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 often 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 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 typically neglected 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 here are a few of my favourite issues to do in Korce that can assist you profit from 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 stunning timber and is surrounded by cafes, ice cream parlors, bars, and eating places on both facet. It’s pretty to take a stroll, which is widespread with vacationers and locals alike, and revel in an ice cream or maybe sip a espresso.
My favourite place is Creperie Pedonale for the very best crepes ever.
Tackle: Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, Korce
2. Verify Out the Panoramic Views from the Purple Tower
For the very best views of town, you possibly can’t miss out on visiting the Purple Tower. It’s positively probably the greatest issues to do in Korce.
The Purple Tower, often known 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 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 appears like an excessive amount of effort. It prices round 50LEK ($0.50 USD) to realize entry to the highest.
For my part, it’s finest to go up at sundown, so you possibly can benefit from the views of the nation as you watch town gentle up for the night. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Korce at evening.
Tackle: Panoramic Tower, Korce, Albania
3. Embrace Cafe Tradition at Korce Previous Bazaar
The Previous Bazaar, often known 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 fully refurbished and is now a contemporary instance of a shocking renovation that’s vastly widespread 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 every 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.
Tackle: Korce Previous Bazaar, Korce
4. Marvel at Mirahori Mosque
When sightseeing in Korce, the Mirahori Mosque must be on the prime of your listing of locations to go to. It’s the oldest constructing within the metropolis, in-built 1496, and at this time, 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 in addition survived a 6.2 magnitude earthquake in 1960 due to its structurally sound design. You may study all concerning the historical past from the data 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 type in 2014.
Tackle: Xhamia e Mirahorit, Rruga Floresha Myteveli 12, Korçë, Albania
5. Take pleasure in a Chilly Beer at Korce Beer Manufacturing facility
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 probably the greatest 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. Be certain to depart a lot of time to benefit from the bar hooked up to the brewery and the beer backyard afterward.
Costs are tremendous low cost, with a pint of Korca costing a mere 70 Lek ($0.50). There’s additionally barbecue meals out there to absorb a few of the beer, simply be ready as typically the service is just a little 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.
Tackle: Bulevardi Fan Noli, Korçë, Albania
6. Hike Morava Mountain
One of many prime issues to do close to Korce is to hike to the highest of Morava Mountain, which not solely gives stunning nature to discover but in addition presents an ideal vantage level of 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 get pleasure from the very best views.
After your hike, there’s a superb restaurant known as La Montagna the place you possibly can seize a espresso or refuel with a chew to eat. It has a stunning backyard to get pleasure from in the summertime, and a comfy inside to heat up in when you’re visiting within the colder months.
Tackle: Kruqi Morave Church and its superb cross, the place you’ll discover essentially the most unbelievable views.
7. Go to Albania’s Largest Orthodox Church
Positioned within the heart of Korce, the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral is the most important Orthodox church in Albania. Its outstanding location within the coronary heart of town makes it a focus, and an ideal reference level when you get misplaced.
Within the Sixties, The ruling Communist Get together on the time destroyed the unique cathedral, and the method of renovation began after the autumn of communism in 1995. At present, 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 scale of the cathedral is admittedly spectacular, as is its significance to the group; making it probably the greatest issues to do in Korce.
Tackle: The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral, Bulavardi Republika, Korce
8. Go to the Museum of Medieval Artwork
Probably the greatest Korce sights, and definitely my favourite museum to go to in Korce, notably when 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, notably after the ban on all religions throughout communism.
The format of the museum is implausible and has completely different colours to characterize every time period and artist, which makes it rather a lot 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 really useful.
Tackle: 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 recognized for the 26 church buildings it’s residence to, which have been constructed between 1630 and 1780. It was an vital non secular hub on the time, being positioned on the commerce route between Venice and Istanbul.
At present it’s a stunning little city to have a wander round, check out the church buildings and ruins, and seize a chew to eat. It’s truly a small ski resort too.
For meals, there are a few taverns within the space. I like to recommend that you just go to Ambassador for essentially the most scrumptious native meals and its cozy and welcoming ambiance. The lamb there was a few of the finest I’ve ever tasted. Additionally they have an enormous collection of wine, so be sure to organize transport to profit from it.
Tackle: 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 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 very 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 food and drinks suggestions to get pleasure from by the tip.
It’s an ideal choice when you’re quick on time and need to tick off a few of the finest locations to go to in Korce. Equally, it’s the proper solution to really feel at residence in Korce in your first day and meet another vacationers on the identical time.
Tackle: 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 simply 40 kilometers south of 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 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 stupendous change of surroundings from metropolis life and one among my favourite locations to go to close to Korce.
Tackle: 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 strive some native specialties. One among my favorites is Lakror Pie. It’s made out of a flaky pastry and filled with cheese and both spinach or leek. It’s just like the Greek Spanakopita and is a scrumptious noon snack.
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 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 try FindFour, on Boulevardi Republika within the heart of town, for native meals in a classy setting.
Tackle: Previous Bazaar, Boulevardi Republika
13. Attempt Raki at Cafe-Museum Komiteti
Probably the greatest locations to go to in Korce is indisputably the well-known Komiteti cafe. You’ll discover one in many of the major cities and cities in Albania. Komiteti can be one among my favourite bars in Tirana, so be sure to pop in when you’re within the capital!
An unbelievable bar crossed with a museum with a lot of fascinating artifacts and memorabilia from communist time, Komiteti is a superb place to study and sit back with a couple of drinks.
It focuses on raki, the standard alcoholic drink that you just’ll come throughout incessantly 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 fantastic 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 certainly probably the greatest locations to go to in Korce.
Tackle: 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 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 positioned simply behind the cathedral within the heart of 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 fastidiously 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 when you love historic historical past, this hidden gem might be probably the greatest issues so as to add to your itinerary.
Tackle: 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 a superb choice for households, it’s additionally probably the greatest locations in Korce for {couples}. It’s residence 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 can even take just a little picnic. It’s an ideal place to go to in Korce for a break free from town and for some contemporary air.
Tackle: Parku Rinia, Korce, Albania
Fast Journey Itineraries For Korce
There are such a lot of implausible vacationer sights in Korce that it may be troublesome 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 positively advocate becoming a member of a strolling tour. It will cowl the very 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 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 Purple Tower within the afternoon for unbelievable views over town. Soak up one of many museums or when you desire 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
When you’ve got a few days to see the very best locations in Korce then begin off with the 1-day itinerary above to get to know your manner round and get your bearings.
In your second day, contemplate mountain climbing the unbelievable Morava Mountain. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from some unbelievable views and a few superb 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.
When you’ve got 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
When you’ve got a full week to spend then you definately’ll have the ability to tick off all of the superb, enjoyable issues to do in Korce at a pleasant, leisurely tempo.
On prime of the itineraries above, take a day journey out to Voskopoje to study extra about life in rural Albania and revel in exploring this charming city.
Take a bit extra time to actually soak within the ambiance of Korce by its sturdy cafe tradition. Decelerate and take a look at a few of the many alternative cafes in Korce as you sit again and people-watch. Go to Komiteti for one thing a bit completely different; pattern their raki flight and loosen up on St George’s Boulevard watching the locals going about their every day enterprise.
The place to Keep in Korce
These are a couple of of the very 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 have the ability to benefit from the unbelievable 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 conventional inn, consistent with its environment, whereas on the identical time, presents a luxurious stick with tremendous comfortable rooms overlooking the courtyard. A shocking 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 massive vary of eating places and bars within the heart, if you wish to expertise the very best of Korce’s nightlife, then I like to recommend basing your self close to the Cathedral within the heart of town.
From right here, all the principle vacationer sights in Korce are inside simple attain. Equally, the very best bars and eating places are on this a part of city. Take a look at the wonderful Boulevard Boutique Aparthotel positioned on the favored Bulevardi Fan Noli.
Parku Rinia – Finest for {Couples}
If you need easy accessibility to town heart and to have the ability to escape the hustle and bustle of town, then there are some wonderful choices close to Parku Rinia.
Check out the unbelievable Vila Eden Boutique Resort. This lodge retains its conventional appears and combines them with tremendous romantic and fashionable twists. It’s a stupendous place for {couples} to retreat to after days out within the metropolis heart.
Finest Eating places in Korce
Don’t miss these nice locations to eat in Korce:
Antik Restaurant & Pizza
Antik is the very best place to go to in Korce for a implausible pizza. I additionally beloved the salad right here because the parts have been giant, and the substances have 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 have been mouthwatering. The pasta dishes are all contemporary and home made, and the pizzas are superb 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 just a little 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 widespread with locals, and it’s simple to see why. The parts are big, costs are cheap, and most significantly, the meals is totally scrumptious.
Whilst you don’t need to eat them, they do focus on frogs and snails, which though scrumptious, are completely not obligatory! There are many different implausible dishes on the menu in addition to. Click on right here for instructions.
Vila Cofiel
Vila Cofiel must be one of the vital stress-free and picturesque eating places in Korce. Everybody right here is tremendous pleasant and welcoming, they usually have stay 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
Should you’re touring to Korce, it’s possible that you just’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 value round 500 Lek ($5). Alternatively, there are shuttle buses that carry round 8 individuals. It will likely be just a little costlier, however doubtlessly extra comfy.
It’s also possible to journey instantly from Korca to and from Thessaloniki in Greece and from Ohrid, North Macedonia; two widespread locations on the backpacker path within the Balkans.
Lastly, you may also lease a automotive, which is a superb choice when you’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 here 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 often known as being a cool and relaxed metropolis.
You may go to Korce all yr spherical. The most effective time is to go to in spring, so you possibly can 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 plenty of tasty locations to eat and drink. It has a really relaxed vibe which is completely 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. When you’ve got roughly time, I nonetheless advocate a visit, it’s a very stunning place.
Like most of Albania (doubtlessly 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 ideal 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, the very best 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 pretty Lake Ohrid.
Though not a meals, you can positively 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 in fact!
Korca is named Little Paris on account of its charming structure and since it’s thought of 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 very stunning metropolis, from the gorgeous structure to the stunning 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.
