Birding in Prespa National Park

Prespa National Park, located in southeastern Albania and shared with Greece and North Macedonia, is one of the most important freshwater and wetland ecosystems in the Balkans. It consists of two interconnected lakes, the Great Prespa and the Lesser Prespa, surrounded by mountains, wet meadows, reedbeds, river mouths, rocky slopes and agricultural valleys. This remarkable diversity of habitats supports a rich bird community and makes the Albanian part of Prespa a rewarding destination for nature lovers.

The wetlands along the edges of Lesser Prespa Lake are particularly valuable for birdlife, hosting herons, egrets, cormorants, grebes, ducks and marshland passerines. During migration seasons, the area attracts various raptors, swallows, pipits, wagtails and a wide range of passage species. The surrounding hills and open areas are home to species such as Rock Nuthatch, woodpeckers, shrikes, buntings and larks, adding further diversity to the day’s observations.

Prespa is also one of the key breeding and feeding grounds for the Dalmatian Pelican population of the region, which often moves between Prespa, Mikri Prespa and nearby wetlands depending on the season and water levels. The high mountain backdrop, traditional lakeside villages and peaceful rural scenery create an exceptional natural atmosphere that enhances the birdwatching experience.

Easily reachable from Korça and accessible from Tirana for a long full-day trip, Prespa National Park offers a mix of wetlands, open landscapes and mountain views, making it an attractive birding destination in southeastern Albania.

Book this Tour:

For group tours, we depart from Tirana at 07:15. For individual or private tours, we arrange a start time that is convenient for the participants.

The drive to Prespa National Park (Albanian side) takes around 3 hours and 45 minutes. On the way southeast, we may make one short stop of 10–15 minutes for facilities or to grab a coffee.

Upon arrival in the area, we will begin the itinerary for the day by exploring the main habitats around the lake: reedbeds, freshwater wetlands, wet meadows, lakeshore fields, river mouths, agricultural areas and low hills. This combination of habitats offers excellent opportunities to observe waterbirds, waders, raptors, marshland passerines and various Mediterranean and mountain species.

In addition to birdwatching, we aim to show you the characteristic landscapes of Prespa, including lakeside villages, open plains and the surrounding mountains. It is a peaceful, scenic and diverse birding experience in one of Albania’s most important and beautiful national parks.

In the given price is included: 

• Guiding fee
• Transport (pick up and dropp off at the desired location)
• Picnic lunch and snacks
• Water
• Optics (on demand)
• Taxes 

This is an easy tour, suitable for everyone and accessible all year round. It involves mostly driving between key birding locations, combined with short and relaxed walks on flat terrain. No special fitness level is required, making the tour ideal for beginners, experienced birders, families, and travellers of all ages.

In the warm season (April to November), it is recommended to bring:

• sun hat,
• sun cream,
• mosquito repellent, 
• light raincoat if the weather forecast indicates rain,
• windproof jacket.

In December and January, mosquito repellent is usually not necessary.

Footwear: Any kind of comfortable sport shoes or sandals is perfectly fine for this tour. Walking boots are not necessary, but fine to wear too if preffered.