by us or by other households in Prespa. In 2017,
we realized that diversification was needed so
the farm could be sustainable. We conducted
research and, following American and European
trends, we decided to turn slowly toward agro-
tourism. We started hosting ‘pick-your-own-fruit’
events in 2018. We started with picking cherries
in June, then plums in August and finished with
the Apple Harvest which was held in September
and October 2018. Over 200 people visited our
farm in the first year which gave us hope that
our ideas may come true. In 2018, we started
working with tourist agencies and we are now
happy to be part of a few tours. Additionally, the
great recommendations brought us even more
tourists. Following the Apple Harvest 2019 event
on October 20th, we counted over 750 visitors
in 2019 so far. Now we represent a landmark in
Prespa and as a good friend recently wrote about
us, “Spirit of Prespa is changing the standards in
the rural tourism in North Macedonia”.
The Beauty of Apple Harvest
Apple harvest is the time of the year we all wait for.
I remember when I was a child we would come
back from school, put on some old clothes and
rubber boots and go to the orchards. My sister
and I would compete and see who will pick more
apples. It was all a game for us and we loved it!
We would count how many boxes we have full
on the trailer and how many are left at the end of
the day. When it was time to move the tractor a
bit further up we would jump on the trailer. Our
parents would shout at us to be careful, but we
didn’t care at all. As I said, it was just a game
for us. You would hear people shouting from one
orchard to the next one, greeting themselves or
singing together. People were happy at the time
and they enjoyed working in the orchards. A lunch
there was a must. We would sit on the empty
boxes, sharing bread, sausages and tavche
gravche. Right before sunset, the trailer would be
The Spirit of Prespa Experience
We welcome our guests with traditional coffee,
fresh homemade Macedonian cookies made
with our seasonal fruits and tasty fresh berry
juice. Following our warm welcome and getting
to know each other, we start the tour around the
orchard. Everyone gets a branded tote bag which
they use to pick their own fruit from the trees,
and children get a safe drive on the tractors’
trailers for an unforgettable experience. Our
guests are accompanied at all times to ensure
a constant exchange of information about the
farm, the farming experience, and the whole area
of Prespa. The day ends back in the yard with
a gathering around homemade traditional food
and drinks. Kids can listen to local stories and
legends as well as bob for apples. Our guests
have the possibility to taste traditional gjomleze
and homemade cheese, cironki, tavce gravce,
pitulici with garlic and other Prespa delicacies.
Guests can also use our apple press and prepare
cold pressed apple juice with the apples they
picked. At the end, we serve alcoholic beverages
to sample cherry rakija, apple rakija, homemade
wine and Mum’s liqueurs.
EMERGING MACEDONIA
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