In the region around Lake Prespa, a significant advancement is currently underway that could gradually transform the remote "Lake Garda analogy of the Balkans" into a more accessible, sustainable travel destination: The EU-funded establishment of a border crossing between North Macedonia and Greece, along with the expansion of eco-friendly tourist routes, has received the green light - a step with tangible impacts for travelers off the beaten path.

In December 2024, the cross-border INTERREG program "Greece-North Macedonia 2021-2027" approved a strategically important project: the construction of a new border crossing in the Prespa Lake area. The initiative includes the construction of a police customs station on the Greek side as well as the modernization of infrastructure in neighboring North Macedonia. This is accompanied by the expansion of hiking and cycling paths that connect significant natural and cultural spaces. The total budget amounts to approximately 7.7 million euros, financed 80 percent by the EU, with a planned completion by the end of 2027. This expansion aims to strengthen sustainable tourism and better utilize the region's ecological diversity.

At the same time, there is the "EU for Prespa" Fund: a program initiated by the EU and UNDP, which aims to strengthen the region in the long term with nearly 13.7 million euros. It promotes measures for wastewater and waste management, agricultural development, and the improvement of cross-border tourism infrastructure – including paths, energy efficiency, and local rental offers. This not only supports nature and climate protection but also sustainably improves the quality of life and income sources of the communities.

A new approach, a new travel experience

For travel-loving explorers, this holds the potential for real added value: The redesign of the "Markova Noga" border crossing – often a symbol of difficult accessibility – could significantly ease the direct connection between North Macedonia and Greece starting in 2027. This will shorten travel times, making long detours unnecessary. At the same time, the Republic invites new paths into a protected, natural landscape.

The financial support for local accommodations, new hiking and cycling trails, supplemented by educational and marketing projects, further opens the region to individual travelers, nature enthusiasts, and culture lovers. The expansion remains environmentally friendly: In the tradition of existing protected areas such as the Pelister, Galicica, and Prespa National Parks, importance is placed on gentle development.

For LGBTIQ+ travelers, the emerging infrastructure is particularly relevant. New access points create more options for individual, safe, and flexible travel planning – for example, through targeted familiarization tours and networking events that will take place soon to strengthen and connect local providers.

This presents a promising perspective: Those who wish to experience untouched coves, rare bird species, or the quiet stone houses on Agios Achillios can soon look forward to better accessibility and sustainable offerings. Next, it remains to be seen when exactly the "Markova Noga" transition will officially open and how quickly the paths and infrastructure will actually be walkable or drivable.

Thus, nature, culture, and cross-border cooperation merge into a travel offer that equally deserves attention – and slowly, but noticeably, opens up for travelers.