Drilon, locally known as Voloreka, lies just six kilometers from Pogradec and is among Albania’s most scenic attractions. Recent development work has added approximately 4,000 meters of pedestrian pathways and expanded the park area, making the environment more accessible while highlighting the zone’s tourism potential. A new Visitor Center at Drilon is being equipped with modern facilities to serve as an information and coordination hub for the entire region.

“The Visitor Center will host exhibition halls showcasing the local flora, fauna, traditions, and archaeology, using interactive technology such as screens and audio installations alongside real specimens,” said Erjon Vesho, director of the Drilon-Tushemisht Water Park.

Tourism in the area emphasizes sustainability. Visitors are encouraged to use eco-friendly transport such as bicycles and electric vehicles, with conventional cars restricted to peripheral parking, preserving the park’s natural character. Drilon alone attracts between 1,200 and 1,400 visitors daily during peak season and weekends, while Tushemisht sees similar daily numbers. Tushemisht also accommodates overnight visitors, bringing its total annual tourism to around 25,000, including approximately 2,500 international tourists.

The Drilon-Tushemisht area forms part of the broader Ohrid-Prespa lake region, recognized by UNESCO as a transboundary biosphere reserve in 2014, with the Albanian portion of Lake Ohrid designated a World Heritage Site in 2019. Since 2018, the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in partnership with the Albanian government and the Pogradec municipality, has led efforts to rehabilitate and modernize the region, which had seen limited investment for years.

Key improvements include the restoration of the park, extension of pedestrian areas to the water sources, construction of the Visitor Center, creation of a lakeside promenade to Tushemisht, and rehabilitation of historic house facades in the village. Infrastructure upgrades also encompassed lighting, sewage systems, docks, and bridges, as well as road adjustments to improve access to Tushemisht’s customs area and parking facilities.

Tushemisht holds a special place in Albanian cultural memory, serving as the setting for iconic national films such as “Zonja nga Qyteti” and “Një Shoqe nga Fshati.” A statue honoring famed actress Violeta Manushi, who played Teta Ollga in these films, has been erected in the village square, now a popular landmark for visitors.

Vesho emphasized that the project aims not only to enhance the area’s attractions but also to establish a sustainable tourism model that could be replicated across similar sites in Albania. “Drilon and Tushemisht, unified by their water resources and protected status, require joint management to develop environmentally and socially sustainable tourism,” he said.

Overall, the combination of Drilon’s lakeside parks, Tushemisht’s cultural charm, the healthy climate, and upgraded infrastructure is positioning the Pogradec region as a leading year-round tourism destination in Albania.

/k.s/j.p/u.sh/

Drilon or Voloreka, as the locals call it, just six kilometers from Pogradec, is a serene oasis filled with stunning lakes, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture and is definitely one of Albania’s most beautiful attractions that is attracting significant investment projects aimed at developing local tourism and make use of the area’s still untapped potential.

Prime Minister Edi Rama took to the social media to share an uncommon musical performance by the talented cellist, Richard Gedaj, during a magical cruise in the transformed Drilon Park.

Drilon is a karstic spring, located near the village of Tushemisht with water flowing from a vertical artery in limestone rock into Lake Ohrid. The area surrounding Drilon is also known for its rich flora and fauna.

Drilon-Tushemisht is one of the unmatched areas with natural beauties next to Ohrid Lake. In such a small geographic space are nicely included some of the Albanian nature gems like: Drilon Springs, Ohrid Lake, typical houses from the area, narrow pedestrian paths, picturesque landscapes, which create a wonderful oasis with multiple tourism development opportunities in the area.

/u.sh/

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the works for implementation of this project.

This project, which reflects the commitment to sustainable and nature-friendly development, integrates sustainable tourism in harmony with the conservation rules of this natural park.

Drilon-Tushemisht is located in a small geographical space, where some of the pearls of Albanian nature are beautifully intertwined, such as: the Drilon springs, Lake Pogradec, characteristic houses of the area, narrow passageways and picturesque landscapes, which create a wonderful oasis with numerous opportunities for the development of tourism in the area.

This project allows visitors not only to walk along the Drilon promenade, but also, through mainly pedestrian paths to reach the Drilon springs and Tushemisht. Every intervention has been carried out with environmentally friendly methods, protecting biodiversity. /a.f/r.e/p.s./