Two Countries for One: A Guide to Corfu, Greece & Albanian Riviera

Corfu

Wander Corfu Old Town: I loved getting lost in the narrow streets of Corfu’s Old Town that intertwine with one another. There are so many great shops, cafes spilling into the squares, and so much charm. It’s perfect for an afternoon stroll or for a lively evening with the best alfresco dining and people watching.

Beach-hop around the island: Corfu has so many different beaches, it’s impossible to pick just one. Paleokastritsa is the classic—crystal-clear water and caves you can kayak into. Glyfada is great if you want soft sand and beach bars, and Sidari has the famous Canal d’Amour rock formations. Honestly, rent a car and explore a few—they’re all gorgeous in different ways. It’s 45 minutes to an hour to drive from one side to the other so it’s doable, or choose to break up your hotel stays on two separate sides.

Treat yourself to a spa day: There are some stunning resorts with spas, especially, to name two, at my favorite hotels, Angsana Spa and Soma Spa at Domes of Corfu. I highly recommend it.

Visit Achilleion Palace: If you like a little history with your trip, this palace built by an Austrian empress is stunning. The gardens and views are incredible, and it’s just a fun little side trip from town.

Southern Albania

Walk Sarandë’s promenade: Sarandë has this young, lively waterfront where everyone comes out in the evening. It’s lined with cafes, seafood spots, and bars—perfect for people-watching and grabbing a drink while looking out at Corfu across the water. They are two very different vibes but special in their own way.

Beach clubs in Ksamil: Ksamil feels like Ibiza and Mykonos, but on a budget. The water is stunning—like, every shade of blue. There are beach clubs with loungers and music to really turn up a vibe, but also quiet spots if you want something more low-key. Some of my favorites are Lost Seaside, Veranda, and Principote. Hop between little islands by renting a power boat or my personal favorite are the little car paddle boats.

Day trip to the Blue Eye and Gjirokastër: This is one of the coolest natural spots I’ve seen—it’s this insanely deep, bright turquoise spring tucked into the mountains. You can hike around a bit, but honestly just staring at it is mesmerizing. Then visit Gjirokastër for some Albanian history. It’s this beautiful old stone town with Ottoman vibes. I loved wandering the bazaar and checking out the castle—plus, the views over the valley are amazing.

Sunsets from Kalaja e Lekursit: If you want the best sunsets in Sarandë, head up to this old hilltop fortress. The view is insane—you can see the whole coastline light up and even Corfu in the distance. There’s also a restaurant up there, so you can grab a drink while you watch the sky change colors.

Corfu

Ora Restaurant: Ora is one of those spots where you just want to linger. It’s right on the water with this perfect view of the Old Fortress. I went for an afternoon snack and crisp local wine. If I did it again, I would go at sunset, I can imagine it’s magical.

Imbari: If you want to set up shop to just chill and relax after an afternoon of shopping, Imbari is your spot. It’s right by the water with chill music playing and a beautiful view (it’s actually my cover photo to this whole piece!)

Brisk: This is one of those “I wish I had time to try” places. Brisk has more of that “cool local spot” feel, but the dishes looked amazing and the reviews are top-notch. The food is fresh, and the vibe is lively but not too crazy.

Dell’Acque: Take two steps across the way from Brisk for your post-dinner cocktail. They have music and you feel like a local.

Vertigo Sky Bar: This one’s a must if you love a good view. It’s at the Angsana resort and the sunset from up there is unreal. I went for a pre-dinner cocktail and ended up staying way longer than planned just watching the colors change over the sea.

Ksamil

The Mussel House: This place is between Ksamil and Sarande, but so worth it. It’s on this quiet lake and they literally pull the mussels fresh from the water. It felt super authentic and peaceful—kind of a nice break from the busy beach clubs.

Korali: Korali is a sweet little seafood spot in Ksamil that’s right by the water. It’s nothing fancy, just simple and good—exactly what you want after a long beach day. Get a seat on the terrace and pier over the beach-club lined coast with some really great food.

Sarandë

Fresco Fish: Right on the promenade, Fresco Fish does super fresh seafood and it’s the perfect spot for a laid-back dinner. I just ordered whatever was the catch of the day and some of their ceviches it was so good. They do a modern flare on seafood.

Sirocco: This is your mom-and-pop style restaurant. Simple, basic dishes with the freshest seafood. You feel like you’re sitting on the back patio of a local’s house. It’s right by the water so you still get the sea breeze, and it’s a good place to start your night on the promenade.

Lekursi Castle: If you’re in Sarandë, you have to go up here for sunset. It’s this old castle on a hill with insane views of the whole coastline and even Corfu in the distance. Don’t expect anything great food wise but rather grab a drink, watch the sun drop into the sea, and just soak it all in.