The Municipality of Resen lies in the Prespa Valley and covers 739 km². Lakes, mountainous landscapes and protected natural areas sit alongside churches, archaeological sites and collections. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: swimming and landscapes are different from frescoes, historic buildings and museums. The places described are spread across Resen and several villages in the municipality. If you would like to visit several destinations, choose the location of your accommodation based on the places that interest you most.

Prespa Lakes, mountains and natural areas

The area around Resen includes the Small and Great Prespa Lakes. The municipality describes them as some of Europe’s oldest lakes, home to endemic species. There are several sandy beaches along the shore, suitable for swimming and relaxation. Conditions at individual beaches can change, so check the latest situation before planning a day of swimming.

Ezerani Nature Park lies on the northern part of Lake Prespa. It covers 1,917 hectares, of which 1,066 hectares are land and 851 hectares are water. Following the 2025 fire, conditions at the site may have changed; check the latest situation in the protected area before visiting. The Prespa Valley is bounded to the east by the Baba Mountains, whose 2,600-metre peak is Pelister, and to the west by Galicica, whose elevation is given as 2,235 metres.

The region’s animal and plant life is another of its distinctive natural features: the European Union’s only colony of Dalmatian pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) is located in Prespa. Golem Grad is an archaeological site with remains from Roman times and the Middle Ages, and is part of Galicica National Park. The island is home to an early Christian basilica, where remains of a floor mosaic have been preserved. Golem Grad is covered in woodland, dominated by Foja, which is described as a rarity in the Balkans.

Churches and cultural heritage around Resen

The Church of St George in the village of Kurbinovo was built in the 12th century. It is considered an outstanding example of Byzantine art and the Byzantine Komnenian style. It is also recognised as a national cultural monument of North Macedonia and protected by law. In Pretor, the Church of St Sava dates from the 14th century; historically, it was a metochion of Slivnica Monastery.

The Slivnica Monastery complex was built in 1607 and comprises monastery buildings, a church and a courtyard. A wooden bell tower and an enclosed porch were added in the 19th century. The Church of St Petka in Slivnica has a developed place of worship; visible remains of an earlier necropolis have also been preserved. The frescoes in the Church of St Petka in Brajčino were created in two phases: first in the 16th century, and later in the 18th century. The Church of St Elijah in Grnčari dates from the 13th century.

In Jankovec, the Monastery of the Dormition of the Mother of God is a convent where icons, mosaics, ceilings and handicrafts are made. The Ethnological Museum in Podmočani is a private collection with more than 2,000 objects and over 160 Macedonian national costumes from all the ethnological regions of Macedonia. Those interested in religious history, frescoes or crafts will find a range of cultural highlights across the municipality.

Resen: architecture, museums and art

The Saraj in Resen was built between 1905 and 1909. This early 20th-century building features European architectural elements. The first floor houses the “Dragi Tozija” House of Culture, a permanent exhibition of works by Macedonian painter Keraca Visulcheva, and a gallery featuring works from the Resen ceramics colony. The Tatarchevi Memorial House is located in the city centre. Its collection includes eight wax figures, original objects from the 19th and 20th centuries, and artistic compositions about the Tatarchevi family.

The Hadzi Ramadan Mosque is also part of the city’s historic architecture. It was built in 1592 and, following several restorations, retains its so-called Opus cloisonné form. These architectural and collection highlights complement the churches and monasteries with examples from different eras and cultural traditions.

Seasons and regional cuisine

The municipality’s events provide a seasonal guide for planning your trip: the apple harvest in late September is one of the major events. Check the exact dates for your travel year. Every year during the summer, the Resen ceramics colony hosts potters from around the world.

In Stenje, Dolno Dupeni, Brajčino, Pretor and Ljubojno, alternative tourism includes not only accommodation but also full menus featuring traditional Prespa dishes. These include gjomleze, pitulici, gravče-tavče, cironki, pies and apple jams. Specific menus and providers may change, so check with the provider if a particular dish is important to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Krani, Brajchino, Municipality of Zhelino, Ohrid, Dojran, Municipality of Pehchevo, Municipality of Jegunovce, Veles.

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