| Prespa Lakes National Park | |
 | |
Location  | |
| Area type | National Park |
|---|---|
| State | Greece |
| Foundation year | 1974 |
The Prespa Lakes National Park (Εθνικός Δρυμός Πρεσπών in Greek) is located in the prefecture of Florina, bordering on Albania is North Macedonia.
To know
Although the park is currently in Greek territory, the creation of a cross-border park between all three affected states has recently begun (North Macedonia, Greece, Albania).
Geographical notes
Prespa lakes are located at the northwestern tip of Greece, just below the 41st parallel. The park includes the western section of the Little Prespa lake and the southern section of the Big Prespa. Today they are divided by a thin isthmus but in ancient times they formed a single large lake. The great Prespa has several underground emissaries that flow into Lake Ochrid, located further north, in the territory of North Macedonia.
Flora and fauna
The fauna of these lakes is particularly interesting with regard to marsh birds. Lago Piccolo di Prespa boasts the world's largest curly pelican breeding population and Europe's largest breeding population of lesser shag, as well as numerous other rare species, including the lesser white-fronted goose.
When to go
Each season in Prespa is highlighted by its own unique beauty, dominated by the combination of colors, sounds and life and no season goes unnoticed or without its own peculiarities.
- Winter
Winter highlights the mountains surrounding the lakes with a pure white touch. Several hundred species of birds, such as ducks and coots wintering in the Great Prespa lake. The brown reeds of the Piccolo di Prespa lake seem painted on the icy waters. On slightly warmer days, they slowly move through the increasingly muffled ice, creating unique sounds that are lost in the splendor of the landscape.
- Spring
The arrival of pelicans and other water birds marks the beginning of spring for Prespa. As you commanded, all other life forms begin to wear the most imaginative colors. At the same time, but in a slow and harmonious way, every corner of the earth and water generates colorful flowers in a green or blue background. It is impossible for a person who observes all this to remain impassive.
- Summer
The colors of the landscape during the summer months and are those in the aftermath of spring. The different mobility of people with their intense fishing, agriculture and livestock activities. The squares and entertainment venues are filled with people of all ages. Holidays and other events are at their peak. While most days the coast of the Great Prespa lake is crowded with people who swim. In addition, the season also offers the ideal opportunity to climb into the surrounding mountains, enjoying the diversity of the landscape, but also to get to know the life of farmers.
- Autumn
In the fall, they completely change the face of the region, and every natural and unnatural element has a similar participation in this change. The landscape is changing color palette. Initially, the leaves of the trees alternate between green, yellow, red, brown and orange. Soon after, the migration of birds will follow by the thousands who have returned to the lakes, filling them with sounds and beats of wings. Thunderstorms often occur with strong intensity, dusting the landscape from the summer heat and spreading all hidden smells everywhere. The nights are changing shape and the sky is becoming as starry as ever. Plus, for long-term residents, it's time to reap the rewards of their labor from the earth. Everywhere you will find people and cars moving rapidly in the rural landscape.
The island of Achilleion
Ruins of the proto-Byzantine church of Aghios Achillios
The village of Aghios Germanos
Central square of the village of Aghios Germanos
How to get
By plane
Kastoria has regular flights to and from Athens, then from there you will have to continue on the road.
The nearest international airport is that of Thessaloniki, about 3 hours drive from Prespa.
By car
Prespa Lakes National Park has only two small towns in its vicinity: Florina is Kastoria. The distances of both up to Prespa are almost identical (45 to 55 km). There is only one road leading to Prespa, located in kilometer 31 of the Florina - Kastoria road (passing the Opera) or the 36th kilometer of the Kastoria highway, Florina. Access to both cities is feasible or from Thessaloniki and Kozani.
On the train
From Thessaloniki there is also a rail link with Florina, which is about an hour's drive from Prespa.
For information and timetables consult the website of Greek Railways
By bus
KTEL buses connect Florina with Athens twice daily. The duration of the trip is approximately 8 hours.
Five trips a day ensure the connection with Thessaloniki . The duration of the trip is approximately three hours.
There is no public transport between Kastoria and Prespa.
There is a bus connection from Florina all year round, but only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Departure from Florina at 7 and 15.00. Departure from Prespa at 8.30 and 16.30.
Permits / Rates
How to get around
Prespa Lakes National Park: full screen map.Given the lack of public transport, it is preferable to travel by car.
What see
- Byzantine church of Agios Germanos, Agios Germanos (In the main square of the town, behind the modern church). It dates back to the 11th century and preserves valuable frescoes inside. Usually the small door is open, just push, otherwise ask at the adjacent modern church.
- Ancient water mill, Agios Germanos (Reachable from the main square of the village by means of an unpaved road. It is advisable to reach it on foot. They are about 600 meters from the square-). Ancient water-powered wheat mill, on the edge of the town. Recently renovated in its external part, while the interior is not yet open to visitors (September 2017).
- Ruins of Byzantine monasteries. Aghios Achillios. Church of the 12 Apostles (11th - 12th century), Church of Agios Georgios (15th century), Church of Agios Dimitrios, Monastery of Panagia Porphyra (16th century).
What to do
Shopping
In the central square of Agios Germanos in several small shops it is possible to buy beans of different types (typical production of the area) and other agricultural products, jams and homemade liqueurs.
The beans can also usually be bought along the road to the Prespa lakes and in the parking lot in front of the islet of Agios Achillios.
Where to eat
- To Tzaki, Central Square, Agios Germanos, Prespes, 530 77 (At the upstream end of the town's central square), ☎ 30 2385 051303.
€ 15 for a fish (trout) dinner in September 2017. Traditional tavern with good dishes, including baked feta with hot peppers and baked trout.
€ 15 for a fish (trout) dinner in September 2017. Traditional tavern with good dishes, including baked feta with hot peppers and baked trout.Where stay
Average prices
- Agios Germanos hotels, The Square, Village Agios Germanos, Prespes 530 76 (Easily identifiable near the main square), ☎ 30 23850 51397, 30 6972 076654 (Mobile phone), fax: 30 23850 88105, @[email protected]. Approx. € 50 per single in a double room in September 2017. Traditional cat A hotel with excellent breakfast. Open all the year.
High prices
Prespa Wellness Resor & Villa Platythea, In the village of Platy, ☎ 30 23850 51400.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
- Prespa Maggiore lake
- Prespa minor lake
- Islet of Aghios Achillios, in the Prespa Minore lake, connected to the mainland by a floating bridge of about 600 meters. It houses a restaurant, some fishermen-farmers' houses and the ruins of Biazantine churches.
Other projects
Commons contains images or other files on Prespa Lakes National Park
