Pogradec

Understand

Pogradec is on a narrow plain, between two mountain chains, along the southwestern banks of the Lake of Ohrid. Its climate is profoundly influenced by a seasonal Mediterranean and Continental climate. Prior to the collapse of the Warsaw Pact and the 1992 declaration of the Republic of Albania, Pogradec was a popular resort destination. However, with the dissolution of the socialist republic, and in the ensuing years of Balkan wars, tourism income was affected in the region leaving buildings empty and Pogradec solely dependent on its agricultural products and exposed to cross border trafficking, as people struggled to earn money for housing and food.

Investors from successful tourism businesses across the lake in North Macedonia and elsewhere have spearheaded private investment in the hotel sector in Pogradec. Hotels are being built or renovated and refurbished, and infrastructure is promised to be improving throughout.

Visitor information 1 Pogradec Tourist Information Center, Rr. Reshit Collaku, Pallati 23, Lagjja 1, ☏ +355 696070855.

Getting there

By road From North Macedonia, you can enter via Qafë Thanë or Tushemisht border crossings. It is possible to cross the border from North Macedonia on foot or by car to the south of Lake Ohrid, but major coaches from Ohrid town take the northern route from Tirana.

By bus A bus or furgon from Tirana takes 3–4 hr, but the roads in the east are largely good. Buses cost 500 lek, while minibuses are 600 lek. Shared private taxis, if you can find one, will cost the same as furgons for a full car and often save you a headache. There is a bus service from Ohrid on the southern route that runs, after a stop at Sveti Naum, to and from the border for 110 (Macedonian) denars.

By taxi Although taxis ask €5, a good price (2012) from the border to Pogradec along the southern route for two persons is 200 lek.

Getting around

By car Once you have arrived in the city, you can use a car to drive around.

On foot It is a better experience if you get around on foot, especially near the lake. In the night, especially in summer, there are a lot of people who walk around the boulevard and you will feel the good energy until midnight.

By bicycle Pogradec is also famous for the usage of bicycles. You can rent a bicycle for a few hours and have enough time to visit some places and especially ride alongside the lake with a fantastic view.

See

Lake Ohrid-The lake is the heart of the town. Great for swimming, boating, relaxing by the shore, espacially during the summer. Pogradec Art Gallery (in the center). 09:00-16:00. It has works from well known Pogradec painters. Pogradec museum. 09:00-16:00. Pogradec has a rich museum with antiques and ancient testimonials. Old Orthodox Church (Church of Kisha e re - Pogradec "Saint Maria") (in the old town). Church of "Resurrection". A newly built church. 1 Mosque in the Center of the town (Xhamia), Rruga Andon Xoxa. Mosque in the hill. Lasgush Poradeci Statue. Statue of renowned Pogradec native poet. Mitrush Kuteli Statue. Statue of renowned Pogradec native poet.

Further afield

2 Lakeside resorts (N 8 km, near Hudenisht village). Visit the numerous lakeside resorts along the way (near Hudenisht) by taking a drink and enjoying the calm atmosphere and breath taking views, especially in winter. 3 Selca village (NW 29 km). Visit the Lukova Lakes and monumental tombs of Selca village. 4 Tushemisht resort village (E 7 km). Visit the picturesque resort village of Tushemisht next to Drilon and swim in the crystal clear water of Tushemisht's sandy beach. 5 Lin village (Лин) (N 21 km). This village sits above Lake Ohrid and is home to early Christian archaeology. The site was once an important settlement and fortress of the ancient Illyrian tribes that lived throughout the Lake Ohrid region. The site is mostly unexcavated, however it is noted for its beautiful mosaics. The exposed sections of ancient walls give the visitor a glimpse of the hidden treasures that lie beneath the ground. There are views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the hill above Lin. The village has a Macedonian minority that was once larger in the past. Its main church was built in the 19th century; its iconostasis was done by Debar artist Todor Petkov. (updated Jun 2020) Visiting Drilon, 4 km from Pogradec, is always a great pleasure. 6 Shebenik-Jabllanice National Park

Do

1 Pogradec Beach, continue with "1 Maji" promenade (in center of town). It is very popular and has a lot of sand. In the town there are several beaches, private and public with sand and little rocks. Water is very clean. Enjoy the peculiar setting of a full moon being reflected on the lake while exploring the milky way and countless stars in the sky at night. In the summer you could encounter by a chance a lightning bug. Take a walk around the Toplec district which is often compared to Tuscany. Take a boat ride at the springs of Drilon, the origin of the mighty Drin river which flow into the lake here. Take a coffee with your jacket in the morning and go to the beach with your bathing suit in the afternoon. Fishermen coming at shore with their overnight catches Canoeing or a boat trip on the lake You can walk across the lakeside in the promenade Pogradec Shetitore "1 Maji", enjoying the freshness of trees and a wonderful view. Here is a 5 km boulevard bordering the lake, where you can find bars with live music, hotels, motels, cafes, and restaurants according to traditional and modern tastes. Pogradec cinema (in the centre). Pogradec has a modern cinema where new movies are played there every day. Ohrid Daily Excursion Explore the Jewel of the Balkan

Events

Balkan Film and Food Festival Lake Day – An annual festival showcasing the best in traditional crafts, this event gathers the three surrounding towns of Pogradec, Struga, and Ohrid. Women's Artisan Exhibition – An annual craft and delicacies exhibition of souvenirs made from local women. Take part in the annual Wine Fest in December. Dita e Verës (Spring Day), which celebrates the arrival of spring with fires and family festivities. The Koran Festival in Pogradec is a cultural and tourist activity, which was organized for the first time on September 14, 2024.

Buy

Pogradec market. 08:00-16:00. Buy souvenirs from Pogradec. Hand made works from artisans and paintings by local artists. "ICKA" Handycraft. It has a good tradition in Pogradec and "ICKA" studio it is always open for you. Its works in of wood carving will impress you. TASO Art Gallery. You can visit Anastas Kostandini studio admiring his paintings and also you can buy his works. LAKO Art Gallery. Visit Skender Lako studio to see his paintings which are for sale. London Shop Pogradec-Mulla Kurti, Bulevardi Europa, Pogradec 7301

Eat

Try baked Korani dish (Ohrid trout, be aware that it is endangered) or baked Belushka or Jekna.

1 The Change Bar-Restaurant, Rruga 10 Deshmoret e Pojskes. 07:00–23:00. (updated May 2022) Restaurant Rosa e Tymosur-Villa Borana