It was a dazzlingly sunny morning in southern Albania. We had just arrived in the city of Korca from Pogradec the previous day and were about to set off exploring the surrounding area. As our destination for this day trip, we chose the Prespa Lake National Park, located some 30 km northeast from Korca.
We got on the road SH3 and took a left before Zemblak village. We began ascending and the view of the snow-carpeted fields broadened behind us. After a few consecutive sharp curves, we were for good in the mountains. There were no other cars, but only the odd shepherd with his herd to signify the meager presence of civilization. Behind the tallest of the ridges, appeared in all its magnificence the wide sapphire view of Lake Prespa.
We stopped at a lovely viewpoint (coordinates: 40.7702, 20.8822) overlooking the lake after a number of cute, snow-smothered villages on its shore. A rocky islet called Maligrad posed charmingly in the middle of the bay. We flew the drone for some nice shots and moved on.
We drove along numerous paved and off-road routes along the lake’s Albanian shore and went through various picturesque villages. Although some of them were of considerable size and felt relatively vivid, none had a cafe or a restaurant open. New, impressive views of the lake unfolded upon every curve and purview. Greek and North Macedonian snow-capped peaks towered imposingly across the lake’s blue.
We ended up to the farthest point we could make it under the icy conditions of the tracks; some 2 km from the North Macedonian border, near the village of Kallamas. Two fishermen had just returned to the shore upon our arrival on the spot. They were merrily curious about us flying the drone.
After a long day exploring the wintry beauty of Lake Prespa, we got on our way back to Korca in the afternoon. Next day, we were planning to go snowboarding.
Rent a car in Albania
If you are intending to go on a similar road trip in Albania, definitely check out the Lada Guys. These Russian machines will get you everywhere. But if you’re looking for a casual, cheaper car to drive on asphalt, you’ll find some good deals on autoeurope.com
Accommodation and Activities in Albania
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