Pogradec lies in the south-east of Albania along the shore of Lake Ohrid. Pogradec is surrounded by hills and high mountains, which form a magnificient crown around the town. In addition to being the deepest lake in the Balkans, Lake Ohrid is a favorite tourist destination.
The best time for holidays are July and August; however, Pogradec attracts tourists all around the year. The town enjoys a special and pleasant climate. In addition to the beauty of the lake and the picturesque scenery, Pogradec is known for its unique archeological sites, its artists, such as the Lasgush Poradeci, Mitrush Kuteli and Vangjush Mio, and the fish “Koran” that can be found only in its lake.
How to get there
Pogradec can be reached by air via Rinas Airport near the capital city Tirana by taking the national road through Elbasan (139 km). From the Durr쳠sea-port it can be reached following the national road Durr쳭Elbasan-Librazhd-Pogradec (168 km). Pogradec can be reached also by train. It is the last station of the railway line from Tirana to Pogradec. If coming from north or Tirana to get to Pogradec you should follow the Shkodra-Lezha-Tirana-Elbasan-Librazhd-Pogradec road. If you drive from the south then you should follow the road Saranda-Gjirokastra-Fier-Lushnja-Elbasan-Librazhd-Pogradec. The checking point with Greece and Macedonia are not very far from the city. Pogradec can be reached also by public transportation lines (buses or vans) from Tirana, Elbasan, Kor衠and Durr쳮
History
Pogradec is a modern and pretty town with an ancient history. Archeological excavations on the hill above the town have uncovered a 5th Century BC Illyrian settlement belonging to the early Desaret and perhaps Enkelana tribes. During the following centuries the village people descended down to the foot of the hill and established the city of Pogradec, along the shores of Lake Ohrid. In the 19th century the town flourished into a commercial and artisan centre. During this period urban houses became a standard with a few local architectural features. This architecture can be found only in some part of the town due to careless development during communism.
Tourism
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid with its surrounding area excels as a unique ecosystem. For its historical values and unique flora and fauna UNESCO decided to declare it a World Natural and Heritage Center in 1980. It is considered as one of the oldest lakes in the world. The lake is noted for its clear water which allows visibility up to sixteen meters. In addition to its environmental importance, the lake is also economically significant. It is one of the richest and most valuable biological reserves in Europe. Over 70% of its fish species and over 80% of the mollusks are endemic. Among the peculiarities of the lake is the oldest and rarest kind of fish in the world, the Koran. The Koran is living only in Lake Ohrid and the Bajkal Lake in Russia.
Beaches
The entire lakeshore from Lin to Tushemisht (88 km) can be considered as a big beach. In fact, the most known beach is that of the town itself, which is next to the main boulevard. It is a beautiful sandy and gravel beach. There are other beautiful beaches, such as the beach of Pjosk뻠also, there are small nice beaches all along the shore from Lin to Pogradec and from Volorek롴o Tushemisht where several comfortable have been built recently. A World Bank project has helped rehabilitating the beaches of Pogradec from disposal of sewage and other urban waste into the lake.
The fortress
The Fortress of Pogrades is located on a hill, overlooking the town. The fortress was inhabited as early as the 5th century BC and it continued to be inhabited until the 10th century, when its inhabitants settled closer to the Lake Ohrid down the hill. There are a few things to see today in the fortress today, but for the nature lovers and those who like to walk outdoors, it is a good place to look at the lake from a higher point.
Archeological sites
The monumental Tombs of Selca are unique from the archeological and construction perspective. They date back to the 4th century BC. They are 40 km away from the town of Pogradec. Other tombs that are similar to them have been found only in Lebanon. The tombs are on the hill in the village of Lower Selca. They have paintings of scenes with Illyrian kings in the battlefield fighting with ancient Macedonians. Citus, an Illyrian king it is said to have been buried in one of the tombs. The items that have been found in the tombs are extremely valuable and are kept in museums in Tirana.
The Mosaics of Lin are near the peninsula of Lin and date back to the 6th century AD. This byzantine mosaic is the biggest mosaic in the Balkans with an area of 220 m2.
Drilon
The touristic attraction of Drilon is 4 km south from the town of Pogradec where a small stream feeds the lake. It is set amidst weeping willows and deciduous trees. The paths, bridges, swans, ducks and doves increase the splendor of this delightful park.
The town of artists
Pogradec has always attracted local or foreign artists or writers. One of the greatest Albanian landscape painters, Vangjush Mio, painted some of his greatest works with the theme of the lake and the old part of the town. Pogradec is known as the home town of the renowned Albanian poet, Lasgush Poradeci. His entire work was inspired and influenced by the lake and the effect it has on men and women. Mitrush Kuteli was another famous writer from Pogradec. He left behind a rich artistic heritage, considered as one of the Albanian literature pearls.
