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 greatest 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. Nonetheless, it’s so price 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 unimaginable 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 will help 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 principle pedestrian street 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 beautiful to take a stroll, which is well-liked with vacationers and locals alike, and revel 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. Test Out the Panoramic Views from the Crimson Tower
For the perfect views of the town, you possibly can’t miss out on visiting the Crimson Tower. It’s undoubtedly probably the greatest 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 attractive 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 seems like an excessive amount of effort. It prices round 50LEK ($0.50 USD) to realize entry to the highest.
In my opinion, it’s greatest to go up at sundown, so you possibly can 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 night time.
Handle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Previous Bazaar
The Previous Bazaar, also called 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 well-liked with locals and vacationers alike.
Head to the Previous Bazaar and browse the numerous 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 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 needs to be on the high of your record of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, inbuilt 1496, and immediately, it’s one of the vital spectacular and enticing buildings in Korce.
The Mosque has a brilliant 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 possibly can study all in regards to the historical past from the knowledge boards on the mosque.
It has a stunning 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. Take pleasure in a Chilly Beer at Korce Beer Manufacturing unit
You possibly can’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 probably the greatest sights in Korce and is effectively price 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. Be sure that to go away a lot 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 absorb among the beer, simply be ready as generally the service is just a little sluggish when it’s busy.
When 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 supplies stunning nature to discover but additionally provides an awesome vantage level of the 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 perfect views.
After your hike, there’s an excellent 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 comfy inside to heat up in in the event you’re visiting within the colder months.
Handle: Kruqi Morave Church and its wonderful cross, the place you’ll discover probably the most unimaginable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Positioned within the heart of Korce, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is the biggest Orthodox church in Albania. Its distinguished location within the coronary heart of the town makes it a focus, and an awesome reference level in the event 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 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 scale 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
The most effective Korce sights, and positively my favourite museum to go to in Korce, notably in the event you’re fascinated 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 inventive expression, notably after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The format of the museum is unbelievable and has totally different colours to symbolize 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 probably the most out of the expertise, a information is advisable.
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 outdoors Korce. It’s recognized for the 26 church buildings it’s dwelling to, which had been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an essential spiritual hub on the time, being situated on the commerce 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 really 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 probably the most scrumptious native meals and its cozy and welcoming environment. The lamb there was among the greatest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous number of wine, so be sure to prepare 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 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 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 foods and drinks suggestions to take pleasure in by the tip.
It’s an awesome choice in the event you’re brief on time and need to tick off among the greatest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the right solution 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 Previous 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 considered one of many oldest and deepest lakes on this planet 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 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 stunning cafes alongside the best way.
It’s an attractive 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 unimaginable and Korce is the right place to strive some native specialties. One among my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s made out of a flaky pastry and full of cheese and both spinach or leek. It’s much like the Greek Spanakopita and is a scrumptious noon snack.
When you’re fortunate sufficient to be in Korce in July, then maintain 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 probably the greatest issues to do in Korce for foodies.
Out of pageant 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 heart of the town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Handle: Previous Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Attempt 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 foremost cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can be one among 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 relax with a number of drinks.
It focuses on raki, the standard alcoholic drink that you simply’ll come throughout steadily in Albania, that’s made out 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 fully transforms it from a spirit that may 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
When you’re a lover of historical historical past, then the archaeological museum is among the greatest 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 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 fastidiously curated. When 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 in the event you love historical historical past, this hidden gem may very well 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
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 an excellent choice for households, it’s additionally probably the greatest locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s dwelling to a couple bars and cafes the place you possibly can sit within the solar and revel in a beer or a espresso collectively, watching the world go by.
There’s additionally loads of shade, so you possibly can 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 unbelievable vacationer sights in Korce that it may be tough to know the place to begin. To assist make this less complicated, I’ve put collectively the next itineraries that will help you take advantage of your time in Korce:
1 Day in Korce Itinerary
When you solely have a day in Korce then I undoubtedly suggest becoming a member of a strolling tour. It will cowl the perfect issues to do round Korce and give you some wonderful recommendation on the place to eat and drink throughout your day.
When you be 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 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 unimaginable views over the town. Soak up one of many museums or in the event you 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 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, think about climbing the unimaginable Morava Mountain. Right here, you possibly can take pleasure in some unimaginable 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 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 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 definitely’ll have the ability 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 revel 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 take a look at among 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 chill out 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 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 have the ability to benefit from the unimaginable bars, eating places, and cafes in stunning environment.
My favourite place within the Previous Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Lodge. It’s designed like a standard inn, consistent with its environment, whereas on the identical time, provides 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 night time. 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 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 principle vacationer sights 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 superb Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel situated on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Finest 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 unimaginable Vila Eden Boutique Lodge. This resort retains its conventional seems and combines them with tremendous romantic and trendy twists. It’s an attractive 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 the perfect place to go to in Korce for a unbelievable pizza. I additionally beloved the salad right here because the parts had been giant, 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 unimaginable Italian and Albanian meals, with a few Asian dishes for good measure. I ate right here a number of instances and for me, it’s a must-visit. The do-it-yourself Korce meatballs had been mouthwatering. The pasta dishes are all contemporary and do-it-yourself, and the pizzas are wonderful 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 just a little pricer than in different places, nevertheless it’s completely price 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 enormous, costs are cheap, and most significantly, the meals is completely scrumptious.
When you don’t should eat them, they do focus on frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different unbelievable dishes on the menu in addition to. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel needs to be one of the vital enjoyable and picturesque eating places in Korce. Everybody right here is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, they usually have reside music enjoying 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
When you’re touring to Korce, it’s doubtless 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 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 individuals. It is going to be just a little dearer, however doubtlessly extra snug.
You can too 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 may also lease a automobile, which is a good choice in the event you’re planning on exploring different Albanian cities throughout your journey. Nonetheless, 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, nevertheless it’s also called being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You possibly can go to Korce all 12 months 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. Nonetheless, it’s additionally an excellent place to go to in winter for the ski resorts.
Sure, Korce is completely price visiting. There are some unbelievable 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 roughly 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 awesome 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. When you’re visiting Korce in summer time and need 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 possibly can swim within the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you possibly can undoubtedly 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 after all!
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 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 excellent for foodies.
I hope this publish helps you propose what to see in Korce and that you’ve got an excellent journey.
