Traveling From Tirana To Corfu – How Easy Is It?
I must say Traveling from Tirana to Corfu this has been something I have been looking at doing for a while now. Mostly because everytime I’ve looked I’ve seen flights here for under £20 from Luton Airport during 9-5 hours – a cheap trip on the bus and a cheap flight abroad.
Corfu I suppose is not my typical destination but like Tirana you can get cheap flights back to Luton during 9-5 hours and it is a £15 ferry trip to get here that only takes 45 minutes.
However, like many situations I have been in its never quite as straightforward as it seems and this is what I want to write this blog about.
Getting Into Tirana Albania
For anyone making this journey I’d say two things to know straight away – you very likely will need to mobile data either at the airport or esim.
I’m not sure how much cheaper it is for an esim but unlucky for me I had to pay up for my data – around £25. Quite expensive I thought for 40GB data – but needs must.
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 and I’m sure much better than having to get a taxi.
Finding My Hostel
This wasn’t too difficult with Google maps. It took me maybe 15-20 minutes from getting off the bus. The Tirana Rooftop hostel is what it was called and it was one of the better ones I stayed at.
The bed was very comfy. I didn’t go out but there was a lot of bars and restaurants nearby so good location. The price was £11 for the night too so not too bad although again I was told off for my snoring what is never good.
The Next Morning and Having To Leave For Saranda
Something I realized whilst still at the airport was that I was nowhere near the ferry port to get to Corfu.
This meant that I had to change my 2 night stay to 1 – fortunately I was only charged for the one night but I was a bit sad I had to rush off but I did have a good morning in Tirana.
I as planned went to Tirana zoo. It was not exactly what I thought it would be – very small compared to other zoos I been to around Europe.
I spent less than hour here before going but after this I stumbled upon ( ) Lake. It was lovely walking down here. I actually loved seeing all the lizards – they were everywhere and it was a shame really I didn’t have the time walk around it properly.
After this I walked through the woods to get to the bus stop near Tirana University and pretty much it was time to leave.
The Gjirafa Bus To Saranda
I was actually quite worried I would get here and not be able to find it but it was pretty straightforward really although I did have some problems.
The first was booking my trip for the 17th instead of the 16th – I had to buy another ticket and I was lucky because I was 400 Albanian Lek short and it was cash only.
My 2nd problem was the seat they give me. I sat elsewhere to begin with because I wanted to see if it would be a full bus but sure enough people kept getting on and I had to move.
My seat was right at the back of the bus in the corner and even sitting for for 5 minutes was horrible. I got up after this and went and sat in an empty seat next to someone else and luckily I got to sit there for the whole 5 hour trip.
It was still making my knee hurt where I was but it was much better than I should have been.
The bus didn’t stop for about 4 hours either it was lucky I didn’t need the toilet because it would have been a problem.
Something to consider: if you can find an alternative to the Gjirafa Bus you should have a much comfortabler journey. The Riveria Bus is around 5000 Lek but it is still a lot cheaper than what a taxi would be.
Arriving In Saranda
I headed straight for the first bar I could find as needed to charge my phone to find my hostel. I should have made sure my phone was charged before. It is exactly why getting a power bank can be such a good investment.
I was only 10 minutes away from the hostel (Vega 43) and again like my place in Tirana it was one of the better ones I’ve stayed at. They was very friendly here and it was so nice the next morning when one of the girls working there come to my bed and offered me breakfast.
I don’t like Omlette I didn’t eat this but everything else was spot on.
Also the actual place Saranda it is everything you could want from a holiday destination. It was just such a shame I was only there for less than a day. In a way I suppose I kind of hoped I’d miss my boat but in all truth
I didn’t want to lose any money on my reservation for Corfu. It wasnt as cheap as in Albania but I really was gutted to have to move on so soon.
The Boat From Saranda To Corfu
This got me here quick enough. It wasn’t one of these fancy boats selling drinks and sandwiches but it got me across quick enough.
Probably only thing I was a bit frustrated about was it said on Google Search that it’s only 15 euros for the boat ticket but it is 35 euros.
I have tried to look online for cheaper transit but I think maybe now it is just these fixed 35 euro tickets.
But it was only 45 minutes so not a bad crossing.
My First Night In Corfu
Pretty bad really as first thing I did when I got off the boat was head for the bar. To be fair I did need to charge my phone as it was almost dead and I had no idea where I was going.
I maybe had 5 or 6 pints here. It started raining whilst I was here so this was one reason I wasn’t so hasty to go.
I think I left probably at the right time.
According to the time I called my cousin it was at 22:35 local time and I had a 45 minute walk to my hostel.
I stopped for dinner on the way too Octopus with Roasted Vegetables. Of course I had 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. It seemed like it was a 24 hour desk but all good they let me in and I had a good night’s sleep.
Going To Check Out Corfu Town
The next morning I got up and headed straight out. Got the bus from just outside the hostel and I was on the way to Corfu town.
I didn’t realise it was so early – I wanted to find somewhere for breakfast but nowhere was open until 10.
I’m not sure if it’s always like this but there is a Jewish community here 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 in Corfu town the decor is unreal. I didn’t get any photos besides one church but I was bad taking this as clearly says not too on the sign.
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.
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 never ate and because they had the later game 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 which was exactly what I needed but wow for a Saturday night I was quite shocked how quiet it was here.
Day 3 – Getting The Bus To Ipsos
So I really didn’t quite fancy the town after the day before so 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 but 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.
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
This was not what happened. I went for breakfast in the morning. Done some blogging and I didn’t get on my way till almost 2pm.
It was quite frustrating trying to work out what to do. There is the regular blue buses in Corfu – the 07 line but this doesn’t go to Sidari.
What I later worked out was the bus to Sidari is the Green K-Tel bus that goes from the airport.
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 catch the bus from Kontakali.
I got the 07 to Ipsos and got off here but then I was 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 (how this keeps happening) and I give up finally – it was getting a bit too late in the day for such a long trip but oh god the irony of what happened next.
I sat down in the Cafe by the bus stop in Kontakali and ordered a cup of tea and donut and right in front of my eyes the green bus stopped in front of the cafe.
It was gone before I could even make a decision but really I thought this was not the time to go to Sidari.
Gettting Drunk In Kontakali
So after given up on the idea of going to Sidari due to not having enough time I decided to just stay in Kontakali. Whilst here en route to the beach (which I never even ended up going to) I stumbled upon Stav’s Bar and I really couldn’t help myself but to stay for 3 pints.
After this I went on a very long mission to find somewhere to buy cigarettes. It was quite mad as there was not many places at all – even the supermarket. I found some in the end and also stopped for food at a place nearby.
It was back off to Stav’s bar after this and I stayed till closing leaving the pub with 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. Pretty shameful really but what I was thinking more than anything was this was a trip I’d very much like to do again in future – especially if I can again get the cheap convenient flights that I got this time around.
My Last Morning
It was not so bad really 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. It was pretty straightforward really and I got back to the UK for just after 3PM which was good.
Things Too Keep In Mind For When I Come Back
So I probably should try and calm down on the beer. I want to get an Esim sorted for Albania as the deals at the airport for data are a bit pricey. Also, I want to make sure I get a bit more time in Tirana and Sandrada instead of rushing round to get from A to B and I definitely want to be a bit more careful about getting the bus from Tirana as no way could I have sat in the back seat for 5 hours.
Also, I am looking at if I can find away for a cheaper crossing to Corfu as I felt 35 euros was a bit expensive. I think for Corfu I would be happy to stay at the same place again – I didn’t look how the beds had no curtains – there was no privacy at all here but by putting sheets on each side of the bed this definitely helped.
Sidari I definitely want to visit next time and also the donkey reserve I think I will have to check out. I guess I really actually did quite like it here and it was one of the more relaxing vacations I’ve had over the past few years.
In Hindsight
If you are curious about Albania and Corfu definitely I would recommend it. Just be aware to get over to Corfu you need to get to Sandrada 5 hours away. The beach is really nice here so come and check this out and make sure you give yourself enough time to see all 3 places.
In Corfu try and get used to how the Green Buses work or for piece of mind just go to the airport to their main depot. Corfu has lots of beautiful spots and if you are only going on the blue bus route all you really have is Ipsos, Kontakanali and Corfu town.
I definitely didn’t see enough of the island so don’t make my mistake 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…
To be continued… I will update this section when I do my full edit of this blog post.
Keen traveler and digital nomad looking to share my stories from my international trips.