Top Things To See And Do In Prespa Lakes Northern Greece

The Prespa Lakes region, also known as Prespes, is probably one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Tucked between the borders of Albania, FYROM and the Greek region of Macedonia, the region and its two lakes, Small (or Mikri) and Big (Megali) Prespa lakes are actually part of a national park shared by the three countries.

While Megali Prespa Lake is mostly located in Albania, Mikri Prespa Lake is split between Greece and Albania. But besides the luxuriant local fauna and flora, the region is dotted with small villages where serenity and tranquility reign. Here is what you should see and do in Prespes.

Do some birdwatching

Prespa is home to more than 260 bird species, many of which are endangered or rare species. You will find birdwatching towers located over the whole region and on the shores and might catch a glimpse of pelicans, pygmy cormorants, herons, geese or wild ducks. If you don’t know where to start or are simply new to the birdwatching fun, reach out to the Society for the Protection of Prespa, which is based in Laimos, the biggest village, which organizes birdwatching tours.

Explore abandoned villages

The Prespa region is also home to several abandoned villages, which gives the intrepid adventurer the perfect playground to explore. Venture out in the lesser-known corners and find ghost villages hidden in the mountains. The small village of Daseri, for example, can easily be reached from Pili and allows for panoramic views over the islands on the lake.

Hike your way through the region

Prespa is crisscrossed by many hiking trails, allowing you to get more acquainted with its unspoiled beauty. With the help of the Danish Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, which operates all over the world through supporting research and nature projects, a network of marked trails and cycling routes has been established in the Prespa region. With a variety of duration and low difficulty, these trails will help you explore this underrated region which hardly appears in any tourist guide.

Party with the locals at the Prespa Lake Festival

Though many consider Prespa to be a fall and winter destination, it is, in fact, a great all-year round region, with many fun cultural happenings. One of the most important events in the region and even in the Balkans is actually the Prespa Lake Festival, held in the last weeks of August, which features many events happening across the area, including concerts. This is a great reason to visit the region in the summer and discover everything it has to offer, including swimming in the lake.