere is charming and unhurried.
Igoumenitsa itself is primarily a port city, but it serves as a gateway to the extraordinary Epirus hinterland. If you have your own transport, you could drive into the Zagori region with its famous stone bridges and the dramatic Vikos Gorge, though this makes for a very long day. A more manageable option is the coastal road south to Syvota, a gorgeous fishing village with turquoise bays reminiscent of the Caribbean.
How to get there: Regular ferries from Corfu New Port to Igoumenitsa (75 minutes). From Igoumenitsa, you will need a rental car or to join an organised tour to reach Parga (60km south). Some tour operators offer direct boat trips from Corfu to Parga in summer.
Planning Your Day Trips
Booking: For Paxos and Albania trips, book at least a day in advance during July and August. Outside peak season, you can usually book the day before or even on the morning of departure. Hotels and travel agencies in Corfu Town sell tickets for all the major day trips.
What to bring: Passport (essential for Albania), sunscreen, swimwear, comfortable walking shoes, cash in small denominations, and a light jacket for the boat ride. Sea breezes can be cool even on hot days.
Sea conditions: The Ionian Sea is generally calm, but check weather forecasts before booking. Trips to the Diapontia Islands in particular can be cancelled in strong winds. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking medication before the journey.
Combining trips: You can visit both Saranda and Butrint in a single day, and Paxos and Antipaxos are always combined. The Diapontia Islands are best as a separate trip. Allow at least one full day between day trips to rest and enjoy Corfu itself.
From your base: If you are staying at Ef Zin Villa in Skripero, Corfu's New Port is about 25 minutes by car, making early morning departures comfortable and convenient.
Explore Beyond Corfu from Ef Zin Villa
Our countryside villa in Skripero puts you just 25 minutes from Corfu's port, making day trips to Paxos, Albania, and beyond easy and comfortable. Return each evening to peace, privacy, and stunning views.
View Villa & Book Your StayFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, Albania is just a short boat ride from Corfu. Regular ferries and hydrofoils run from Corfu Town to Saranda (30-70 minutes depending on the vessel). From Saranda, you can also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Butrint. Several tour operators offer organized day trips that include transport, guided tours, and lunch.
EU citizens need a valid passport or national ID card to enter Albania. Non-EU citizens should check specific visa requirements for their nationality, though many nationalities can enter Albania visa-free for short stays. Always carry your passport when taking the ferry. Border formalities are straightforward and usually take just a few minutes.
The most popular day trip is to Paxos and Antipaxos, offering stunning blue caves, crystal-clear swimming waters, and charming harbourside villages. For culture lovers, the trip to Butrint in Albania (a UNESCO site) is unmissable. For something off the beaten path, the Diapontia Islands offer unspoiled Greek island life. The best choice depends on your interests.
Regular ferries operate from Corfu's New Port to Gaios, the main town on Paxos. The journey takes approximately 60-90 minutes. In summer, several companies also run day-trip boats that include stops at the Blue Caves, swimming at Antipaxos, and time in Gaios or Lakka. Private boat hire and speedboat transfers are also available for a more flexible experience.