Pogradec is located on the shores of Albania’s incredibly beautiful and pristine Lake Ohrid. The picturesque mountain backdrop makes this city well worth visiting, especially during winter after a snowfall.
Pogradec Christmas Market is a small event that is increasingly popular with locals and would be interesting from a visitor’s perspective.
Pogradec Christmas Market
During summer, most of the attractions in Pogradec revolve around outdoor activities and Lake Ohrid.
But the nearby mountains offer great skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months.
While you’re in the area, I recommend crossing the border into North Macedonia. Here, you can visit the bustling town of Ohrid, which has great bars and restaurants and plenty of historic sights worth visiting.
In Pogradec, you can walk along the main boulevard to see the Christmas lights and the decorated tree and enjoy some local food, snacks and warm drinks.
Dates and Location
Pogradec Christmas Market dates: 6th December to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Bulevardi Europa near the lake.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Some options.
Vegan: Limited.
Gluten free: Limited.
Accessible: Generally, yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Reason to visit: The beautiful location on the shores of Lake Ohrid. A great chance for snow.
Specialties: Local wine of Buti, perla and moskat raki (strong alchohol), tavë korani (a baked fish dish from Ohrid).
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Kooperativa is one of the most highly-rated hotels in the city.
Convenient Hotels
Pogradec is a safe, walkable city on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid. I’d recommend staying close to the lake near Sheshi Odeoni, the main waterfront square, or at least within 10 minutes of here.
This area has some nice cafes, restaurants, and incredible water views.
I suggest staying at Boutique Hotel Kooperativa, one of the most highly rated hotels in Podgradec. It’s located only 8 minutes from the festive events and only a little bit further from the lake.
You might find hotels closer, but it’s worth staying an extra hundred metres away for a considerably nicer place to stay than elsewhere.
Event Location
Interesting Tours
A city tour of Pogradec is a fantastic way to experience the city’s rich history and culture. With its charming old town, stunning Lake Ohrid, and scenic beauty.
There aren’t many tours of Pogradec that you can book online, so I suggest asking at your hotel when you get there. They will likely arrange a private tour for you.
However, there are tours of nearby Ohrid that are well worth taking. Ohrid is one of the prettiest historic cities in the Balkans, and it’s only a short distance from Pogradec.
This tour is a great introduction to the town of Ohrid and the lake.
Food Specialties
- Tavë Korani: A flavourful and hearty dish with trout, onions, herbs and spices. This dish is a specialty of Pogradec, as the city is located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, known for its fresh fish.
- Perla and Moskat Raki: Raki is a traditional Albanian alcoholic drink made from distilled grapes. Two raki varieties, Perla and Moskat Raki, are popular in Pogradec and the surrounding areas. Perla Raki has a fruity flavour, while Moskat Raki is sweet and aromatic.
- Local Wine of Buti: Buti is a village near Pogradec known for its vineyards and wine production. The local wine of Buti is a delicious, full-bodied red wine made from the local grape varieties.
- Fërgesë: A vegetarian dish made with peppers, tomatoes, and cheese. This is a personal favourite of mine, and I regularly make it at home.
- Bakllasë: A traditional Albanian dessert made with walnuts, sugar, and flour. This sweet treat is often paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Byrek: A savoury pie made with phyllo dough and filled with vegetables or meat. This dish has many variations and is a staple of Albanian and Balkan cuisine.
- Qofte is a popular dish with ground meat, onions, herbs, and spices.
- Kabuni: A sweet rice pudding made with rice, sugar, and cinnamon.
Albania Tourism has some information on things to do in Pogradec and how to get there. They also have some limited details on ways to experience winter in Pogradec.
Resonsible Travel Tips
- Shop mindfully and only purchase items that you genuinely need.
- Consider walking, cycling, or using public transportation to get around. In Albania, buses and furgons will take you wherever you need to go.
- Stay in a sustainable hotel that is powered by renewable energy, such as solar or hydropower. There aren’t sustainable options in Pogradec right now, but it’s something to be aware of when travelling.
- Limit your meat and dairy consumption, as these products can have a significant environmental impact. Instead, try some of the delicious plant-based dishes available in Pogradec.
- Take time to explore more than just the main tourist areas. Tushemist is a small village next to Pogradec, with some interesting attractions. Ask a local where to go.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
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