There are many implausible 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 pretty 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 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 price a go to. Right here’s an inventory 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 can assist you take advantage of this unimaginable metropolis:
1. Stroll Down St George’s Boulevard
Among the best 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 street within the metropolis, which is lined with stunning timber and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both aspect. It’s pretty 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.
Deal with: Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, Korce
2. Examine Out the Panoramic Views from the Pink Tower
For the perfect views of the town, you’ll be able to’t miss out on visiting the Pink Tower. It’s undoubtedly top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce.
The Pink Tower, also referred to as the Panoramic Tower, is positioned on the north finish of the Bulevardi Shen Gjerji. It’s not precisely the prettiest constructing, but it surely does have spectacular 360 views of the town, and the gorgeous mountains and countryside.
To get to the highest, you must climb eight flights of stairs; it’s not too dangerous, however there’s fortunately the choice to get the elevator up if that feels like an excessive amount of effort. It prices round 50LEK ($0.50 USD) to achieve entry to the highest.
For my part, 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 mild up for the night. It’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce at evening.
Deal with: 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. Through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the bazaar was the beating coronary heart of Korce with over 1,000 shops.
Since then, it’s been utterly refurbished and is now a contemporary instance of a shocking renovation that’s vastly well-liked 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 day by day life unfold. It’s top-of-the-line people-watching spots on the town and one among my favourite locations to go to in Korce.
Deal with: 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, in-built 1496, and at this time, it’s probably the most spectacular and engaging 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 may 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 have been destroyed by the earthquake and rebuilt in a sympathetic fashion in 2014.
Deal with: 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 top-of-the-line sights in Korce and is properly price 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 could be very fascinating. Ensure that to go away numerous time to benefit from the bar connected to the brewery and the beer backyard afterward.
Costs are tremendous low-cost, with a pint of Korca costing a mere 70 Lek ($0.50). There’s additionally barbecue meals obtainable to take in among the beer, simply be ready as typically the service is somewhat gradual 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.
Deal with: 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 presents an excellent vantage level of the town.
From Korce, you’ll be able to both get the bus to the mountain or rent a motorbike 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 the perfect views.
After your hike, there’s restaurant referred to 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 comfy inside to heat up in in the event you’re visiting within the colder months.
Deal with: 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 middle 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 excellent reference level in the event you get misplaced.
Within the Nineteen 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 basically spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it top-of-the-line issues to do in Korce.
Deal with: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Bulavardi Republika, Korce
8. Go to the Museum of Medieval Artwork
Among the best Korce sights, and definitely my favourite museum to go to in Korce, significantly in the event you’re involved in 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 structure of the museum is implausible and has totally different colours to characterize every time frame and artist, which makes it quite a bit simpler to observe. 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.
Deal with: Bulevardi Fan Noli 59, Korçë, Albania
9. Take a Day Journey to Voskopoje
Voskopoje is somewhat city within the Albanian countryside simply half-hour exterior Korce. It’s recognized for the 26 church buildings it’s residence to, which have been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an necessary non secular hub on the time, being positioned on the commerce route between Venice and Istanbul.
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 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 among the finest I’ve ever tasted. In addition they have an enormous collection of wine, so ensure you organize transport to take advantage of it.
Deal with: Voskopje, Albania
10. Be part of a Free Strolling Tour
Among the best 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 just do 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 concerning the historical past of Korce, you’ll additionally come away with loads of foods and drinks suggestions to get pleasure from by the tip.
It’s an excellent choice in the event you’re quick on time and wish to tick off among the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the proper technique to really feel at residence in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the identical time.
Deal with: 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 extensively considered 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 Website.
Rent a automobile or soar 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 stunning 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.
Deal with: The Nationwide Park of Drilon, Pogradec
12. Strive Native Delicacies like Lakror Pie
The meals in Albania is unimaginable and Korce is the proper place to attempt some native specialties. One among my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s produced 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 top-of-the-line 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 middle of the town, for native meals in a stylish setting.
Deal with: Previous Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Strive Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
Among the best locations to go to in Korce is no doubt the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in a lot of the important cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can be one among my favourite bars in Tirana, so ensure you pop in in the event you’re within the capital!
An unimaginable bar crossed with a museum with numerous fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is an excellent place to study and sit back with just a few drinks.
It makes a speciality of raki, the normal alcoholic drink that you just’ll come throughout continuously in Albania, that’s produced 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 utterly transforms it from a spirit that can make you wince to one thing completely scrumptious. The Komiteti Cafe and Museum is unquestionably top-of-the-line locations to go to in Korce.
Deal with: 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 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 positioned simply behind the cathedral within the middle 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, but it surely’s been fastidiously 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 in the event you love historical historical past, this hidden gem may very well be top-of-the-line issues so as to add to your itinerary.
Deal with: The Archaeological Museum, Rruga Mihal Grameno, Korce
15. Go to Parku Rinia
Among the best 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 choice for households, it’s additionally top-of-the-line locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s residence to some bars and cafes the place you’ll be able to 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 can even take somewhat picnic. It’s an excellent place to go to in Korce for a break free from the town and for some recent air.
Deal with: Parku Rinia, Korce, Albania
Fast Journey Itineraries For Korce
There are such a lot of implausible vacationer sights 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 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 the perfect issues to do round Korce and offer you some glorious 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 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 Pink Tower within the afternoon for unimaginable views over the town. Absorb one of many museums or in the event you favor to be outside, 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
If in case you 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 method round and get your bearings.
In your second day, think about mountain climbing the unimaginable Morava Mountain. Right here, you’ll be able to 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.
If in case you 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 soar on the bus and head to Pogradec and Lake Ohrid for a day by the water.
1 Week in Korce Itinerary
If in case you have a full week to spend then you definitely’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 actually soak within the environment of Korce by way of its sturdy cafe tradition. Decelerate and take a look at among the many alternative cafes in Korce as you sit again and people-watch. Go to Komiteti for one thing a bit totally different; pattern their raki flight and loosen up on St George’s Boulevard watching the locals going about their day by day enterprise.
The place to Keep in Korce
These are just a few 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 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 Previous Bazaar is Hani i Pazarit Boutique Resort. It’s designed like a standard inn, consistent with its environment, whereas on the identical time, presents 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 middle, 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 middle of the town.
From right here, all the primary vacationer sights in Korce are inside simple attain. Equally, the perfect bars and eating places are on this a part of city. Take a look at the superb Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel positioned on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Finest for {Couples}
If you need easy accessibility to the town middle and to have the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of the town, then there are some glorious choices close to Parku Rinia.
Check out the unimaginable Vila Eden Boutique Resort. This lodge retains its conventional seems to be and combines them with tremendous romantic and trendy twists. It’s a stupendous place for {couples} to retreat to after days out within the metropolis middle.
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 implausible pizza. I additionally cherished the salad right here because the parts have been massive, and the elements have been tremendous recent. The setting right here is ideal too; you’re surrounded by foliage and there’s somewhat conservatory space with seating too. Click on right here for instructions.
FindFour
FindFour serves unimaginable Italian and Albanian meals, with a few Asian dishes for good measure. I ate right here just a few occasions and for me, it’s a must-visit. The do-it-yourself Korce meatballs have been mouthwatering. The pasta dishes are all recent and do-it-yourself, 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 somewhat pricer than in different places, but it surely’s completely price it. Click on right here for instructions.
Restaurant Frogs Zhabkat
Frogs Zhabkat is tremendous well-liked 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 concentrate on frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different implausible dishes on the menu apart from. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel must be probably the most stress-free 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 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 somewhat costlier, however probably extra snug.
You may as well journey immediately 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, it’s also possible to lease a automobile, which is a superb choice in the event 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 thought for being the house to Korca beer of the identical title, but it surely’s also referred to as being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You may go to Korce all yr spherical. 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 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 all the finest locations to go to in Korce. If in case you have roughly time, I nonetheless suggest a visit, it’s a extremely stunning place.
Like most of Albania (probably excluding the border with Kosovo), Korce is very protected and also you received’t have any worries right here, even when strolling at evening. It’s an excellent vacation spot for solo vacationers.
The most well-liked factor to do in Korce is to climb the panoramic tower or to go to the Korca Manufacturing unit and Bar (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 perfect 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 pretty Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you can undoubtedly attempt raki in Komiteti Bar! By way of consuming, ensure you attempt the Albanian tarts (cheese and meat tarts) in addition to the lakror pie in fact!
Korca known as Little Paris as a consequence 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 put up helps you propose what to see in Korce and that you’ve an excellent journey.
