From Hidden Treasure to Well-Packed Tourism Offer: Prespa, North Macedonia

Prespa is no longer just a secret whispered among seasoned travelers—it's transforming into a model of sustainable tourism where nature, culture, and community converge. This cross-border gem is embracing its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage to create a well-rounded tourism experience. Supported by EU, the Prespa region is stepping confidently into the spotlight—offering visitors not only untouched beauty but a deeper connection with a region where people and nature thrive together.

September 26, 2025

Photograph of two people on a wooden pier extending over calm water, blue mountains beyond.

Tucked away in the heart of the Balkans lies Prespa, one of Europe’s oldest lakes placed on the crossroads of three countries North Macedonia, Greece and Albania. Still undiscovered by many travelers, Prespa is a hidden treasure: home to the rare Dalmatian pelican, centuries-old monasteries, apple orchards stretching to the horizon, and an untouched island guarding unique biodiversity and sheltering rare birds, tortoises and snakes.

Prespa is more than landscape. It is a living mosaic of unique ecosystems. Its wetlands are nesting grounds for migratory birds, and its mountain slopes shelter centuries-old forests. This diversity makes Prespa one of Europe’s most valuable natural laboratories, an irreplaceable home for biodiversity and a sanctuary for balance between people and nature.

Stone houses along a low stone wall in a village with green hills in the background.

Yet despite its beauty, Prespa’s tourism sector is still small but growing. Visitors who arrive are charmed by its lakeshore villages, homemade food, and picturesque surroundings, but much of the potential remains untapped. Tourism here is more than leisure. It drives local entrepreneurship, keeps cultural heritage alive, and creates livelihoods through the protection of nature and the environment.

For decades, Prespa was quiet. But now, through EU, UNDP supports communities to turn this hidden gem into a well-organized, sustainable tourism offer. The initiative partners with local authorities, civil society, and the three surrounding parks: National Park Pelister, National Park Galichica, and Nature Park Ezerani, creating a network of cycling and hiking trails up to 170 km.

“Authentic sustainable tourism requires solid infrastructure—one that enables visitors to fully experience the natural beauty and unique character of Prespa,” says Frosina Gjorgievska, Director of the National Park Galicica. “With the introduction of new hiking and cycling trails, especially those linking key locations within the park, we anticipate growing interest from tourists—particularly mountain and nature enthusiasts—and a meaningful enhancement of the region’s overall tourism offering.”

Rocky island with sparse trees, reflected in calm blue water.

As part of the programme for sustainable tourism, EuforPrespa programme will support at least 15 accommodation providers, and introduce 10 new or upgraded sustainable tourism products.

"The support from the programme is a major step forward for tourism in our region," says a local tourist worker. "By helping accommodation providers to improve their services and introducing new and attractive sustainable tourism products, this initiative strengthens not only our individual businesses but also the overall appeal of Prespa as an alluring destination. Prespa was once a highly desirable destination for many visitors—and with the right support, we can bring that interest back!”

The reopening of the Markova Noga border crossing between North Macedonia and Greece, closed for more than 60 years, promises not only stronger connectivity but also a joint tourism offers shaped by three countries. Visitors will be able to move seamlessly across borders, boosting local economic development while experiencing a shared natural and cultural heritage that transcends boundaries.

Dark raptor takes off from a lake, water splashing behind, forested shoreline in the background.

“The reopening of the Markova Noga crossing is a game-changer for us," says Goran Dimitrovski, a 83 year old local resident from the village of Dolno Dupeni. "For decades, this border was closed, cutting us off from our neighbors in Greece and limiting opportunities for free movement, trade and tourism. With the upcoming reopening of the border, we can finally offer joint tours, welcome more visitors, and reconnect with communities we've been separated from for generations. It's not just about tourism—it’s about revitalizing our local economy and building stronger ties with our neighbors."

Prespa is ready to emerge from the shadows. No longer just a well-kept secret shared among travelers, it is poised to become a shining example of sustainable, cross-border tourism—a destination where natural treasures are not only admired, but actively protected.

Here, local communities thrive, and three nations come together to shape a shared story of peace, prosperity, and harmony with nature.

Authors: Marijana Milevska, Ana Dimovska Kotevska.