The highest tectonic lake in the Balkans at an elevation of about 850 metres, Lake Prespa is in actual fact two lakes, with only one—the so-called Great Prespa Lake—being in North Macedonia. Perhaps more famous at the time of going to press for being the place where the long naming dispute with Greece was finally settled in 2018, it’s best to not let politics overshadow what’s arguably one of the most beautiful locations in the country. Hosting no less than three national parks within its territory in total, the North Macedonian lake is also part of a protected biosphere, with some nine of its fish species being entirely unique, and, despite all of its wonderful attractions has until recently been a much less popular tourist destination thanks to its more famous neighbouring just over the mountain. Gaining in popularity for this very reason, get there soon before it’s spoiled and do take advantage of the many available resources from the magnificent little restaurants found along its shoreline to the few options for getting out onto the surface for a spot of fun or fishing. Also not to be missed for those looking for a real adventure is Golem Grad, also known as Snake Island, a 20-hectare oasis in the middle of the water famed for its ancient ruins and, as the name suggests, snakes. Open to tourists since 2008, it’s possible to reach the island by boat from the nearby village of Konjsko.