There are many implausible issues to do in Korce. Also referred to 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 referred to as being the house of the favored beer with the identical title, Korca! However, there’s a lot extra to Korce than beer, with stunning structure, surroundings, and scrumptious meals to find.
Like Shkoder, Korce is one other significantly underrated place to go to in Albania, with most vacationers and vacationers choosing the capital or for the cities and cities on the coast. Nevertheless, it’s so 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 ignored on the Albanian vacationer path, there are some unimaginable locations to go to in Korce making it one in every of my favourite locations within the Balkans.
From artwork and historical past to cafe tradition and its personal beer, there’s loads of nice stuff to do in Korce for all ages and all pursuits.
Listed below are a few of my favourite issues to do in Korce that can assist you profit from this unimaginable 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 referred to as in Korce.
It’s the primary pedestrian highway within the metropolis, which is lined with stunning bushes and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both facet. It’s beautiful to take a stroll, which is standard with vacationers and locals alike, and revel 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 the town, you may’t miss out on visiting the Purple Tower. It’s undoubtedly among the best issues to do in Korce.
The Purple 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, 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.
In my opinion, it’s finest to go up at sundown, so you may benefit from the views of the nation as you watch the town mild up for the night. It’s among the best issues to do in Korce at evening.
Handle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Outdated Bazaar
The Outdated Bazaar, also referred to as Pazari i Vjeter, is one in every of 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 fully refurbished and is now a contemporary instance of a surprising renovation that’s vastly standard 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 best people-watching spots on the town and one in every of my favourite locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Korce Outdated 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, in-built 1496, and right now, it’s probably the most 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 likewise survived a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1960 because of its structurally sound design. You may 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 have 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 best points of interest in Korce and is properly 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 could be very attention-grabbing. Make sure 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 typically the service is slightly 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 offers stunning nature to discover but in addition presents a fantastic vantage level of the town.
From Korce, you may both get the bus to the mountain or rent a motorcycle and cycle there. When you arrive, you may hike to the highest, the place there’s a big cross and church. That is the place you’ll get pleasure from the most effective views.
After your hike, there’s an excellent restaurant referred to as La Montagna the place you may seize a espresso or refuel with a chunk to eat. It has a beautiful backyard to get pleasure from in the summertime, and a comfy inside to heat up in if you happen to’re visiting within the colder months.
Handle: Kruqi Morave Church and its wonderful cross, the place you’ll discover essentially 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 outstanding location within the coronary heart of the town makes it a focus, and a fantastic reference level if you happen to 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 de facto spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it among the best 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, significantly if you happen to’re enthusiastic 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 creative expression, significantly after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The format of the museum is implausible and has totally different colours to characterize every time frame and artist, which makes it lots 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 beneficial.
Handle: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is slightly 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 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 chunk 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 a number of the finest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous collection of wine, so be sure you prepare transport to profit from it.
Handle: Voskopje, Albania
10. Be a 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 just do that in Korce.
There’s a free strolling tour that departs from the Outdated Bazaar (talked about above), at 10 am or 6 pm. The tour lasts round 2 hours and takes in all the 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 in regards to the historical past of Korce, you’ll additionally come away with loads of food and drinks suggestions to get pleasure from by the tip.
It’s a fantastic choice if you happen to’re quick on time and wish to tick off a number of the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the right technique to really feel at dwelling in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the similar time.
Handle: The strolling tour meets in entrance of the Outdated Bazaar at 10 am and 6 pm.
11. Go to the Shores of Lake Ohrid
Korce is 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 facet is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Rent a automotive or bounce on an area bus from Korce to Pogradec and go to the Nationwide Park of Drilon on the banks of Lake Ohrid. This is likely one of the finest nationwide parks in Albania. It’s one of many smaller parks, so is 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 one in every 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 unimaginable and Korce is the right place to attempt some native specialties. One in every of my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s comprised 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.
Should you’re fortunate sufficient to be in Korce in July, then hold 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 best 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 take a look at FindFour, on Boulevardi Republika within the heart of the town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Handle: Outdated Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Strive Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Korce is unquestionably the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in a lot of the fundamental cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can be one in every of my favourite bars in Tirana, so be sure you pop in if you happen to’re within the capital!
An unimaginable 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 simply’ll come throughout steadily in Albania, that’s comprised 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 fully transforms it from a spirit that may make you wince to one thing totally scrumptious. The Komiteti Cafe and Museum is certainly among the best locations to go to in Korce.
Handle: Komiteti Kafe Museum, Korçë, Albania
14. Discover Korce’s Archaeological Museum
Should you’re a lover of historical historical past, then the archaeological museum is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Korce.
It’s packed stuffed with fascinating artifacts that element Korce’s early historical past as a settlement courting again to the Neolithic interval. The museum is situated simply behind the cathedral within the heart of the town, so it’s simple to search out and handy to absorb as a part of a tour of the middle.
It’s a really small museum, nevertheless it’s been rigorously curated. Should you’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 if you happen to love historical historical past, this hidden gem could possibly be among the best 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.
Nevertheless, whereas it’s an excellent choice for households, it’s additionally among the best locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s dwelling to some bars and cafes the place you may 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 may even take slightly picnic. It’s a fantastic 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 implausible vacationer points of interest in Korce that it may be tough to know the place to start out. To assist make this less complicated, I’ve put collectively the next itineraries that can assist you profit from 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. This can cowl the most effective issues to do round Korce and give you some wonderful recommendation on the place to eat and drink throughout your day.
Should 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 Outdated Bazaar to have a espresso and check out Lakror Pie.
When you’re refueled, head to Purple Tower within the afternoon for unimaginable views over the town. Soak up one of many museums or if you happen to choose 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 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, contemplate mountain climbing the unimaginable Morava Mountain. Right here, you may get pleasure from 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 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 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 ambiance of Korce by means of 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 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 couple of of the most effective neighborhoods in Korce for vacationers:
The Outdated Bazaar – Finest for First-time Guests
One of many coolest locations to remain in Korce is contained in the Outdated Bazaar itself. Right here, you’ll be near all the primary issues to do in Korce, and also you’ll be capable to benefit from the unimaginable bars, eating places, and cafes in stunning environment.
My favourite place within the Outdated Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Resort. It’s designed like a standard inn, consistent with its environment, whereas on the similar time, presents a luxurious stick with tremendous cozy rooms overlooking the courtyard. A surprising place to remain in Korce.
Bulevardi Fan Noli – Finest for Nightlife
Korce comes alive at evening. Whether or not it’s the cafe tradition on the Outdated Bazaar or the massive vary of eating places and bars within the heart, 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 heart of the town.
From right here, all the primary vacationer points of interest in Korce are inside simple 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 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 unimaginable Vila Eden Boutique Resort. This lodge retains its conventional appears to be like 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 heart.
Finest 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 implausible pizza. I additionally liked the salad right here because the parts have been massive, and the elements have been tremendous contemporary. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s slightly 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 couple of instances and for me, it’s a must-visit. The home made Korce meatballs have 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 implausible 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 slightly pricer than in different places, nevertheless it’s completely price it. Click on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Frogs Zhabkat
Frogs Zhabkat is tremendous standard with locals, and it’s simple to see why. The parts are enormous, costs are cheap, and most significantly, the meals is totally scrumptious.
Whilst you don’t should eat them, they do concentrate on frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different implausible dishes on the menu moreover. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel needs to be probably the most enjoyable and picturesque eating places in Korce. Everybody right here is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, they usually have dwell 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 seemingly that you simply’ll fly into Tirana Rinas, the closest airport. Tirana is about 80 miles from Korce, which takes round 3 hours by 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 slightly 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 standard locations on the backpacker path within the Balkans.
Lastly, you too can lease a automotive, which is a good choice if you happen to’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 thought for being the house to Korca beer of the identical title, nevertheless it’s also referred to as being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You may go to Korce all yr spherical. The perfect time is to go to in spring, so you may get pleasure from some countryside, parks and beer gardens. Nevertheless, it’s additionally an excellent place to go to in winter for the ski resorts.
Sure, Korce is totally price visiting. There are some implausible 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 finest locations to go to in Korce. You probably have kind of time, I nonetheless suggest a visit, it’s a extremely stunning place.
Like most of Albania (doubtlessly excluding the border with Kosovo), Korce is very secure and also you received’t have any worries right here, even when strolling at evening. It’s a fantastic 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 unit and Bar (significantly for beer lovers).
Korce isn’t a coastal metropolis, so there aren’t any seashores right here. Should you’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 may swim within the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you may undoubtedly attempt raki in Komiteti Bar! By way of consuming, be sure you attempt the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie in fact!
Korca known as 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 creative identification originating within the metropolis.
In Closing
There are such a lot of nice issues to do in Korce, and it’s a extremely stunning metropolis, from the beautiful structure to the beautiful parks and inexperienced areas within the space. There are additionally some implausible locations to eat, so it’s excellent for foodies.
I hope this submit helps you propose what to see in Korce and that you’ve got an excellent journey.