The soul is soothed and nature is captivating. These are the feelings that come from visiting (or staying) on the small island of Agios Achilleios in Mikri Prespa, one of the few inhabited islands in a lake in Greece. A floating footbridge connects Agios Achillion with the opposite shore. Its benches are not only suitable for stopping but also for birdwatching. Many species find a safe haven here, among them silver pelicans, herons and cormorants. The island took its name from Agios Achillion, bishop of Larissa in the 4th century. In fact, here is also the homonymous church of Agios Achilleios, one of the most important monuments of the Prespa region. It was built in 986 AD by the Bulgarian Tsar Samuel, who brought to the island the skeleton of Agios Achilleios from Larissa. The now ruined church of Agios Achilleios is a three-aisled, timber-roofed, Middle Byzantine basilica with a narthex. During your wanderings on the island you will discover other churches, such as the also ruined Basilica of the Twelve Apostles (11th century), the abandoned monastery of Panagia Porphyra (1524 AD), the church of Agios Dimitrios (14th century) and the church of Agios Georgios (15th century). Follow the easy hiking trail to go around the island. You will enjoy the unparalleled natural beauty of the lake and the tranquility of the landscape will soothe your soul. The fauna of the area is also special since apart from the birds, a rare variety of small cow lives here, the Nana cow, as it is called! Agios Achilleios is inhabited by a few residents and has a guesthouse and restaurant with local recipes for those who wish to enjoy the lake experience to the maximum. Access to the island is via the floating footbridge and by boats. Cars are not allowed.