15 Greatest Issues To Do in Korce, Albania in 2023
There are many improbable issues to do in Korce. Also called 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 greatest generally known as being the house of the favored beer with the identical identify, Korca! However, there’s a lot extra to Korce than beer, with lovely structure, surroundings, and scrumptious meals to find.
Like Shkoder, Korce is one other critically underrated place to go to in Albania, with most vacationers and vacationers choosing the capital or for the cities and cities on the coast. Nonetheless, it’s so value a go to. Right here’s an inventory of what to do in Korce forward of your journey to Albania.
Greatest Issues To Do in Korce
Whereas usually ignored on the Albanian vacationer path, there are some unbelievable locations to go to in Korce making it one in all 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 unbelievable 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 street within the metropolis, which is lined with lovely timber and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both aspect. It’s beautiful to take a stroll, which is common 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.
Handle: 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 among the finest 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, nevertheless it does have spectacular 360 views of the town, and the gorgeous 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 seems like an excessive amount of effort. It prices round 50LEK ($0.50 USD) to achieve entry to the highest.
For my part, it’s greatest 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 among the finest issues to do in Korce at night time.
Handle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Outdated Bazaar
The Outdated Bazaar, also called Pazari i Vjeter, is one in all my favourite locations to see in Korce. Throughout 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 shocking renovation that’s vastly common with locals and vacationers alike.
Head to the Outdated 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 one in all my favourite locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Korce Old Bazaar, Korce
4. Marvel at Mirahori Mosque
When sightseeing in Korce, the Mirahori Mosque must be on the prime of your record of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, in-built 1496, and immediately, it’s one of the crucial spectacular and enticing 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 possibly can be taught all concerning the historical past from the data 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 type in 2014.
Handle: Xhamia e Mirahorit, Rruga Floresha Myteveli 12, Korçë, Albania
5. Get pleasure from a Chilly Beer at Korce Beer Manufacturing facility
You possibly can’t go to Korce with out visiting the well-known beer manufacturing unit the place the well-loved Albanian beer Korca is brewed. It’s among the finest points of interest in Korce and is properly value a go to.
I like to recommend that you just take a tour of the brewery and be taught all concerning the historical past of the beer, which may be very attention-grabbing. Be 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 obtainable to absorb a number of the beer, simply be ready as generally the service is a bit of sluggish when it’s busy.
For those who 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 gives lovely nature to discover but additionally affords an incredible 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 take pleasure in the perfect views.
After your hike, there’s a great restaurant known as La Montagna the place you may 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 should you’re visiting within the colder months.
Handle: Kruqi Morave Church and its wonderful cross, the place you’ll discover essentially the most unbelievable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Positioned within the heart of Korce, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is the most important Orthodox church in Albania. Its outstanding location within the coronary heart of the town makes it a focus, and an incredible reference level should you get misplaced.
Within the 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. Right this moment, 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 neighborhood; 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
The most effective Korce points of interest, and positively my favourite museum to go to in Korce, significantly should you’re inquisitive 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 fantastic to see this assortment of inventive expression, significantly after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The structure of the museum is improbable and has totally different colours to signify every time frame and artist, which makes it rather a lot 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 useful.
Handle: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is a bit of city within the Albanian countryside simply half-hour outdoors Korce. It’s recognized for the 26 church buildings it’s dwelling to, which have been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an vital non secular hub on the time, being situated on the trade route between Venice and Istanbul.
Right this moment 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 just go to Ambassador for essentially the most scrumptious native meals and its cozy and welcoming environment. The lamb there was a number of the greatest I’ve ever tasted. In addition they have an enormous number of wine, so be sure you organize transport to take advantage of it.
Handle: 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 do exactly 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 concerning the historical past of Korce, you’ll additionally come away with loads of foods and drinks suggestions to take pleasure in by the top.
It’s an incredible possibility should you’re brief on time and wish to tick off a number of the greatest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the proper technique to really feel at dwelling in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the identical time.
Handle: The strolling tour meets in entrance of the Old Bazaar at 10 am and 6 pm.
11. Go to the Shores of Lake Ohrid
Korce is simply 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 this planet and straddles the border between Albania and Macedonia. The Macedonian aspect is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rent a automobile 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 likely one of the greatest 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 lovely cafes alongside the best way.
It’s a stupendous change of surroundings from metropolis life and one in all my favourite locations to go to close to Korce.
Handle: The National 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 just like the Greek Spanakopita and is a scrumptious noon snack.
For those who’re fortunate sufficient to be in Korce in July, then hold your eyes out for the Lokrar Pie Pageant. 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 Outdated 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 heart of the town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Handle: Old Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Strive Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
The most effective locations to go to in Korce is indisputably the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in many of the predominant cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can also be one in all my favourite bars in Tirana, so be sure you pop in should you’re within the capital!
An unbelievable bar crossed with a museum with a lot of fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is a superb place to be taught and sit back with a number of drinks.
It makes a speciality of raki, the normal alcoholic drink that you just’ll come throughout ceaselessly 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 fantastic cocktails with this spirit, which utterly transforms it from a spirit that may make you wince to one thing completely 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
For those who’re a lover of historical historical past, then the archaeological museum is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Korce.
It’s packed filled 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 heart 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, nevertheless it’s been rigorously curated. For those who’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 should you love historical historical past, this hidden gem may very well 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
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 take pleasure in it all year long.
Nonetheless, whereas it’s a great possibility for households, it’s additionally among the finest locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s dwelling 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 may even take a bit of picnic. It’s an incredible place to go to in Korce for a break free from the town and for some contemporary air.
Handle: 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 troublesome to know the place to begin. To assist make this less complicated, I’ve put collectively the next itineraries that can assist you take advantage of your time in Korce:
1 Day in Korce Itinerary
For those who solely have a day in Korce then I positively suggest becoming a member of a strolling tour. This can cowl the perfect issues to do round Korce and offer you some wonderful recommendation on the place to eat and drink throughout your day.
For those who 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 Outdated Bazaar to have a espresso and check out Lakror Pie.
When you’re refueled, head to Crimson Tower within the afternoon for unbelievable views over the town. Soak up one of many museums or should you favor to be open air, 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 perfect locations in Korce then begin off with the 1-day itinerary above to get to know your means round and get your bearings.
In your second day, take into account mountaineering the unbelievable Morava Mountain. Right here, you may take pleasure in some unbelievable views and a few wonderful nature round Korce. Cease in at La Montagna for a snack or drink. After the mountain, head to Korce Beer Manufacturing facility, 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 be taught 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 wonderful, 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 be taught extra about life in rural Albania and luxuriate in exploring this charming city.
Take a bit extra time to essentially soak within the environment of Korce by its robust cafe tradition. Decelerate and check out a number of the many various 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 a number of of the perfect neighborhoods in Korce for vacationers:
The Outdated Bazaar – Greatest 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 be capable to benefit from the unbelievable bars, eating places, and cafes in lovely environment.
My favourite place within the Outdated Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Hotel. It’s designed like a conventional inn, in line with its environment, whereas on the identical time, affords 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 Outdated Bazaar or the massive vary of eating places and bars within the heart, 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 heart 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. Try the wonderful Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel situated on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Greatest for {Couples}
If you’d like quick access to the town heart and to have the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, then there are some wonderful choices close to Parku Rinia.
Check out the unbelievable Vila Eden Boutique Hotel. This resort retains its conventional appears and combines them with tremendous romantic and fashionable twists. It’s a stupendous place for {couples} to retreat to after days out within the metropolis heart.
Greatest 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 components have been tremendous contemporary. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s a bit of conservatory space with seating too. Click here for directions.
FindFour
FindFour serves unbelievable 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 contemporary and selfmade, and the pizzas are wonderful too. Click here for directions.
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 of pricer than in different places, nevertheless it’s completely value it. Click here for directions.
Restaurant Frogs Zhabkat
Frogs Zhabkat is tremendous common 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 should 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 moreover. Click here for directions.
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 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 here for directions.
Attending to Korce
For those who’re touring to Korce, it’s seemingly that you just’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 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 will likely be a bit of dearer, however probably extra snug.
It’s also possible to journey immediately from Korca to and from Thessaloniki in Greece and from Ohrid, North Macedonia; two common locations on the backpacker path within the Balkans.
Lastly, you may also lease a automobile, which is a good possibility should you’re planning on exploring different Albanian cities throughout your journey. Nonetheless, 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 identify, nevertheless it’s also called being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You possibly can go to Korce all 12 months spherical. The most effective time is to go to in spring, so you may take pleasure in some countryside, parks and beer gardens. Nonetheless, 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 many 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 the entire greatest locations to go to in Korce. You probably have kind of time, I nonetheless suggest a visit, it’s a very lovely place.
Like most of Albania (probably excluding the border with Kosovo), Korce is very safe and also you gained’t have any worries right here, even when strolling at night time. It’s an incredible 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 facility and Bar (significantly for beer lovers).
Korce isn’t a coastal metropolis, so there aren’t any seashores right here. For those who’re visiting Korce in summer time 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 beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you may positively strive raki in Komiteti Bar! When it comes to consuming, be sure you strive the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie after all!
Korca is named Little Paris on account of its charming structure and since it’s thought of because the birthplace of Albania’s lovely 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 lovely 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 publish helps you propose what to see in Korce and that you’ve got an excellent journey.