A Hidden Secret on the Island of Maligrad in the Great Prespa Lake | Prespa National Park

Highlights of this tour

• One of the oldest lakes in the world
• The hidden ancient church of St. Mary on the island of Maligrad
• Archeological sites embedded into remarkable nature
• Unique culture and history

Tour description

We will go on a boat trip on the Great Prespa Lake to Maligrad island in Prespa National Park, including a gentle walk to unique cultural sites.

Maligrad is a small island (5 ha), in Lake Prespa, with many caves and a small cliff. Though the area is mainly sandy and rocky you can find several types of trees and a huge biodiversity.

Starting from the village Pustec we will take a cruise to Maligrad island. There we will start a gentle walk to the famous cave church of St. Mary, a cultural moment of Albania that was built by Caesar Novaku, a local nobleman in 1369.

We will see unique old fresco paintings as well as archaeological remains that prove very early settlements here.

After climbing on to the top of the island we will enjoy a short picnic with traditional dried foods, fish, dairy, ayran, vegetables or fruits of the season, mountain tea, honey and traditional homemade bread.

Here is the opportunity to take some pictures, before going back and visit some more archeological sites on the island by boat.

General information and booking contact

Length

7.5 km (bidirectional, boat cruise + walk)
3 hours (1/2 hour boat trip, 2 hours visit at the island, 1/2 hour boat trip back).

Height difference (m)

The island is located 850 m above sea level, the height difference on the island is small.

Level of difficulty

Easy.

Requirements

Clothes for wind protection, sun protection (hat). Though the boat is equipped with all necessary safety equipment, including life vests, guests should be able to swim.

For all tours, we recommend to take out a travel health insurance, including accident insurance.

Best season

Spring, summer, autumn.

Start time

10:00 am (depending on weather conditions)

Starting/end point

Pustec Village – Maligrad Island – Pustec Village

Number of participants min./max.

Minimum 2 person, maximum 8 persons.

Cost

20 Euro per person

Tour Guide

How to book

You can book this tour by contacting Julian Kodra (email: or phone: +355675368129) or Llazo Stojani (email: or or phone: +355683504717).

All our guided tours

Text and photos: Prespa National Park & Cveta Trajçe