There are many unbelievable 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 beautiful 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 severely 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 a listing of what to do in Korce forward of your journey to Albania.
Greatest Issues To Do in Korce
Whereas typically ignored on the Albanian vacationer path, there are some unbelievable locations to go to in Korce making it certainly 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 will help you take advantage of this unbelievable metropolis:
1. Stroll Down St George’s Boulevard
Top-of-the-line 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 timber and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both facet. It’s beautiful to take a stroll, which is standard with vacationers and locals alike, and luxuriate in an ice cream or maybe sip a espresso.
My favourite place is Creperie Pedonale for the most effective crepes ever.
Handle: Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, Korce
2. Test Out the Panoramic Views from the Purple Tower
For the most effective views of town, you possibly can’t miss out on visiting the Purple Tower. It’s positively among the finest issues to do in Korce.
The Purple Tower, also referred to as the Panoramic Tower, is positioned 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 town, and the gorgeous mountains and countryside.
To get to the highest, it’s important to climb eight flights of stairs; it’s not too dangerous, 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.
In my opinion, it’s finest to go up at sundown, so you possibly can benefit from the views of the nation as you watch town mild up for the night. It’s among the finest issues to do in Korce at night time.
Handle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Previous Bazaar
The Previous Bazaar, also referred to as Pazari i Vjeter, is certainly one of my favourite locations to see in Korce. Through 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 standard with locals and vacationers alike.
Head to the Previous Bazaar and browse the numerous souvenirs and conventional objects. My favourite pastime is to seize a espresso in one of many many small cafes surrounding the bazaar and watch the beat of each day life unfold. It’s among the finest people-watching spots on the town and certainly one of my favourite locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Korce Previous Bazaar, Korce
4. Marvel at Mirahori Mosque
When sightseeing in Korce, the Mirahori Mosque needs to be on the prime of your record of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, inbuilt 1496, and at present, it’s one of the spectacular and engaging buildings in Korce.
The Mosque has a brilliant attention-grabbing historical past; it was as soon as used as a warehouse throughout communism when all faith was banned and in addition survived a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1960 because of its structurally sound design. You may study all concerning the historical past from the data boards on the mosque.
It has a beautiful clock tower and a minaret, each of which had been destroyed by the earthquake and rebuilt in a sympathetic model in 2014.
Handle: Xhamia e Mirahorit, Rruga Floresha Myteveli 12, Korçë, Albania
5. Get pleasure from a Chilly Beer at Korce Beer Manufacturing unit
You may’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 among the finest sights in Korce and is nicely value a go to.
I like to recommend that you simply take a tour of the brewery and study all concerning the historical past of the beer, which may be very attention-grabbing. Ensure that to go away numerous time to benefit from the bar connected 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 among the beer, simply be ready as generally the service is somewhat gradual when it’s busy.
If you happen to 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.
Handle: 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 presents an excellent vantage level of town.
From Korce, you possibly can both get the bus to the mountain or rent a motorbike and cycle there. When you arrive, you possibly can hike to the highest, the place there’s a big cross and church. That is the place you’ll take pleasure in the most effective views.
After your hike, there’s a great restaurant known as La Montagna the place you possibly can seize a espresso or refuel with a chew to eat. It has a beautiful backyard to take pleasure in in the summertime, and a comfortable inside to heat up in for those who’re visiting within the colder months.
Handle: Kruqi Morave Church and its superb cross, the place you’ll discover essentially the most unbelievable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Situated 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 town makes it a focus, and an excellent reference level for those who get misplaced.
Within the Sixties, The ruling Communist Social gathering on the time destroyed the unique cathedral, and the method of renovation began after the autumn of communism in 1995. At this time, 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 varied Christian figures. The dimensions of the cathedral is de facto spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it among the finest issues to do in Korce.
Handle: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Bulavardi Republika, Korce
8. Go to the Museum of Medieval Artwork
Top-of-the-line Korce sights, and positively my favourite museum to go to in Korce, notably for those who’re fascinated about 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 inventive expression, notably after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The format of the museum is unbelievable and has totally different colours to characterize every time period and artist, which makes it loads simpler to comply with. The doorway is kind 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.
Handle: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is somewhat city within the Albanian countryside simply half-hour outdoors Korce. It’s identified for the 26 church buildings it’s house to, which had been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an necessary non secular hub on the time, being positioned on the commerce route between Venice and Istanbul.
At this time it’s a beautiful 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 ambiance. The lamb there was among the finest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous number of wine, so be sure to organize transport to take advantage of it.
Handle: Voskopje, Albania
10. Be part of a Free Strolling Tour
Top-of-the-line 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 do exactly that in Korce.
There’s a free strolling tour that departs from the Previous Bazaar (talked about above), at 10 am or 6 pm. The tour lasts round 2 hours and takes in all the most effective issues to do in Korce together with the bazaar and the cathedral.
The guides are actually educated and pleasant, and along with studying concerning the historical past of Korce, you’ll additionally come away with loads of foods and drinks suggestions to take pleasure in by the tip.
It’s an excellent choice for those who’re quick on time and wish to tick off among the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the proper solution to really feel at house in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the similar time.
Handle: The strolling tour meets in entrance of the Previous Bazaar at 10 am and 6 pm.
11. Go to the Shores of Lake Ohrid
Korce is just 40 kilometers south of town of Pogradec, which sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The lake is broadly considered one of many oldest and deepest lakes on the planet and straddles the border between Albania and Macedonia. The Macedonian facet is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site.
Rent a automotive or bounce on a neighborhood bus from Korce to Pogradec and go to the Nationwide Park of Drilon on the banks of Lake Ohrid. This is without doubt one of the finest nationwide parks in Albania. It’s one of many smaller parks, so is simple to discover in a day, take a stroll alongside the River Drilon, and cease in on the stunning cafes alongside the best way.
It’s a gorgeous change of surroundings from metropolis life and certainly one of my favourite locations to go to close to Korce.
Handle: The Nationwide Park of Drilon, Pogradec
12. Strive Native Delicacies like Lakror Pie
The meals in Albania is unbelievable and Korce is the proper place to strive some native specialties. Certainly one of my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s constituted of a flaky pastry and filled with cheese and both spinach or leek. It’s much like the Greek Spanakopita and is a scrumptious noon snack.
If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to be in Korce in July, then preserve your eyes out for the Lokrar Pie Competition. This annual competition celebrates this scrumptious pastry amongst different native and regional culinary delights. It’s by far among the finest issues to do in Korce for foodies.
Out of competition season, head to the Previous Bazaar for some genuine cafes and eating places serving Lokror Pie and Qofte (baked or fried meatballs). Or try FindFour, on Boulevardi Republika within the middle of town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Handle: Previous Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Strive Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
Top-of-the-line locations to go to in Korce is indisputably the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in a lot of the fundamental cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can be certainly one of my favourite bars in Tirana, so be sure to pop in for those who’re within the capital!
An unbelievable bar crossed with a museum with numerous fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is a superb place to study and relax with just a few drinks.
It focuses on raki, the standard alcoholic drink that you simply’ll come throughout continuously 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 may make you wince to one thing totally scrumptious. The Komiteti Cafe and Museum is certainly among the finest locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Komiteti Kafe Museum, Korçë, Albania
14. Discover Korce’s Archaeological Museum
If you happen to’re a lover of historic historical past, then the archaeological museum is without doubt 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 relationship again to the Neolithic interval. The museum is positioned simply behind the cathedral within the middle of town, so it’s straightforward to seek out and handy to absorb as a part of a tour of the middle.
It’s a really small museum, but it surely’s been rigorously curated. If you happen to’re fortunate, the curator himself could take the time to speak you thru a few of his favourite reveals. It’s not a flashy museum, however for those who love historic historical past, this hidden gem might be among the finest issues so as to add to your itinerary.
Handle: The Archaeological Museum, Rruga Mihal Grameno, Korce
15. Go to Parku Rinia
Top-of-the-line 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 take pleasure in it all year long.
Nevertheless, whereas it’s a great choice for households, it’s additionally among the finest locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s house to some bars and cafes the place you possibly can 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 possibly can even take somewhat picnic. It’s an excellent place to go to in Korce for a break free from town and for some recent air.
Handle: Parku Rinia, Korce, Albania
Fast Journey Itineraries For Korce
There are such a lot of unbelievable vacationer sights 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 will help you take advantage of your time in Korce:
1 Day in Korce Itinerary
If you happen to solely have a day in Korce then I positively suggest becoming a member of a strolling tour. This can cowl the most effective issues to do round Korce and give you some glorious recommendation on the place to eat and drink throughout your day.
If you happen to be a part of the ten am tour, you’ll be again on the bazaar round noon which is the proper time to dive into one of many many cafes within the Previous Bazaar to have a espresso and take a look at Lakror Pie.
When you’re refueled, head to Purple Tower within the afternoon for unbelievable views over town. Absorb one of many museums or for those who want 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
You probably have a few days to see the most effective 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, think about mountaineering the unbelievable Morava Mountain. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in some unbelievable 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.
You probably 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 bounce on the bus and head to Pogradec and Lake Ohrid for a day by the water.
1 Week in Korce Itinerary
You probably have a full week to spend then you definately’ll be capable 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 essentially soak within the ambiance of Korce via its robust cafe tradition. Decelerate and take a look at among the many alternative cafes in Korce as you sit again and people-watch. Go to Komiteti for one thing a bit totally different; pattern their raki flight and calm down on St George’s Boulevard watching the locals going about their each day enterprise.
The place to Keep in Korce
These are just a few of the most effective neighborhoods in Korce for vacationers:
The Previous Bazaar – Greatest for First-time Guests
One of many coolest locations to remain in Korce is contained in the Previous Bazaar itself. Right here, you’ll be near all the primary issues to do in Korce, and also you’ll be capable to benefit from the unbelievable bars, eating places, and cafes in stunning environment.
My favourite place within the Previous Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Resort. It’s designed like a standard inn, in step with its environment, whereas on the similar time, presents a luxurious stick with tremendous comfortable rooms overlooking the courtyard. A surprising place to remain in Korce.
Bulevardi Fan Noli – Greatest for Nightlife
Korce comes alive at night time. Whether or not it’s the cafe tradition on the Previous Bazaar or the massive vary of eating places and bars within the middle, if you wish to expertise the most effective of Korce’s nightlife, then I like to recommend basing your self close to the Cathedral within the middle of town.
From right here, all the primary vacationer sights in Korce are inside straightforward attain. Equally, the most effective bars and eating places are on this a part of city. Take a look at the superb Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel positioned on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Greatest for {Couples}
In order for you quick access to town middle and to have the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of town, then there are some glorious choices close to Parku Rinia.
Check out the unbelievable Vila Eden Boutique Resort. This resort retains its conventional seems to be and combines them with tremendous romantic and trendy twists. It’s a gorgeous place for {couples} to retreat to after days out within the metropolis middle.
Greatest Eating places in Korce
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Korce:
Antik Restaurant & Pizza
Antik is the most effective place to go to in Korce for a unbelievable pizza. I additionally beloved the salad right here because the parts had been massive, and the components had been tremendous recent. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s somewhat conservatory space with seating too. Click on right here for instructions.
FindFour
FindFour serves unbelievable Italian and Albanian meals, with a few Asian dishes for good measure. I ate right here just a few occasions and for me, it’s a must-visit. The selfmade Korce meatballs had 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 unbelievable 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 somewhat 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 standard with locals, and it’s straightforward to see why. The parts are big, costs are cheap, and most significantly, the meals is completely scrumptious.
Whilst you don’t must eat them, they do specialise in frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different unbelievable dishes on the menu apart from. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel needs to be one of the enjoyable and picturesque eating places in Korce. Everybody right here is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, and so they have reside music taking part in conventional songs making the place really feel actually genuine. My favourite factor to strive is the Albanian tartas (baked cheese and meat tarts). Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Korce
If you happen to’re touring to Korce, it’s probably that you simply’ll fly into Tirana Rinas, the closest airport. Tirana is about 80 miles from Korce, which takes round 3 hours by automotive or bus.
The most suitable choice is to take a bus from Tirana Bus Station. The tickets are cheap and can price round 500 Lek ($5). Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that carry round 8 folks. It is going to be somewhat dearer, however doubtlessly extra snug.
You may also journey straight from Korca to and from Thessaloniki in Greece and from Ohrid, North Macedonia; two standard locations on the backpacker path within the Balkans.
Lastly, you may also lease a automotive, which is a superb choice for those who’re planning on exploring different Albanian cities throughout your journey. Nevertheless, it usually 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 referred to as being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You may go to Korce all yr spherical. One of the best time is to go to in spring, so you possibly can take pleasure in 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 unbelievable issues to do in Korce and plenty of tasty locations to eat and drink. It has a really relaxed vibe which is totally 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. You probably have kind of time, I nonetheless suggest 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 night time. It’s an excellent 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. If you happen to’re visiting Korce in summer time and wish to swim, the most effective place to go to is Pogradec, which is round 45 minutes north of Korca. It’s right here the place you possibly can swim within the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you possibly can positively strive raki in Komiteti Bar! By way of consuming, be sure to strive the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie in fact!
Korca is named Little Paris on account of its charming structure and since it’s thought-about because the birthplace of Albania’s stunning tradition, with its literary and inventive identification 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 unbelievable locations to eat, so it’s good for foodies.
I hope this submit helps you propose what to see in Korce and that you’ve got an excellent journey.