Korce Travel Guide 2026: Albanian’s Best Winter Destination

This is my personal Korce travel guide, written after spending extended time in the city and getting to know it beyond the usual tourist trail.

Sometimes called the Paris of the Balkans, Korce is famous for its beauty, vibrant culture, intellectual heritage, museums and excellent cuisine.

It’s also a very popular winter destination, particularly with European travellers. Korce is already very pretty, but in snow it resembles a winter fairy tale. Festive lights adorn the cobblestone streets, and Christmas markets are set up around the city.

Korce is also the perfect base for exploring Albania’s most popular winter villages, Voskopoja and Dardhe.

Korce Travel Guide 2025

Korce is an under-visited destination in Albania. Most travellers flock to the capital city of Tirana or the beaches of the Albanian Riviera, and completely miss the south-eastern region of Albania.

In this Korce travel guide, I want to highlight why this under-visited corner of Albania deserves far more attention than it gets.

I’ve travelled around Albania extensively, and I think Korce is the loveliest non-UNESCO city in Albania. It has a real cultural, intellectual atmosphere and actually does feel Parisian sometimes.

Is Korce Worth Visiting?

Yes, Korce is well worth visiting. For one thing, it’s beautiful. The centre feels very European with grand old mansions, tree lined boulevards and parks everywhere.

It also has a fantastic and diverse food scene. I ate at traditional restaurants, French restaurants, creperies and food trucks. There’s even beer gardens!

Korce has plenty to see and do for a couple of days, and locals are incredibly friendly. It’s also more budget friendly compared to popular destinations like Gjirokaster or Berat.

Lastly, it’s one of the oldest cities in Albania, dating back to the 13th century. Korce is full of cobblestone streets, historic homes and a fantastic Ottoman era bazaar.

If you’re trying to decide between Korce and Pogradec, read this!

Brief History of Korce

Korce has been inhabited since the middle ages, with Illyrian tribes living there hundreds of years before the town was founded.

The town itself began in the late 15th century when Ottoman pasha Iljaz Bey Mirahori established it and built the Xhamia e Iljaz Mirahorit, one of Albania’s oldest mosques. The mosque is still active today, though restored and rebuilt through the years.

In the 18th and 19th centuries merchants who traded with Western Europe returned to Korce with new wealth. They built many of the elegant European style mansions and boulevards seen today, reflecting the architectural styles they saw abroad.

These wealthy merchants opened schools and cultural institutions, including the first Albanian-language school in 1887 (now the Museum of Education), establishing Korce’s reputation for philanthropy.

During the communist regime (1944-1991), Korce became industrialized, then declined before more recent revitalization. Today Korce is recognised as a cultural city, with its European influence and Ottoman history co-existing.

How Many Days in Korce Do You Need?

To explore the sites of Korce and see one of the nearby mountains villages (I highly recommend Voskopoja), 2-3 days is enough. Korce is very lovely though, and you may want to stay longer.

Here’s a perfect 2 or 3 day Korce itinerary.

I stayed in Korce for 10 days and would have been happy to stay longer.

Winter in Korce

Korce is almost as popular in winter as in summer. In fact, it’s Albania’s most popular winter destination, particularly with Europeans. As a Canadian, I don’t go looking for snow on vacation – but even I could see the charm of Korce in winter.

One of the reasons I wanted to create a more personal Korce travel guide was to show just how magical the city feels under snow.

Cozy guest houses with fireplaces, strolling through the cobblestone streets with a cup of warm mulled wine, or just enjoying the lights and holidays markets – Korce is beautiful in winter.

Korce is the perfect base for exploring the nearby villages Sinica, Arrez and Voskopoja, or the ski hill of Dardhe. These villages are hugely popular in winter, but small. Most visitors prefer to stay in Korce where there are plenty of restaurants and hotels.

Guide on How to Travel to Korce

Korce is in south-eastern Albania, not far from the Greek border. To get to Korce you can drive, take a private transfer (taxi), or bus. There is very limited rail service in Albania, and none to Korce.

How to Get to Korce by Bus – the Cheapest Way

There are direct buses to Korce from Tirana’s East Gate Bus Terminal (multiple buses daily), Saranda (once daily) and Berat (once daily, but at 4:30 am). You can even take a bus from Thessaloniki, Greece to Korce.

Buses are cheap in Albania. The fare from Tirana to Korce is 700 lek ($8.40 USD) for a 3 hour bus journey. Buses are often furgons – like mini buses or large passenger vans.

Check this website for bus schedules and routes. It’s not always 100% exact, but it’s close enough to give you a very good idea. I use this site all the time.

How to Get to Korce by Private Transfer (Taxi) – the Easiest Way

Just about any local taxi will do a private intercity transfer. It’s the easiest, but most expensive option.

When considering a private transfer in Albania I like to check with a local cab company or driver (I just ask the taxis waiting at the taxi stands), and with Taxi Landi. I’ve used Taxi Landi several times and they are always great – and they’re pet friendly.

I have a few reliable taxi companies listed on my Travel Resources Page.

The last time I was travelling to Korce I took a shared taxi from Elbasan for 1000 lek ($12 USD). So check for shared taxis also. It was very convenient because the driver brought me right to my Airbnb.

How to Rent a Car and Drive to Korce – the Most Flexible Way

First of all, Albanian drivers are not aggressive and terrible. I’ve done quite a bit of driving in Albania and found it easier than Italy or Greece.

Some drivers do drive fast, but they will pass you and keep going. They’re not rude at all. So if you are considering renting and car and driving in Albania, don’t pay attention to the negative comments about Albanian drivers.

With a car in Korce you could easily explore the beautiful mountain villages of Dardhe and Voskopoja. Or take a day trip to Pogradec and the village of Lin on Lake Ohrid.

Most hotels and guest houses include parking in the room rate, and there’s also street parking.

Where to Stay in Korce

There are a lot of gorgeous boutique hotels and guest houses in Korce. The city is small, so you can walk everywhere as long as you’re in the centre.

My favourite area to stay in Korce is around Bulevardi Republika – a wide boulevard with European style mansions, parks, restaurants and cafes.

These my favourite places to stay in Korce:

• Luxury: Vila E’bel Boutique Hotel & Spa
• Mid-range: Vila Lordev
• Budget: Hotel Vila Mano

Here is a more detailed guide on where to stay in Korce.

Things to See and Do in Korce

The great thing about Korce is it’s not big, and almost all the sites are in the centre. Korce does have public buses, but you won’t need them. You’ll be able to walk everywhere.

1. Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral

This is Korce’s largest and most important Orthodox church. It’s right by the main promenade and dominates the centre. In fact, I often used the spire as a landmark when navigating back to my Airbnb. It’s a beautiful church, so venture inside.

2. Bulevardi Shen Gjergji

Bulevardi Shen Gjergji (St. George Boulevard) is the main pedestrian promenade in the centre. It is a lovely street with historic mansions converted into museums and restaurants, cafes and parks.

3. Free Walking Tour

If your time is limited, take a free walking tour to see the highlights. I always book free walking tours through GuruWalk. In Korce I was lucky to get Mario of Explore Korca Tour Guide. He’s a teacher and lifetime resident of Korce.

At the end of the tour you just tip your guide what you feel the tour was worth.

4. Museum of Education

The museum is the original and first secular school in Albania, opened in 1887. It is a great source of pride for locals as the school was instrumental in preserving the national language (Shqipe – aka Albanian) and alphabet during the Ottoman era.

5. Gjon Mili Museum

Gjon Mili is considered one of the greatest photographers of all time, and he was an Albanian from Korce. The collection of photographs is astonishing. Depending on your age, you may recognize many of the prints and subjects.

The museum is located in the iconic Romania House on the main promenade.

6. Panoramic (Red) Tower

At the far end of the pedestrian promenade is this viewing tower. It’s often closed, but walk past and see if you can get in. The views of Korce from the top are fantastic. There’s no elevator, but it’s not super high.

7. Korce Old Bazaar

The historic bazaar is 500 years old, and was an important stop on Balkan trade routes during the Ottoman era. It was extensively restored in 2015 and today is of the busiest and most popular cultural and social meeting spots in Korce.

The main square is filled with cafes, restaurants and traditional inns, while the cobblestone lanes surrounding the square are filled with little shops.

8. Xhamia e Iljaz Mirahorit (Mirahori Mosque)

The founder of Korce, Iljaz Bey Mirahori built this mosque in 1496. It is one of the oldest working mosques in Albania. The mosque and minaret have been rebuilt and restored over the centuries, but original parts still stand.

9. National Museum of Medieval Art

An incredible collection of historic icons and religious artefacts from across Albania are housed in this Korce museum. It is considered one of the best religious art museums in the Balkans. It was the most impressive museum I visited in in Korce.

10. Vangjush Mio House & Museum

This is the former home of one of Albania’s most famous painters, Vangjush Mio. He was renowned for his Albanian landscape painting.

I was staying very close to it and walked by several times but it was always closed. Give it a try if you’re in the area. It’s in the historic neighbourhood behind the Resurrection of Christ Cathedral.

11. Bratko Museum of Oriental Art

The museum contains the personal collection of George Dimitri Boria, an American Albanian photographer. He spent 14 years living in Japan and collected a vast array of Asian art.

The museum was temporarily closed when I visited Korce, but it seemed like it would be worthwhile.

12. Birra Korca Factory

Albania’s most famous beer is made right in Korce. You can sample Korca beer in the large beer garden and have a meal at the surprisingly good restaurant. One of the best meals I had in Korce was here.

Free tours of the factory are offered at 12 noon and 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

13. Martyr’s Cemetery

Korce’s Martyr’s Cemetery is dedicated to soldiers and partisans who died during WWII. It is located on a hill above the city and has good views of Korce. You can take the road on the way there, and the stairs that lead into the centre on the way back.

14. Kisha e Shen Ilias

A small Orthodox church on top of a hill at the far side of town. I walked up there with my dog. It’s a peaceful spot and the church itself is stunning. Every square inch of the interior is covered in beautiful frescoes and icons. Absolutely worth the short hike.

Keep an eye out for the ladybug bunker in the field.

15. Rruga Kico Greco Market

Rruga Kico Greco is Korce’s main commercial street, and it’s very close to the Old Bazaar. The market is located on the main part of the street, near Rruga Viktimat e 7 Shkurtit.

It’s not touristy at all, this is where the locals shop. If you want to pick up souvenirs at regular prices, like honey or mountain tea, this is where to come.

Best Day Trips from Korce

The best day trips from Korce are the mountain villages of Voskopoja and Dardhe, or Pogradec and Lin on Lake Ohrid.

• Dardhe: A picturesque mountain village 18 km from Korce. It’s beautiful year round, but more popular in winter because of the Biggel ski resort.
• Voskopoja: The most famous mountain village in south-eastern Albania, known for incredible 17th and 18th century Orthodox churches and stunning natural beauty, especially in winter. It’s 20 km from Korce.
• Pogradec: Small city on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. The lake front location is beautiful. In summer visitors can swim, sunbathe, go boating and stroll the long water front promenade. It’s 40 km from Korce.
• Lin: A quaint village on a small peninsula rutting into Lake Ohrid. It’s charming and one of the most scenic spots on Lake Ohrid. People even come from Tirana for the day. It’s 60 km from Korce, about one hour by car.

Where to Eat in Korce

Korce has a fantastic food scene. I ate at French and traditional restaurants, beer gardens, cafes, food trucks, creperies and specialty lakror shops. For such a small city, it has a varied food scene – just as good as Tirana.

There are quite a few crepes places and at least two French restaurants, unusual in Albania. But Korce gets a lot of French tourists (especially in winter), so I guess the restaurant scene has adapted.

My favourite places to eat in Korce are:

• Le Paris: Homestyle French cooking with some Albanian dishes and influences. Small and cozy place. My favourite Korce restaurant.
• Birra Korca Factory: Fantastic restaurant and beer garden at the Birra Korca factory – Albania’s oldest and most famous beer. Very good grilled meats.
• Mik Mak: Specialty lakror shop, and they cook them the traditional way on hot embers, under an iron dome called a sac. The best in Korce (I went daily). Take out only.
• Kantina Katalia Fast Food: My favourite food truck in Korce. Amazing qofte and sausage sandwiches.

Here is a more detailed guide on where to eat in Korce.

Where to Go After Korce

Korce is in south-eastern Albania and it’s actually closer to Greece and North Macedonia than many Albanian destinations.

Kastoria, Greece

Kastoria is a small and picturesque city well loved by Greeks, but way off the beaten tourist trail. Historically it was famous for its fur trade, but now it’s also known for the cooler summer weather and a beautiful lakefront location.

I visited Kastoria from Thessaloniki a few years ago and it really is lovely. You can drive there from Korce in just over an hour. It’s 68 km away.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Ohrid is a small city on the North Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid. Lake Ohrid and the town of Ohrid are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

I spent a month in Ohrid with my dog and we both loved it. It’s a charming town with Byzantine churches, cobblestone streets, a hilltop fortress, ancient amphitheatre and Ottoman era houses. There’s a long promenade along the lake that leads up into a beautiful forest. And cafes everywhere.

The town of Ohrid is 76 km from Korce, about 1.5 hours by car.

Berat, Albania

Berat is Albania’s most beautiful historic city. Together with Gjirokaster, the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s often dubbed the city of thousand windows.

The first time I visited Berat was as a day trip from Vlore, and I immediately regretted that decision. It’s the kind of place you want to slow down and enjoy.

The city is a post card everywhere you look. Ottoman era homes rise up on both sides of the Osum River, Berat Castle (one of the oldest living castles in Europe) dominates from the hilltop, there are cobblestone streets, historic Islamic and Christian quarters, ancient mosques and Byzantine churches.

Here is a more detailed look at why Berat is worth visiting.

Berat is 156 km from Korce, and if you don’t have a car, there are several daily buses. Berat is closer to Vlore, than Saranda – so if you’re heading to Vlore, it’s a logical stop.

Gjirokaster, Albania

This is another gorgeous historic city. It’s closer to Saranda than Berat, so if you’re headed to that part of the Albanian Riviera, Gjirokaster fits in well.

Like Berat, it has a UNESCO listed old town and historic castle. Gjirokaster also has a restored 17th century Ottoman bazaar and many historic mansions. It’s smaller than Berat, so a good choice if you have limited time or just want to spend the day there.

Here is a more detailed guide to visiting Gjirokaster.

It’s 189 km from Korce, so several hours drive, but a great place for a day or two if you’re on your way to Saranda.

Saranda, Albania

Saranda is a lovely small city on the Ionian Sea. It is considered the capital of the Albanian Riviera, and has a Mediterranean vibe – completely different from Korce.

In Saranda you’ll see lots of palm trees, beaches, enjoy seafood and ocean front cafes. While there are a few sites to see, the main attractions of Saranda are the beaches and seafront location.

Saranda to Corfu, Greece is a popular day trip. It only takes 30 minutes by ferry to travel between the two.

Here is more detailed guide on visiting Saranda, Albania.

Saranda is 223 km from Korce, over 4 hours by car. There is one direct bus from Korce to Saranda daily.

FAQs About Korce Travel Guide

Last Words on Korce Travel Guide: Albania’s Best Winter Destination

Korce is one of my favourite Albanian destinations, and writing this travel guide has only reminded me why. I tend to visit in shoulder season or summer, but Korce is one of the few places in Albania I’d happily return to in winter.

Between the cozy guesthouses serving raki by the fireplace, cobblestone streets strung with festive lights, and the holiday markets, Korce becomes a winter fairy tale – and a wonderful year-round escape.

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