Tourism season has officially opened in the minority municipality of Pustec, one of the most unique tourist destinations in southeastern Albania.
In recent years, the Prespa National Park has experienced a significant increase in visitors, particularly foreign tourists, who are captivated by the area’s natural beauty, the lake, Maligrad Island, and its traditional cuisine. Tourists themselves confirm this growing appeal, while local tourism operators report a steady rise in the number of international visitors.
“I’m from the Netherlands. It’s my first time here. I’m on vacation and came for just one day, but the people have amazed me. They are incredibly hospitable,” said a tourist.
“For several years now, tourism has developed quite well here. Visitors come from abroad—tourists from Germany and France, motorcyclists, cyclists. Many sleep in their vehicles by the lakeside. When they come here, they only want fish—they always ask for fish,” said a tourism operator.
According to Pustec Mayor Pali Kolefski, local residents have realized that tourism is the key driver of the Prespa National Park’s economy and have increasingly focused their efforts on this sector.
“People have become more aware and have opened small guesthouses. Several families have expanded their accommodation capacities for tourists. This shows that visitor numbers are increasing, although there is still a need to expand the tourism offer. Larger investments from the private sector, especially in restaurants, are also needed. We have seen that this year the tourism season has started very well. Foreign visitors are increasingly arriving through organized travel agencies,” said Pali Kolefski, Mayor of Pustec.
Maligrad Island and its historic church, Zaroshka, Pustec, Gollomboç, the Sterjo Spasse Museum, Gorica, and the waters of Lake Prespa—which stretches across three countries—are just some of the attractions the area offers. These sites have helped transform the region into one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign tourists visiting southeastern Albania.
