NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

T H E H O T E L R O O M S / S U I T E S C A F E / R E S T A U R A N T T E S T I M O N I A L S P H I L O S O P H Y		L O C A L H E R I T A G E M O N U M E N T S N A T U R A L E N V I R O N M E N T C U L T U R A L E V E N T S A C T I V I T I E S / T O U R S


	The region of Prespa is located in the northwest corner of Greece, where Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) and Greece converge. The area which contains the Small and Great Prespa Lakes ringed by the Varnoundas Mountains is one of the most important nature reserves in Europe. Prespa is an ideal place for an escape to peace and relaxation, where you can enjoy the outdoors -- mountain walks, bird-watching, exploring the lakes -- or simply sip coffee in the villages. Nature & Wildlife: The region is famous for its natural beauty and unique biodiversity. Scientists and naturalists have identified here more than 1,500 kinds of plants. The important wetlands area is home to more than 40 kinds of mammals, among them some of the most rare in Europe, like the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the wolf (Canis lupus), and the otter (Lutra lutra). In addition, 11 kinds of amphibians, 22 kinds of reptiles and 17 kinds of fish, of which eight live only in the area, can be found in Prespa. Birds: The wetlands of Prespa are a bird-watchers paradise. The greylag goose (Anser anser) and the goosander (Mergus mersander), herons (Ardeidae), cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) and pygmy cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) nest here, as well as quite a few species of duck, terns, birds of prey, woodpeckers, etc.. Prespa is the only area in Europe other than the Danube Delta and the former USSR where two species of pelican reproduce, the White pelican (Pelecanus onocratulus) and the Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus). Activities: There are any number of walks or treks visitors can take along the gravel roads and mountain paths to explore abandoned villages, historical monuments or the flora and fauna of the area. Various water-based activites are available on Great Prespa Lake: fishermen take visitors on boat tours from the village of Psarades, while swimming, canoe, kayak and rowing can be enjoyed at the beach of Koula in the summer. Environmental Protection: In 1991, the Society for the Protection of Prespa (SPP) was created to protect the natural environment and cultural heritage of Prespa. The SPP conducts tours of the area and operates an Information Centre in the village of Agios Germanos, open daily to the public.

	Click on photos to enlarge • See more photos in the Gallery Laimos Village • Prespes Lakes 53077 • Greece tel: +30 23850 51 422 or +30 694 472 5199 email: info@mimallones.gr