Korçë Albania Guide – Things To Do In Korca (Albanian Little Paris)

Perched on a plateau roughly 50 meters above sea level, framed by the Morava Mountains, Korçë—often spelled Korca or Korce —is a city that’s both a historical treasure and a cultural heartbeat. It’s home to Albania’s oldest building, echoing stories taking you back to the 13th century, and is a stone’s throw away from the serene Lake Ohrid. 

While it may fly under the radar compared to other European destinations, Korçë’s rich offering of experiences, from a bustling beer garden to historic churches, secures its spot as a beautiful city not to be missed.

Whether you’re here to explore the underrated or soak up the vibrant culture, Korçë is poised to become one of your favorite places to visit in Albania.

The Best Things To See And Things To Do In Korca

1. Resurrection Of Christ Cathedral

 

The most imposing building you will spot when looking at the city skyline will undoubtedly be the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the largest Orthodox church in Albania.

This fantastic Korca landmark and impressive Orthodox church is located in the center of the city. The architecture clearly reminds you of the typical Orthodox Greek churches with rounded red-tiled cupolas and austere facades.

The building is of relatively recent construction, and it was built to replace the original Church of Saint George, which was demolished back in 1968 during the communist rule of Albania.

2. Pazari i Vjeter – The Old Bazaar

Strolling along the alleys of Korca Bazaar is one of the top things to do in Korce. Locally known as Pazari i Vjeter, this old Ottoman-style market was wholly rebuilt back in 2014-2015.

The bazaar is undoubtedly the place to go for your Albania souvenirs, but there is much more to it. If you are curious about the Balkan – and in particular, the Albanian – tradition of bars and cafes, then this is the right place to visit.

Pazari i Vjeter features dozens of small cafés and typical tavernas where locals sit to enjoy hours of coffee and conversation. The place gets even more alive in the early evenings when people of all ages, families, and groups of friends gather in the Bazaar area to share local food, coffee, or a glass of local beer.

3. Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum of Korçë, located in a historic 1870 building at the heart of the city, houses an impressive collection of about 1,200 artifacts.

These artifacts span from prehistoric times and were primarily excavated from sites such as Maliq, Podgorica, Dunaveci, and Trajan. The museum’s diverse array of items includes pottery, stone, bone, and flint tools from the Paleolithic and back to the Neolithic period, sculptures, jewelry, coins, and unique parchment manuscripts.

This extensive collection offers a rare glimpse into the ancient history and culture of the region, making the museum a must-visit for those keen on delving into the area’s past.

4. Mirahori Mosque

Korca is not just about its imposing Orthodox Cathedral; it is also home to one of the oldest mosques in the country. This Albanian temple, Iliaz Bej Mirahorit Mosque, dates back to the fifteenth century and is one of the best places to visit in Korca. It has a majestic elegance and is home to a famous stone clock tower, another local landmark in town. The complex also houses a Madrassa (place for religious studies).

The newly built minaret replaces the original one, which was torn down back in the 1990s by the Communist regime.

Both the minaret and the Orthodox cathedral were reconstructed around the same period, a clear sign that marked the end of very dark times in terms of freedom within the country.

Korçë Old Town

The beautiful cobblestoned alleys of the old side of Korça hide a lesser-known area of town made of aristocratic French villas, quaint little houses, and beautiful corners, perfect for an Instagram shot of Korçë.

In the heart of the city of serenades, under the imposing shadow of the Orthodox Cathedral, lies a gorgeous neighborhood – a must-visit on your itinerary.

5. National Museum Of Education (And First School In Albania)

The First Albanian School and Museum of Education is where, for the first time, the written Albanian alphabet was taught to students. Today, the museum and old school (which opened in 1887) has become the place where locals celebrate and display the history of the national language.

Curious documents at the museum include pieces of writing in the two alphabets of the language, as well as manuscripts and ancient photography.

6. Gjon Mili Photography Museum

Korçë, often hailed as Albania’s cultural hub, packs a punch with places that are as educational as they are entertaining. Snap-happy visitors and history buffs will find solace in the Gjon Mili Museum, a tribute to the Albanian-American photographer whose legacy is as enduring as the snapshots on display.

In your itinerary, don’t miss out on the Archaeological Museum, which is located in a bright yellow building near the center. It’s indeed one of the best places to visit in Korca if you love color and photography.

7. Making Korca Beer & Birra Korça Brewery

Not all Korca landmarks are churches, mosques, or interesting museums. Probably the best-known of all Korca landmarks is, in fact, the local beer!

In a country already famous for its beer production, there is no better thing to do than visit the city where the most famous beers are being produced! Korca is home to the most important beer factory in the country – Birra Korça Brewery, which has been brewing the well-known Korca beer for almost 100 years (since 1928, to be precise). Indeed, this is the first beer ever brewed in Albania!

And remember, if you visit during August, it can be an excellent opportunity to taste some beer and enjoy the Beer Cultural Festival hosted in Korca Bazaar, Pazari i Vjeter.

8. Visiting The Red Tower

Another great thing to do in Korca is to climb to the top of the panoramic tower. Get your camera ready to capture the best panoramic view of the entire city and enjoy the fantastic local atmosphere from a distance.

The way to the top is only 50 LEK (less than 0.50 euro), and the best moment of the day to visit is right before sunset when the whole area gets a romantic golden tint that adds to the already nostalgic and beautiful atmosphere of Korca.

9. Saint George’s Boulevard

Taking a walk up and down the famous street of St George Boulevard is a thing that locals love to do and that visitors enjoy as well.

Right opposite Saint George’s Cathedral, this main pedestrian street in Korca is a fantastic area where you can discover more about the local vibe and lifestyle. Guarded by lush rows of apple trees, the pedestrian area is populated by coffee shops, cafeterias, delicious ice cream parlors, restaurants, and bars.

Many of these venues feature outdoor tables with umbrellas and gazebos under which people enjoy spending the late afternoon hours. Families and groups of friends come here for a relaxing walk after dinner during the hottest months of the year – it’s one of my favorite things to do.

10. Bulevardi Republika

The most popular place in town, especially among teens and young adults, is Bulevardi Republika. Maybe not as attractive for those who visit, but it is undoubtedly a local hit, where all the hip culture of Korca takes place. Cool small cafes, expensive restaurants, and exclusive venues to hang out, this is the wealthiest part of town where showing off is a daily habit.

11. National Museum Of Medieval Art

This unique museum hosts what is arguably the most fantastic exhibition in Albania, more than 7000 pieces of Byzantine and Orthodox art in general, primarily wooden and metal icons.

The museum is a relatively new addition to my list of best things to do in Korca post. It was constructed in 2016 and features a dedicated floor plan and design representing the different elements and details of the iconographic painting.

12. Heroes’ Cemetery, the Martyrs’ Cemetary

The Martyrs’ Cemetery, also known as Varrezat e Dëshmorëve or sometimes Heroes’ Cemetery, is an important historical and memorial site located above the city of Korçë in Albania. This cemetery is a solemn tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War II, serving as a poignant reminder of the country’s turbulent past.

A prominent feature of the cemetery is a large statue of a soldier with a raised fist, symbolizing defiance and victory, which stands atop the Rruga Mbledhja e Beratit, overseeing the city. The site also includes the French Military Cemetery, Varrezat franceze në Korçë, dedicated to French soldiers.

This site is not only a place of remembrance but also a vantage point offering panoramic views of Korçë and its surroundings. It is the view as to why I suggest you make the trek to the top. Totally worth it.

I recommend after you finish lunch at  FindFour restaurant (see below), you follow the cobblestone path leading up towards the Martyrs’ Cemetery. It should take you between 20-40 minutes, depending on your walking pace. 

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Where To Eat In Korca

The best place to consider when visiting such a traditional town is the bazaar. No matter where in the old Korçë bazaar you decide to stop for lunch, you will be rewarded with stunning homemade food and disarming hospitality. Prices will be affordable, and you will immerse yourself in the local atmosphere.

Best Restaurants

If you are looking for a restaurant for dinner, one of the best places best places to eat is located in Boulevardi Republika; take your pick:

Republika House Pub

It is a great place to taste traditional Irish cuisine, delicious pasta dishes, and some fantastic draft beer (no, not just Korca beer).

Address: Rruga Vangjo e Teni Konomi and Boulevardi Republika

Find Four

Perfect for a dinner with stunning views over the town. The place is good for dinner (great pizza) and a coffee break during the day.

Address: Boulevardi Republika

Antik Restaurant & Pizza

This restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes, especially Italian, and has an excellent vegetarian menu.

Address: Boulevardi Republika

Other places you can enjoy a great meal in Korçë, Albania, are:

• Vila Cofiel: known for large portions and reasonable prices
• Taverna Vasili: offers a cozy dining experience with regional desserts

Where Is Korçë And Best Ways To Get There

Korca is a relatively small town situated in southeastern Albania, about a 2 to 3-hour drive from the capital, Tirana.

The trip by bus from Tirana takes from 4 to 5 hours, and the ticket is 500 LEK (4 euro). Buses from Tirana to Korca depart from Tirana’s south-east bus terminal with the following schedule:
 5:00 – 6:00 – 7:30 – 8:30 – 9:30 – 10:30 – 11:00 – 12:00 – 13:00 – 14:00 – 15:00 – 16:00

By bus from Saranda: One daily bus departs from Saranda at 5:30; the same bus stops one hour later in Gjirokastra and continues for four more hours to Korca. The ticket is between 1000 and 1400 LEK (8-12 euro)

It is also possible to reach Korca from neighboring Greece via Thessaloniki and Florina, passing the border in North Macedonia. You can also reach Korca by traveling via Gjirokastra.

General Info About Korca

Better known as the cradle of culture in Albania, the city is the largest in its region. Since medieval times, the city was an important trading center and crossroads point for Albanian caravans that, from Korca, started their way to Turkey, Greece, and Russia.

As of the second half of the nineteenth century, the city has been a remarkable economic, trade, and cultural center, a status remaining today thanks to the first Albanian language school along with great museums and churches.

Korca is a typical eastern city with very marked northern Greek influences as well as some French traits when it comes to its urban design and architecture.

The city, quite off-the-beaten-track, is often disregarded by visitors who prefer the more touristic cities of Berat or Gjirokastra; however, spending some time in Korca is something you won’t easily forget.

Korca has plenty of welcoming spaces for you to relax and enjoy, green parks and gardens, gorgeous buildings, and a certain resemblance with neighboring Greece regarding its cultural heritage and delicious cuisine.

Korca is not a typical tourist city. On the contrary, it is a place made to live like a local. There are minimal tourist attractions, and maybe… that’s precisely the best part of a visit.

Unlike Berat or other tourist spots in the Balkans, Korca doesn’t have much to offer to visitors. For that reason, prices are pretty affordable despite being one of Albania’s wealthiest cities.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Korca

Korçë is a year-round delight with its reasonably mild climate. Expect crisp nights and the occasional snowfall in winter, but when the weather warms up, the city truly comes alive with a slew of festivals and cultural happenings.

For off-peak season travelers on a trip to Albania, Korçë should be a definite stop on your journey.

The town springs into action in April with a two-week Spring Fair filled with lively market stalls and colorful parades. Come June, the streets buzz with Carnival festivities. July is all about culinary tradition with the Lakror Fest, a tribute to the city’s signature pie. Beer lovers, mark your calendars for August’s Beer Fest, and if you’re around in October, don’t miss the chance to celebrate at the Apple Fest.

Seasons in Korca can significantly influence your itinerary, so choose wisely!

Korca For Families

Korca is a picturesque green town where kids can enjoy plenty of time in open spaces. Arguably, the most attractive place for kids and adults is inside the Old Bazaar, where children can discover new foods, check artisan shops and souvenirs, and wander around, satisfying their curiosity. This is not just for visitors – tourists and locals alike shop here.

The Museum of Medieval Art features a huge collection of religious icons. Although this might not be the most entertaining kind of exhibition for kids, they will undoubtedly find it interesting to pay a visit to the workshop inside the museum in Korca, where these icons are made and restored. They will have the possibility to see skillful artists at work and even ask questions about their unique art.

If your little ones like an adventurous day trip or two, then you will be happy to learn that it is possible to check out some nice and interesting places not far from Korca. Popular day trips include visits to the foot of Morava Mountain, Pogradec, and Ohrid Lake.

Where To Stay In Korca

Accommodation is quite affordable in Korca, making it a budget-friendly destination. The city is relatively small, and there is not a wide hotel offer as in other towns and cities in Albania.

Below, you will find my recommendations for the best hotels in town. They are divided into different budget categories, and all of them enjoy a convenient location. Don’t forget that it is always a bright idea to book from 4 to 6 months in advance if you don’t want to miss an offer or a beautiful location. Booking in advance guarantees convenient fees and a better room as well!

Best Korca Budget Hotels

Bujtina Oxhaku is a super affordable 4-star hotel featuring a bar, a garden, and a terrace. All rooms have comfy beds, ample bathrooms, a TV, and air conditioning. Every morning, the polite staff serves a delicious continental breakfast, which can also be enjoyed in the garden. 

 

Hotel Romeo is a simple but comfortable hotel in Korca. It is located in a central position, and it has a bar, garden, and a gorgeous terrace with great views of the town. The hotel provides in-room services while free WiFi and free private parking are also among the facilities available. Guests who want to explore the area by car can take advantage of the car rental services provided by this hotel. The rooms offer a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a desk. Continental breakfast is available each morning, too. 

 

Best Korca Mid-Range Hotels

Have a higher budget? Then take a look at Hotel Bujtina Bicolli. Located in a beautiful venue with a garden, a terrace, and lots of flowers, this Korca hotel features a bar, air-conditioned rooms with garden views, and free WiFi across the property. The hotel features a delicious morning breakfast, continental style. 

 

Hotel Peroni is a hotel located near the center and the main public park in Korca. This 4-star accommodation offers a well-assorted bar and a garden where it is possible to enjoy breakfast in the morning and snacks or drinks during the day. The rooms come with free WiFi; some of them also feature a balcony with street views, while room service is also available. Breakfast is served in the form of a buffet. The hotel has family rooms available. 

 

Best Korçë Luxury Hotels

Life Gallery Hotel is considered one of the top accommodations in Korca; this stunning property has all you need for an unforgettable vacation in this corner of Albania. The hotel stands in the historic part of Korca and features elegant rooms and suites with free WiFi and LCD satellite TV, as well as three locally popular bars with a different atmosphere. The hotel is in the most popular area of Republika Boulevard, set in a complex of aristocratic mansions. It has a gorgeous summer terrace in the yard, a restaurant, bars, and several suites. The hotel also features an Italian-style villa and a wine bar. The on-site Avenue 55 Bar is an American-style bar serving various cocktails and other drinks. The Oriental Bar features many types of teas, while the Beer 55 Bar serves a wide selection of Albanian and international beers. 

 

Hotel Kocibelli POOL & SPA is located in the center of Korçë. It is a great place to stay in town, featuring free WiFi, an on-site bar, and an a la carte restaurant serving traditional Albanian and Mediterranean cuisine. The on-site fitness center and sauna are available at a surcharge. Guest rooms in this boutique hotel are air-conditioned, each with cable TV and a desk – perfect for resting after a day of exploring the best places in Korca. Several local attractions can be found only meters from the property. 

Now, you are ready to set off to one of Albania’s most beautiful cities in the country. From exploring Albania’s largest Orthodox church to wandering the streets of Korca alone or taking a free walking tour, we know you will love the city of Korca.