The Tranquil Wilderness of Prespa National Park

• HelloTungjatjeta
  [toon-jah-tyeh-tah]
• GoodbyeMirupafshim
  [mee-roo-pahf-sheem]
• YesPo
  [poh]
• NoJo
  [yoh]
• Please/You're welcomeJu lutem
  [yoo loo-tehm]
• Thank youFaleminderit
  [fah-leh-meen-deh-reet]
• Excuse me/SorryMë falni
  [muh fahl-nee]
• How are you?Si jeni?
  [see yeh-nee]
• Fine. And you?Mirë. Dhe ju?
  [mee-ruh. dhe yoo]
• Do you speak English?A flisni anglisht?
  [ah flees-nee ahn-gleesht]
• I don't understandNuk kuptoj
  [nook koo-ptoy]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseDo të doja të shihja menunë, ju lutem
  [doh tuh doh-yah tuh shee-ya meh-noo-nuh yoo loo-tehm]
• I don't eat meatNuk ha mish
  [nook hah meesh]
• Cheers!Gëzuar!
  [geh-zoo-ahr]
• I would like to pay, pleaseDua të paguaj, ju lutem
  [doo-ah tuh pah-gwah yoo loo-tehm]

• Help!Ndihmë!
  [ndee-muh]
• Go away!Shko larg!
  [sh-koh lahr-g]
• Call the Police!Thirr policinë!
  [theer poh-lee-tsee-nuh]
• Call a doctor!Thirr një doktor!
  [theer nyuh dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostJam humbur
  [yahm hoom-boor]
• I'm illJam i sëmurë
  [yahm ee suh-moo-ruh]

• I'd like to buy...Do të doja të blenja...
  [doh tuh doh-yah tuh blehn-yah]
• I'm just lookingPo shikoj vetëm
  [poh shee-koy veh-tehm]
• How much is it?Sa kushton?
  [sah koosh-tohn]
• That's too expensiveKjo është shumë e shtrenjtë
  [k-yoh eh-shtuh shoo-muh eh shtrehn-jteh]
• Can you lower the price?A mund ta ulni çmimin?
  [ah moon-d tah ool-nee ch-mee-meen]

• What time is it?Sa është ora?
  [sah eh-shtuh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockËshtë një ora
  [eh-shtuh nyuh oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Njëzet e gjysmë
  [nyuh-zet eh gjoo-smuh]
• MorningMëngjes
  [muhn-gyes]
• AfternoonPasdite
  [pahs-dee-teh]
• EveningMbrëmje
  [mbruhm-yeh]
• YesterdayDje
  [djeh]
• TodaySot
  [soht]
• TomorrowNesër
  [neh-sahr]
• 1Një
  [nyuh]
• 2Dy
  [duh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Katër
  [ka-ter]
• 5Pesë
  [peh-suh]
• 6Gjashtë
  [gyah-shte]
• 7Shtatë
  [shtah-tuh]
• 8Tetë
  [teh-tuh]
• 9Nëntë
  [nuhn-tuh]
• 10Dhjetë
  [dhyeh-tuh]

• Where's a/the...?Ku është një/...?
  [koo eh-shtuh nyuh]
• What's the address?Cilës është adresa?
  [chee-lehs eh-shtuh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?A mund të më tregoni (në hartë)?
  [ah moon-d tuh muh troh-goh-nee nuh hahr-tuh]
• When's the next (bus)?Kur është autobusi i ardhshëm?
  [koor eh-shtuh ah-oo-toh-boo-see ee ar-dh-shuhm]
• A ticket (to ....)Një biletë (në ....)
  [nyuh bee-leh-tuh nuh]

Prespa National Park, located in the southwestern part of Albania, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area around the Prespa lakes was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period. The ancient settlements of the Illyrians, who were one of the earliest known groups to inhabit the Balkans, left behind numerous artifacts, including pottery, tools, and remnants of their dwellings. These early inhabitants made use of the fertile land and abundant water sources provided by the Prespa lakes.

During the Byzantine era, the Prespa region gained strategic importance due to its location and resources. The Byzantine Empire established several monasteries and churches, many of which still stand today as historical monuments. One notable example is the Church of St. Achillios, situated on the small island of Maligrad in Lake Prespa. Built in the 10th century, this church is renowned for its well-preserved frescoes that depict various religious scenes. The medieval period also saw the rise of Slavic influence, with the area becoming a part of the Bulgarian and later Serbian empires.

The Ottoman Empire's conquest of the Balkans in the 15th century brought significant cultural and demographic changes to the Prespa region. The Ottomans introduced new architectural styles, administrative practices, and a diverse population mix. Many of the local Christian communities continued to practice their faith, and the coexistence of different religious groups led to a rich cultural tapestry. Ottoman-era bridges, mosques, and other structures can still be found in and around Prespa National Park, serving as a testament to this period of history.

During World War II, the Prespa region played a crucial role in the resistance against Axis forces. The rugged terrain and dense forests provided ideal cover for partisan fighters who waged guerrilla warfare against the occupying German and Italian troops. The area became a stronghold for the Albanian National Liberation Army and other resistance groups. Several key battles and skirmishes took place in and around Prespa, contributing to the eventual liberation of Albania. Monuments and memorials dedicated to the partisans can be found throughout the park.

In the latter half of the 20th century, efforts to conserve the unique biodiversity and natural beauty of the Prespa region led to the establishment of Prespa National Park in 1999. The park is part of a transboundary protected area that includes sections in Greece and North Macedonia, aimed at preserving the ecological integrity of the Prespa lakes and surrounding habitats. This initiative has fostered international cooperation and raised awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Today, Prespa National Park is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems, attracting researchers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists from around the world.

Prespa National Park is located in southeastern Albania, near the borders with Greece and North Macedonia. The nearest international airport is Tirana International Airport (Nënë Tereza), approximately 240 kilometers away. From Tirana, you can rent a car or take a bus towards Korçë. From Korçë, smaller buses or taxis can take you to the park. Another option is to fly into Skopje International Airport in North Macedonia, which is around 150 kilometers from the park, and then drive or take a bus across the border.

Within Prespa National Park, transportation options are limited due to its remote location. Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the park and its surroundings. Local taxis are available but can be infrequent. For those who prefer public transport, buses connect major towns like Korçë to smaller villages near the park, but schedules can be irregular. Another option is to hire a local guide who can provide transportation as part of a tour package.

The official currency in Albania is the Albanian Lek (ALL). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when heading into rural areas and within the national park. ATMs are available in Korçë and other larger towns, but may not be present in smaller villages. Ensure you withdraw enough cash before entering the park.

Prespa National Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious on hiking trails, as they can be uneven and slippery.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Medical facilities are limited within the park, so it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. The nearest hospitals are located in Korçë. For minor health issues, pharmacies can be found in nearby towns. It is advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit and essential medications while exploring the park.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, especially good hiking shoes. Avoid wearing flashy or overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and patient as public transport can be slow and infrequent. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Mirëdita' (Good day). A handshake is common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and always accept food offerings graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Prespa National Park like a local, consider visiting the park during the off-season when it is less crowded. Engage with local residents, who are often willing to share stories about the park's history and culture. Don’t miss the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Albanian goods. Try to attend local festivals and events, which can provide a deeper understanding of the local culture. Exploring the park's lesser-known trails can lead to unique discoveries.