Best Things to do in Korca, Albania (2024 Guide)

In southeastern Albania, you’ll find the lovely city of Korca, only a 3-hour drive from Tirana. It’s away from the usual tourist spots but worth the visit for its unique architecture and charm. If you’re exploring Albania, don’t miss out on Korca.

If you want a rich cultural experience, you must visit Korca. It’s the eighth-largest city in the country, with a history dating back to the 13th century. Korca has the first Albanian language school, great museums, old churches, and lovely architecture.

Known as ‘The City of Serenades’, Korca earned its moniker from romantic melodies once serenaded from its European villas’ balconies and courtyards in the 1930s, retaining its allure and nostalgic ambiance. Whether you’re strolling through its cobblestone streets or indulging in its renowned culinary delights, a visit to Korca promises to be an unforgettable journey through Albania’s cultural tapestry.

Korca can be your starting or final stop in Albania, offering a unique atmosphere distinct from the rest of the country. Unlike Gjirokaster and Berat, which feel like preserved museums, Korca is vibrant, with green spaces, lively beer gardens, a university campus, and cultural landmarks, including its own brewery.

Korca, with its Greek and Aromanian background, has a unique charm shown in its buildings, food, and atmosphere. It’s not a usual tourist place, but it’s worth a visit for a few days. This guide showcases its best spots, aiming to encourage you to explore this captivating city close to the Greek-North Macedonian border.

Best Time to Visit Korca?

Korca’s mild climate makes it appealing year-round. Winter offers chilly nights and snow, while warmer months bring festivals and events. If you’re traveling Albania during quieter times, be sure to visit Korca and add it to your itinerary.

In April, Korca hosts a two-week Spring Fair with outdoor markets and parades. June brings Carnival, July features the Lakror Fest celebrating pies and culinary traditions. August is for the Beer Fest, and October, the Apple Fest.

No matter when you plan your visit, there’s always a special event to enjoy in Korca. Find more information, including future dates, here.

How long to stay in Korce?

Korca, being a small and easily walkable town, lends itself well to exploration. To thoroughly experience its attractions and points of interest, I suggest staying for a minimum of 2 days, though you could easily extend your visit.

When you visit Korca, you’ll find yourself constantly entertained. Our days were filled with delightful lunch feasts, relaxed afternoon drinks, and leisurely evening walks!

Read also: The Best Time to Visit Albania (2024 Guide)

Accommodation Options in Korca

Boutique: Nestled within the historic confines of the Old Bazaar, Hani I Pazarit offers a charming retreat with its quaint internal courtyard and renowned restaurant. While the rooms may be somewhat compact, they are lavishly adorned with wooden bathtubs and exposed brick walls.

Luxury: For those inclined towards contemporary elegance, Life Gallery Hotel stands as a beacon of modernity. Characterized by its minimalist design and pristine white timber accents, the hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and, in select rooms, luxurious freestanding baths.

Mid-range: Positioned on the north-eastern periphery, Bujtina Oxhaku presents a cozy ambiance reminiscent of an Alpine lodge. Generously sized balconies afford picturesque city vistas, while the rooms exude warmth and comfort, adorned with vibrant carpets and antique furnishings.

Budget: Offering a no-frills yet welcoming atmosphere, Korca Backpackers Hostel caters to both dormitory and private accommodation needs. Guests can enjoy complimentary bicycles, a charming garden, and endless cups of tea.

Airbnb: The Stone-and-timber Art House epitomizes sophistication with its tasteful blend of antiques and Albanian carpets. Situated in a local neighborhood within walking distance of the cathedral, it offers a unique and culturally immersive experience.

9 Best things to do in Korce, Albania

The city is wonderfully pedestrian-friendly, so don your most comfortable shoes and embark on a journey to discover the charming cobblestone streets by foot. Whether you’re exploring local cafes, admiring historic architecture, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Korca offers a delightful array of experiences for visitors. Be sure to visit Korca for a taste of its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality.

1. Enter The Resurrection Of Christ Cathedral

The Resurrection of Christ Cathedral sits proudly in the heart of the city and is Korca’s defining landmark. Finished in 1994, it also happens to be the largest Orthodox cathedral in all of Albania.

The design and colour scheme is reminiscent of a Greek church – that’s partly because Greece patronised the reconstruction (along with Romanian and Aromanian benefactors) following the demolition of the original St. George Church in 1968 on orders of the ruling Communist party.

Inside, the Korce Cathedral is cavernous and minimally decorated. Beautiful mosaics and carved wooden lamps are the main features. You’ll notice it bears a striking resemblance to the cathedral in Tirana that carries the same name.

Tip: If you’re interested in seeing more Albanian churches, there are several more on the eastern city limits. Of the original 24 Orthodox churches built in Korçë between the 16th and 18th centuries, eight are still standing today. Of particular note are the frescoes inside the Church of Christ’s Ascension.

2. Visit The Gjon Mili Photography Museum

Ascending the winding staircases of the Panoramic Tower, one can’t help but notice the vibrant art posters adorning the once bare concrete walls. These striking pieces are the creations of the esteemed local photographer, Gjon Mili.

Mili, born in Korca but grew up in Romania, was a famous Life magazine photographer from the 1940s to 1984. He’s famous for his innovative light photography and worked with big names like Man Ray. He also photographed notable figures like Pablo Picasso.

The Gjon Mili Museum has lots of his famous photos, plus family pictures and letters. Mili’s work covers his life, including big events like the moon landing and Watergate. His photos are famous and often seen in movies and TV.

Read also: Renting a Car in Albania: The Complete Guide 2024

Tip : The museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays) from 9 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm, with admission being free.

3. Visit Korca Bazaar

Korca’s Ottoman-style Bazaar was once busy with 1,000 shops and two famous inns. It reflects the city’s history, including the Old Elbasan and Old Monastery. Renovated in 2015, it’s now a prime example in the Balkans of reviving an old market into a bustling community center. If you’re in Korca, don’t skip this place!

In the heart of the town, there’s a lovely square with old-fashioned cafes and taverns. People sit outside, chatting and enjoying themselves. Families and friends come together under shady areas, making the place feel friendly. This spot offers a real taste of Albanian coffee customs. The square has narrow streets for walking, leading to small stores, art galleries, and unique shops.

4. Enjoy a Cold Brew at Birra Korca Brewery

For decades, Korca has been a hub of beer production, birthing Albania’s renowned beer brand: Birra Korça. Established in 1928 by an Italian investor, it was the country’s first brewed beer.

Despite wartime disruptions and communist control, the brewery restarted in 2004. Now, Korca brewery makes 120,000 hectoliters per year. Blonde Birra Korca has a great taste, even if you’re not a beer lover. It’s made with spring water from Morava Mountain, giving it a light, refreshing flavor. The brewery also makes dark lagers and ales.

Experience the array of flavors at Birra Korçë beer factory, doubling as an al fresco dining spot and beer garden. Located in the city’s eastern district, just a 1.5km stroll from the Old Bazaar via Bulevardi Fan Noli Korçë, it’s one of the city’s most charming hangouts. Freshly tapped kegs and savory snacks await.

Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy the gentle sunlight filtering through the foliage as locals gather. It’s family-friendly, with brewery tours and beer tastings available upon request.

5. Explore the Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art

The National Museum of Medieval Art is near Birra Korca. It’s made for 7,000 art pieces, mainly Orthodox icons. They’re made from wood, metal, and stone. A famous piece there is a picture of Archangel Michael, known as the ‘Mona Lisa of the Balkans.’ It also holds works by Onufri, a famous painter from Berat.

When you walk in, you’ll see a huge ‘Golden Wall’ covered in 16th-century icons. Each one is different and has its own story. You can spend hours looking at all the details in the wood and the paintings.

The museum, built in 2016, boasts remarkable architecture. It aims to immerse visitors in art, featuring spacious interiors and vibrant lighting. Entry is 700 lek, a tad pricey compared to other Balkan museums, but it’s truly worthwhile.

You can’t take pictures inside, so you’ll have to trust me when I say it’s one of the best things to do in Korca (or you can check the link for a sneak peek). It’s open from 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays (closed Mondays). Entry is 700 lek.

6. Visit Korca Mirahori Mosque

Right in the middle of town, there’s a really old mosque called the Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque. It’s been around since the 15th century. Inside, you can see some famous paintings of Mecca and other important places for Muslims.

In the 1990s, the tall tower of the mosque was knocked down by the government. But after Albania got free from the government’s control over religion, they built it back up again to show their freedom.

There’s also a school and a big clock tower in the same area. People see the clock tower as a symbol of the city.

7. Explore the history of the Albanian language at the first Albanian school & museum of education

Back in March 1887, the Mësonjëtorja opened its doors as the very first place where people were taught the written Albanian alphabet. Now called the National Museum of Education (Muzeu Kombëtar i Arsimit), this small school building is all about Albania’s language history.

Inside, you can see stuff about how the language started and the different alphabets it used. They’ve got old papers, books, and pictures to show you. It might not be the coolest museum in Korca, but it’s still neat to learn about this unique language that’s different from others around here.

Tip : The museum is open every day from 9 am to 2 pm and again from 4 pm to 6 pm.

8. Explore Korca’s Charming Architecture

For those with an appreciation for the artistry of street photography, I enthusiastically propose allocating a generous portion of your time to meandering through the captivating labyrinth of streets nestled behind the venerable Korca Cathedral.

As you traverse these enchanting pathways, you’ll discover that many of the quaint cobblestone alleys gracefully transition into gently ascending staircases, guiding you along the picturesque hillside landscape.

Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the intricate details of this historical district, where every corner reveals a new vignette waiting to be captured through your lens.

9. Visit the Archaeological Museum

If you have time for only one more museum, check out the Archaeological Museum. It has ancient stuff from a long time ago, like the Stone Age, showing early times in Korca.

The museum is in a strong stone building behind the cathedral. It opened in the 1990s. There aren’t many signs, but there are usually staff to guide you and answer questions.

It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 7pm, and Sunday from 9am to 2pm. If the door is locked, call the number on it, and someone will come to open it for you. It costs 200 lek to get in.

Looking for top-notch dining spots in Korca?

Check out these stellar restaurants where you can savor authentic Albanian cuisine and indulge in local delicacies like lakror.

FINDFOUR: Nestled on Boulevard Republika, FINDFOUR is a chic cafe offering mouthwatering white bean lakror and delectable handmade pasta. Don’t miss out on their chicken, bacon, and almond risotto.

VILA COFIEL: With its inviting ambiance, Vila Cofiel is my go-to spot in Korçë. I couldn’t resist returning three times! Treat yourself to their scrumptious balsamic pork and signature house salad. As a favorite among students, expect generous portions and wallet-friendly prices.

TAVERNA VASILI: Experience the charm of Taverna Vasili, boasting a cozy indoor dining area and a charming outdoor terrace. Indulge in Pacavure Korce, a local dessert reminiscent of baklava but infused with orange juice.

Read also: Explore Albania: List of World Heritage Sites

Looking for more to do with your time? Consider a day trip from Korca.

Lake Ohrid & Monastery Saint Naum: Head north towards North Macedonia, and in just over an hour, you’ll reach the stunning Lake Ohrid. Nestled on its edge is the iconic Monastery Saint Naum, usually accessed by boat from Ohrid but equally reachable from the Albanian side. Positioned right on the border between the two countries, it offers a unique perspective. Besides exploring the monastery, you can enjoy a boat excursion on the lake and indulge in lunch at Pogradec, the largest town on the Albanian shore.

Galicica National Park: For the more adventurous souls, Galicica National Park awaits just across the border in North Macedonia. This expansive protected area encompasses Mount Galicica, offering breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. During warmer months, the park boasts hiking and mountain biking trails, promising an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Voskopojë: Only a 30-minute drive west of Korca lies Voskopojë, a quaint village steeped in history. In the 18th century, it served as the cultural hub of Albania’s Aromanian community, thriving in commerce, literature, and education. Notably, it housed the first printing press outside Istanbul in the Ottoman-controlled Balkans. Today, amidst charming old houses and historic churches, you’ll discover excellent dining options, with Taverna Voskopojë being a local favorite.

How to get to Korca?

From Tirana: Buses departing for Korca depart from Tirana’s Terminali i Transportit Ndërkombëtar dhe Kosovës throughout the day, starting as early as 5:45 am and continuing until the mid-afternoon. The journey typically lasts 3 to 3.5 hours and is priced at 500 lek.

From Saranda/Gjirokaster: A single daily bus embarks from Saranda at 5:30 am, making a stop at Gjirokaster around 6:30 am before proceeding to Korca. This route takes approximately 5.5 hours, traversing bumpy yet picturesque roads. Ticket prices were 1,300 lek per person at our time of travel, but fares may vary based on fuel costs.

Read also: Best Things to do in Tirana, Albania (2024 Guide)

Travelling onward from Korca to Greece

Korçë stands merely 35km away from the Greek border via road, making it an ideal starting point for crossing into Greece from Albania. The journey to Thessaloniki typically spans around 6.5 hours by coach, with several companies offering two or three daily services.

For optimal convenience, heed the advice of tourist information and head directly to one of the bus company offices on Bulevardi Gjergj Kastrioti (located behind the observation deck) instead of heading to the bus station. Direct tickets to Thessaloniki cost 2,450 lek (approximately 24 USD) per person during our travel period.

It’s advisable to purchase tickets a few days beforehand in case seats become scarce. Buses depart at 9:30 am from the downtown office, with several other services available around midday and early afternoon.

Is Korca expensive?

Compared to Berat or Gjirokastër, Korçë hosts fewer foreign tourists, which helps maintain reasonable accommodation prices. The city boasts numerous budget-friendly restaurants and bars catering to its sizable student population, making it a suitable destination for backpackers.

When planning your visit to Korçë, keep in mind that the most significant expenses, aside from accommodation, typically revolve around museum tickets. However, you can easily trim costs by indulging in free activities. Total budget for three days in Korçë amount to 9,945 lek (approximately 96 USD) for two people, excluding accommodation.

Is Albania safe for tourists?

Despite prevalent misconceptions about Albania, particularly smaller cities like Korçë, the country is generally safe for tourists, provided you exercise common sense and caution. Crime and pickpocketing are realities, but tourists are seldom the focus. Albanian people are predominantly welcoming and hospitable, always ready to lend a hand, whether it’s offering directions or sharing a cup of coffee.

Read also : Best Things to do in Albania in 2024

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