All you need to know about the emblematic lakeside villages
Around and between the lakes, Prespa’s villages preserve their distinctive character: stone, wood, and tiled roofs, flower-filled courtyards, and the scent of burning fireplaces welcoming visitors from the very first glance.
One of the greatest joys of wandering around Prespa is getting to know its settlements, along with the hospitable spirit of their residents. These gem-like villages shine with a simple, unpretentious beauty, where time moves slowly. Visit them and dare to listen as each one tells its very own tale—together, they form the greater story of the region.
Psarades, one of the most beautiful villages in Greece (and the only Greek settlement on Great Prespa Lake) is a designated traditional village. Its stone houses and breathtaking lake views stand out. From here, boat tours depart to the famous rock paintings and hermitages of Great Prespa Lake.
Agios Germanos is probably the most vivid example of a traditional Prespa village. Walking along its cobbled streets, you shall pass restored mansions, to reach the Byzantine Church of Agios Germanos—one of the area’s most important monuments. A stone’s throw away, the traditional watermill—the only surviving one of the twenty that once operated here—still functions, evoking daily life of past centuries. The village’s Byzantine Collection of the wider area’s historically significant findings, as well as the lush surrounding landscape completement the experience, making Agios Germanos a destination where history, tradition, and serenity coexist.
An inhabited islet of Small Prespa Lake, Agios Achilleios also occupies a special place in Prespa’s geography and it is connected to the shore by a 630-meter pedestrian bridge. It is found amid lakeside scenery, reed beds, and absolute tranquility, between ruins of the 10th-century Byzantine basilica dedicated to Saint Achilleios, as well as the 15th-century Monastery of Panagia Porfyra. Staying there for a coffee or a meal on the island, you may spot herons wading in the shallow waters. Wandering among the few stone houses with panoramic lake views is a genuinely unforgettable experience. Other villages worth adding to your itinerary include Antartiko, once a prominent village with impressive brick-built mansions; Kottas, home to the significant house-museum of Captain Kottas; and Laimos, the administrative center of the Municipality of Prespa, hosting key regional infrastructure.
Municipality of Prespa
Where lakes become history in a sanctuary of life
Two lakes, one inhabited islet, 16 villages, and countless natural landscapes come together to form the fascinating tapestry of Prespa—a destination that truly provides its visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And that is no exaggeration.
In the northwestern corner of Greece, where three countries and two lakes meet, lies the Municipality of Prespa: a place of rare charm that captivates visitors with its poetic beauty. Every moment of your journey to Prespes will feel incredibly rewarding, as you will witness magnificent Dalmatian pelicans soar above Small Prespa Lake, solitary hermitages clinging to the rocks of Great Prespa Lake overlooking the Tripoint (the water borders between Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia), and traditional punts—the wooden boats of Prespa—glide gently across the waters of the lakes. Here, you will walk along paths of memory, discover iconic traditional villages such as Agios Germanos, Antartiko, and Kottas, stand before Byzantine frescoes, and let your gaze wander across the vast horizons of Prespes. Welcome to a palimpsest landscape, where history, culture, and wildlife play the starring roles in a rare chapter of your travel diary— where you become part of the story.
Two lakes, one world
Great Prespa Lake and Small Prespa Lake offer the experience of an internationally acclaimed wetland, as more than half of Greece’s bird, mammal, and amphibian species have found refuge there. Small Prespa Lake hosts the largest colony of Dalmatian pelicans in the world, while you may encounter the native dwarf cow—a rare and protected species—in the grazing lands near Psarades and Agios Achilleios.
Together with the surrounding area, the two lakes form one of Europe’s most important ecosystems. Wet meadows, reed beds, rocky shores, and forests of ancient junipers (cedars) near Mount Devas create a world of natural wonder awaiting to be explored.
An entire monastic world carved into rock
Boat routes lead you to the hermitages and rock paintings of Great Prespa Lake: rock-hewn chapels, centuries-old frescoes, and stories of ascetic life echoing through stone-dark caves. These hermitages, which were abandoned in the late 15th century—when local monks departed to Mount Athos—are now accessible through organized boat tours departing from the village of Psarades.
Activities in nature elevate the experience—occasionally in the most literal sense
Hiking through enchanting forests and lakeside trails, cycling, boating, kayaking on the almost always calm waters of the lakes—and paragliding over Prespa National Park for the more adventurous—are just a few of the activities that make Prespa a once in a lifetime experience, regardless of the season — especially in winter, when the nearby Vigla–Pisoderi Ski Center invites you to test your skills on snow-covered slopes.
A taste of Prespa
Prespa’s culinary enchantment lies in its simplicity—and it is deeply rooted to the land. The famous Prespa beans, a PDO product, dominate every table, alongside oven-baked or pan-fried carp and tsironia, dried small fish served as a refined meze for tsipouro. Handmade pies with greens or peppers stand out, as does the so-called “Prespa caviar”—a spread made from roasted Florina peppers—perfect to take home along with other local products.
Lakes that mirror different centuries
Do not seek for the history of Prespa exclusively in the pages of old books, as it is present in every stone, every shoreline, every path. From the Neolithic era to the most turbulent decades of the 20th century, this land carries memories spanning millennia, revealing a past that constantly converses with the landscape.
Human presence begins in the Neolithic period—very early indeed, around 7000 BC—and it continues through traces from the Bronze and Iron Ages. In Agios Achilleios, architectural remains and inscriptions from Hellenistic and Roman times have been discovered. In antiquity, the lakes were known as Mikri and Megali Vrigiis and, from the 5th century BC, formed part of the Macedonian kingdom prior to them later joining the Roman province of Illyricum.
Towards the late 10th century, Tsar Samuel turned Prespa into the epicenter of his territories: he transferred the relics of Saint Achilleios from Larissa and built the great Basilica on the islet that bears the saint’s name. Basil II later restored Byzantine rule and—according to historical sources—constructed two fortresses, known as “Vasilida” and “Konstantion”. In the 14th century, Serbian rule followed, until 1395, when the region passed under Ottoman control. During this period, monastic life flourished: hermitages, churches, monasteries, and retreats formed a unique tapestry of faith and art that still survives to this day.
From the mid-19th century onward, Prespa became a theater of the Macedonian Struggle, with prominent fighters such as Captain Kottas from Roulia (today’s Kotta), the Dalipi brothers from Sfika, Pavlos Kyrou from Antartiko, and Lazos Tsamis from Pisoderi. Pisoderi was also the birthplace of Nikolaos Kasomoulis, a Macedonian fighter of the Greek War of Independence and historian who recorded the Siege and Exodus of Messolonghi, as well as the struggles and death of Karaiskakis.
The area’s liberation occurred in November 1912, while during World War I the area once again became a battlefield. In World War II, a counteroffensive launched from Krystallopigi led to the capture of Korçë on November 22, 1940. The Greek Civil War left deep scars, with cave shelters, guerrilla hospitals, and abandoned villages. Despite a population of around 7,000 prior to the war, an astonishing 1,500 inhabitants actually remained in the area in 1951. While the settlements of Vlach shepherds in 1953 did offer some demographic relief, it did not manage to reverse the overall population decline. Today, Prespa remains the most sparsely populated municipality in Greece—an unspoiled paradise on earth where centuries of history meet extraordinary natural beauty, and humanity makes space for nature to thrive.
Prespa is a place that lives and breathes nature. Here, you don’t simply observe the landscape—you experience it. If you are keen on nature-based activities, you can choose between mountain, lake, and skies, with activities tailored to every season and mood.
Boat tours to the hermitages
Psarades serves as the gateway to one of Prespa’s most memorable experiences: a boat tour across Great Prespa Lake. Aboard...
Psarades serves as the gateway to one of Prespa’s most memorable experiences: a boat tour across Great Prespa Lake. Aboard small wooden boats departing daily from the village’s harbour, you will explore the lake’s waters and learn about its history and natural richness. As you approach the cliffs, you will discover hermitages and Byzantine rock paintings that tell stories of centuries of monastic life and devotion. As the boat glides quietly across the water, time seems to stand still, and the landscape transforms into a profound spiritual and immersive experience—one of the most beautiful you can enjoy in Prespa.
Hiking and cycling
Prespa is made for exploration. Either on foot or by bicycle, trails wind through forests, lakeshores, and historic villages, offering...
Prespa is made for exploration. Either on foot or by bicycle, trails wind through forests, lakeshores, and historic villages, offering constant changes of scenery and a dreamlike sense of quiet. From gentle walks around Small Prespa Lake to demanding mountain routes, hiking here is an authentic encounter with nature and local life. Cycling enthusiasts can find routes along Lake Megali and Small Prespa Lake especially rewarding: easy trails suitable for families as well as more challenging roads for experienced riders, always accompanied by water, birds, and a feeling of absolute freedom.
Kayaking on the lakes
Paddle across the calm waters of Great Prespa Lake or Small Prespa Lake and discover the area from an entirely...
Paddle across the calm waters of Great Prespa Lake or Small Prespa Lake and discover the area from an entirely different perspective. Glide past reed beds, rocky shores, and small secluded beaches, observing rare bird species up close. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, kayaking is one of the best ways to experience the serenity of the landscape.
Birdwatching
A true paradise for all birdwatchers, the Prespa wetlands are internationally renowned—among other reasons—for hosting the world’s largest colony of...
A true paradise for all birdwatchers, the Prespa wetlands are internationally renowned—among other reasons—for hosting the world’s largest colony of Dalmatian pelicans. Bring your binoculars and explore the shores to spot herons, cormorants, and countless waterbird species. Here, birdwatching is not just an activity; it is an immersive encounter with a living ecosystem.
Winter sports
If you adore snow, just a short drive from Prespa, on the road to Florina, the Vigla–Pisoderi Ski Center awaits...
If you adore snow, just a short drive from Prespa, on the road to Florina, the Vigla–Pisoderi Ski Center awaits with slopes for all levels of skiing and snowboarding, set in the backdrop of one of Greece’s most beautiful alpine landscapes. The views of the surrounding peaks are stunning, and, as the sun sets, the area becomes the perfect setting for mulled wine and absolute relaxation.
Paragliding
If you want to see Prespa from above, brace yourself for a wild ride. Paragliding in Prespa is a once-in-a-lifetime...
If you want to see Prespa from above, brace yourself for a wild ride. Paragliding in Prespa is a once-in-a-lifetime experience: flying alongside pelicans, with the lakes and mountains below spreading out like a painting. Launching over Prespa National Park, you will surrender to the wind and bear witness to a view that will take your breath away. The silence of the wind, the vast blue-green panorama, and the feeling of absolute freedom create an experience that will stay with you forever—a tribute to nature and alternative exploration.
A journey into the flavors of Prespa
Prespa’s gastronomy is an integral part of the region’s identity: simple, earthy, and generous. Here, food is a way of life, deeply connected to the seasons, the land, and the water of the lakes. Though local recipes were shaped in modest households, they are still rich in imagination. The undisputed star is the Prespa bean, a PDO product, prepared either as a classic bean soup or baked in the oven with tomato and aromatic herbs.
Caro is yet another delight coming straight from the lakes, traditionally cooked in a pan or baked, and tsironia, small fish that are dried and served as a meze alongside local wine or tsipouro. Among the region’s most distinctive delicacies is the famous “Prespa caviar”, a spicy spread made from roasted Florina peppers, olive oil, and herbs—simple yet irresistible.
Inland, meat dishes made from locally raised cattle stand out for their natural flavor, slow-cooked in traditional ovens or over open fire. And of course, no culinary experience in Prespa is complete without homemade pies: pepper pies, wild greens pies, and cheese pies, all made with hand-rolled pastry and scented with fresh herbs.
From humble tavern dishes to festive offerings, Prespa preserves a cuisine that honors tradition and nature alike. It is a cuisine deeply rooted in the land and the lakes—one that reveals that flavor here is not just an experience, but a memory.
