Prespa, Prespa National Park Travel Guide

Discover Prespa: A serene Balkan escape with pristine lakes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage in Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia.

Prespa, shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, offers a serene escape with pristine lakes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. It's a haven for nature lovers seeking tranquility away from commercial tourism.

A brief summary to Prespa

VWXR+348, Tuminec, AL

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Prespa.

Visit the island of Maligrad to see the cave church of Santa Maria, accessible by boat.
Explore the park's hiking trails for a chance to spot diverse wildlife and enjoy stunning views.
Taste traditional Albanian cuisine, including fish specialties and homemade pies, at local restaurants.
Check local weather conditions before your visit to ensure a pleasant experience.

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Explore Prespa on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Prespa, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Tirana, take a bus to Korçë. From Korçë, catch one of the two daily buses that travel to Prespa National Park, heading either to Pustec or Goricë e Vogël. The bus leaves Korçë around 12:00 pm and is marked 'Korçë-Gorice Dogane'. A bus from Tirana to Leshnicë costs approximately $10. The bus ride from Kolonja to Erseka takes 30-45 minutes. A taxi from Erseka to Gorice costs 10-15 Albanian Lek.
Taxi

From Korçë, a taxi to Prespa National Park is readily available if you miss the bus. The park is approximately 35 km from Korçë. Ensure the taxi driver is familiar with the park entrance near Gorice. A taxi from Lura Lakes to Prespa National Park ranges from 3000 to 4000 Albanian Lek.
Driving

From Kolonja, head northwest on the SH78 road towards Erseka. Continue on SH78 for about 30 km until the junction with SH79. Turn left onto SH79 and follow the signs towards Gorice. The park entrance is approximately 15 km ahead on your right, near Gorice. Driving from Tirana to Prespa National Park takes approximately 3 hours and costs $30-$45 for fuel.

Discover more about Prespa

Prespa, a tri-border region shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, is a hidden gem in the Balkans, offering a tranquil escape into untouched nature. Comprising primarily of Great and Small Prespa Lakes, the area is surrounded by stone peaks and pine forests, creating a breathtaking landscape. Unlike its bustling neighbor, Lake Ohrid, Prespa provides a serene paradise for relaxation and a deep connection with nature and local traditions.The Albanian section of Prespa National Park, established in 1999, protects diverse ecosystems, including high mountains, freshwater wetlands, and dense forests. The park is home to over 260 bird species, including the endangered Dalmatian pelican, making it a birdwatcher's paradise. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty through hiking, bird watching, and kayaking.Culturally, Prespa boasts a rich history with traces of Illyrian, Roman, Ottoman, and Macedonian influences. The region features ancient churches, prehistoric dwellings, and the island of Maligrad with its cave church of Santa Maria. The local villages showcase traditional Albanian architecture and a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries, offering insights into the region's customs and heritage.