This is an opportunity to tour round the borders of three countries. Taste fresh-water fish while taking a sip of the traditional ‘tsipouro’ drink.
This is a twelve-month route that is ideal for ski tourism, eco tourism and religious tourism.
The starting point of this route is the city of Florina with a direction towards the ski center and after that, to the villages of Pisoderi and Antartiko. The village of Antartiko is of particular interest as the houses are all made with plinth bricks.
In the place where the old watermill of the village once stood, you will now find a tavern where you can taste traditional local dishes.
Our next stop is Prespa, an area of outstanding beauty, where you can admire the view of ‘Mikri’ (small) and ‘Megali’ (big) Prespa lakes which have been designated a National Park rich in diverse flora and fauna. Succumb to the enchantment of nature and go bird-watching.
The route continues to the village of ‘Lemos’. There is one place for accommodation in the village as log as cafes and taverns and shops with local products.
Leaving Lemos back, head towards the village of Agios Germanos. Take a tour at the village and admire the stone-built hagiati[1] houses. Search for the Byzantine church of St. Germanos. Make a stop at the Center of Information for the natural environment and join one of the guided tours. Taste local dishes such as bean soup with shepherd’s sausage, trout etc at local restaurants. There is also a traditional ‘tsipouro’ distillery.
Leaving Agios Germanos, move southwest to reach the island of Agios Achillios. No cars are allowed on the island. You can explore the whole island on foot in an hour. Visit the famous Basilica Church of Agios Achillios. If you happen to visit the area in summer, make sure you attend the ‘Prespia’ festival in late August.
From Agios Achillios, head towards the village of Psarades, the only Greek village on the shores of the Megali Prespa lake. Walk until you reach the edge of cape Roti to rest in the kiosk and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Megali Prespa lake. Rent a boat in the harbor to visit the Proto-Byzantine cells of hermits. In the village, you can find local restaurants where you can taste traditional local dishes.
Taste freshwater fish like common carp cooked in the
oven, ‘Florina peppers’ stuffed
with low-fat soft cheese (‘anthotiro’), pickled cabbage, meatballs.
The route ends back in the city of Florina.
