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Prespa welcomes "Kayak Fest"/ Sports, nature and culture in a single destination

2025-06-29 10:41:00, Qyteti im CNA

Prespa welcomes "Kayak Fest"/ Sports, nature and culture in a single

Prespa has become one of the newest and most attractive alternative tourism attractions in Albania.

The "Kayak Fest" activity, which this year took place in Zaroshke i Pustec, brings to attention a unique combination of sport, nature and culture, offering participants not only adventure, but also deep experiences in contact with the history and rare beauties of southeastern Albania.

With 12 kayaks available and a route of 2.5 to 5 kilometers from the beach to the island of Maligrad, "Kayak Fest" is conceived as an exploratory journey through the calm waters of Prespa.

The activity has attracted dozens of participants who have experienced the excitement of outdoor sports and the beauty of a destination still undiscovered by most domestic tourists.

For the organizers, the choice of Zaroshka was not accidental. According to Elton Dhefto, the area offers an ideal terrain that unites the mountain, the lake and cultural heritage.

"We chose the activity in Zaroshka for the terrain that combines mountains, lakes and ancient sites like hermit churches. We are interested in combining kayaking with culture and old things. The place here is perfect for camping and kayaking. Most of it is for foreign tourists, but Albanians are also very interested. It's not something new, but there's something different about the lake."

Local authorities are considering this activity as an important addition to Prespa's tourism offer. The Mayor of Pustec, Pali Kolefski, believes that through activities like "Kayak Fest", the region is gaining the identity of a sustainable tourist destination.

"This is an investment that will be included in the tourist offer. It is another destination where people can go to the beach, it is a plus for the destinations of the Municipality of Pustec. The main offer remains the culinary with traditional dishes of the area, as well as the Byzantine churches, Maligrad Island, the Sterjo Spasa museum, etc., and the nature that God has made Prespa beautiful. We are seeing that there is a growing trend of tourists. In the last year there have been foreign visitors, this is evident from the increase in the number of bookings in small guesthouses. We are working to make a joint tourist package and I think that if we achieve this, we will be a destination not for one day but for longer than a week."

The participants themselves say that this is more than a sporting challenge. It is a complete social and cultural experience. They share warm impressions from this activity that is now becoming a tradition.

"We are from Korça and from the good experience we had last year with Kayak Fest, we decided to come again this year. There was a very pleasant atmosphere because people gathered, lit a fire, had barbecues and communicated with each other. In addition to a picnic in nature, you have the opportunity to meet people who enjoy sports. It is a very good way to promote the area. Prespa is one of my favorite places. It has good cuisine and now we are happy that there is also a public beach."

"It is a tourism that comes as a novelty for the entire southeastern region and for Albania. It is a motive to walk differently towards Korça and its surroundings. What makes it special is the kayaking, where we are waiting for the weather to calm down and try it ourselves. The entire region is frequented by residents of the areas, but we would like to share this miracle with the rest of Albania."

Sustainable nature tourism is increasingly seen as an opportunity to develop less explored areas of the country.

"Kayak Fest" is a model of this development that not only does not harm the environment, but puts it at the service of the tourist experience. Prespa, with its fascinating lake and the history it preserves in every corner, is becoming a versatile tourist destination.

Activities like "Kayak Fest" bring a new approach to tourism, not just vacations, but experiences that connect people with nature and each other./ CNA