There are many improbable issues to do in Korce. Often known as Korca, Korcha, Kortcha, Korça, or Korçë, there are such a lot of issues to maintain you occupied on this pretty little metropolis within the southeast of Albania.
It’s simply three hours from Tirana, and is finest often called being the house of the favored beer with the identical title, Korca! However, there’s a lot extra to Korce than beer, with stunning structure, surroundings, and scrumptious meals to find.
Like Shkoder, Korce is one other significantly underrated place to go to in Albania, with most vacationers and vacationers choosing the capital or for the cities and cities on the coast. Nevertheless, it’s so value a go to. Right here’s an inventory of what to do in Korce forward of your journey to Albania.
Finest Issues To Do in Korce
Whereas typically missed on the Albanian vacationer path, there are some unimaginable locations to go to in Korce making it considered one of my favourite locations within the Balkans.
From artwork and historical past to cafe tradition and its personal beer, there’s loads of nice stuff to do in Korce for all ages and all pursuits.
Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to do in Korce that can assist you take advantage of this unimaginable metropolis:
1. Stroll Down St George’s Boulevard
The most effective free issues to do in Korce is to take a stroll down St George Boulevard, or Bulevardi Shen Gjergji because it’s known as in Korce.
It’s the primary pedestrian highway within the metropolis, which is lined with stunning bushes and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both facet. It’s pretty to take a stroll, which is well-liked with vacationers and locals alike, and luxuriate in an ice cream or maybe sip a espresso.
My favourite place is Creperie Pedonale for the perfect crepes ever.
Deal with: Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, Korce
2. Examine Out the Panoramic Views from the Crimson Tower
For the perfect views of the town, you may’t miss out on visiting the Crimson Tower. It’s positively top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce.
The Crimson Tower, also called the Panoramic Tower, is situated on the north finish of the Bulevardi Shen Gjerji. It’s not precisely the prettiest constructing, but it surely does have spectacular 360 views of the town, and the attractive mountains and countryside.
To get to the highest, you must climb eight flights of stairs; it’s not too unhealthy, however there’s fortunately the choice to get the elevator up if that feels like an excessive amount of effort. It prices round 50LEK ($0.50 USD) to achieve entry to the highest.
For my part, it’s finest to go up at sundown, so you may benefit from the views of the nation as you watch the town gentle up for the night. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce at evening.
Deal with: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Outdated Bazaar
The Outdated Bazaar, also called Pazari i Vjeter, is considered one of my favourite locations to see in Korce. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the bazaar was the beating coronary heart of Korce with over 1,000 shops.
Since then, it’s been utterly refurbished and is now a contemporary instance of a surprising renovation that’s vastly well-liked with locals and vacationers alike.
Head to the Outdated Bazaar and browse the various souvenirs and conventional gadgets. My favourite pastime is to seize a espresso in one of many many small cafes surrounding the bazaar and watch the beat of every day life unfold. It’s top-of-the-line people-watching spots on the town and considered one of my favourite locations to go to in Korce.
Deal with: Korce Outdated Bazaar, Korce
4. Marvel at Mirahori Mosque
When sightseeing in Korce, the Mirahori Mosque must be on the prime of your checklist of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, inbuilt 1496, and at this time, it’s one of the crucial spectacular and engaging buildings in Korce.
The Mosque has an excellent fascinating historical past; it was as soon as used as a warehouse throughout communism when all faith was banned and likewise survived a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1960 because of its structurally sound design. You’ll be able to study all in regards to the historical past from the knowledge boards on the mosque.
It has a beautiful clock tower and a minaret, each of which have been destroyed by the earthquake and rebuilt in a sympathetic fashion in 2014.
Deal with: Xhamia e Mirahorit, Rruga Floresha Myteveli 12, Korçë, Albania
5. Get pleasure from a Chilly Beer at Korce Beer Manufacturing unit
You’ll be able to’t go to Korce with out visiting the well-known beer manufacturing facility the place the well-loved Albanian beer Korca is brewed. It’s top-of-the-line points of interest in Korce and is properly value a go to.
I like to recommend that you simply take a tour of the brewery and study all in regards to the historical past of the beer, which may be very fascinating. Make sure that to depart a lot of time to benefit from the bar hooked up to the brewery and the beer backyard afterward.
Costs are tremendous low cost, with a pint of Korca costing a mere 70 Lek ($0.50). There’s additionally barbecue meals out there to absorb a few of the beer, simply be ready as typically the service is a bit sluggish when it’s busy.
Should you go to Morava Mountain, you’ll have an interest to know that it’s the spring water from this mountain that’s used to make Korca beer.
Deal with: Bulevardi Fan Noli, Korçë, Albania
6. Hike Morava Mountain
One of many prime issues to do close to Korce is to hike to the highest of Morava Mountain, which not solely supplies stunning nature to discover but additionally gives a terrific vantage level of the town.
From Korce, you may both get the bus to the mountain or rent a motorcycle and cycle there. When you arrive, you may hike to the highest, the place there’s a big cross and church. That is the place you’ll get pleasure from the perfect views.
After your hike, there’s an excellent restaurant known as La Montagna the place you may seize a espresso or refuel with a chew to eat. It has a stunning backyard to get pleasure from in the summertime, and a comfortable inside to heat up in in the event you’re visiting within the colder months.
Deal with: Kruqi Morave Church and its superb cross, the place you’ll discover essentially the most unimaginable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Positioned within the middle of Korce, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is the most important Orthodox church in Albania. Its distinguished location within the coronary heart of the town makes it a focus, and a terrific reference level in the event you get misplaced.
Within the Nineteen Sixties, The ruling Communist Get together on the time destroyed the unique cathedral, and the method of renovation began after the autumn of communism in 1995. As we speak, the renovated cathedral has a distinctly classical really feel to it because of its renovation being partly funded by Greece.
Contained in the cathedral, you’ll discover brightly coloured work adorning the partitions of assorted Christian figures. The scale of the cathedral is admittedly spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce.
Deal with: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Bulavardi Republika, Korce
8. Go to the Museum of Medieval Artwork
The most effective Korce points of interest, and definitely my favourite museum to go to in Korce, notably in the event you’re interested by Artwork or Faith, is the Museum of Medieval Artwork.
It showcases works from the fifteenth to 18th Centuries from throughout Albania, and it’s great to see this assortment of creative expression, notably after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The structure of the museum is improbable and has completely different colours to characterize every time period and artist, which makes it so much simpler to comply with. The doorway is sort of costly in Albanian phrases, at 700 Lek (round $6.50) and to get essentially the most out of the expertise, a information is really helpful.
Deal with: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is a bit city within the Albanian countryside simply half-hour outdoors Korce. It’s recognized for the 26 church buildings it’s house to, which have been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an essential non secular hub on the time, being situated on the commerce route between Venice and Istanbul.
As we speak it’s a stunning little city to have a wander round, check out the church buildings and ruins, and seize a chew to eat. It’s truly a small ski resort too.
For meals, there are a few taverns within the space. I like to recommend that you simply go to Ambassador for essentially the most scrumptious native meals and its cozy and welcoming environment. The lamb there was a few of the finest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous choice of wine, so be sure to prepare transport to take advantage of it.
Deal with: Voskopje, Albania
10. Be a part of a Free Strolling Tour
The most effective methods to get to know a brand new metropolis is by becoming a member of a strolling tour, and there are some sensible free choices to just do that in Korce.
There’s a free strolling tour that departs from the Outdated Bazaar (talked about above), at 10 am or 6 pm. The tour lasts round 2 hours and takes in all the perfect issues to do in Korce together with the bazaar and the cathedral.
The guides are actually educated and pleasant, and along with studying in regards to the historical past of Korce, you’ll additionally come away with loads of food and drinks suggestions to get pleasure from by the top.
It’s a terrific choice in the event you’re quick on time and wish to tick off a few of the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the right method to really feel at house in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the similar time.
Deal with: The strolling tour meets in entrance of the Outdated Bazaar at 10 am and 6 pm.
11. Go to the Shores of Lake Ohrid
Korce is just 40 kilometers south of the town of Pogradec, which sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The lake is broadly thought to be one of many oldest and deepest lakes on the earth and straddles the border between Albania and Macedonia. The Macedonian facet is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Rent a automobile or leap on a neighborhood bus from Korce to Pogradec and go to the Nationwide Park of Drilon on the banks of Lake Ohrid. This is likely one of the finest nationwide parks in Albania. It’s one of many smaller parks, so is straightforward to discover in a day, take a stroll alongside the River Drilon, and cease in on the stunning cafes alongside the way in which.
It’s a fantastic change of surroundings from metropolis life and considered one of my favourite locations to go to close to Korce.
Deal with: The Nationwide Park of Drilon, Pogradec
12. Strive Native Delicacies like Lakror Pie
The meals in Albania is unimaginable and Korce is the right place to attempt some native specialties. Considered one of my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s constituted of a flaky pastry and full of cheese and both spinach or leek. It’s just like the Greek Spanakopita and is a scrumptious noon snack.
Should you’re fortunate sufficient to be in Korce in July, then hold your eyes out for the Lokrar Pie Pageant. This annual pageant celebrates this scrumptious pastry amongst different native and regional culinary delights. It’s by far top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce for foodies.
Out of pageant season, head to the Outdated Bazaar for some genuine cafes and eating places serving Lokror Pie and Qofte (baked or fried meatballs). Or take a look at FindFour, on Boulevardi Republika within the middle of the town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Deal with: Outdated Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Strive Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
The most effective locations to go to in Korce is no doubt the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in a lot of the important cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can also be considered one of my favourite bars in Tirana, so be sure to pop in in the event you’re within the capital!
An unimaginable bar crossed with a museum with a lot of fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is a superb place to study and chill with a number of drinks.
It makes a speciality of raki, the normal alcoholic drink that you simply’ll come throughout steadily in Albania, that’s constituted of distilled grapes or different fruits and historically loved after dinner, (the locals are satisfied of its digestive properties!).
In Komiteti, they make great cocktails with this spirit, which utterly transforms it from a spirit that can make you wince to one thing totally scrumptious. The Komiteti Cafe and Museum is unquestionably top-of-the-line locations to go to in Korce.
Deal with: Komiteti Kafe Museum, Korçë, Albania
14. Discover Korce’s Archaeological Museum
Should you’re a lover of historical historical past, then the archaeological museum is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Korce.
It’s packed stuffed with fascinating artifacts that element Korce’s early historical past as a settlement courting again to the Neolithic interval. The museum is situated simply behind the cathedral within the middle of the town, so it’s straightforward to seek out and handy to soak up as a part of a tour of the middle.
It’s a really small museum, but it surely’s been fastidiously curated. Should you’re fortunate, the curator himself might take the time to speak you thru a few of his favourite displays. It’s not a flashy museum, however in the event you love historical historical past, this hidden gem may very well be top-of-the-line issues so as to add to your itinerary.
Deal with: The Archaeological Museum, Rruga Mihal Grameno, Korce
15. Go to Parku Rinia
The most effective issues to do in Korce for households is to go to Rinia Park – it’s one of many loveliest parks that I’ve visited in Albania. It’s tremendous inexperienced and clear, and there are many locals and different vacationers alike who get pleasure from it all year long.
Nevertheless, whereas it’s an excellent choice for households, it’s additionally top-of-the-line locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s house to a couple bars and cafes the place you may sit within the solar and luxuriate in a beer or a espresso collectively, watching the world go by.
There’s additionally loads of shade, so you might even take a bit picnic. It’s a terrific place to go to in Korce for a break free from the town and for some recent air.
Deal with: Parku Rinia, Korce, Albania
Fast Journey Itineraries For Korce
There are such a lot of improbable vacationer points of interest in Korce that it may be tough to know the place to begin. To assist make this easier, I’ve put collectively the next itineraries that can assist you take advantage of your time in Korce:
1 Day in Korce Itinerary
Should you solely have a day in Korce then I positively advocate becoming a member of a strolling tour. This may cowl the perfect issues to do round Korce and offer you some glorious recommendation on the place to eat and drink throughout your day.
Should you be a part of the ten am tour, you’ll be again on the bazaar round noon which is the right time to dive into one of many many cafes within the Outdated Bazaar to have a espresso and check out Lakror Pie.
When you’re refueled, head to Crimson Tower within the afternoon for unimaginable views over the town. Soak up one of many museums or in the event you choose to be outdoor, seize a taxi and stroll round Parku Rinia. Within the night, head to St George’s Boulevard for some nice meals and drinks.
2-3 Days in Korce Itinerary
If in case you have a few days to see the perfect locations in Korce then begin off with the 1-day itinerary above to get to know your approach round and get your bearings.
In your second day, take into account mountaineering the unimaginable Morava Mountain. Right here, you may get pleasure from some unimaginable views and a few superb nature round Korce. Cease in at La Montagna for a snack or drink. After the mountain, head to Korce Beer Manufacturing unit, for a well-deserved drink within the solar.
If in case you have a 3rd day, tick off both the Museum of Medieval Artwork or the Museum of Training to study extra about Korce’s historical past and tradition. Or leap on the bus and head to Pogradec and Lake Ohrid for a day by the water.
1 Week in Korce Itinerary
If in case you have a full week to spend you then’ll have the ability to tick off all of the superb, enjoyable issues to do in Korce at a pleasant, leisurely tempo.
On prime of the itineraries above, take a day journey out to Voskopoje to study extra about life in rural Albania and luxuriate in exploring this charming city.
Take a bit extra time to actually soak within the environment of Korce by way of its sturdy cafe tradition. Decelerate and check out a few of the many alternative cafes in Korce as you sit again and people-watch. Go to Komiteti for one thing a bit completely different; pattern their raki flight and loosen up on St George’s Boulevard watching the locals going about their every day enterprise.
The place to Keep in Korce
These are a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Korce for vacationers:
The Outdated Bazaar – Finest for First-time Guests
One of many coolest locations to remain in Korce is contained in the Outdated Bazaar itself. Right here, you’ll be near all the primary issues to do in Korce, and also you’ll have the ability to benefit from the unimaginable bars, eating places, and cafes in stunning environment.
My favourite place within the Outdated Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Lodge. It’s designed like a conventional inn, consistent with its environment, whereas on the similar time, gives a luxurious stick with tremendous cozy rooms overlooking the courtyard. A surprising place to remain in Korce.
Bulevardi Fan Noli – Finest for Nightlife
Korce comes alive at evening. Whether or not it’s the cafe tradition on the Outdated Bazaar or the massive vary of eating places and bars within the middle, if you wish to expertise the perfect of Korce’s nightlife, then I like to recommend basing your self close to the Cathedral within the middle of the town.
From right here, all the primary vacationer points of interest in Korce are inside straightforward attain. Equally, the perfect bars and eating places are on this a part of city. Take a look at the wonderful Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel situated on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Finest for {Couples}
If you need quick access to the town middle and to have the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, then there are some glorious choices close to Parku Rinia.
Check out the unimaginable Vila Eden Boutique Lodge. This lodge retains its conventional appears to be like and combines them with tremendous romantic and fashionable twists. It’s a fantastic place for {couples} to retreat to after days out within the metropolis middle.
Finest Eating places in Korce
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Korce:
Antik Restaurant & Pizza
Antik is the perfect place to go to in Korce for a improbable pizza. I additionally liked the salad right here because the parts have been giant, and the substances have been tremendous recent. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s a bit conservatory space with seating too. Click on right here for instructions.
FindFour
FindFour serves unimaginable Italian and Albanian meals, with a few Asian dishes for good measure. I ate right here a number of occasions and for me, it’s a must-visit. The selfmade Korce meatballs have been mouthwatering. The pasta dishes are all recent and selfmade, and the pizzas are superb too. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila 95
Vila 95 is a improbable Mediterranean restaurant with an actual Greek really feel to its meals. The presentation and high quality of the meals and ambiance of the restaurant give it a really high-end really feel. The costs are a bit pricer than in different places, but it surely’s completely value it. Click on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Frogs Zhabkat
Frogs Zhabkat is tremendous well-liked with locals, and it’s straightforward to see why. The parts are large, costs are cheap, and most significantly, the meals is completely scrumptious.
Whilst you don’t must eat them, they do focus on frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different improbable dishes on the menu in addition to. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel must be one of the crucial enjoyable and picturesque eating places in Korce. Everybody right here is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, they usually have stay music enjoying conventional songs making the place really feel actually genuine. My favourite factor to attempt is the Albanian tartas (baked cheese and meat tarts). Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Korce
Should you’re touring to Korce, it’s seemingly that you simply’ll fly into Tirana Rinas, the closest airport. Tirana is about 80 miles from Korce, which takes round 3 hours by automobile or bus.
The best choice is to take a bus from Tirana Bus Station. The tickets are cheap and can value round 500 Lek ($5). Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that carry round 8 folks. It is going to be a bit dearer, however doubtlessly extra comfy.
You too can journey instantly from Korca to and from Thessaloniki in Greece and from Ohrid, North Macedonia; two well-liked locations on the backpacker path within the Balkans.
Lastly, you can even hire a automobile, which is a superb choice in the event you’re planning on exploring different Albanian cities throughout your journey. Nevertheless, it typically isn’t required for exploring Korce itself because it’s a really walkable metropolis.
Issues To Do in Korce: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Korce:
Korce is understood for being the house to Korca beer of the identical title, but it surely’s also called being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You’ll be able to go to Korce all yr spherical. One of the best time is to go to in spring, so you may get pleasure from some countryside, parks and beer gardens. Nevertheless, it’s additionally an excellent place to go to in winter for the ski resorts.
Sure, Korce is completely value visiting. There are some improbable issues to do in Korce and plenty of tasty locations to eat and drink. It has a really relaxed vibe which is completely different from different cities in Albania.
I like to recommend spending 2-3 days to see all the finest locations to go to in Korce. If in case you have kind of time, I nonetheless advocate a visit, it’s a very stunning place.
Like most of Albania (doubtlessly excluding the border with Kosovo), Korce is very secure and also you gained’t have any worries right here, even when strolling at evening. It’s a terrific vacation spot for solo vacationers.
The most well-liked factor to do in Korce is to climb the panoramic tower or to go to the Korca Manufacturing unit and Bar (notably for beer lovers).
Korce isn’t a coastal metropolis, so there aren’t any seashores right here. Should you’re visiting Korce in summer season and wish to swim, the perfect place to go to is Pogradec, which is round 45 minutes north of Korca. It’s right here the place you may swim within the pretty Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you might positively attempt raki in Komiteti Bar! When it comes to consuming, be sure to attempt the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie in fact!
Korca is named Little Paris as a consequence of its charming structure and since it’s thought of because the birthplace of Albania’s stunning tradition, with its literary and creative id originating within the metropolis.
In Closing
There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Korce, and it’s a very stunning metropolis, from the beautiful structure to the stunning parks and inexperienced areas within the space. There are additionally some improbable locations to eat, so it’s excellent for foodies.
I hope this put up helps you intend what to see in Korce and that you’ve got an excellent journey.