What to Do in Korce: Albania’s Cultural Gem
Korce completely surprised me. The traditional European architecture, historic cobblestone neighbourhoods, sidewalk Orthodox chapels, expansive tree lined boulevards and parks – it’s a beautiful city. I spent 10 days discovering Korce, and this is what I did.
What to Do in Korce, Albania’s Cultural Gem
If you’re wondering if Korce is worth visiting, you’ll find more than enough here to keep you busy.
Korce has a long history of cultural, artistic and educational philanthropy. It’s an intellectual city of museums, newspapers and theatres. It’s wonderfully authentic and off the beaten path. And locals are friendly and welcoming.
If you’re trying to decide between Korce and Pogradec, read this!
This is what I did in Korce:
1. Free Walking Tour
I always like to do a free walking tour when arriving in a new destination. It’s a great way to get the history of a place, cover the main sites and ask for tips on where to eat and what to see.
I always book my walking tours through GuruWalk. In Korce I was lucky to get a tour with Mario of Explore Korca Tour Guide. He’s a teacher and lifetime resident of Korce.
He took me through the different neighbourhoods, past churches and museums all the way to Martyr’s Cemetery for incredible views of the city. The tour lasted almost 3 hours, and I learned a lot about Korce.
A free tour is not actually free. At the end of the tour you tip your guide what you feel the tour was worth.
2. Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral
There is no way you can visit Korce and not see this cathedral. It sits on a prominent location overlooking the main pedestrian promenade and dominates the neighbourhood.
It’s also a central meeting spot for locals, with a busy cafe next door and children playing in the large square out front.
After most of the churches were destroyed during communism, the majority Orthodox residents fought for and were granted permission to build the cathedral. It was completed in 1996 and is now one of Albania’s largest Orthodox churches.
Don’t just walk past, go inside and take a look at the beautiful frescoes and carved iconostasis. It’s truly stunning.
3. Bulevardi Shen Gjergji
In the centre of Korce is Bulevardi Shen Gjergji (St George Boulevard) – the lovely pedestrian promenade. Perfect for strolling and stopping for a meal or coffee, or heading into one of the museums.
The promenade starts at Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral, and takes you to the Panoramic Tower at the opposite end. In between are cobblestone roads, parks and the phantom church of St. George, symbolically outlined in paint on the cobblestones.
in the evening, take part in the Albanian tradition of ‘xhiro’ (evening walk) – a very culturally authentic thing to do in Korce.
4. Museum of Education
This isn’t a big museum, but it is a huge source of pride for locals. It’s the first secular school in Albania, opened in 1887, and where the Shqipe (Albanian) language and alphabet were preserved during the Ottoman era.
The building was the home of Diamanti Terpo, and he donated it to the school. This is one of the reasons Korce is known for philanthropy and education.
5. Gjon Mili Museum
This was the most surprising thing I saw in Korce. I had never heard of the photographer Gjon Mili before, but as I have since learned, he’s considered one of the greatest photographers of all time.
He photographed a wide range of subjects, spanning movie stars, politicians, artists and singers. Strolling through the exhibits I kept seeing iconic photographs I recognized from past covers of Life and Time magazines: Billie Holiday, Albert Einstein, Pablo Picasso, the Watergate scandal.
The museum is located in the iconic canary yellow Romania House on Bulevardi Shen Gjergji, the pedestrian promenade.
6. Panoramic (Red) Tower
This was one of the stops on my Korce free walking tour. Mario the guide told me we were very lucky, because it’s usually closed. There’s no elevator but it was worth the climb for the views of Korce.
7. Korce Old Bazaar
The historic bazaar is 500 years old, and was an important stop on Balkan trade routes.
Today it’s a Korce success story – the market was extensively restored in 2015 with massive government funding. It is now one of the main social and cultural hubs of Korce, full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and traditional ‘hans’ or inns.
In fact it has been so successful, other Albanian cities, like Pogradec, are following suit and restoring their old bazaars, modelling the example of Korce.
8. Xhamia e Iljaz Mirahorit (Mirahori Mosque)
This is one of the oldest mosques in Albania and classified as a Category I Cultural Monument. Originally built in 1496, by Iljaz Bey Mirahori (the founder of Korce), it has survived occupations and communism.
Beside the mosque is a clock tower, originally built in 1784 but destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt (like the minaret). This is similar to the Et’hem Bey Mosque in Tirana, another very old mosque.
When I visited the mosque it was closed, so I couldn’t get inside. It’s open for prayer times.
9. National Museum of Medieval Art
This was the best museum I visited in Korce. I’m not very interested in religious art, but even I found the collection impressive.
The museum has over 7000 pieces of iconic art from the 13th to 18th centuries – all saved from churches across Albania. It’s one of the best religious art museums in the Balkans.
It’s interesting to see the historic icons in such a contemporary setting. Definitely a must visit site in Korce.
10. Martyr’s Cemetery
Lots of Albanian cities have martyr’s cemeteries, and the one in Korce is on top of a hill with decent views.
When I walked there I took the road near the Birra Korca Factory, and took the stairs to go down back into the neighbourhood behind the Resurrection of Christ Orthodox Cathedral.
If you did the reverse you could stop at the Birra Korca Factory for a brew and lunch after. The food there is surprisingly good.
11. Kisha e Shen Ilias
This little church is up on a hill on the far side of the neighbourhood I stayed in. I noticed it up there and thought it would make a nice walk for the dog. It turned out to be one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen in Albania.
From the outside it’s just a simple stone church, but inside every inch is painted with stunning frescoes, including a gorgeous pantrocrator on the domed ceiling.
It’s a lovely, peaceful setting, with the bonus of communist era bunker painted like a ladybug in the field outside.
12. Vangjush Mio House & Museum
This is the former home of one of Albania’s most famous painters, Vangjush Mio. Mio was renowned for his Albanian landscape painting.
The museum was just around the corner from my Airbnb so I walked past a couple of times hoping it would be open, but it wasn’t. My walking tour guide told me it’s very hit and miss.
So when walking the cobblestone streets behind the Cathedral, stroll past the museum. Maybe you’ll get lucky.
13. Bratko Museum of Oriental Art
The museum is based on 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.
Boria named the museum after his mother who lived in Korce. Sadly, he was forbidden (during the communist regime) from returning to Albania to see his mother before she died.
The museum was temporarily closed when I visited Korce, but it seemed like it would be worthwhile.
14. Birra Korca Factory
Albania’s best and most famous beer is made right in Korce. Visitors can take a free tour and do a beer tasting. There’s also a large and really nice beer garden with attached restaurant. On summer weekends they have traditional Albanian music.
When I showed up at the factory on a Saturday nobody was there, so I just wandered around until the security guard returned from his lunch, smelling very much like beer. It turns out the tours are only Monday to Friday (12 noon and 2:00 pm).
Instead, I had lunch in the restaurant and got a beer on tap (80 lek – $1 USD). A local told me this is a popular restaurant with residents, and the food was very good.
15. Rruga Kico Greco Market
If you want to get off the tourist route and see where the locals eat and shop, just head over to Rruga Kico Greco. It’s a main street, just down the road from Korce Old Bazaar.
This is a great place to pick up food souvenirs at the best prices, like local honey or mountain tea.
Both sides of the street are full of shops, with makeshift displays on the sidewalks. It has a bit of a flea market vibe, but both times I went it was very busy – and no tourists.
While you’re there grab a sausage or kofte sandwich at Kantina Katalia. The food truck has Michelin worthy food!
16. Historic Neighbourhoods
Behind Bulevardi Republika (where the Cathedral is located), there are wonderful historic areas with cobblestone streets and traditional homes. Some are beautifully maintained, while other are crumbling away.
The streets behind the Cathedral are the most popular, but you’ll find these old cobblestone streets on the other side of Bulevardi Rebublika as well, behind the Park Plazza Hotel.
17. Kisha e Ristozit (Holy Resurrection Church)
One afternoon I decided to walk 2.5 km to the nearby town of Mborje. I wanted to see the historic church with 14th century frescoes. I went on a Sunday figuring this is when the church was most likely to be open, but it was closed.
It was a bit uphill on the way, so if possible get a ride to Mborje and walk back. Even better if you can get advice from a local about when the church is open.
The Birra Korca Factory is on the way back, so do what I did and stop for a pint and some lunch after!
18. Voskopoja
Voskopoja is 20 km from Korce, so you do need a car to get there (there were no buses when I visited), but it’s well worth it.
The mountain village is the most famous one in eastern Albania, known for its natural beauty and 17th and 18th century Orthodox churches.
While visitors flock here in summer to see the incredible church frescoes, it’s also a hugely popular winter destination because of its fairy tale appearance in snow.
See how I fit all of this into a 2 or 3 day visit in this Korce itinerary.
Best time to Visit Korce
Korce is one of the few Albanian destinations that is great year round. In fact, Korce is almost as popular in winter as summer.
I had no idea until I visited that Korce is one of Albania’s most popular winter destinations. Europeans, especially the French, love Korce in winter. They come for the holiday markets, snow, and easy access to the winter villages of Dardhe and Voskopoja.
Summers in Korce are hot, but the temperatures are several degrees lower than tourist hotspots like the Albanian Riviera, Tirana or Berat. Summer is also the time of the annual Beer Festival, in August.
Spring and autumn are great for exploring Korce. Expect cooler temperatures and less tourists, but as I found out, not all attractions are open.
How to Get to Korce
You can get to Korce by bus, private transfer (taxi) or renting a car and driving.
By Bus: 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.
When I travelled to Korce I was coming from Berat. I didn’t want to take the direct bus at 4:30 am, so I took the bus to Elbasan and then hopped in a shared taxi to Korce.
It was a bit of an unexpected adventure (I thought it would be an easy bus to bus transfer), but I did get dropped off right at my Korce Airbnb, which was fabulous. The shared taxi was 1000 lek ($12 USD), and the drive over 2 hours, so a great bargain.
Check this website for bus schedules. The schedule is not always 100% exact, but it’s close enough to give you a very good idea.
By Private Transfer (taxi): The most expensive, but easiest way to reach Korce. I have not done this particular route by private transfer, so check with a couple of places for prices.
I use Taxi Landi for these kind of transfers in Albania. They’re very good, reliable and pet friendly. But also check with a local taxi company to compare.
By Rental Car: Depending on where you’re coming from, the drive can be very scenic heading into Korce.
If you had a car in Korce you could explore the nearby villages of Dardhe and Voskopoja – both very beautiful. Or drive up to Pogradec and Lin for a day trip.
I’ve rented cars and driven in Albania several times. Honestly, I think it’s easier to drive in Albania than Greece. Lots of mountain roads, but most are in good shape, and local drivers are courteous.
Where to Stay in Korce
Korce has a good variety of hotels and guest houses, including heritage inns.
My favourite area to stay in is on, or near Bulevardi Republika. It’s a beautiful street with lots of restaurants, cafes and shops, and you can walk everywhere from there. I recommend these Korce hotels and guest houses:
- 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.
Where to Eat in Korce
Korce has some really good food, and a surprising number of creperies. These were my favourite places to eat in Korce:
Le Paris: Excellent traditional French food. The owner makes everything himself, even the bread and pastries. Small place but wonderful atmosphere. Closed Mondays.
Birra Korca Factory: Surprisingly good food, and of course cheap beer at 80 lek ($1 USD) a mug on tap. Giant outdoor and indoor beer garden. It’s a local favourite.
Mik Mak: The place to come for the local specialty lakror. Lakror is the flaky savoury pastry made with a variety of fillings. I came here almost every morning for a slice.
Kantina Katalia Fast Food: Amazing sandwiches from this food truck. The sausage and qofte sandwiches are excellent. Friendly, fast and cheap. Closed Sundays.
Where to Go After Korce
Because of Korce’s location in eastern Albania, it’s very easy to travel onward to northern Greece, North Macedonia and nearby Pogradec in Albania.
My fellow passengers in the shared taxi from Elbasan to Korce were on their way to Thessaloniki, Greece.
Keep in mind if you drive across a border in a rental car you need prior permission from the rental car company and extra insurance. I’ve driven over a few Albanian borders, and the border guards always check the car paperwork, but rarely ask for the dog’s paperwork.
Progradec, Albania
Pogradec is a lovely small city on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. I spent 11 days in Pogradec after Korce. The star attraction of Pogradec is the lake, giving this city a holiday vibe in summer.
Swimming, sunbathing, boating, strolling the long waterfront promenade and eating fresh fish are the main things to do. It’s also a good family destination.
It’s very easy to reach from Korce, only 40 km away. There are buses for 150 lek ($1.80), but I took a taxi for 2200 lek ($26 USD).
If you’d like to know more, read my guide to Pogradec.
Lin, Albania
A little further up Lake Ohrid from Pogradec is the village of Lin. Lin sits on a small peninsula and is one of the most scenic spots on Lake Ohrid.
It’s a popular day trip, and when I was there in mid October there were still tour groups and local visitors from Tirana.
The village goes all the way down the peninsula, and if you’re wearing decent shoes, you can take the trail to the top for amazing views. Lin is 60 km from Korce, about 1 hour by car.
Kastoria, Greece
Korce is not far from the Greek border, and you can drive to the northern Greek city of Kastoria in just over an hour. It’s only 68 km away.
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 beautiful lakefront location.
Ohrid, North Macedonia
Ohrid is the 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 id 76 km from Korce, about 1.5 hours by car.
Last Words on What to Do in Korce, Albania’s Cultural Gem
I was truly surprised by the beauty and charm of Korce. The centre is very European looking, there are parks everywhere, the food is excellent, and there’s many traditional guest houses to stay in. And locals are very friendly! Korce has become one of my favourite Albanian cities.
