Lake Ohrid and its coastal towns have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In recent years, Albania has been turning into a powerful tourist “magnet”. One of the interesting places worth visiting is Lake Ohrid and, in particular, the village of Lin on its shore, which was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was reported by Travel Off Path.
Historical significance
Lin is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe: according to archaeological data, it was founded in the 6th century BC. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019 as an “urban architectural ensemble,” complementing the existing list of World Heritage sites associated with Lake Ohrid.
Lin and Lake Ohrid are part of a larger ecosystem. Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest bodies of water in Europe, and the city of Ohrid, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the Macedonian side of the lake.
What to see for tourists
The village retains the spirit of old Europe – narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses with tiled roofs, wooden balconies with carved elements. Many houses have courtyards where grapes or figs grow – and it is possible that the wine served in local taverns comes from them.
The main attraction is the remains of an early Christian basilica from the 5th and 6th centuries, with well-preserved and impressive mosaic floors. However, only about 1% of Lin has been archaeologically excavated, so there may be more to discover in the future.
Lin is a quiet and not overcrowded tourist destination, making it ideal for relaxing walks, swimming in Lake Ohrid during the summer months, and enjoying the local cuisine. For example, the Leza Restaurant and Hotel, located right on the shore, offers traditional lake fish with lemon and olives, as well as homemade wine, all at a very affordable price.
