Pogradec, Drilon and Lake Ohrid

Bardhyl Berberi

Lake Ohrid is one of the
largest lakes in the Balkan Peninsula and is considered one of the oldest lakes
in the world. It lies at an altitude of 695 metres above sea level and has a
surface area of 349 km². The deepest point of the lake is 289 metres. Most of
the lake belongs to North Macedonia, while the rest belongs to Albania. On
the shores of the lake lie three large towns: Ohrid and Struga in North Macedonia and
Pogradec in Albania. Beyond the lakeshore near the Monastery of Saint Naum rises
Mount Galičica. Lake Ohrid is fed by the many springs in the
surrounding area. One of the largest springs is close to the Albanian–Macedonian border,
near the Monastery of Saint Naum in
North Macedonia. Here rises water that comes from Lake Prespa, whose level is
200 metres higher than that of Lake Ohrid. On the Albanian side there is
also a large spring in Drilon park, near the village of Tushemisht. Water
leaves the lake towards the north through the Black Drin river, which
flows through the town of Struga.

Tourism

Pogradec's beach lies within the town
along the “1 Maji” promenade. It is a sandy beach with clean water
and plenty to do. Pogradec also has several other private and
public beaches, with sand and fine pebbles. Outside the town are the crystal-clear
beaches of Lin and Tushemisht. Pogradec has a museum rich in evidence of
antiquity and wartime, the old Orthodox church known as the Church
of St Mary, located in the old quarter of Pogradec, and a
new church with very distinctive architecture called the Resurrection. The town also has
two mosques. One is in the town centre and the other in the neighbourhood called
Goricë.

Four
kilometres east of Pogradec lies the Drilon tourist area

As soon as you enter Drilon, a different sensation
takes hold of your whole being, filling your entire respiratory
system with deep, pure air. After following a beautifully kept road along the
lakeshore, a journey with fantastic views, you will descend to enjoy
a natural beauty that will enchant you – a beauty that nature, and people too, through
their efforts, have made possible, so that visitors to Drilon can enjoy
truly pleasant and relaxing holidays beside the lake and the
green woodland, with its freshness, natural beauty and restful surroundings, and
plentiful, delicious food such as fish. Fish is the favourite food of all the residents
of these parts and beyond, and they never forget to serve it as the emblem
of the local cuisine that accompanies every traveller's journey to this
destination. Anyone who has been to Drilon will hardly have forgotten to return to
the Rritja e Peshkut (fish-breeding) complex, where in a lovely pool you can watch and
admire the famous koran (Ohrid trout), other fish and various birds that keep you
company, along with the swans, which welcome the small hands of children
throwing them food.