Prespa National Park, located in southeastern Albania, is a unique and ecologically rich area that covers the region around Lakes Prespa and Small Prespa, which are shared between Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia. Here are some of the most interesting facts about this national park:
Biodiversity Hotspot: Prespa National Park is home to a wide range of plant and animal species. It’s one of Europe’s most important areas for biodiversity, hosting over 1,500 plant species and more than 270 bird species. Rare Species: The park is known for its large population of Dalmatian pelicans, one of the rarest pelican species in the world. It’s also home to brown bears, wolves, and other protected species, making it a haven for conservation efforts. Ancient Forests and Wetlands: The park features a mix of beautiful landscapes, from ancient beech and oak forests to wetlands and reed beds around the lakes. These ecosystems provide crucial habitats for the park’s wildlife. Transboundary Protection: Prespa National Park is part of the Prespa Park Agreement, the first international park in the Balkans. Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia signed this agreement to protect the shared natural heritage of the Prespa lakes, making it a symbol of environmental cooperation. Cultural Heritage: The area around Prespa is rich in history, with ancient Byzantine churches, hermitages, and ruins from the Middle Ages. Some frescoes and monuments date back hundreds of years, adding cultural value to the park’s natural beauty. Ecotourism and Recreation: Prespa National Park is increasingly popular for activities like birdwatching, hiking, and kayaking. The park’s scenic lakes and forests provide a peaceful setting for ecotourism, benefiting local communities while supporting conservation. Unique Geology: The park has interesting geological features, including caves and limestone formations around the lakes. The karst landscape has contributed to the creation of underwater springs that feed the lakes.
Prespa National Park is a unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and cultural history, making it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and a key conservation area in...
Read moreGreat hiking in a rural area, scarcely inhabited. 11 (eleven) trails well described in english on a map including numerous waypoints UTM and Lat./Long. along the 11 paths . The map is available for free at the National Prespa Park/NPP headquarters. The headquarters are situated in a big private house build on own ground, about 400 metres beyond the village of Goricë e Vogël when coming from Korçë. It's about 100 metres on the left side off the road (Waypoint in UTM coordinate type: 34 T E 493357 / N 4525650). One recognizes the house at the green and blue NPP logo. There is a big cement billboard with maps just outside on the left front of the house. Alas, no indication of opening days and time. One has to be lucky that someone is at home. When we were there on Saturday 5 July 2016 around 2 pm, we waited for a while. Then a guy went outside and allowed us in the house where there is a reserved space with flyers and a little exposition on the prehistory of the Prespa Lake area. Our guide was very helpful albeit he did not speak English (or French, Italian, German or Spanish). He gave us the map and flyers. The last ones on the prehistory of the region and in French and English. Worth to notice: There is a good local restaurant (called Taverna Vassili) with garden just near the...
Read moreBeautiful hiking and kayaking to be had at Prespa National Park. The scenery and nature is stunning. About 1/1.5 hours away from Korça, a day trip to Prespa is must while you’re around. We went on a guided hike and kayaking trip with Korça Alpine Group and it was a great deal and experience....
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