The island Golem Grad in the southwest of Macedonia in Lake Prespa, a few kilometres from the Greek and Albanian border, is also known as the “Snake Island”.
Today, countless snakes and pelicans roam the island of Golem Grad in Lake Prespa, southwestern Macedonia, as if to protect the ancient rich history of this small island. The island is small, but its name suggests otherwise: Golem Grad literally means ‘Big City.’ Let’s explore the history of the island, from the big city island to the snake island…
The Tour Plan:
- Pick up in Resen or Stenje village
- Boat ride to the Island from Stenje village (ca. 60 min)
- The tour on the island
- Boat ride to Stenje village
*In case you need a transfer for the tour from some other town or place please contact us! We'll arrange the transport.
Golem Grad (also called St. Petar) is an island of great cultural and historical importance. It has been declared a Strict Nature Reserve due to its specific geomorphological features, characteristic flora and fauna and historical past.
The surrounding water, the geological background and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea have allowed the island to be dominated by a special microclimate, rich and rare of widespread vegetation and dominated by southern European flora. Due to the natural values that Golem Grad Island possesses, the park’s spatial planning plan stipulates a special protection regime for the island and is placed in the zone for strict protection.
Prespa, i.e. the region around Lake Prespa in what is now the border triangle of Macedonia, Greece and Albania, is hardly mentioned in the written sources of antiquity. Modern historiography, which also deals with antiquity in the Balkans, mostly leaves this region on the fringes of historical events. The oldest finds discovered on the island date to the New Stone Age (Neolithic), mostly in the form of stone weapons used by fishermen who lived on the shores of the lake and travelled to the island only to fish.
Book with us and experience a unique adventure on this small paradise on Earth.
