Korça

Korça is accessible by various means, with well-connected road networks linking it to major cities in Albania. Public buses provide convenient transportation options for those travelling to this city.

From Tirana or Durres, drive southeast on the SH3 highway towards Elbasan. At Elbasan, switch to SH75, heading towards Pogradec. After passing through Pogradec, continue on SH3 until reaching Korca. The journey involves a beautiful detour by Lake Ohrid. Remember to check local traffic rules.

Korca offers multiple bus services connecting various cities at different times. The most frequent route is the Korça-Tirana-Korça line with multiple departures and returns throughout the day. Other key connections include Durrës, Lushnjë, Fier, Vlora, Berat, Bilisht, Pogradec, Elbasan, Saranda, and Gjirokastër with specific departure and return schedules. Some routes run daily, while others operate only on certain days of the week.

More information at the City of Korca’s website.

Walking through the city allows you to appreciate the city’s architecture and cultural landmarks fully. If you want to visit villages nearby, you need a car or public transport. Taxis are available, but public transport services are not extensively provided.

Kërnacka

Kërnacka is a delicious Albanian dish that holds a special place in the culinary tradition of Korça. It typically consists of minced meat, often lamb or beef, mixed with spices, herbs, and sometimes rice, all encased in a layer of dough. The mixture is then baked or roasted, resulting in a savory and flavorful pie.

Lakror

Lakror is another savory pie that is a staple in Albanian cuisine, and it has its own variations in different regions. In Korça, lakror is often made with layers of thin dough, filled with a mixture of greens such as spinach, leeks, or other seasonal vegetables. The layers are stacked, creating a multi-layered pie that is baked until golden brown.

Petulla të Fshira

These fried dough delights are typically prepared by mixing flour, water, and sometimes yogurt to create a dough. The dough is then deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior. They are commonly served with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzled with honey, making them a popular breakfast choice or snack.

This is a small selection of the variety of establishments available in the city.

• Ambassador

• Vila Cofiel

• Vila 95

• Taverna Vasili

• Villa Domenico

• Fix si Qemoti

• Saiko Cocktail Bar

• Komiteti

Korça’s markets and shops are everywhere around the city. The most famous shopping center is the one located at the Old Bazaar: Qendra Tregtare Pazari Korçë.

When you join the expats in Korça, these are the types of expenses you can expect to encounter…

• • 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: € 200/month

• • 1-bedroom apartment outside of the city center: € 150/month

• • 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: € 300/month

• • One-way ticket on local public transport: € 0.29

• • Regular monthly pass for local public transport: € 15.44

• • Meal for 1 at an inexpensive restaurant: € 5

• • 3-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: € 24.13

• • Large draught domestic beer in a bar or restaurant: € 1.45

• • Regular cappuccino in a cafe or restaurant: € 1.60

• • Regular liter of milk from a supermarket: € 1.40

• • Loaf of white bread from a supermarket: € 1.40

• • 12 regular eggs from a supermarket: € 2.60

• • 1kg of chicken filets from a supermarket: € 4.50

Dardha and Voskopoja are two picturesque villages in Albania’s Korça region, just a few minutes from the city center. Each village has its own beauty, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich nature, traditional food, and lovely views.