Korçë
Albania's cultural capital: old bazaar, cathedrals and the beer festival
Korçë is a calm, elegant city in the southeast highlands, known for its restored old bazaar, Orthodox cathedral, museums, serenades and the August beer festival. It's cooler than the coast in summer and a good base for Voskopojë and Lake Ohrid.
When to go
All year. Late August for the Korça Beer Festival; winter for snow and nearby skiing.
Getting there
Buses from Tirana take around 3.5–4 hours. Pogradec and Lake Ohrid are about 45 minutes away.
Must-see spots
Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër)
Restored Ottoman-era bazaar with cafés and restaurants.
National Museum of Medieval Art
Large collection of Albanian icons, including works by Onufri.
Voskopojë
Mountain village with 18th-century painted churches, 30 minutes away.
Where to eat
Old Bazaar restaurants
Try: Lakror, Korça beer
Try lakror (savoury pie) and the local beer.
Sunset & evening spots
Hikes nearby
- Osumi Canyon Rim · 8 km · Easy