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The National Park of Prespa is a wonderfully scenic location, and the home of two ancient giant lakes which are the heart and soul of this area.
Prespa Lake. Photo by Jean JAlbert
Prespa National Park, one of the largest national parks in Albania, is only a 20-minute car ride away from the city of Korça. The two beautiful lakes of Prespa e Madhe (Greater Prespa Lake), and Prespa e Vogël (Small Prespa Lake), have kept each other company for an impressive 5 million years. With a surface area of approximately 300km2, and staggering depths of 54m, the Great Lake of Prespa is shared across Albania, Greece, and Macedonia. The region therefore is particularly well-known for its fresh waters and sandy beaches!
Maligrad Island is, without a doubt, the real protagonist of the Great Lake of Prespa. The island’s unique appeal lies in its sloping limestone surfaces. The island’s namesake, Maligrad, translates as “small city”, from the Macedonian language.
Prespa Lake, Korça, photo by IntoAlbania.
Aside from its obvious natural beauty, another pleasant surprise awaits visitors to Maligrad Island: the Church of St. Mary. Built in 1369, inside a cave considered a holy place, the small church immerses the visitor in its tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. Treni Cave, on the western side of the lake, near the villages of Treni and Devoll, is another must-see when visiting this area! Here, you will have the rare chance to admire prehistoric paintings dating back as early as 6,000 BC.
Liqenas Village (also known as Pustec), is another worthwhile expedition, being the largest village around the lake. While there, don’t forget to make a stop at the fascinating Church of St. Michael (Kisha e Shën Mihalit). If you’re searching for a nice place to eat, the village of Zaroshka offers you some delicious local dishes, such as its famous Carp Casserole (Tava e Krapit).
Prespa Lake, Korça, photo by IntoAlbania
If you want to read more about beautiful places to visit around Korça, click here.
