Traveling From Tirana Albania To Corfu Greece – How Cheap Was This 6 Day Trip?
Traveling From Tirana Albania To Corfu Greece (2026)
Traveling from Tirana Albania to Corfu Greece has been something I have been looking at doing for a while now. I can’t quite remember what put this Idea in my head but certainly it was some time ago that I became aware of the cheap flights to Tirana from Luton.
So, £16 I paid to get out to Tirana and really this was a price I kept seeing over and over again. Corfu I don’t remember how It was brought to my attention – that this is just a short boat trip away but this was another thing – the flights I see coming back from Corfu to Luton were just as cheap. I am sure I see flights for under £20 but on this trip £24 I paid.
I mean I don’t know why I didn’t come to visit sooner at these prices but actually what made me pull the trigger was my plan for the year to say that I’ve been in a different country at least 1 day of every month in 2026 – I wanted to choose somewhere cheap so I thought why not fly to Albania?
However, like many situations I have been in its never quite as straightforward as it seems and this is what I want to write about in this blog today.
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Getting Into Tirana Albania
For anyone making this journey I’d say two things to know straight away – you very likely will need to get mobile data either at the airport or by esim. I am currently with O2 / Tescos Mobile – my data works in a good number of EU countries but Albania is unfortunately not one of them. Corfu / Greece is one, which was good for me on this trip but prior to this annoying I had to pay up.
I could have done with an Esim but with my phone this wasn’t an option. Same as in Turkey the only deals for mobile data where £20 upwards. I was only here for 2 days but I had to suck it up and pay £25 for 40GB data.
Also, it took me a while to find it but you an get a bus into Tirana City Airport for about 2 euros (200 ALL) – pretty good I thought but it was a bit of a headache finding where I had to get the bus from.
Finding My Hostel In Tirana
This part wasn’t too bad (unlike finding the bus lol). With Google maps It took me maybe 15-20 minutes from getting off the bus to get here. The Tirana Rooftop hostel is where I stayed on this trip and I quite liked it here for the single night I had booked.
The bed was very comfy. I felt a bit like a child with the Iron Man / Marvel comics duvet on my bed but I slept OK. I was told off for my snoring though that I actually hate but for £11 it was a nice place and I think I’d definitely look to stay here again.
Visiting Tirana Zoo and Leaving For Saranda
One annoying thing I realized whilst still at the airport was that I was nowhere near the ferry port to get to Corfu. I think I swore quite loudly when I realised this. It meant that I would have to to change my 2 night stay in Tirana to just 1. The hostel was OK about it but having to get up and leave with my bags the next morning that was a pain.
Although, I still as originally planned went to Tirana zoo. It was not exactly what I thought it would be. I was expecting something a lot bigger and I think this was one of the smallest Zoos I ever been to but It was not too bad.
The Ostriches were pretty cool and they had Bears here as well.
A Short Visit To The Grand Park and Lake of Tirana
After going to the Zoo I must have only crossed the road when I come across the big lake and grand park of Tirana. I would have loved to have spent more time here – it is a proper beauty spot. It was lovely walking down here, and I actually loved seeing all the lizards – they were everywhere and it was a shame really I had to go soon.
I mean I could have stayed here longer really. The bus stop was only about 10 minutes away and Tirana Central Bus Station I had to get to I was here 3 hours too early. It was silly really but I was so nervous and anxious about missing my bus that I just head to get here to make sure I was in the right place.
I was of course and it only took me 5 minutes to find this out and really there was only one mistake I made here – I had booked the bus for the next day and I was here not 3 hours early but 27 hours. Luckily they let me order a new ticket but this was another £15 I had to pay.
The Gjirafa Bus To Saranda
After getting on the bus I sat on one of the middle seats hoping it wouldn’t be fully booked. I kept this seat on my own for about 20-30 minutes before I was eventually asked to move by another passenger with this seat number.
It is a bit of a habit of mine – on a bus or a plane I will sit wherever until I’m told to move. Often it means I get a better seat and no one says anything but on this occasion man did I need one. As the seat I had the number was was right at the back in the corner.
There wasn’t much leg room where I was sat before but here It was so cramped that it was actually hurting my knees. I’m actually glad I had the sense to get up and move in the empty seat next to someone else.
Of course, I wasn’t supposed to be there but luckily no one said anything and the next passenger to get on was told to sit at the empty seat in the back corner. Kind of funny I guess – they had to sit there for 5 hours in my uncomfortable seat.
I thought about taking a photo for a laugh but the bus was so small it would have hardly been inconspicuous.
Also, I was quite relieved I didn’t need to use the toilet whilst on this bus. It must not have stopped for 4 hours. If I had have been drinking alcohol before I’m sure I would have probably wet myself but fortunately I had the sense not to.
If you are someone that likes to travel in comfort – I’d definitely look at what the alternatives are to transit from Tirana to Saranda without the Gjirafa Bus. It’s good value for sure (only about $15 euros) – but I can imagine for some people 5 hours on this small cramped bus full of people must be an absolute nightmare.
Arriving In Saranda
My main trouble when I got to Saranda was I needed to charge my phone. Too often this happens – I arrive in places and I can’t use my Google Maps to find where I’m staying.
I should have made sure my phone was charged before I left here but I never did. It is exactly why a power bank is such thing to have. I’m sure for these situations this would save me a fortune on buying drinks just to be polite (whilst I charge me phone) in places (and it would save me money on getting the taste for alcohol).
I drunk 4 beers at this 1st bar just to charge my phone and I was only 10 minutes away from the hostel (Vega 43). It is pretty silly really because I should not put myself in these predicaments but I did have some food here as well which I probably would have wanted to do anyway.
Getting To The Vega 43 Hostel
I quite liked it here at this hostel. On my arrival they was very friendly and invited me to come and sit with them and the other guests for a drink. I had a couple of cups of red wine with them before heading to the shop to buy more beer, and I stayed up talking with them until about 2AM.
The next morning I was feeling a bit rough. I got up early before going back to bed. I wasn’t expecting anything to eat but one of the girls working here come to my bed and offered me breakfast – which was very nice of them.
I don’t like Omlette – I felt a bit bad not eating it but everything else was spot on. A nice simple Albanian breakfast to get me going. I just really appreciated this– it made me feel so welcome and it is one of these things that make you want to back to stay again.
It is right by the beach here too so it isn’t only a nice place to stay but also it is in a good location. Right near the ferry port as well – so if you do want to visit Corfu it is only 15 minutes walk to get the ferry.
A Short Visit To Saranda Beach
I did not get very long here at all. Again like in Tirana I was disappointed that I wasn’t spending more time here. When I see how beautiful the beach was it really felt like such a shame that I had to get going already.
I had most of the dorm to myself as well – it was total bliss but I had already booked my accommodation in Corfu so it was time to get moving.
I kind of dragged my heels about leaving for the boat. I was imaging to myself about not getting it and It was almost like I actually had to run to get here in the end. But I just couldn’t do it – I didn’t want to lose any money on my reservation for Corfu or for the ferry – so I just kind of accepted that maybe I would visit again in the future.
Corfu I actually quite liked as well. I mean everywhere I’ve stayed in Greece I’ve had a good time but Albania I would love to come back here to Saranda. Even if it means getting the Gjirafa Bus again…
The Boat From Saranda To Corfu
The boat from Saranda to Corfu got me here in about 40 minutes. It wasn’t one of these fancy boats selling drinks and sandwiches but it got me from A to B which was the main thing.
Although, one thing that did bother me is I was expecting to pay only something like $15 euros – which according to Google is how much this costs but I didn’t find these prices nowhere – I had to pay $30-40 euros.
It also says on Google that if you book in the off season it is cheaper but that was when I was here. Still had to pay around £35 – rather than 15-25 euros like it says.
Only cheaper route just looking now I see is if you book on Omio you can get here with Ionian Seaways for 25 Euros but I think this leaving at 6Am which I imagine could be a bit of a pain for people.
Arriving In Corfu and My First Night
Now, I did pretty much the same thing here as I did in Saranda – headed to the nearest bar to charge my phone. I can’t remember if I ate here or not – I remember they kept putting bar snacks in front of me and I think this was all I had.
It started raining about 20 minutes after I got here as well (something that seems to happen everywhere I go lol) so I stayed here for quite a while waiting for it to stop.
I maybe had 5 or 6 pints I think before I left and it was actually getting late by this point.
According to the time on Facebook messenger – I called my cousin after leaving here and it was 22:35pm local time, and I had a 45 minute walk to my hostel.
I was worried about missing check in although it didn’t stop me from stopping for food at a restaurant on the way. Octopus with Roasted Vegetables I had with another beer and I was given a free piece of cake for dessert what was nice.
I got to the hostel at about midnight (I think it must have been). The time didn’t seem like it was too much of a problem. I’m pretty sure it was a 24 hour desk – there was a girl here on a night shift I think and she let me in and showed me around with no issue.
An Early Morning Walk Around Corfu Town
The next morning I got up and headed straight out. It was kind of a bit too early but for some reason I just wanted to go out. I don’t think I even checked the time – I got the bus from just outside the hostel and from here I was on the way to Corfu town.
It must have only been about 7AM when I got here – I wanted to find somewhere for breakfast but nowhere was open until 10.
I’m not sure if it’s always like this here but there is a Jewish community in Corfu and it was Saturday. In fact, I wasn’t brave enough to walk in but I did have a nose inside the door of the Synagogue during their morning service.
Quite amazing really – same as the churches here with Gold everywhere and fine art. Lot’s of places to explore like this in Corfu and this without visiting the Old Fortress.
Going For Breakfast and Back To The Pub
I actually went in the shop and got a croissant and drink first of all but not too long after this I stopped at a café for green tea with Eggs and Bacon. It was a very Greek take on the usual but I was happy to fill my belly.
After this it was back on the beer at the Tsin Tsin bar. One good thing was I got to do some blogging here and give my phone a good charge.
I can’t remember how many beers I had before I went – I think maybe 5 before deciding to find the Wembley Sports bar. It was funny to think I was saying this would be a detox holiday – it really was not.
Tottenham was playing Brighton – It was a lot better from Spurs after watching the lacklustre mess of the past season. I actually enjoyed it even though they didn’t actually win.
Although, probably the worst part was I stayed here drinking and I never ate. This was the later game and I had to get the last bus back without dinner.
Fortunately, I did manage to get a pack of noodles out of the vending machine. I literally couldn’t find nowhere near the hostel open and it was lucky as some other guys here give me 2 euros for the machine.
Day 3 – Getting The Bus To Ipsos
So I really didn’t quite fancy the town after the day before so Instead I decided to head off in the other direction and get off wherever I thought looked like a good place to go.
I’m not sure exactly where it was I got off but it was on the way to Ipsos up near the mountains.
I stopped for food first of all. I had a chicken burger with my first beer of the day. The staff were nice here but if I was to critique the place it was very rubbery a bit like chewing a Wellington boot whatever that tastes like lol
The beach was not too far from here and it was lovely to get my t shirt off and soak up the sun even though I was a bit down hearted that I didn’t have a towel or my flip flops to take a paddle in the sea.
Heading Back Into Corfu Town
It wasn’t in my initial plans but I thought why not? go to town – find somewhere to eat – and head back to my hostel later. I went for a Gyros with chips. It wasn’t nothing special but it was enough to satisfy my hunger.
Then I went back to the Tsin Tsin after this – finished my daily blog post and stayed there till it was time for the last bus.
Day 4 – Going To Sidari To Do My Laundry and Visit The Tourist Area
I was telling an Australian guest at the hostel about this and he thought this was hilarious.
So, my mother suggested I visit Sidari, and I thought this could be a good day out . But, I really kind of wasted this day away – I went for breakfast in the morning. Done some blogging and I was so busy doing that that I didn’t get on my way out till almost 2pm.
Then I never realised what was Involved with getting here. Google said I needed to go to the bus stop by the bridge. I waited here and then I waited across the road and it just wasn’t making any sense to me.
I worked out in the end t there is the regular blue buses in Corfu – the 07 line and then there is the Green K-Tel bus that goes from the airport.
So – the Green Bus doesn’t have a schedule to stop at the other bus stops on the Island but it does stop at a few places.
It said on Google first that I could catch this from the Potamus Bridge bus stop. I waited around there before reading its AI saying to instead catch the bus from Kontakali.
I got the 07 to Ipsos and got off here but this again had me very confused – I wondered if there was another bus stop other than the main 2 on the 07 line. I was walking round like a headless chicken before I gave up and decided to stop for tea and cake.
You really could not make this up. I had been walking around for about 45 minutes trying to find where I thought the bus went from. I was asking people and just making myself look stupid passing them again when I couldn’t find this non existent bus stop.
So, I sat down in the Cafe by the bus stop where I got off when I arrived here and just as I was putting my cup of tea to my mouth there was the Green bus. I spent 2-3 minutes deciding if I would go out and catch it but before I could even get there it was already driving off.
Getting Drunk In Kontakali
This was a shame – this was my last chance to go and checkout one of the proper tourist spots in Corfu – I definitely left it too late but actually when I thought about it this place I come to was a nice town with a beach so I decided I would stay.
But this was another screw up – I never even went to check out the beach here. I was maybe 10 minutes away but en route I stumbled upon Stav’s Bar and I really couldn’t help myself but to stay for 3 pints.
Then I really fancied a Cigarette. I really didn’t want to ask someone for one. I’m usually pretty bad for it but I thought no I will go and buy a pack of my own. I couldn’t believe how long this took. Even the supermarket here didn’t sell Cigarettes and when I found somewhere I had to go to the ATM which was back at the supermarket.
I was saying to myself – “do I really want to smoke that badly that I have to go through all this?”. I actually stopped for food as which was good but pretty much after this It was back off to Stav’s bar where I stayed till closing, leaving the pub with the bar maid who was catching the same bus as me.
Very friendly place I really liked it here although I was quite disappointed that on my last full day I didn’t get to see one of Corfu’s many beautiful beaches in Kontakali.
My Last Morning
It was not so bad really my last day. I went to the bakery for breakfast, got the bus, had an hour and a half in town. I got my sister some honey, my niece and nephew a magnet each and myself a bar of olive oil soap.
I had 1 pint in the Tsin Tsin bar, got a bit of blogging done and then it was time for the airport bus. I was a bit anxious that I was leaving it too late but from Corfu town to the airport. Its only 15 minutes away but I have a tendency to get very anxious in these situations.
It was pretty straightforward though really and I got back to the UK for just after 3PM which was good because I was able to get both buses to get back home.
My Plans For Coming Back?
Well now, so I probably should try and calm down on the beer if I come back. I want to get an Esim sorted for Albania so I don’t have to pay full whack at the airport again, and I want to make sure I spend a bit more time in Tirana and Saranda.
Also, I think I will try to get on the cheaper crossing to Corfu as I felt 35 euros was a bit expensive. I mean I think otherwise for Corfu I would be happy to stay at the same place again – no complaints about that but I would like to see more of the Island too.
Sidari I definitely want to visit next time and also the donkey reserve I think I would like too check out as well. I really actually did quite like it here in Corfu as well and it was one of the more relaxing vacations I’ve had over the past few years.
In Conclusion
If you are curious about Albania and Corfu – definitely I would recommend it. Just be aware to get over to Corfu you will need to get to Saranda which is 5 hours away.
My mistake was not realising this until I actually got into Albania and the next day I already had to rush off to get my next transport. For anyone planning this trip make sure you give yourself enough time to see everything.
In Corfu I missed out on seeing so much here and this was because I didn’t know how the Green Buses work. Perhaps a good idea is to just go to Corfu Town, catch the airport bus and get the green bus from here. This will take you to places like Sidari and other popular parts of the Island.
Ipsos and Kontakali are nice towns if you are just on the blue bus. Its only 2 euros so its definitely worth coming to check out these beaches here but i would you are probably missing out not going to the other parts of the Island.
I definitely didn’t see enough of everything what is here so don’t make the same mistake as me and also if you go to the beach remember to bring a towel and flip flops lol – don’t what I did.
Tours In Albania and Corfu…
Final Note: I shall finish this blog up here but if you would like to leave us a comment please feel free to do so. If you have any questions about Albania or Corfu, or would just like to share your own experience then it would be great to hear from you.
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Keen traveler and digital nomad looking to share my stories from my international trips.
