Visitor rules for the protected areas
Lake Prespa (Monument of Nature) and Ezerani Nature Park are protected by law. They are managed by the Municipality of Resen. These simple rules help protect the birds, fish and plants – and make your visit safe and pleasant.
Three protection zones
Both protected areas are divided into zones. Each zone has its own rules.
| Zone | What it is for | Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Strict protection zone | The most valuable places for nature: river mouths, parts of the reed belt, the waters around Golem Grad | No entry – only for research and monitoring |
| Active management zone | Reed beds, wet meadows and other habitats that need care | Visits on marked trails and places |
| Sustainable use zone | The largest part of the lake | Swimming, boating, recreation and fishing with a permit |
The zones are shown on the map on the Prespa GIS Portal.
You are welcome to
- watch birds and learn about nature on marked trails and at marked places
- walk on marked trails
- swim and dive
- go boating
- fish for recreation, with a permit
- enjoy tourism and recreation in the active management and sustainable use zones
Not allowed in any zone
- hunting
- cutting trees or wood
- burning reeds or other plants
- leaving rubbish or waste
- releasing plants or animals that are not native to Prespa
- using harmful substances
- damaging or destroying habitats
- taking sand
- building, or putting up walls
Wild plants, mushrooms and animals may be collected only in the buffer zone, and only with a permit.
Fishing
Recreational fishing from the shore is allowed along the whole shoreline, up to 150 metres from the shore, with a permit. Fishing is not allowed during the spawning period at the main spawning grounds: Ezerani (up to 1 km from the shore), the mouth of the Brajčinska river, and the shore between Carina and Stenje. In the strict zone of Ezerani Nature Park fishing is not allowed at all.
Daily limits for recreational fishing:
| Fish | Daily limit |
|---|---|
| Catfish | 1 |
| Carp | up to 2 |
| Prespa nase | up to 20 |
| Roach | up to 25 |
Golem Grad
Golem Grad island belongs to Galičica National Park. Almost all of the water around the island is a strict protection zone, except the transit waterway. Ask Galičica National Park about visits to the island.
Questions?
For permits and questions, contact the Municipality of Resen – Sector for Environment.