Pogradec, ‘This summer like never before’

“This summer like never before.” This is the motto of this year’s tourist season in the lake town of Pogradec, southeastern Albania.
“Today tourism has no borders and we need each other not only to manage and promote tourist potential but also to exchange experience and best practices,” said Tourism Minister Eglantina Gjermani at the official launch of the tourist season this week.
The kick-off ceremony also attended by Kosovo officials was accompanied with craft fair, a painting exhibition and special local dishes.
Inviting tourists to visit the south-eastern lake town, Pogradec Mayor Artan Shkembi said “Pogradec offers hospitality, mountains and its clean lake.”
Transport Minister Edmond Haxhinasto who visited Pogradec earlier on Sunday said a ferry line would be made available between Pogradec and Ohrid town in neighbouring Macedonia during the June 15-September 15 period.
Discovering the Lake Town of Pogradec
The town of Pogradec and its surroundings in southeastern Albania, as one of the Albanian pearls, provides much to discover for its visitors. The region dominated by the fantastic Ohrid Lake, shared by both Albania and Macedonia, surrounded by fields nestled before picturesque mountains, will be your panorama throughout your holidays in Pogradec. The harmony of nature, and the friendliness of the inhabitants are characteristic.
The sunny days at the beaches along the lake, the strolls along the promenade, as well as the various specialty dishes and local wine enjoyed in the restaurants provide unforgettable moments.
Pogradec is one of the most charming tourist destinations in Albania because of its position near the Ohrid Lake, which distinguishes itself for pure waters. Koran Fish, which is similar to the trout, is reared in this lake. Besides the beautiful beach, staying in Pogradec is made more interesting by travelling to the tourist destination site of Drilon (5 km eastward) with crystal clear fountains that fill the beautiful channels surrounded with trees and by ornamental plants.
Lake Ohrid and its surrounding area shines as a splendid unique ecosystem. Due to its historic culture and its unique flora and fauna, in 1980, the Ohrid Lake was declared by UNESCO as a place of worldwide natural and cultural heritage
For everybody, during all four seasons, this city offers opportunities to relax and have fun.
Ohrid Lake – Albania
Lake Ohrid is situated in the southeastern part of Albania, at an altitude of 695 m (2280 ft) above sea level and covering an area of 358 sq. km (138 sq. mi). A third of its area falls within Albanian state borders, with the other portion belonging to Macedonia. It is the deepest lake in the entire Balkan Peninsula, with a maximum depth of 289 m (948 ft). The lake is approximately four million years old and is renowned for its crystal clear waters. Similar in nature to Lake Baikal and Lake Tanganyika, approximately 200 unique and endemic species can be found in Lake Ohrid, from the tiniest phytoplankton and sestile algae to predatory fish. The lake shore reed beds and wetlands provide critical habitat for hundreds of thousands of wintering water birds, including rare and threatened species such as the Dalmatian Pelican, Ferruginous Duck, Swan, Spotted Eagle, and Eastern Imperial Eagle.
Recreational Opportunities
The 30 km (19 mi) of the Albanian Lake Ohrid shoreline include areas of interest for all tourists, such as Lin, Pojska, Pogradec, and Tushemisht. Suggested activities include sun bathing, swimming, speed boating, scuba diving, water skiing, and fishing. In addition to the hotels along the lake shores, the area is known for family hospitality, particularly in the Tushemisht area.
Places to visit:
Local town beach
The Pogradec beach is situated in the center of town and continues along the local promenade. It is very popular and has a lot of sand. Downtown, there are several beaches, private and public with sand and small rocks. Water is very clean.
Pogradec Parks
You can walk across the lakeside in the “1 Maji” promenade, enjoying the freshness of trees and a wonderful view. There is a 5 km boulevard bordering the lake, where you can find bars with live music, hotels, motels, cafes, and restaurants for traditional and modern tastes.
Tushemisht/Drilon
Just 4 kilometers away in Tushemisht you can see the Drilon tourist destination, known for the fresh water springs and Drilon River. The many decorative trees and plants are in full harmony with Drilon’s clear water springs, strolling paths, characteristic bridges and bird life. Tushemisht has a special history because both King Zog and the former dictator of Albania, Enver Hoxha enjoyed summers in this special place.
Lin village
The lakeside village of Lin is a charming opportunity to see Lake Ohrid life from a traditional perspective. Winding streets lined with old style stone, wooden and brick houses lead to the site of an ancient basilica with 8 colorful mosaics showing fish, water birds and bees, dating from the 5th Century. The Byzantine church ruins have a modern cover constructed to keep the treasures from further deterioration while awaiting further exploration. The Lake Ohrid and mountain vistas from the top of the hill are outstanding!
Selca
Five ancient tombs and monuments dating from the 4 th Century B.C. are found in Selca, site of the ancient settlement of Pelion (where Illyrian King Klit dwelled). Other remains date from the Bronze Age through the mid VIth Century A.D. including Ionic treasures, bronze and pottery items, weapons and articles of gold.
Golik Bridge
The Golik Bridge spans the wild Shkumbin River and dates back to the XVII Century. This old double-span stone structure is situated along the ancient Egnatia Road, near Golic, which is a charming village in the heart of the Mokra region. Along the road to Golik, you will enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls and mountain scenery from deep valleys. In taking this trip, you will trace the steps of many ancient people, who over the centuries walked, defended, and traveled through the region!
Shkumbin River
This is one of the longest rivers in Albania with very clear water that flows through stunning scenery. The river has its headwaters near Guri i Topit on the Mokra Mountain, district of Pogradec and flows to the Adriatic Sea. Different kinds of fish, with trout among them, live in its waters, which makes possible sport fishing while some parts of the river are suitable for boat or raft drifting.
Kabashi Springs
Only 2 kilometers from Pogradec, climbing the hill you will discover a wonderful place for picnics. With fresh fountains and prairies this is the right place for Barbecue.
Potkozhan
This is a very interesting village in the district of Pogradec. The houses are very beautiful, made of stone and roofed with stone tiles. The streets among them are narrow and paved with cobble stones, while grapes and mulberries climb the walls and hang over the streets. Close to the village, there is the church of St Paraskeva, known as Shen Premte among the local people. (Pogradec.info, Balkangeotourism.travel)