Best Things to do in Pogradec (2024 Guide)
Pogradec, a charming city in Albania known for its warmth and friendliness, is located in the southeast along Lake Ohrid. There are lots of fun activities to enjoy in Pogradec, such as swimming, fishing, and exploring. Many tourists choose Pogradec for their holidays because of the welcoming atmosphere and cozy feeling they experience here.
This place is extra special because it’s the hometown of the famous poet Lasgush Poradeci, whose poems are famous across Europe. Pogradec is often called “the town of flowers” because many streets and balconies are adorned with beautiful flowers that you can admire during your visit.
Where is Pogradec Located?
Pogradec is in southeastern Albania, by Lake Ohrid, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s known for its pretty lakeside walk and its strong culture and customs. Pogradec, Albania, is lovely all year, but the best time to go is May to September. Summer isn’t too hot, so you can enjoy the beach. In July and August, Pogradec is very popular with tourists from all over.
Pogradec has a deep history and culture, starting with the Lin mosaics from around 600 BC and the Pogradec castle on a hill. The name “Pogradec” comes from Slavic and means “under the castle,” because the town is located beneath it.
Read also: Explore Albania: List of World Heritage Sites
How to Get to Pogradec?
How to Get to Pogradec By Car
You can reach Pogradec by car from any big city in Albania. It takes around two hours from Tirana. The road is good, and there’s a tunnel that makes the journey shorter. You’ll see Lake Ohrid as you get close to Pogradec, which is really beautiful.
How to Get to Pogradec By Bus
Buses leave often from the Terminal in Tirana about every hour. They all have air conditioning, and the drivers are cautious and friendly, so your journey should be smooth. The buses make stops along the route, so the trip usually takes around two and a half to three hours, depending on traffic. A bus ticket from Tirana to Pogradec costs €5.5.
How to Get to Pogradec By Taxi
You can also take a taxi from Tirana to Pogradec. There are plenty of taxi companies to pick from, or you can find independent taxi drivers offering the service. The typical fare for a taxi to Pogradec is around 60–80 euros, depending on which company you go with.
Read also: Best Things to do in Shkoder, Albania (2024 Guide)
Where to Stay When Visiting Pogradec
In Pogradec, you have several places to stay, whether by the lake or in town. Here are a few options:
Hotel Pogradeci
This 4-star hotel sits along the lake’s edge. Each room comes with air conditioning, modern furniture, and a balcony that overlooks the lake and beach. Downstairs, there’s a restaurant offering international and Albanian food. The cost for a night here is around €45.
Hotel Elite
Close to the main beach, Hotel Elite offers 4-star rooms with balconies facing the beach and city. Guests can use the free parking, bar, and restaurant. Staying here costs around €55 per night.
Hotel Enkelana
Among the best in Pogradec, Hotel Enkelana has been a staple in town for years and was one of the first hotels around. The rooms are well-maintained, and they serve a tasty breakfast. They also have a private beach, gym, and restaurant. It’s conveniently located in the city center and near the beach. A night here is about €50.
Guesthouse Bimbli
Another spot on the promenade, this cozy villa is owned by a local family. It features a lovely garden out front, a restaurant area, and a private beach spot. They serve a great breakfast with mountain or lakeside views. A room here goes for about €30 per night.
Best Things to Do in Pogradec
Here are the top 10 things to do in Pogradec for a memorable vacation in 2024
1. Visit Drilon National Park
You can take a trip to Drilon Park, located around 3 miles (4 km) from Pogradec city. It’s a beautiful place with clear springs and breathtaking views. The park has paths, wooden bridges, and is home to swans, ducks, and pigeons, adding to its charm. You’ll hear trees rustling, birds singing, and see the water gently flowing towards the lake. There are boats gliding alongside the birds, and the joyful sounds of children playing on the grass make Drilon one of Albania’s top tourist spots.
Read also: Butrint National Park: Everything You Need to Know
2. Take a Hike to Guri i Kamjes
Guri i Kamjes, a natural monument, is located close to the village of Dardhe in Pogradec (different from the village of Dardhe in Korce). It’s near the Lipova Pass, about 4800 feet (1461 meters) above sea level. This unique rock formation looks like “a ship sailing on the high seas.” It’s around 328 feet (100 meters) long, 260 feet (80 meters) wide, and 230 feet (70 meters) high. Its shape is due to the fact that the rocks it’s made of are harder than the surrounding clay.
Read also: How to get to Gjipe Beach: Travel Guide 2024
3. Enjoy Lake Ohrid’s Beaches
If you like peaceful beaches with few people and minimal noise, and if you enjoy being near bars and restaurants, then you’ll love Pogradec beach. It’s a nice place to stroll, relax in the green park, and feel the sand by the lake. It’s ideal for families too.
Read aslo: Most Beautiful Lakes to Visit in Albania
4. Visit Tushemisht and Teto Ollga
“Ollga” is the main character in a well-known Albanian movie called “The Lady from the City”. This film was made in the village, which is why all Albanians feel a special connection to this place. It’s a great spot to visit during the summer, offering cool weather and delicious food.
5. Try the Local Fish Dishes
Pogradec is well-known for its food, especially the traditional Pogradec casserole made with Koran fish. When you visit, you must try this dish along with the babushka. The Koran fish is unique to Lake Ohrid, found in Pogradec, and Lake Baikal in Russia.
6. Visit Pogradec Castle
The view from the top of the castle is amazing. Looking down, you see the lake connecting beautifully with the city, and behind, there’s lush greenery. Clearly, nature and history come together here. People have lived here since around the 5th century BC, starting as a simple settlement without defenses. By the 4th century BC, walls were built for protection, and it became a small town where people mostly farmed, fished, and did different crafts.
7. Explore Pogradec Museum
The Museum of Pogradec is in the heart of the city and consists of three main sections focused on archaeology, ethnography, and history. One interesting exhibit includes two unique helmets. These helmets are very rare and special because they are the latest type of Illyrian helmets and are among the rarest of their kind. Only about 20-30 helmets like these exist in the world. They were discovered in the villages of Starove and Petrushe.
8. Visit Lin Village
The Lin village is a small village by Lake Ohrid. When you drive from Tirana to Pogradec, you’ll spot Lin village early on the lake’s shore. Lin village is stretched along a small peninsula jutting into Lake Ohrid. People enjoy visiting Lin because it’s very picturesque. The village has a long main street that runs through it. Along this road, you’ll see charming stone houses with pretty gardens full of flowers. Vines grow over the road, and locals often sell their garden produce from roadside stalls. If you want to experience a genuine Albanian village, Lin is a delightful place for a leisurely walk.
Best Time to Visit Pogradec
The best time to visit Pogradec, a lovely town situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid in Albania, largely depends on your preferences for weather and activities.
Summer (June to August)
Weather: Warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).
Activities: Ideal for enjoying Lake Ohrid’s beaches, swimming, boating, and outdoor activities.
Events: Pogradec hosts cultural events and festivals during this time, making it lively and enjoyable for tourists.
Spring (April to May)
Weather: Mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), with nature in full bloom.
Activities: Great for exploring the surrounding countryside, hiking, and visiting nearby attractions.
Scenery: The area is lush and green during spring, offering picturesque landscapes.
Fall (September to October)
Weather: Still warm, with temperatures between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Activities: Enjoy the last days of summer by the lake or explore the town without the peak tourist crowds.
Harvest Season: This time is ideal for experiencing local harvest festivals and trying fresh produce.
Winter (November to March)
Weather: Cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Activities: While it might be too cold for water activities, winter offers a unique charm for those interested in exploring quieter streets and experiencing local life during the off-season.
Skiing: If you enjoy skiing, nearby ski resorts like Mount Moravia offer winter sports activities.
Overall, the best time to visit Pogradec depends on your interests. For beachgoers and those wanting to take full advantage of Lake Ohrid, summer is ideal. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing, while winter attracts fewer tourists and provides a more local experience.
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