“Unison Beyond Borders, Lake Prespa Unites” is the guiding principle of Prespa Park, the multinational sanctuary safeguarding the renowned Lake Prespa. This motto is a soothing salve for a region that weathered political turmoil during the 1990s. The expanse enveloped within Prespa Park boasts unparalleled natural splendor, beckoning a growing multitude of travelers and nature enthusiasts eager to revel in its wonders. Embracing two distinct expanses known as Lake Prespa, both stand as freshwater tectonic marvels (tectonic, a nod to the earth’s restlessness). Situated as the loftiest tectonic lakes in the Balkans, they rank as some of the oldest globally. The expansive Great Lake Prespa, alternatively referred to as Limni Megali Prespa and Macro Prespa, sprawls across a combined surface area of 64,099 acres, with portions extending over 9,291 acres in Greece, 11,243 acres in Albania, and 43,565 acres in Macedonia. Delving to depths of 180 feet at its maximum and averaging 59 feet, Limni Megali Prespa stretches 17 miles in length and spans 11 miles in width. At the same time, both lakes remain untouched by dams, and natural influences cause water levels in Macro Prespa Lake to fluctuate up to 12 feet. Micro Prespa, or Limni Mikra Prespa by another name, interlaces parts of Albania and Greece, occupying 964 acres on one bank and the lion’s share of the lake, 10,749 acres, on the other. Boasting depths reaching the maximum of 28 feet and averaging 13 feet, this diminutive expanse spans 8 miles in length and 4 miles in width. Six miles from the enchanting Lake Ohrid, which offers the St. Naum Monastery vistas, Great Lake Prespa stands 492 feet above its neighbor. Several water tributaries permeate the karst to nourish an underground spring that sustains Lake Ohrid as a barrier between Lake Ohrid and Limni Megali Prespa, Galicica Mountain, and its national park takes root.
Established in 1958 by the Republic of Macedonia’s government, the 61,776-acre Galicica National Park boasts trails for hiking, climbing, and paragliding, captivating adventure enthusiasts. Safeguarding historic cave churches and paintings, as well as the St. Bogorodica Zamuska church constructed in 1361, this national park now welcomes tourists to explore its historical remnants. Framing the shoreline of the expansive Great Lake Prespa stands as an eastern expanse of Galicica National Park, encompassing the haven of Golem Grad, a protected sanctuary. Golem Grad is among the five islands scattered across the two Lake Prespas, sharing the stage with Mala Grad, Pirg, Agios Achillaeos, and Vidrinec. Housing Agios Achillaeos, a 10th-century fortress and church erected by Tsar Samuil, Limni Mikra Prespa tells tales of bygone eras. The islands sit within reach via boat excursions originating from lakeside communities. Villages like Stenjek and Konjsko offer boat rental services, inviting visitors to enjoy leisurely boating and fishing expeditions across both lakes. Anglers can anticipate testing their skills against various fish species, including trout, carp, red-finned carp, chub, and barbell thriving within these aquatic realms. Teeming with diverse avian and wildlife species, some endemic solely to the Prespa Lake vicinities, these lakes bear testament to the significance of the establishment of Prespa Park by Greece, Albania, and Macedonia. The park’s inception, commemorated on World Wetlands Day, February 2, 2000, arose from a shared accord amongst the three nations to safeguard wetlands spanning 12,548 acres in Greece and 46,752 acres in Macedonia, homing one of the planet’s largest Dalmatian pelican colonies. Approximately 28,000 residents inhabit the peripheries of the twin lakes, with many reliant on fishing and agriculture for sustenance. However, with tourism burgeoning since the 1970s, the landscape now boasts an array of accommodations such as campgrounds, hotels, vacation homes, and rental cottages scattered around the lakeshore. Bolstered by the unwavering alliance of three nations toward Lake Prespa, the future heralds a growing influx of visitors eager to partake in the exploration and marvel at the international gem that is the Prespa Lakes.