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Prespa National Park

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Prespa National Park (Albania)

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Prespa National Park is located at the tri-border area of Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia and includes the Albanian part of the Great and Small Prespa Lakes. With an area of about 277 square kilometers, the park established in 1999 protects one of the oldest lake landscapes in Europe. The region is known for its exceptional biodiversity and is home to over 1,500 plant species as well as numerous endemic fish. The park is particularly significant as a refuge for waterfowl, including the world's largest breeding colony of the Dalmatian pelican. Culturally, the park provides treasures such as Byzantine hermit churches in the rock faces along the lakes and the island of Maligrad with the 14th-century Church of St. Mary. The landscape is characterized by mountains, reed belts, and traditional fishing villages like Pustec. The park is part of the cross-border Prespa Park, the first protected area of its kind in the Balkans. Sustainable development and the protection of water quality are central goals of the trilateral cooperation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-115914192323171261
Rain mm575354576250363660666970

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to observe Prespa dwarf cattle and birdlife is from April to October. Spring and autumn are particularly rich in migratory birds.
🌅
Best time of day
Early mornings are when the cattle are often active along the shore of Lake Prespa. Dusk is excellent for observing waterfowl feeding.
📜
Etiquette
Keep your distance from the cattle, as they are wild and can be unpredictable. Feeding or approaching the animals is strictly prohibited to protect their natural behavior.
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What to bring
Binoculars are essential for observing birds and cattle from a safe distance. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are recommended as the shoreline can be damp.
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Getting there
The park is accessible via the road from Korça to Pustec, with several viewpoints along the lake. Some roads require a 4x4 vehicle or hiking.
🦌
What to expect
The cattle are often shy and may hide in dense shoreline vegetation. Allow plenty of time and seek quiet, secluded spots for the best views.

Geography

Coordinates
40.75000, 20.92000

Facts

  • Established in the year 1999
  • Covers about 277 square kilometers of land
  • Home to the Maligrad Island in Lake Prespa
  • World's largest breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans
  • Part of the first trilateral park in the Balkans
  • Contains Byzantine rock churches from the 14th century

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PojanPojan7 km · SWExplore →
Cangonj Nature ReserveCangonj Nature Reserve8 km · SExplore →
Lake PrespaLake Prespa11 km · EExplore →
Golem Grad IslandGolem Grad Island14 km · NEExplore →
BilishtBilisht15 km · SEExplore →
Dry MountainDry Mountain16 km · NWExplore →
LibonikLibonik17 km · WExplore →
Bitincka Mining AreaBitincka Mining Area17 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Prespa National Park (2)

Prespa National Park (Albania)📍 landmark

Prespa National Park covers the Albanian part of Lake Prespa and adjacent wetlands.

Zërnovskë📍 landmark

Zërnovskë is a village in Prespa National Park, surrounded by hills and forests.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Which lakes belong to the park?
The Great Prespa Lake and the Small Prespa Lake.
What is Maligrad Island?
An island in Great Prespa Lake with a 14th-century church.
What animals can be observed here?
Pelicans, pygmy cormorants, and brown bears in the forests.
Which countries share the lakes with Albania?
With Greece and North Macedonia.
Are there hiking trails?
Yes, there are marked paths between the lakeside villages.
Prespa National Park: where is it located?
Prespa National Park is located in Albania.
Prespa National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Prespa National Park (Albania), Zërnovskë.
Prespa National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Prespa National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Prespa National Park is located at the tri-border area of Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia and includes the Albanian part of the Great and Small Prespa Lakes.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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