Potpesh Beach
A charming pebble beach below Ohrid's old town, offering clear waters and iconic views of Lake Ohrid and nearby historic sites.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful swims, fewer crowds
Potpesh Beach
Best Time
Peaceful swims, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming pebble beach below Ohrid's old town, offering clear waters and iconic views of Lake Ohrid and nearby historic sites.
"Nestled right beneath the old town, it offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty."
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is pebbly, so water shoes make walking into the lake much more comfortable.
🌅 Sunset Views Are Magical
The sunsets over Lake Ohrid from Potpesh Beach are incredible. Don't miss them!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crystal Clear Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid
Dive into the pristine, refreshing waters of one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes.

Charming Lakeside Boardwalk
Path from Old Town
Stroll along the scenic boardwalk connecting the old town to the beach, offering stunning views.

Iconic Church of Sveti Jovan
Kaneo Hill
Catch breathtaking views of the iconic Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo perched on the cliff nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pebbles
Morning Calm, Evening Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is pebbly, so water shoes make walking into the lake much more comfortable.
🌅 Sunset Views Are Magical
The sunsets over Lake Ohrid from Potpesh Beach are incredible. Don't miss them!
🚶♀️ Scenic Boardwalk Stroll
Enjoy the picturesque walk from Ohrid's old town to the beach.
☕ Service Can Be Slow
Be patient with service at the beachside cafes; servers may not always be readily available.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The beach is pebbly, so water shoes make walking into the lake much more comfortable.
🌅 Sunset Views Are Magical
The sunsets over Lake Ohrid from Potpesh Beach are incredible. Don't miss them!
🚶♀️ Scenic Boardwalk Stroll
Enjoy the picturesque walk from Ohrid's old town to the beach.
☕ Service Can Be Slow
Be patient with service at the beachside cafes; servers may not always be readily available.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
The beach offers unique photo opportunities with the old town and lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Potpesh Beach is praised as a charming spot with crystal-clear waters and stunning views of Ohrid's old town. Visitors appreciate its unique pebble shoreline and the scenic boardwalk. However, some find service at the beachside cafes to be slow, and the pebble surface may not appeal to everyone.
"Nice, clean beach. However, pretty hard to get served. Not a lot of servers were walking on the beach, so if you paid for a lounge chair, it was almost impossible to order drinks or food."
Eva Stevens
"Very nice place. Crowded. The beach have restaurant and tanning chairs. No sand, just small pebbels"
Cris
"It’s okay, nothing more than that. You can rent chairs and umbrellas for 10€ in a pair coffe was okay soft drinks not cold so much."
Stefan Shojka
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Potpesh Beach is conveniently located right below Ohrid's old town. You can easily walk to it via a scenic boardwalk that offers beautiful lake views.
While the beach itself is pedestrian-friendly, parking in the old town area can be challenging. It's best to park and walk, or consider public transport if arriving from further afield.
If you're driving from other towns, aim to park in the designated areas near the old town and then enjoy the short walk to the beach.
Ohrid has a bus system, but for most visitors staying in or near the old town, walking is the most direct and pleasant way to reach Potpesh Beach.
The walk along the boardwalk from the old town is generally easy and very scenic, suitable for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Potpesh Beach is generally free to access. You only pay if you choose to rent lounge chairs or umbrellas.
The beach is accessible throughout the day and evening. The associated cafes and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening during peak season.
Rentals for lounge chairs and umbrellas can vary, but reviews suggest around 10 Euros for a pair. It's advisable to confirm prices upon arrival.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own beach gear if you prefer not to rent.
While the church is a prominent landmark visible from the beach, access to the church itself may have separate visiting hours and potential small fees depending on the season.
📸 📸 Photography
The boardwalk leading to the beach offers stunning perspectives of the lake and old town. The beach itself provides unique shots with the stone houses and clear water.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for serene shots. Late afternoons and evenings provide beautiful golden hour light and dramatic sunsets.
Yes, the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo is visible from parts of the beach and the boardwalk, offering iconic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local ordinances before flying a drone in the Ohrid area to ensure compliance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and boardwalk. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants located near or on Potpesh Beach, offering drinks and food with lake views.
You can typically find local Macedonian dishes, fresh seafood, and standard cafe fare like coffee and soft drinks.
While there are servers, reviews suggest that getting service on the beach can sometimes be slow or difficult.
One reviewer mentioned that soft drinks were not very cold, so it might be worth checking before ordering if a chilled drink is important.
Besides the immediate beachside options, the Ohrid Old Town is just a short walk away and offers a wide array of restaurants and cafes.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
Potpesh Beach has a pebble shoreline, not sand. This means you'll want to wear water shoes for comfort.
Yes, the water in Lake Ohrid is crystal clear and generally calm, making it excellent for swimming, especially in the mornings.
It can get crowded, especially during peak summer season. Visiting in the morning or off-season offers a more peaceful experience.
You can rent lounge chairs and umbrellas. There are also nearby cafes and restaurants.
It's a pleasant spot for families, though the pebble surface might be less ideal for very young children building sandcastles. The clear water is great for supervised splashing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While service at the beachside cafes can sometimes be slow, families can enjoy the beautiful views and the unique setting. Consider bringing your own beach toys and snacks to ensure a comfortable outing. The gentle slope into the water is also a plus for younger swimmers.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
The clear water, the unique pebble texture, and the charming stone houses create a visually rich environment. Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene lake scenes. Don't miss the opportunity to photograph the reflections on the water and the vibrant colors of the sunset.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Ohrid
Its location makes it perfect for a leisurely morning swim, a relaxing afternoon break, or an evening visit to catch the sunset before heading back into town for dinner. The views of the old town from the beach are also a unique perspective you won't get elsewhere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Pebble Beaches
This type of beach is also often associated with cleaner water, as the pebbles help filter it. The visual of the smooth, varied-colored pebbles against the deep blue of Lake Ohrid creates a beautiful contrast, making it a picturesque spot for relaxation and photography.
Connecting with Ohrid's History and Nature
This location provides a perfect vantage point to appreciate Ohrid's natural beauty alongside its rich cultural heritage. Whether you're enjoying a morning swim in the calm waters or a romantic sunset, the backdrop of ancient architecture and the vast, serene lake creates an unforgettable atmosphere. It’s a place where you can truly feel the pulse of Ohrid’s history while being embraced by its natural splendor.
Navigating Service and Amenities
Despite potential service hiccups, the availability of chairs, umbrellas, and refreshments adds to the convenience. It's a good idea to confirm rental prices and be aware that while the setting is idyllic, the service might not always match the pace of the relaxing environment. For those seeking a more seamless experience, visiting during off-peak hours or being proactive with ordering can help.
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