Prespa National Park
Right by the borders with Albania and North Macedonia lies one of the most remarkable natural treasures among Greece and the Balkans: Prespa National Park. Here, you do not simply visit a lake — you enter a water world of unparalleled beauty and international significance.
Prespa National Park is part of the larger Prespa Park, the first transboundary protected area in the Balkans, established on February 2, 2000, when World Wetlands Day is commemorated. One of Greece’s original ten national parks, Prespa was created primarily to protect the rare bird species that nest within its boundaries —pelicans, cormorants, herons, and birds of prey— as well as a unique European population of ancient juniper trees (mountain cypress).
Prespa stands out for its high biodiversity and variety of habitats. It hosts the largest breeding colony of Dalmatian pelicans in the world — and watching them glide over the calm waters is an unforgettable experience, hard to describe. It is no coincidence that the area is internationally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, attracting scientists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe all-year round.
The landscape formed by the lakes and surrounding mountains offers a rare sense of peaceful beauty. Around the lakes, you can stroll, cycle, and go birdwatching in one of Europe’s most important bird habitats, or simply sit and enjoy an extraordinary type of tranquility. Traditional villages and Byzantine monuments add cultural depth and refined aesthetics to an already enchanting natural environment.
Be sure to visit the Information Center in Agios Germanos, located in the square of the traditional village. There, you can learn about the region’s unique biodiversity, its natural and cultural value, and the activities you can enjoy throughout the year, through rich printed and digital materials.
