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Region in South-eastern Europe
Photo: This illustration was made by Rašo. An email to Rašo would be appreciated too., CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Prespa (Macedonian: Преспа) is a region surrounding the Great Prespa Lake and Small Prespa Lake. This international region is shared by Albania, Greece, and North Macedonia, which contains a majority of the Great Prespa Lake. North Macedonia's share of the region is completely within Resen Municipality, bound by Galičica National Park to the west, Pelister National Park to the east, the borders with Albania and Greece to the south, and northern parts of Resen Municipality to the north. Prespa is a popular domestic vacation spot for Macedonians and even receives many foreign tourists and is home to some of the best beaches in this landlocked country. It is surrounded by two national parks containing spectacular mountainous terrain, making the area a major destination for recreation and wildlife viewing. The area is also home to some of the most charming villages in Macedonia, with the combined beauty of the natural scenery and the traditional village architecture.
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Голем Град
The largest island in the country, Golem Grad is a part of Galičica National Park. It is located in the corner of North Macedonia, a few kilometers from Greek and Albanian territory. It is accessible only via boat; small tour boats can usually be found in Konjsko or Stenje. The ride is shorter from Konjsko than Stenje (30 minutes vs. 90 minutes), but Konjsko itself is much more difficult to reach by car than Stenje. The island has an area of 20 hectares (50 acres) and is surrounded by caves and cliffs, the highest of which rises 50 m (164 ft) above the lake. Golem Grad is home to diverse flora and fauna. It used to be known for its snakes but it is much more of a sanctuary for birds. The island, uninhabited since the mid-20th century, is also home to many ruins of ancient settlements of varying condition. The archaeological sites include a Roman cistern, six churches, and multiple Roman and Hellenistic houses.
Црква „Св. Петар“
One of several churches on the island but the only one completely standing, last renovated in 1934. It was built in 1360 under Serbian King Vukašin. It was built of brick and stone. The frescoes inside are not too well-preserved.
Споменик за Преспанското советување на ЦК на КПМ
This interesting communist memorial sits in rough shape, like much of Oteševo. Of all such monuments in Prespa, this is the biggest. It consists of several detached white arched walls pointing upwards. The monument commemorates the historic meeting which took place in August 1943.
Етнолошки музеј Подмочани
This museum is located on the main road in Podmočani. It houses a rich collection of over 2,000 pieces of art, jewelry, weapons, coins, and over 160 traditional costumes from across Macedonia. The collection was started by villager Jone Evtimovski and it remains within his home to this day. Ask about the etymology of this village's name (it translates to something funny in Macedonian).
Преспански крст и Црква Св. Петар и Павле
This small church was built in the 2000s atop a hill above Podmočani and the lake. A tall Christian cross, which is illuminated at night, was erected next to the church. It stands 30 m (98 ft) tall. The location of the cross and church offers spectacular views of the lake, the mountains, and the nearby plains. The older, main church of the village was built in 1848 and is dedicated to St George.
Црква „Св. Архангел Михаил“
Asamati has long been a multi-ethnic village of Orthodox Christians and Muslims at the shore of Lake Prespa. This 1636-built church looks toward the lake. The frescoes within date from the original construction through later centuries. The church is single-naved with covered porches on each side. Interestingly, the village never had a mosque until 2004.
Црква „Св. Ѓорѓи“
The most important church in the Prespa region, the Church of St George was built in 1191 during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelos. Located in the village of Kurbinovo, it has rather simple architecture and is one of the largest aisleless churches in Macedonia. It has frescoes both on the outside and the inside. The walls on the inside are covered in frescoes from top to bottom. These frescoes, in very good condition, are what make the church a significant example of the Macedonian Renaissance period of Byzantine art. The fresco of Archangel Gabriel is seen on the Macedonian 50-denar banknote. To reach the church, follow the main road of the village uphill. A typical car can drive up most of this road. In 2020, the church was added to Macedonia's tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Сливнички манастир, St. Mary, or Sv. Bogorodica
This monastery complex contains one church dedicated to the Holy Mother of God. Located on the western slopes of Baba Mountain in a forested area, it can be reached by car on a long paved road above the village. The monastery was built in the early 17th century. The church has two main sections and a prominent attached white bell tower. The frescoes inside the church were completed in the 17th century. The monastery also contains dormitory buildings in the traditional architectural style. The courtyard contains water believed to have healing abilities. Many sightings of the Virgin Mary have been reported at the monastery, the last one being in 2006.
Црква „Св. Јован Богослов“
The village's main church is situated at its center. Its bell tower is the entrance to its courtyard which also contains the village cemetery. The large church was built in 1861. It was burned during the Ilinden Uprising, and then restored in 1921. The apse in the rear is the only section retain the stone block exterior, with the rest being white.
Љубојнски манастир
Established in the 1920s, this monastery isn't among the more historic of the region but it is an interesting one, mostly because of its location high above the village on Baltan Mountain. The white church and its neighboring bell tower can be seen from the village below and further beyond. It can be reached by a 30-minute uphill hike from the village. On the way up, stop and visit the tiny Church of Saint Athanasius built in 1623. On Saint Peter's Day, when the monastery is visited by many, some villagers offer tractor rides to the grounds.
Брајчински манастир
This 15th-century monastery contains a small church dedicated to Saint Petka. Though small, it has significant frescoes done in two periods. The oldest of these, dating from the 16th century, are preserved on the east and west walls of the nave. The other frescoes date from the 18th century. The church's icons date from the 16th century and later. Its dormitories were destroyed in the early 20th century but rebuilt in 1985. The monastery sits in a flat area above the village, about 500 meters uphill from the Vila Raskrsnica restaurant and inn at the eastern end of the village.
Црква „Св. Никола“
The main village church of Brajčino is this 1872-built church dedicated to St Nicholas. The walls aren't frescoed, though the apse is. The iconostasis was made from 1875 through 1889. The village cemetery is found in the church courtyard, which also looks out to Lake Prespa. In addition to its monastery and this main church, Brajčino has four other churches, a couple of which involve rather difficult but rewarding hikes to reach.
Маркова Нога
Meaning "Marko's Foot", this is an area just south of Dolno Dupeni. It is so named for a stone bearing a footprint said to belong to King Marko. This is the southernmost point of the country. The stone sits within the border area so one must speak with guards to ask for permission to see the stone.
Парк на Природа Езерани
Covering 1,916 hectares (4,734 acres), this protected area contains important ecosystems within the wetlands and meadows of the northern shore of Lake Prespa. It is a great destination for bird-watching.
Stenje's beach was updated in 2015 with modern facilities. It has multiple dining and bar options as well as a hotel and a church nearby. This beach is also the one located closest to its respective village in the Prespa area.
Perhaps the most popular beach in Prespa, this beach in Pretor and its surroundings provide the most amenities. This includes multiple restaurants, a hotel, a youth hostel, and a church.
Easily one of the nicest beaches in the country, Connect Beach was established in 2016. This large beach contains a restaurant, a cafe, and a dock with additional seating. There are loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas placed all over the beach, though one must spend a minimum of 100 denars on drinks or food per person to use them. The beach itself is nice and sandy, but upon stepping in the water there are many sharp little rocks, so bring swim shoes.
Part of the large Auto Camp Krani site, this beach has a playground, umbrellas, etc.
Located at North Macedonia's southernmost point, at the border with Greece, this beach is south of the village of Dolno Dupeni. There are free umbrellas across the beach, but no chairs or loungers. The beach includes a couple of volleyball nets. The water here can be a little mucky at times. There is a cafe which sits at the entrance to the beach.
Св. Петка
This celebration is held on August 7th and 8th in honour of St Petka. On the evening of the 7th, villagers and visitors hike up to the Monastery of St Petka (described above in "See") and everyone is served a meal consisting of beans, cole slaw, and bread, free of charge. There is also some music and dancing in the courtyard of the monastery. The next evening, in the village centre, there is a live band playing traditional music and people dance the traditional oro dance. There are multiple vendors set up selling food, toys, and more.
Илинден
Kruševo is the best-known location for celebrations of Ilinden, North Macedonia's main national holiday celebrating the famous 10-day republic, on 2 August. Ljubojno, however, throws a popular celebration for the day. There is live music, food, dancing, and more.
Vila Raskrsnica is quite a gem. It sits in one of the most peaceful corners of Prespa, on a trail towards Pelister National Park, and has views of the lake. The interior is decorated wall-to-wall with traditional Macedonian objects. The restaurant is run by one villager who takes reservations based on what she can handle, so call ahead.
Overlooks Pretor's beach. It has patio and indoor seating.
On Pretor's beach. Serving pizza and other Italian dishes.
The restaurant at Slivnica's new beach. It serves traditional skara (barbecue) and some other choices.
It has moved from Dolno Dupeni (where it was more popular). Oaza is a nightclub in Auto Camp Krani. It is only open in summer.
Steps away from the lake and close to Pretor's beach.
This hotel has a private beach and one of the best views of the lake. It has a lot of amenities and seems to offer new things every summer. It also contains a nice restaurant. The popular Macedonian television series Prespav is set (but not filmed) here.
Between the main road and Pretor's beach. It has 15 rooms and three apartments. It also has its own restaurant.
A rural b&b offering a family apartment with two bedrooms (4 beds), and 2 double rooms, each with en suite facilities. The rooms are spacious, minimally decorated and furnished with locally sourced materials and handmade decor. Rooms also have extra sitting area, a small coffee-machine and a minibar. Tours and activities (guided and self-guided) with a focus on the personal well-being are offered.
By taxi
Cabs can be hired from Resen, Ohrid, or Bitola (or further beyond for higher prices). From Resen, fare to the furthest villages of Prepsa should be no more than 600 denars.
By bus
A bus company out of the village of Arvati operates a small network of buses that run from the villages of Prespa up to Resen a couple times per day. Ask the locals for bus times.
By thumb
Hitchhikers in Prespa, as in most of North Macedonia, shouldn't have too much trouble hitching a ride. The biggest problem is picking a time of day where there simply aren't many cars passing by.
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