Explorations 2023 FAQ
What are the dates for Explorations 2023?
Explorations will take place between Thursday 8 June - Wednesday 14 June, 2023
When will tickets for 2023 be available?
The final sale for Explorations 2023 takes place on Thursday 27 April. If you're signed up for the list, you will receive instructions directly.
Travel
Where is the festival located?
Explorations takes place in Dhërmi, a coastal village on the Albanian Riviera located between the cities of Sarandë and Vlorë. It is the most beautiful spot on the entire coastline and a true hidden gem. If you joined us in 2019 or 2022, you know this already!
What is the best route to get to Explorations?
New for 2023, we will be offering two routes to get to Dhërmi:
The first option is via boat from Corfu, Greece to Albania, then a final leg to Dhërmi by bus. You can choose either a speedy option (1h15) or a standard option (2h30). The bus trip from the ferry terminal to the festival is around 50 minutes.
The second route is a 4-hour ride via minibus from Albania’s capital, Tirana. Flight times to Tirana are also under 3 hours from most major European cities.
How do I get from the airport to Corfu Port?
The best option is to take a taxi from the airport to Corfu Port (Kerkira). It takes about 15 minutes.
Where can I find out transfer times?
Boat and minibus (from Tirana) transfer times are available on our 'Planning Your Trip' page.
When will you take my flight information for the transfers?
If you’re using taxis, we will let you know when we need your flight details, as well as how they need to be input.
Do you have to stay for the full week?
You have options!
The event takes place from Thursday 8 June - Wednesday 14 June , 2023
Arrival dates are Thursday 8 June and Friday 9 June. This includes speedy & standard ferries from Corfu and minibus & private taxi transfers from Tirana airport.
The departure dates are Monday 12 June, Tuesday 13 June and Wednesday 14 June.
Shuttle buses will be in operation Thursday - Tuesday.
We recommend staying for as long as possible to soak in the amazing scenery.
I need to leave on Saturday or Sunday but I see that I cannot book transfers over the weekend with you, how can I get back to Corfu airport?
You will need to make your own arrangements to get home if you need
to leave over the weekend.
Once in Saranda, you can take the ferry to Corfu port.
Can I explore Albania myself before or after the festival?
Absolutely, we strongly recommend going out and exploring the country either before or after the festival.
Please note that there is no car hire available in Dhërmi, but you can get a taxi to or from Saranda to hire a car and explore further.
Do I need a visa or travel permit to travel to Explorations?
As our guests travel from all over the world, we recommend that you visit your own Governments’ website, and research the visa requirements from your own country.
If you are travelling from the UK via Corfu please note that tourists from the UK will be able to travel to countries in the Schengen area, which includes Greece, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist. Which includes attending cultural or sports events.
If you are travelling to Greece and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
If you are flying straight to Albania, please note that British citizens can enter and remain in Albania for a maximum of 90 days in every 6-month period without a visa. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 3 months from the date of entry into Albania.
How does Brexit affect travel to Albania?
The majority of Explorations customers travel to Explorations via Corfu. Please see the above question for more details about visa requirements for UK citizens.
What about health insurance?
While we cannot recommend specific insurance companies or policies, we advise that all our customers do extensive research around their own insurance policy to ensure they are covered extensively.
Tickets
Can I buy tickets without accommodation?
All Explorations tickets are sold with accommodation. This helps to ensure everyone gets the best priced accommodation during the festival week in 2023 and the years ahead.
We aim to provide a smooth holiday experience, and being able to manage the accommodation for our guests helps us to ensure a stress free event for everyone. We charge hotels and apartments the same commission as AirBNB so this only makes your price better!
Mainstage Festivals reserves the right to terminate contracts of guests who book multiple rooms, either via Mainstage Festivals or a third party. If it is believed that there is intention of only using one of the rooms, and either leaving the other empty, or unlawfully reselling them without authorisation from Mainstage Festivals, we reserve the right to terminate your contract. Please refer to our terms for further information.
I have a query about the room I have booked, do I need to contact the accommodation directly?
Please contact our customer service team for any questions relating to your accommodation. We will liaise with the owners directly on your behalf and come back to you with more information. The email is explorations@anjunadeep.com
Can I buy a ticket from someone else?
Please remember that tickets for Explorations are sold exclusively via our website. If you purchase a ticket from elsewhere, it is likely to be fake. DO NOT buy tickets directly from people posting on social media as we anticipate scammers will be targeting our show in 2023.
We will not send out e-tickets until nearer the event so anyone claiming to have one is definitely fake. Tickets containing a QR code or a barcode are not legitimate.
If you are concerned or suspicious please email our customer service team at explorations@anjunadeep.com
Can I buy tickets if I'm local?
Local tickets will be available via our booking site nearer to the event. You can join the waiting list here for local tickets and we will notify you when these go on sale.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can read our terms and conditions here.
Festival information
What is the easiest way to get to Explorations from my accommodation during the festival?
Many hotels are within walking distance of Explorations. If you’re a little bit further away in the quieter parts of the Riviera, there will be a regular shuttle bus running to and from the festival for any guests staying in Drymades or Dhërmi town. Tickets for the shuttle buses can be purchased alongside your ferry transfers when they are launched.
What kind of amenities are available in Dhërmi?
Dhërmi is a small coastal village. There are medical services, bars,
restaurants and several small shops. There is only one ATM in Dhërmi and
another in Drymades. You will need cash for restaurants and local shops
but the festival area (bars, festival market) are contactless.
What are the food/drink costs like at Explorations?
Restaurants are cheap and a meal will cost between 5€ - 15€. Some may increase their prices, but you’ll definitely be able to find cheap meals around the village.
Supermarkets are limited but do sell alcohol. Drink prices will vary from bar to bar ranging from 4€ - 8€ euros depending on the drink.
Besides the music, what else is available?
We’ve designed the festival program to give you plenty of time to explore Dhërmi and enjoy the beach. Returning in 2023 will be our popular wellness program and Gjipe Beach parties. You can add those to your booking when you purchase your tickets.
We’ve also got a range of new activities and adventures available for you. More information will be shared on that soon.
Can I still buy tickets to a Gjipe party?
Unfortunately Gjipe tickets have sold out for 2023.
Music
Where can I find the lineup?
The current lineup can be found here. Check back as we add more names!
When are the main acts / headliners performing?
The main festival programming takes place between Thursday 8 June and Tuesday 13 June.
When are the running times of stages?
The full schedule will be released closer to the event. Expect music until the early hours!
Accessibility information
Where can I find information about accessible accommodation?
Please email us if you have any access requirements on explorations@anjunadeep.com
Where can I find information on the venues?
We will provide viewing areas where possible for accessible customers and PA's only. The areas will have a good line of sight to the stage and seating if required.
Empire, Splendor, & The Cove are all accessible via ramps, although some parts of the venues are via stair access.
Unfortunately, Gjipe is not currently accessible for some mobility impairments as the boats are unable to safely load & unload due to rough seas and steep gangways.
Can assistance animals attend the event?
Assistance animals are welcome within the festival site. Please note, some areas of the festival may not be suitable for an animal due to loud noise.
Proof may be required that the assistance animal is registered with a recognised body.