Lovers of landscapes, bicycles and lakes, this article is for you! The subject of this new text is lakes in Albania, Greece and Northern Macedonia. We'll be exploring the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa.

A trip around Lake Ohrid:

As you may already know, Lake Ohrid is a Unesco World Heritage Site. I mentioned this beautiful place in my article “10 reasons to choose Albania”.
A 100-kilometer circuit takes you around the lake, starting from Pogradec. Located in south-east Albania, 40 km from Korçë, it is also close to the border with northern Macedonia. Bikes can be rented directly from there, but it's best to book in advance if you want to come during the high season.

Along the west coast, you'll climb up to Lin, a fishing village. Situated on a peninsula, it's a picturesque spot. After tasting the lake's trout, you can go for a swim or take a boat trip on the peaceful waters. The village is also an ideal starting point for a hike.

Continuing along the coast, you'll reach the Macedonian border. Please note that you are required to take out insurance (€15 on my last visit in May 2024), even if you have to make the round trip within the day. Accept it at the first border, because if you cross the second, you'll be charged €60.

Shortly after crossing the border, you'll discover the town of Struga (many Albanians live here, so you won't be disoriented by the language). Struga is known for its pleasant atmosphere, beaches and natural beauty. It is crossed by the Drin Noir river, which flows into the lake. The walk along the river is popular with locals and tourists alike. If you're keen on water sports, you'll be tempted by kayaking or paddle-boarding. You can also go hiking to admire the lake and surrounding mountains.

Event : Struga has hosted the Struga Poetry Evenings every summer since 1962. This poetry festival attracts poets from all over the world. Since 1966, the Golden Crowns have been awarded annually to the best poet of our time. French poets Yves Bonnefoy and Jean-Pierre Siméon were awarded the Golden Crown in 1999 and 2024 respectively. Poetry lovers, be sure to check out this event if you're there on the same dates. ☺

Finally, you'll arrive in Ohrid, a beautiful city known for its cultural heritage. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe. In ancient times, its name was Lichnidos. It has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1979 for its cultural value and exceptional natural beauty. While you're there, you can discover historic sites such as Samuel's fortress, the ancient amphitheater and the churches of St. Sophia and St. John of Kaneo. If you prefer nature, stroll through the cobbled streets of the old town or set off on one of the hiking trails in Galičica National Park.

You'll then follow the eastern coastline dotted with beaches and churches before reaching the famous and sumptuous monastery of Saint Naum. It was founded in 905 (no less) by Saint Naum of Preslav (disciple of saints Cyril and Methodius, the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet). Today, it boasts the tomb of Saint Naum, Byzantine frescoes, peacocks (yes, yes) and nearby natural springs.

Anecdote: legend has it that if you put your ear to the grave of Saint Naum, you can hear the beating of his heart (you can tell me if this is the case, but unfortunately I didn't hear anything).

A few kilometers further on, you'll find yourself back in Albania, and we've come full circle!

A trip around the Prespa lakes:

We refer to the Prespa lakes because there are two of them. The large Lake Prespa, which lies between Albania, Northern Macedonia and Greece, and the smaller Lake Prespa, which is mainly in Greece. The management of these two lakes is a unique example of three countries working together to protect the environment.

You can start the tour at Pustec, 28 km from Korçë. A large Macedonian population lives in this municipality. You can also explore the 277 km² Prespa National Park. Created in 1999, this area features water, wetlands, pastures and forests.

Arriving in Macedonia, you can stroll along the beach at Stenje, discover the village of Asamati or drive along the panoramic road to Resen.

On your way to Florina in Greece, you'll pass through the Galičica National Park. Covering an area of around 225 km², the park offers a diverse biodiversity. It's renowned for its alpine plants, butterflies and birds. The landscape is equally diverse. You'll discover rugged mountains, alpine meadows and forests. The park also boasts a number of cycle paths offering breathtaking views.

Finally, to round off the Greek part of the tour, you'll make your way to the island of Agios Achilleios, a small village accessible via a footbridge. Here, you can admire the ruins and frescoes of the basilica, as well as the few stone houses. On the small Lake Prespa, you may even spot pelicans. Accommodation is available in nearby villages such as Mikrolimni.

The Prespa Lakes loop ends with a visit to the superb town of Korçë. Bazaars, museums and a cathedral await you.

For your vigilance:

Road conditions: most of the roads around the lakes are in good condition, but some sections may be narrower and require special attention.

Planning: plan your itinerary in advance and find out about weather conditions. Summers can be very hot, so set off early in the morning to avoid the highest temperatures.

Cycling: a road bike or mountain bike in good condition is recommended. Make sure you have tires suitable for paved roads and possibly unpaved sections.

Safety equipment: helmet, gloves, sunglasses and protective clothing. Don't forget a puncture repair kit.

Water and food: bring enough water and a few energy snacks for the trip.

Respect for the environment: respect nature and follow the principles of ecotourism. Don't leave litter and respect local flora and fauna.

Fitness level: make sure you're in good physical condition, as the terrain is hilly on certain sections and some routes are demanding.

I hope you've enjoyed this article and, above all, that it has inspired you to get on a bike and discover the natural wonders of the Prespa and Ohrid lakes.
Don't hesitate to contact me to organize your trip to the Balkans. ☺