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 beautiful little metropolis within the southeast of Albania.
It’s simply three hours from Tirana, and is finest generally known as being the house of the favored beer with the identical title, 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 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. Nonetheless, it’s so value a go to. Right here’s a listing of what to do in Korce forward of your journey to Albania.
Finest Issues To Do in Korce
Whereas usually missed on the Albanian vacationer path, there are some unbelievable locations to go to in Korce making it one among 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
Probably the greatest 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 principle pedestrian highway within the metropolis, which is lined with lovely 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 common with vacationers and locals alike, and luxuriate in an ice cream or maybe sip a espresso.
My favourite place is Creperie Pedonale for one of the best crepes ever.
Handle: Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, Korce
2. Verify Out the Panoramic Views from the Crimson Tower
For one of the best views of the town, you’ll be able to’t miss out on visiting the Crimson Tower. It’s undoubtedly probably the greatest issues to do in Korce.
The Crimson Tower, also referred to as 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 gorgeous mountains and countryside.
To get to the highest, it’s important to 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.
In my opinion, it’s finest to go up at sundown, so you’ll be able to benefit from the views of the nation as you watch the town gentle up for the night. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Korce at evening.
Handle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Previous Bazaar
The Previous Bazaar, also referred to as Pazari i Vjeter, is one among 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 fully refurbished and is now a contemporary instance of a surprising renovation that’s massively common 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 probably the greatest people-watching spots on the town and one among 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 must be on the high of your record of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, inbuilt 1496, and at the moment, it’s one of the crucial spectacular and engaging buildings in Korce.
The Mosque has an excellent attention-grabbing 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 due to its structurally sound design. You possibly can study all concerning the historical past from the knowledge 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 fashion 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 probably the greatest 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 study all concerning the historical past of the beer, which may be very attention-grabbing. Be certain that to depart a number of 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 take in a number of the beer, simply be ready as generally the service is just a little 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.
Handle: Bulevardi Fan Noli, Korçë, Albania
6. Hike Morava Mountain
One of many high 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 gives an awesome vantage level of the town.
From Korce, you’ll be able to both get the bus to the mountain or rent a motorcycle and cycle there. When you arrive, you’ll be able to hike to the highest, the place there’s a big cross and church. That is the place you’ll get pleasure from one of the best views.
After your hike, there’s a great restaurant known as La Montagna the place you’ll be able to seize a espresso or refuel with a chunk to eat. It has a stunning backyard to get pleasure from 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 probably the most unbelievable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Situated within the heart of Korce, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is the biggest Orthodox church in Albania. Its outstanding location within the coronary heart of the town makes it a focus, and an awesome reference level should you 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. Right this moment, the renovated cathedral has a distinctly classical really feel to it due to 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 dimensions of the cathedral is absolutely spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it probably the greatest issues to do in Korce.
Handle: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Bulavardi Republika, Korce
8. Go to the Museum of Medieval Artwork
Probably the greatest Korce points of interest, and positively my favourite museum to go to in Korce, notably should you’re thinking 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, notably after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The format of the museum is improbable and has totally different colours to signify every time frame and artist, which makes it lots simpler to comply with. The doorway is sort of costly in Albanian phrases, at 700 Lek (round $6.50) and to get probably the most out of the expertise, a information is beneficial.
Handle: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is just a little city within the Albanian countryside simply half-hour exterior Korce. It’s identified for the 26 church buildings it’s house to, which had been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an vital non secular hub on the time, being situated on the commerce route between Venice and Istanbul.
Right this moment it’s a stunning little city to have a wander round, check out the church buildings and ruins, and seize a chunk to eat. It’s really 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 probably the most scrumptious native meals and its cozy and welcoming environment. The lamb there was a number of the finest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous choice of wine, so ensure you prepare transport to take advantage of it.
Handle: Voskopje, Albania
10. Be part of a Free Strolling Tour
Probably the greatest methods to get to know a brand new metropolis is by becoming a member of a strolling tour, and there are some good 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 one of the best 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 get pleasure from by the top.
It’s an awesome choice should you’re quick on time and need to tick off a number of the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the proper method to really feel at house in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the identical 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 barely 40 kilometers south of the town of Pogradec, which sits on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The lake is extensively 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 Web site.
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 among 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 lovely cafes alongside the best way.
It’s a stupendous change of surroundings from metropolis life and one among my favourite locations to go to close to Korce.
Handle: The Nationwide Park of Drilon, Pogradec
12. Attempt Native Delicacies like Lakror Pie
The meals in Albania is unbelievable and Korce is the proper place to attempt some native specialties. One in all my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s constructed from 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 preserve 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 probably the greatest 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 take a look at FindFour, on Boulevardi Republika within the heart of the town, for native meals in a classy setting.
Handle: Previous Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Attempt Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Korce is for sure the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in a lot of the essential cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can also be one among my favourite bars in Tirana, so ensure you pop in should you’re within the capital!
An unbelievable bar crossed with a museum with a number of fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is a superb place to study and chill with a couple of drinks.
It makes a speciality of raki, the normal alcoholic drink that you just’ll come throughout regularly in Albania, that’s constructed from 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 fully transforms it from a spirit that can make you wince to one thing completely scrumptious. The Komiteti Cafe and Museum is unquestionably probably the greatest locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Komiteti Kafe Museum, Korçë, Albania
14. Discover Korce’s Archaeological Museum
Should you’re a lover of historic historical past, then the archaeological museum is among the finest locations to go to in Korce.
It’s packed filled with fascinating artifacts that element Korce’s early historical past as a settlement relationship again to the Neolithic interval. The museum is situated simply behind the cathedral within the heart of the town, so it’s simple 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 rigorously curated. Should you’re fortunate, the curator himself could take the time to speak you thru a few of his favourite displays. It’s not a flashy museum, however should you love historic historical past, this hidden gem might be probably the greatest issues so as to add to your itinerary.
Handle: The Archaeological Museum, Rruga Mihal Grameno, Korce
15. Go to Parku Rinia
Probably the greatest 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.
Nonetheless, whereas it’s a great choice for households, it’s additionally probably the greatest locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s house to some bars and cafes the place you’ll be able to 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 would even take just a little picnic. It’s an awesome 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 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 undoubtedly suggest becoming a member of a strolling tour. It will cowl one of the best issues to do round Korce and offer you some wonderful 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 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 Crimson Tower within the afternoon for unbelievable views over the town. Absorb one of many museums or should you favor 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 one of the best 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, think about mountain climbing the unbelievable Morava Mountain. Right here, you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 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
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 high 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 via its sturdy cafe tradition. Decelerate and take a look at 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 couple of of one of the best neighborhoods in Korce for vacationers:
The Previous Bazaar – Finest 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 principle 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 Previous Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Resort. It’s designed like a standard inn, in step with its environment, whereas on the identical time, gives a luxurious stick with tremendous comfortable 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 Previous Bazaar or the large vary of eating places and bars within the heart, if you wish to expertise one of the best 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 principle vacationer points of interest in Korce are inside simple attain. Equally, one of the best 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 – Finest for {Couples}
If you’d like easy accessibility 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 Resort. This resort retains its conventional seems 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.
Finest Eating places in Korce
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Korce:
Antik Restaurant & Pizza
Antik is one of the best place to go to in Korce for a improbable pizza. I additionally beloved the salad right here because the parts had been massive, and the substances had been tremendous contemporary. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s just a little 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 a couple of instances and for me, it’s a must-visit. The home made Korce meatballs had been mouthwatering. The pasta dishes are all contemporary and home made, and the pizzas are wonderful 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 just a little pricer than elsewhere, but it surely’s completely value it. Click on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Frogs Zhabkat
Frogs Zhabkat is tremendous common with locals, and it’s simple 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 moreover. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel must be one of the crucial stress-free 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 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 doubtless 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 value round 500 Lek ($5). Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that carry round 8 folks. It is going to be just a little costlier, however doubtlessly extra comfy.
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 can too hire a automobile, which is a good choice 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 title, but it surely’s also referred to as being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You possibly can go to Korce all 12 months spherical. The very best time is to go to in spring, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from 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 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 roughly time, I nonetheless suggest a visit, it’s a extremely lovely 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 an awesome vacation spot for solo vacationers.
The preferred factor to do in Korce is to climb the panoramic tower or to go to the Korca Manufacturing facility 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 need to swim, one of the best place to go to is Pogradec, which is round 45 minutes north of Korca. It’s right here the place you’ll be able to swim within the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you would undoubtedly attempt raki in Komiteti Bar! When it comes to consuming, ensure you attempt the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie after all!
Korca is named Little Paris as a consequence of its charming structure and since it’s thought-about because the birthplace of Albania’s lovely tradition, with its literary and inventive id originating within the metropolis.
In Closing
There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Korce, and it’s a extremely lovely metropolis, from the gorgeous structure to the beautiful 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.
