At an altitude of almost 900 meters above sea level, a complex of two lakes constructs a National Park famous for its rich flora and fauna as well as for the fact that it is divided between three different countries.
Where are Prespes?
Located at the northwest edge of Greece, the Prespes complex include the Large and the Small Prespa, where the Large Prespa is the natural border between three neighboring countries, Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia (Skopje).
Megali Prespa covers an area of 288 square kilometers, has a maximum depth of 50 meters, and is located at an altitude of 853 meters. Actually, scientists argue that it supplies water to Lake Ohrid through underground water channels.
Mikri Prespa is located a little higher, at an altitude of 857 meters. Mikri Prespa includes the island of Agios Achilleios, which hosts the homonymous village with only 21 permanent residents (2011 census).
What is the flora and fauna of Prespa National Park?
When they were formed, they were connected to a single lake, but in the course of millions of years, they separated. In Prespes live 40 species of mammals, 260 species of birds, 11 amphibians, 20 species of reptiles, and 15 species of fish, while its rich flora includes more than 1300 species of plants. The lakes are home to two species of pelican, the rose pelican and the silver pelican, with the latter being an endangered species.
In the villages on the shores of the lakes there are hotels that offer accommodation, as well as restaurants that are famous for the local dishes and the fresh fish of the area.