Pogradec doesn’t only have the lake!

With a rich tradition, this city is increasingly attracting visitors. Alongside its natural beauty, Pogradec also offers a rich cultural heritage, including its museum quarter, local events and festivals, all of which provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

Pogradec is one of the cities where nature and history are beautifully intertwined. Regarding its unique lake, French Colonel André Ordioni wrote in a letter to his family in 1925: “What a fortune it would be for France if this lake were in Morvan or the Central Massif. I believe Paris would build a silver canal to bring its water to the capital. Indeed, just as the Romans did during their golden age, it would deserve to have a temple called the ‘Temple of the Waters.’”

With a rich tradition, this city is increasingly attracting visitors. Alongside its natural beauty, Pogradec also offers a rich cultural heritage, including its museum quarter, local events and festivals, all of which provide visitors with an unforgettable experience.

1- The Lake in UNESCO

Since 2019, Lake Pogradec has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, recognized as one of the three oldest lakes in the world. Its crystal-clear waters, the harmony between the mountainous landscape and the lake, as well as its numerous archaeological sites, have led specialists to classify it as a living natural museum. In addition to the lake, the UNESCO list also includes the Paleochristian Basilica of Lin, which contains rare mosaics dating from the 5th–6th centuries AD. During the summer, the lake is used by visitors for swimming and various water sports.

2- Prehistoric settlements

In recent years, projects have been carried out in the village of Buqezë and in the outskirts of Pogradec in cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology and the University of Bern to uncover prehistoric pile-dwelling settlements dating back approximately 8,100 years. According to researchers, these settlements place Pogradec among the oldest inhabited areas in Albania and beyond. This has generated considerable interest among visitors.

3- The Monumental Tombs of Lower Selca

There are five monumental tombs located approximately 40 kilometers from the city of Pogradec, in the Mokër area. They date back to the 4th–3rd centuries BC and were built by the Illyrian tribes of the Enchelei and Dassaretae. Their unique construction into the rocky cliffs makes them particularly remarkable, attracting the curiosity of everyone who visits them.

4- The City Castle

Pogradec Castle is located southwest of the lake, above the city of Pogradec, on a hill approximately 200 meters high. In the 4th century BC, the settlement was equipped with defensive walls and began serving as a small urban center, whose inhabitants were mainly engaged in agriculture, fishing and various crafts. The modern city of Pogradec is also connected to this settlement, with its name meaning “sub-city.”

5- Traces of the Via Egnatia

Several branches of the Via Egnatia, the famous ancient road that connected Rome with Constantinople, are located within the territory of the Municipality of Pogradec. There are several bridges and fragments of this ancient road, including the Golik Bridge, the Terziu Bridge in Proptisht and the Niça Bridge. The road is distinguished by the large stones found in the Llënga Gorge, near the Shkumbin Valley. It is believed that Caesar and the Apostle Paul once traveled along this road during their journeys through Illyria.

5- The Historic Center of Pogradec

It is an area of significant historical and architectural value, documenting the historical development of the city of Pogradec. It contains several buildings of particular importance dating back to the beginning of the 20th century, including the Second Albanian School, the House of Lasgush Poradeci, the Icka Brotherhood Residence, and others. Following restoration, this neighborhood has become one of the city's main attractions.

6- Culture

Pogradec is known as a city of art, culture and rich Albanian traditions. It is the city of great writers such as Lasgush Poradeci and Mitrush Kuteli. Pogradec is also the hometown of renowned painters Anastas Kostandini (Taso), Vangjo Vasili, Skënder Lako, Gentian Zeka and others. Their studios have now become destinations for visitors. The city also has a rich tradition of handicrafts, represented today by renowned woodcarving artists such as the Icka family, Basho and others.

Pogradec has a very rich folklore tradition, with a variety of traditional costumes, songs and melodic dances inspired by the area's natural beauty, particularly the regions of Mokër and Gorë.

7- Wonderful climate

The favorable and exceptionally healthy climate makes Pogradec a destination that can be visited in every season. The climate is Mediterranean and sub-mountainous. The average annual temperature is 11°C, while the average temperatures in the coldest and warmest months reach 2.2°C and 21.4°C, respectively. The average annual rainfall is 765 mm, mainly occurring in winter and autumn.

8- Numerous water sources

About four kilometers from Pogradec lies the tourist attraction of Drilon, where nature has spared no effort in creating beauty. Numerous ornamental trees and different plants are in perfect harmony with the crystal-clear waters of the Drilon River. Walking paths, characteristic wooden bridges and birds make it one of the most visited places in the city. Pogradec also remains a favorite destination for visitors during the winter season, especially when it snows. The picturesque view of the lake and snow gives the city a magnificent backdrop.

9- Glacial lakes

Another added value of Pogradec is the glacial lakes of Lukova, located on the eastern slope of Mount Guri i Topit, near the village of Bishnicë, at elevations of 1,700 and 1,850 meters above sea level. There are two lakes, the Small Lake and the Great Lake, formed in glacial depressions. They are surrounded by beech and fir forests, with trees reaching heights of 20–22 meters, trunk diameters of around 30 centimeters and ages of 160–170 years. The lakes are visited by local and foreign tourists for activities such as hiking, camping and others.

10- Guri i Kamjes

Guri i Kamjes is a unique natural and historical destination. It rises majestically like a natural castle, where the forces of nature have sculpted strange microforms that spark the interest and curiosity of visitors. Guri i Kamjes possesses rare geomorphological and geological values, as well as cultural significance at both local and regional levels. An important historical aspect associated with Guri i Kamjes is that on July 28, 1912, the Gorë Besa was established at this very “natural fortress.” Patriots from Gora, Mokër and Opar, led by Kajo Babjeni and many other patriots, raised the flag and proclaimed the independence of the region.

11- Cuisine

Cuisine is another attraction of Pogradec. Visitors come not only to enjoy the magic of the city but also to experience its traditional food. The most popular dish remains koran fish, the symbol of Pogradec, while belushka is also highly appreciated and can be prepared in many different ways when fresh. Pogradec, Tushemisht and Drilon, with their nature, cuisine, hospitality and the lake that gives the area all its charm, remain among the most popular attractions in Albania. In terms of cuisine, Pogradec hosts annual celebrations such as the “Wine Festival” and the “Koran Festival,” which have become tourist attractions for visitors.

12- Tourist villages of Lin and Tushemisht, where agritourism is developing

Lin is a lakeside tourist village, beautiful not only because of what nature has given it, but also for its longstanding cultural traditions. Like the entire Pogradec area, the village is known for its handicraft traditions. Women continue to preserve the traditions of carpet making, embroidery and crochet, which can nowadays be found displayed at local and national fairs.

Tushemisht, located 5 kilometers from the city of Pogradec, offers breathtaking views for all visitors. Situated very close to the lake, Tushemisht offers beautiful scenery in every season and a stunning beach during the summer.

Inside the village are old, centuries-old houses and the Church of Saint Panteleimon. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes and the area's famous Starkinka apples. One of the most distinctive attractions within the village is the house of “Aunt Ollga,” together with the statue erected in honor of actress Violeta Manushi.

“KORÇA BOOM”