Day trips from Corfu you don’t want to miss
Although Corfu is a stunning island, filled with beautiful beaches, delicious food, and breathtaking natural beauty, it’s sometimes nice to get out and explore some of its surroundings. Thanks to its unique location, Corfu is not only neighbored by idyllic islands, turquoise waters, impressive caves, and picturesque towns, it’s also a short boat ride away from a totally different country. Taking a boat out to see the exciting surroundings of Corfu is the top way to explore, so we’ve made a list of the best day trips from Corfu by boat just for you.
Have an Albanian Adventure
Just a quick 30-minute ferry ride from the shores of Corfu is the dazzling country Albania. As you cruise along to the port of Saranda, you’ll see the landscape shift into rolling rocky hills, spattered with green, and the architecture change, becoming more Illyrian. Saranda is known as the ‘City of the Forty Saints’ thanks to its rich religious past. Although there are many unique buildings to visit while in this quaint city, one of the most famous is the very first Albanian Synagogue. This majestic site was built in the 4th century by the decedents of the original Jews, who sailed to the shores of Albania in 70 CE.
For even more history, you can visit one of the most important historical sites in Albania, the ancient ruins of Butrint. This tranquil site is nestled in the middle of a 29 sq-km national park, and houses buildings from a variety of eras, spanning 2500 years. After a morning of delving deep into the history of Albania, you can spend your afternoon shopping in one of the many duty-free stores, enjoying a delicious lunch overlooking the Ionian sea. For those looking to explore totally new lands and experience new cultures, this is one of the best day trips from Corfu for you.
Island hopping to Paxoi and Antipaxoi
Located just off the southern coast of Corfu are two stunning islands, Paxos and Antipaxos. Each one is a spectacle of natural beauty and steeped in Greek legend. Your first stop will be to the small island Paxos, which, according to legend, was formed when Poseidon cut off the very tip of Corfu to create a tranquil retreat for his great love, Amphitrite. As you sail up to this idyllic island you can clearly see that he succeeded. Lined with bright green olive trees, the sheer beauty of Paxos will take your breath away.
Be sure to pay close attention as the boat nears the impressive blue caves of Paxos, this jaw-dropping sight isn’t one you want to miss. After marveling at these giant natural wonders, you can then dock at Gaios and disembark to explore this postcard-perfect village. Here, you can walk through the up-market streets and enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in one of the many taverns.
Your next stop will be to the paradise island of Antipaxos. With its many white sand beaches, sheltered coves and turquoise waters, this is the perfect place to sit back, relax and work on your tan. Take a dip in the cooling waters of Paradise Beach, whose beauty has been compared to that of the top beaches in the Caribbean. If you’re looking to unwind and get back to nature, then a day trip from Corfu to Paxos and Antipaxos is for you.
Explore the beautiful Parga
The crossing from Corfu to Parga itself is a magical experience. Watch as playful dolphins swim alongside the boat, and the beautiful shoreline of Corfu melts into the distance. As you approach Parga, two things will catch your attention. First, the breathtaking white sand beaches and glistening blue waters, and second, the traditional Greek town shadowed below the dominating Venetian castle.
Take your time to soak up the homely feeling of this beautiful town as you stroll through the winding streets and talk to the friendly locals. If you’re looking for a more relaxing day trip from Corfu, then you can enjoy a day at the beach soaking up the sun and working on your holiday tan. However, if you want to explore a little more of Parga and delve into its unique history, then you can take a walk up to the Venetian castle, Ali Pasha. Here you can marvel at the traditional architecture and enjoy the very best panoramic views of the small port town and vast Ionian sea stretching out below.
Discover the natural beauty of Kefalonia Island
As you sail up the narrow channel between the island of Odysseus and Kefalonia towards the port of Sami, you’ll see the quaint waterside taverns, colorful shops, and impressive rock formations and stunning white sand beaches of Kefalonia. From Sami port, where the popular Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was filmed, you can take a coach ride up to the dramatic caves of Kefalonia.
When you enter the Drogarati cave, you’ll feel a tingle up your spine as the air cools and remarkable stalactites and stalagmites begin to appear before your eyes. Be sure to take a camera, as this magnificent cave is a perfect example of natures divine beauty. The next cave, Melissani, is a completely different world to the first. With its peaceful blue lagoon lit up by the singular beam of light coming from the roof of the cave, there’s no sight more humbling.
After a morning of cave exploring, head back to the village of Sami to enjoy some traditional Kefalonian cuisine in one of the many cafes overlooking the Ionian sea. As the sun gets lower in the sky, bright colors begin to dance across the sandy beaches and imposing rock formations of Mainland Epirus, the perfect view to end this magical day trip from Corfu.
