The Prespes lakes, also designated as a National Park, consist of Mikri and Megali Prespa. A boat ride on the lakes is a unique experience that should not be missed. It offers visitors the opportunity to discover the aquatic world of Prespes. In Mikri Prespa, you can explore the lake — even on “green” solar-powered boats — from the pier of Agios Achilleios and the village of Mikrolimni. If you enjoy hiking or cycling, follow the organised routes around the lake and through the nearby mountain areas.
Prespes
Where nature whispers centuries-old secrets and the silence of the lakes becomes a life experience
Travel to the northwestern edge of Greece, to an otherworldly yet beautiful place dominated by peace and the sounds of birds. Prespes is an authentic four-season destination, worth visiting throughout the year in order to enjoy different experiences. The area stands out for its rich and rare flora and fauna, making it an ecosystem of global importance. The villages of Prespes are known for their local architecture, with houses built from stone, wood, earth and reeds — materials that people could easily find in their natural surroundings in the past. Agios Germanos and Psarades have been designated as preserved traditional settlements.
Highlights
Agios Achilleios
On this small island in Mikri Prespa, you will find the ruins of the three-aisled basilica of Agios Achilleios, dating back to the 11th century, which also gave the island its name, as well as the remains of an ancient settlement and Byzantine churches.
Psarades
Located on the shores of Megali Prespa, Psarades has been declared a traditional settlement. The main occupations of its residents are fishing and the breeding of the rare dwarf cow species. Enjoy a boat ride to the monks’ hermitages inside the lakeside caves.
Mikrolimni
From here, you can admire the cormorant colony on the small island of Vidronisi or Vitrinetsi in Mikri Prespa. It is also worth visiting the churches of Agios Athanasios and Agia Paraskevi, with its painted wooden iconostasis.
Agios Germanos
Here you will find an information centre dedicated to the Prespes National Park, the churches of Agios Germanos, dating back to the 10th century, and Agios Athanasios, dating from 1816, as well as a restored watermill connected to the traditional way of life of the village residents.
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IDEAL DESTINATION
Where tranquillity has a sound and nature gains a soul
Gastronomy – Lakeside flavours with roots and imagination
Prespes beans, including giant elephant beans and flat beans, are famous for their flavour, while the same is true of the fish from the lake. Salted tsironia fish are highly popular and are perfectly combined with the famous Florina pepper, local meats, pickles and, of course, tsipouro. Try black giant beans in salad, white giant beans baked in tomato sauce, bean fava with a touch of Florina pepper, grilled florinela cheese, trachana soup, kebabs and a hearty beef burger made from the local short-horned cattle breed.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Prespes at any time of year, depending on the activities you wish to enjoy. In spring, nature is impressive, while in summer you can combine your visit with swimming at the sandy Koula Beach on Megali Prespa. Autumn is ideal for beautiful routes through nature, while in winter you can combine your trip to Prespes with activities at the Vigla Pisoderi Ski Centre.
How to Get Around Prespes
Transfer Options To / From the Airport
The nearest airports are Ohrid Airport and Thessaloniki Airport. You can reach Prespes by road via the road network towards Florina and the lake area. Daily intercity KTEL bus routes operate to Florina, while you can also travel by train to Florina and then continue by road to your chosen destination.
Public Transport
Getting around Prespes and the wider area is best done by private car. Drive as far as the permitted point of each route and then continue on foot. Alternatively, use the traditional wooden boats, known as plaves, to explore the lakes or nearby areas.
Questions & Answers
Q&A
By road from Florina, approximately 50 km away, or from Kastoria, with easy access throughout the year.
Yes, via a wooden pedestrian bridge that leads to the small island from Mikri Prespa.
At the Mikri Prespa Observatory, near the village of Mikrolimni, where equipment and information are available.
Prespes beans, grilled carp, pies with wild greens and traditional spoon sweets.
Yes, including boat rides, guided tours, hiking routes and cultural festivals organised by local communities.
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