THE TRAIL
For the most part of the trail from Mikrolimni to Kranies we walk alongside Lesser Prespa lake. Initially the trail runs along the western side of the Pyrovolio hill, then descends to the fields of Latsista and follows the old packhorse trail heading south towards the southern end of the lake and the border with Albania. The ruined village of Kranies is the furthest point of the path. The trail returns to Latsista and climbs uphill to the gap between Pyrovolio hill and Frourio hill, then descends to the chapel of Agia Paraskevi and ends via asphalt back at Mikrolimni.
The entire route follows the old packhorse trail that connected Florina and the villages of southern Prespa with the area of Koritsa (today Korçë city of Albania). Following the banks of Lesser Prespa, it ends up in the village of Kranies, ruined during the battled of the Civil War.
Passing through hop-hornbeams and sparse junipers, the trail leads to the meadow of Latsista, hidden in the cove of a creek with dense reeds. A few metres of walking in the meadow and the path sneaks back into the forest until some stone walls reveal the presence of a settlement. Completely isolated now, the abandoned village of Kranies gives the feeling that wild life prevails there.
Returning to Latsista, the route leaves the shore of the lake and follows the path that climbs towards the Goumenissa gap, passing under the oaks that form a lodge with their branches, to descend again to the chapel of Agia Paraskevi, just outside Mikrolimni.
“Boulevards” of other times, the packhorse trails were once the main roads linking villages to the commercial centres. Mules, horses and donkeys, individually or in caravans, crossed them for centuries to carry the necessary goods. Larger than simple trails, their dimensions are such, as to allow the crossing of loaded animals. In the most difficult places, the dry stones that supported the road are still visible today.
STARTING POINT
The central square, at the quay of Mikrolimni.