The Best Corfu Day Trips & Boat Tours
Corfu is perfectly placed for adventures beyond the island – turquoise islets to the south, the Greek mainland to the east, and even Albania within sight across the strait. A day trip adds a memorable highlight to any holiday, and most are easy to book locally. Here are the best Corfu day trips and boat tours, what you'll see, where they leave from and who they suit. They slot neatly into our Corfu itinerary and things to do in Corfu guides.
1. Paxos, Antipaxos & the Blue Caves (the flagship)
The island's single most popular excursion: a boat trip south to the green island of Paxos, its dramatic Blue Caves, and the tiny island of Antipaxos, whose Caribbean-blue water and white-sand beaches are simply unforgettable. You'll get swim stops and free time in a pretty Paxos harbour. It's a must – full details in our dedicated Paxos, Antipaxos & Blue Caves guide. Book via our Paxos–Antipaxos tours listings.
2. Sivota & the Blue Lagoon (mainland)
Across on the mainland, Sivota and the famous Blue Lagoon offer shallow, glowing turquoise water between tiny islets – idyllic for swimming and snorkelling. Often combined with a stop near Parga, a pretty amphitheatre-shaped town beneath a Venetian castle. A relaxed, scenic day on calm water.
3. Albania: Saranda & Butrint
Corfu sits just a few kilometres from Albania, making a day trip to Saranda and Butrint surprisingly easy by fast ferry. The highlight is Butrint, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian ruins set in a lush national park, plus time in the lively seaside town of Saranda. Bring your passport – it's a different country.
4. The Diapontia Islands
From the northwest (Sidari), boats run to the remote Diapontia Islands – Othoni, Erikoussa and Mathraki – sleepy isles with clear water, quiet beaches and a real off-the-map feel. A lovely escape; see our Sidari & Canal d'Amour guide.
5. Paleokastritsa sea-cave cruises
Closer to home, boat trips from Paleokastritsa explore the grottoes, arches and impossibly blue coves along the northwest coast – a shorter, easy half-day option. See our Paleokastritsa guide.
6. Sunset cruises from Corfu Town
For a romantic evening, sunset cruises sail out of Corfu Town past the Old Fortress and Kanoni as the sky turns gold – drinks in hand, no effort required.
7. Mount Pantokrator by road
Not all day trips are by boat. Drive (or join a tour) up Mount Pantokrator, the island's highest peak, for monasteries, mountain villages like Old Perithia and a panorama that reaches Italy on a clear day. More inland ideas in our Corfu hidden gems and Corfu villages guides.
Where day trips leave from
Most boat trips depart from Corfu Town's port, with some leaving from Benitses or Lefkimmi (in the south, handy and quicker for Paxos), Sidari (Diapontia) and Paleokastritsa (sea caves). Choose a departure point near your base to save travel time. To book, browse tours & activities or get in touch – and plan your transport with our getting around Corfu guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from Corfu?
The Paxos, Antipaxos and Blue Caves boat trip is the most popular and spectacular, thanks to Antipaxos's Caribbean-blue water and the Blue Caves of Paxos. The Albania trip to Butrint and the mainland Blue Lagoon at Sivota are also outstanding.
Can you do a day trip to Albania from Corfu?
Yes. Fast ferries cross from Corfu Town to Saranda in Albania in well under an hour, allowing a day trip to the UNESCO ruins of Butrint and the town of Saranda. You'll need your passport, as it's a separate country outside the EU.
Where do boat trips leave from in Corfu?
Most depart from Corfu Town's port, with some leaving from Benitses or Lefkimmi (closer to Paxos), Sidari (for the Diapontia Islands) and Paleokastritsa (sea caves). Pick a departure point near your accommodation to minimise transfers.
How long is the boat trip to Paxos and Antipaxos?
It's typically a full-day excursion. Sailing time depends on the departure port – leaving from Lefkimmi in the south is shorter than from Corfu Town. You'll get swim stops at the Blue Caves and Antipaxos plus free time on Paxos.
Are Corfu boat trips suitable for families?
Many are – calmer trips like the Blue Lagoon, Paleokastritsa sea caves and the Paxos/Antipaxos tour suit families, though young children should be supervised at swim stops. See our Corfu with kids guide for family-friendly options.
