Prespa National Park

Prespa National Park is a protected national park in southeastern Albania, in Korçë County, centered on the Albanian portions of the Great and Small Prespa Lakes. It is one of Albania's most ecologically important landscapes, recognized for its freshwater wetlands, mountain scenery, exceptional birdlife, and cross-border conservation with Greece and North Macedonia.

Natural highlights

The park covers about 27,600 hectares and includes lakes, reed beds, forests, meadows, wetlands, and the slopes of the Mali i Thatë mountain range. These varied habitats support rich biodiversity, making the area especially valuable for migratory birds, freshwater ecosystems, and native plant communities.

Wildlife and conservation

Birdlife is one of the park's defining features. Prespa is internationally recognized as an important breeding and stopover area for pelicans, cormorants, herons, and many other waterbirds. The protected area also supports mammals such as the European otter, numerous fish species, reptiles, amphibians, and diverse wetland vegetation. The park forms part of the wider transboundary Prespa Park, an international conservation initiative shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia.

Cultural and historical significance

Beyond its natural value, the region preserves a long human history. Byzantine hermit churches, the Tren Cave, traditional lakeside villages, and the island of Maligrad with its medieval church illustrate the area's cultural heritage alongside its protected landscapes.

Visiting experience

Visitors typically come for birdwatching, hiking, photography, boating, and lakeside scenery. The park offers peaceful views over the Prespa Lakes, particularly around the municipality of Pustec, where traditional villages and panoramic mountain roads provide access to the shoreline. Spring and autumn are especially popular for observing migratory birds, while summer offers opportunities to explore the lakes by boat.