Into the blue: a guide to Lake Ohrid -Albanian side 

Nestled between Albania and North Macedonia, Lake Ohrid is one of the most ancient lakes in the Balkans and maybe the most beautiful. The incredible views, food scene and rich culture here are not to be missed. Differently from the Albanian coastline, this is a lesser-known corner that comes with the same charms but is still wonderfully crowd-free. This region offers some of the wildest wonders to see in Europe -which include fishermen villages, archaeological sites and natural springs. 

The craggy coastline of Lake Ohrid provides the perfect summer holiday, even for families. Pogradec is the main town here (Albanians call the lake Liqeni i Pogradeci) and the perfect base for exploring the area. The water is clean, shores are tranquil and the atmosphere is serene. Tushemisht and Drilon, with the Drilon National Park, are two pretty destinations with village vibes and some of the best restaurants where to try traditional dishes -read: tavë korani made with local fish (farmed fish, fishing in the lake is not allowed), walnuts and vegetables. This place is a must and easy to explore in just a few days. 

A 10 minute drive from Pogradec, Lin is the oldest settlements in the Balkans. In summer 2023, a group of archaeologists from Switzerland and Albania discovered evidence of an 8,500-year-old stilt village submerged nearby in the lake. Lin is just south of the Qafe Thanë mountain pass, the border-crossing point between Albania and North Macedonia. It’s a picturesque village with narrow cobbled streets, dramatic views and one of the most important cultural site in Albania, the Lin mosaic of the Paleo Christian church of Lin. It is located at the highest point of the peninsula and is the village’s most popular attraction. The mosaic combines geometric and figurative designs that depict flora and fauna from the lake ecosystem. At the very top of the peninsula, the Bunker of Lin is a photogenic spot converted into an Orthodox chapel that offers the best views over the blue waters of Lake Ohrid.

DON’T MISS: if you love adventures, the Royal Tombs of Selca are five tombs carved from rocks dating back from the 4th-1st centuries BC, when the site was the royal residence of Illyrian kings and an important political and economic centre.

WHERE TO SLEEP: bed down at Seven Cafe&Hotel, in Pogradec. A classy edifice located a few steps from the beach. An oasis of relax with a private garden and lake views. The rooms reflect an elegant, functional contemporary aesthetic with clean lines and cool furniture.