Corfu Guided Day Trip to Saranda & Butrint National Park: Is It Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about a day trip from Corfu to Saranda and Butrint National Park? It’s almost like stepping into another time, mixed with a completely different culture, just a ferry ride away. I took the trip recently, and it’s quite something. Let me tell you about it, what to maybe expect, and whether I reckon it’s a worthwhile hop across the Ionian Sea.

The Allure of Albania: A Quick Hop From Corfu

You see, Corfu is amazing, right? Those beaches, the Old Town, and all that Greek sunshine. However, sometimes you might crave something just a bit different, and that’s kind of where Albania comes in. It’s very close to Corfu, and it offers a taste of something new and kind of unexplored, especially compared to, say, Italy or Greece. This particular day trip promises history in Butrint, a look at a fairly bustling coastal town called Saranda, and, arguably, a quick escape from the usual tourist trails. This combo makes it rather attractive, I feel.

Setting Sail: The Ferry to Saranda

Alright, so the trip starts with a ferry from Corfu Town to Saranda. Typically, the ferry is reasonably comfy, not extremely luxurious but good enough for the journey, that is roughly about 30 minutes to a couple hours depending on the type of boat you happen to be on, high speed craft will clearly get you there faster. You will want to book in advance. Apparently, in peak season, those tickets can sell out. As a matter of fact, on the ferry you’ll usually find a mix of people – tourists just like you, locals coming and going, and even some Albanians doing business in Corfu.

First Impressions: Saranda, Albania

Saranda greets you with a completely different vibe than Corfu. It’s almost more raw, more energetic, a little rough around the edges maybe, too it’s a city that is clearly still finding its feet when it comes to tourism. So, expect some hustle and bustle as you step off the ferry. Depending on your tour, you may have some free time in Saranda, typically for lunch and a bit of wandering. The promenade is pretty cool, lined with cafes and restaurants, plus it offers good views of the Ionian Sea. Food is quite reasonable compared to Corfu and is also incredibly tasty, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood. We are talking squid, mussels, prawns etc., cooked Mediterranean style. Just bear in mind that some restaurants might be fairly basic; don’t expect fine dining everywhere. It’s much more about honest, hearty food.

Butrint National Park: History Comes Alive

Next on the list is Butrint National Park, the highlight of the day trip for quite a few people. It is about a 30-minute bus ride from Saranda, give or take, and what you get there is amazing. So, Butrint is this old ancient city that has seen it all: Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Venetians have all left their marks. That, you see, is what makes it fairly special; layers and layers of history all jumbled together. The setting is beautiful, too; the ruins are located on a peninsula surrounded by water and woods, so the scenery is very beautiful. The site boasts an old theater, some really pretty mosaics, a Venetian tower, plus the remains of temples and houses. Your tour guide will walk you through the location, explaining the background of each area and bringing the past alive. It’s one of those places where you can close your eyes and, in a way, almost imagine what life was like centuries ago. You should probably wear comfortable shoes, it is that type of place.

The Guided Tour: What to Expect

Guided tours from Corfu are normally pretty well-organized. Pick-up from your resort is mostly on time. This, however, might be from a close-by pick up point, if you happen to be based in more secluded accomodation. The tour guides usually give instructions both on the bus ride to Corfu Town and while crossing the sea to Albania, as they are there to make sure everyone understands the plan for the day and learns a bit about what they’re going to see. It’s probably good to keep in mind that, even though the tours are multilingual, sometimes the English might be, shall we say, a little bit basic. These guides usually have heaps of knowledge to give on the history and the location you will be going to, it’s really quite informative. A bit of advice; if you want to grab a brilliant picture for social media in Butrint, get in line and prepare to be fast because a few tourists visit everyday. The tours are somewhat fast-paced so that it gets quite a bit into the single day; however, that’s what you get with a day trip, doesn’t it?

Potential Downsides: What to Consider

Right, so, it’s not all sunshine and roses, that is obvious, is it? The trip has its possible down sides, so I think you might consider that. Firstly, the border checks could be a bit slow, arguably when entering Albania. You’re moving between countries, as a matter of fact, so there’ll most probably be passport control and security checks, so it’s possibly a bit of waiting. Second, bear in mind that Albania is not as developed for tourism as Greece. Saranda is quite safe to move around. However, public loos might not be wonderful. Another point: if you are expecting a super-luxurious, five-star experience, then you might well be somewhat surprised. This trip has something to do with getting a real flavour of Albania, which, very likely, involves seeing the good and the slightly less polished.

Is It Worth the Trip? My Recommendation

You see, so, the big question: would I suggest the Corfu to Saranda and Butrint day trip? I kind of believe I would, really. If you are after something different, a splash of culture and ancient history, that’s possibly an attractive option, maybe. So, Butrint alone is worthwhile; wandering around that ancient city, imagining all those different cultures that have gone through, is somewhat amazing. I would advise, manage your expectations just a little bit, even so. It is very probably going to be a fast day, and Albania will probably not be as glossy as Corfu. Still, if you are eager to get out of your resort and also notice a bit of the world, then absolutely do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

Do not forget your passport, as you’re crossing international borders. Bringing some Euros is very wise for smaller purchases, even though credit cards can usually be used. Comfortable shoes are important, because you’ll be doing lots of walking, mainly in Butrint.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Potentially, but bear in mind the travel duration on a bus and also the ferry, plus there is plenty of walking once there. In addition, border checks will require to be done on time. It may well be a little tedious for younger children. Older kids who enjoy history would likely get much more out of the visit.

What’s the food like in Saranda?

You know, you’ll mostly see fresh seafood restaurants along the promenade providing affordable meals. Don’t hesitate to try some local specialties. The value-for-money ratio will amaze you when compared to other holiday locations that surround the Med.

Are there any hidden costs?

You know, the tour cost typically covers your transportation and entrance fees to Butrint. Still, factor in money for lunch, refreshments, and any souvenirs that you could desire. There also might be some extras, say, like tips for your guide.

How long is the ferry ride?

As I was saying, the ferry duration varies between 30 minutes to more than two hours, usually depending upon the style of ferry used. High-speed ferries are so much quicker but could be just a little bit pricier. It is worthwhile booking a speed boat when possible, as it can add an additional one to two hours to your stay.

Can you book from UK?

Most of the big operators that you see listed when you visit the area, operate a seamless booking process. I booked just prior to departure, when you happen to be looking to book at the last minute, the best place to check for any promotional deals.