Nestled on the shimmering shores of Lake Ohrid, Pogradec is a picturesque town in southeastern Albanie. It attracts visitors for its natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. Pogradec is known for its breathtaking landscapes, sandy beaches and delicious local dishes. It is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore an authentic and less touristy place.

History

Pogradec's history dates back to the Neolithic period. Its name derives from South Eastern Slavic and means "under the city," alluding to an ancient Illyrian city once situated on a hill overlooking the present-day site of Pogradec. Indeed, at its inception, the city had been dominated by Illyrian civilization some 2,500 years ago. Several artifacts such as ancient fortifications and ruins bear witness to this.

Between the 8th and 15th centuries, Pogradec fell under the rule of several states including the Bulgarian, Byzantine, Serbian and Ottoman empires. It should be noted that during the Ottoman period, the city adopted the name "Istarye" or "Istarova." This municipality served as a center of commerce and exchange. At that time, Ottoman dignitaries constructed bazaars, mosques and various important buildings there. For example, you can see the castle of sovereign Ali Pacha, a monument built in the early 19th century.

In the 20th century, during the communist era, Pogradec was a lively industrial town. It is still possible to discover ruins of old buildings today. Despite the oppressive communist regime, this locality continued to develop.

By Car

Access to Pogradec is possible by car. This locality is indeed connected to several major cities in Albanie and neighboring countries via well-maintained roads:

• Pogradec is approximately 130 km east of Tirana. The journey takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours via the SH3 road, passing through Elbasan and Librazhd.
• This town is located about 40 km north of Korçë. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour via the SH7 road.
• If traveling from Skopje in North Macedonia to Pogradec, the journey takes approximately 3 hours. You must cross the border via Struga and Lake Ohrid.

By Bus or Minibus

Bus is a common means of transportation in Albanie. Several lines serve Pogradec from different cities in the country:

• From Tirana: Buses and minibuses regularly depart from the city's bus station (Terminal i Autobusëvë të Jugut) to Pogradec. The journey takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and intermediate stops.
• From Korçë: Buses also connect Korçë to Pogradec, with a journey of about 1 hour.
• From Durrës: The main port city of the country, Durrës also offers buses to Pogradec. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

By Air

Although Pogradec has no airport, it is possible to arrive by air at the nearest airports, then continue your journey by road:

• Tirana Airport (Mother Teresa International Airport): This is the country's main airport, located approximately 140 km from Pogradec. After landing, visitors can rent a car or take a bus from Tirana.
• Skopje Airport (North Macedonia): About 160 km from Pogradec, this airport offers another option for travelers coming from abroad.
• Ohrid Airport (North Macedonia): This smaller airport, located about 40 km from Pogradec, is the closest option. It is possible to take a taxi or rent a car to cross the border into Albanie.

By Boat (from North Macedonia)

If you find yourself on the Macedonian side of Lake Ohrid, you can reach Pogradec by boat from the towns of Struga or Ohrid. This option allows you to cross the lake while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding landscape.

Pogradec Today

Pogradec distinguishes itself through its welcoming charm, combining very frequented places and quieter corners, making it an ideal setting for families. The town is part of a transboundary ensemble that includes sites in Albanie and North Macedonia. Nearby, you can also see the Illyrian royal tombs, a provisional UNESCO site in Korçë County. The town is small in size, making it easy to discover on foot. The main attractions in the region are only 10 to 20 minutes' drive away.

Pogradec is also a true paradise for food enthusiasts. Visitors can, for example, taste one of the local specialties called "lakror." It is a sort of pizza filled with various ingredients of your choice. With its proximity to the lake, fish dishes, particularly trout, hold a central place in local gastronomy. Many restaurants overlook the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy various dishes while taking in breathtaking views. Those who appreciate freshwater fish will be delighted with recipes prepared with Koran or Lake Ohrid trout.

Beyond fish, Pogradec is also known for its typically Albanian dishes, namely:

• Byrek (a sort of filled pastry)
• Tavë kosi (a meat and yogurt dish)
• Fërgesë (a meat and pepper stew)

Attractions

Pogradec Castle

It was the Illyrian families Enkelejd and Desaret who built this castle. Dominating the town, this monument offers panoramic views over Lake Ohrid and its surroundings. Although it is in ruins, a visit allows you to immerse yourself in the region's history and appreciate its strategic location.

Drilon National Park

Located 4 kilometers from Pogradec, this park is a haven of peace for nature lovers. With its streams, lakes and diverse wildlife, it is the ideal place for picnics, hikes and leisurely walks. Visitors can also observe many bird species such as swans and ducks.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is Pogradec's main attraction. Whether swimming, kayaking or canoeing along the shores, this lake offers a multitude of activities. Fine sandy beaches, such as those at Pashtresh and Llixhë, are perfect for relaxing in the sun.

Other Attractions

The town of Pogradec has several other attractions not to be missed during a stay in the region. These include:

• Statues of famous poets Mitrush Kuteli and Lasgush Poradeci, both of whom are natives of the town
• The mosques Rruga Andon Xoxa (on the hill) and Xhamia (in the town center)
• The "Resurrection" church
• The old Saint Naum Orthodox church
• The Pogradec Museum
• The art gallery
• The town market.

In the surroundings of Pogradec, visitors can take a tour to discover:

• The Selca tombs
• Kamje Rock, in the Dardhas commune
• The Marena church

Activities

Hiking and Exploration

Pogradec and its surroundings offer numerous hiking trails, ranging from peaceful walks along the lake to more demanding mountain hikes. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the region by following marked trails that offer magnificent panoramas. This is an opportunity to discover curiosities in the village of Lin.

Water Activities

Water activities are popular in Pogradec. Visitors can rent pedal boats, kayaks, canoes, rowboats or even motorboats to explore Lake Ohrid. During boat trips on the lake, it is also possible to stop at the village of Tushemisht, renowned for its traditional stone dwellings and beautiful beach. Fishing enthusiasts also have the opportunity to indulge in their passion in the rich waters of the lake.

Beach Relaxation

Pogradec's beaches are perfect for lounging and enjoying the sun. Whether swimming, sunbathing, reading a book or sipping a cocktail by the water, they offer a relaxing setting for spending the day. However, it is important to note that Pogradec's beaches are crowded in summer. Indeed, they are very popular with Albanian holidaymakers.