A mainland day trip using Igoumenitsa as the gateway to the Epirus coast, with a working port town, long beaches and the Thesprotia countryside.
Igoumenitsa is the main port of Thesprotia in Epirus, on the Greek mainland about 40 km across the channel from Corfu Town. Ferries from Corfu New Port or Lefkimmi take about 1 hour 30 minutes each way. Foot passengers pay roughly €7-19 one way, and a car with two adults starts from about €34, so taking a vehicle or renting one on arrival is the practical choice for exploring the Epirus coast. The trip works as a day out from April to October, when sailings are frequent and the coastal beaches are warm enough for swimming.
Igoumenitsa itself is a working port town with a waterfront promenade, cafes and fish tavernas, and it is not the main attraction. Its value is as a gateway to the Thesprotia coast, which has long sandy and pebbly beaches, quiet bays and a countryside of olive groves and hills. Visitors with a rental car can head south towards Syvota and the Mourtos peninsula, or explore beaches such as Drepano and Bella Vista close to town. Moving inland leads towards the mountains of Epirus, though a single day only allows a short excursion.
A sensible one-day arc is to take an early ferry, collect a rental car or arrange a taxi at the port, spend the late morning on a beach, and have a long lunch at a seafront taverna serving grilled fish, local cheeses and Epirus pies. The afternoon can be used for a second swim stop or a drive along the coast road before returning for an evening ferry. Visitors should check the last return sailing in advance, since schedules vary by season and weather, and allow time to be at the port early if travelling with a car. Rental cars are best arranged ahead in July and August, when demand is high.
| Distance | About 40 km across the channel from Corfu Town |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 1 hour 30 minutes by ferry each way |
| Getting there | Ferry: car or passenger ferry from Corfu New Port or Lefkimmi to Igoumenitsa |
| Cost | Ferry about €7-19 (~$8-22) per foot passenger one way |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Address | Port of Igoumenitsa, 46100 Igoumenitsa, Greece |
How to get there
- Ferry: Corfu-Igoumenitsa, foot passenger roughly €7-19 (~$8-22)
- Car ferry: car with two adults from about €34 (~$39)
- Ferry from Lefkimmi to Igoumenitsa (about 1 h 30)
- Rental car on the mainland for the Epirus coast
Location
Port of Igoumenitsa, 46100 Igoumenitsa, Greece
39.5004, 20.2657 View on map
Highlights
- Crossing the channel to the Greek mainland by ferry from Corfu
- Beach stops along the Thesprotia coast near Igoumenitsa
- Seafront lunch of grilled fish in the port town
- Drive along the Epirus coast road with olive groves and hills
- Option to continue south to Syvota and the Mourtos peninsula
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a rental car on the mainland ahead in July and August.
- Check the last return ferry to Corfu before leaving the port.
- Take a car aboard only if the stay is long; foot passengers pay far less.
- Arrive at the port early when travelling with a vehicle.
- Carry swimwear and a towel for the coastal beaches.
When to visit
May-June and September offer warm weather and calmer roads. Take a morning ferry to maximise time on the coast.
Accessibility
Ferries have ramps and lifts on many vessels, and the Igoumenitsa waterfront is mostly flat. Beach access varies and can involve steps or uneven ground.
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Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa?
The crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from either Corfu New Port or Lefkimmi. Frequent sailings run in season, though schedules vary.
How much does the Corfu-Igoumenitsa ferry cost?
Foot passengers pay roughly €7-19 one way. A car with two adults starts from about €34.
Is a car necessary in Igoumenitsa?
A car or taxi is strongly advised, because the best beaches and villages are outside the port town. Public transport along the coast is limited.