Have you ever been to N.Macedonia? If not, we are wondering why?
Welcome to the country where you will be greeted by the warmth of the local people, delicious food, music and folklore, rich history, unique architecture, and beautiful nature. Our country boasts many artists, musicians, writers, architects, athletes, poets, actors, directors and many more important people who contribute to the country and the world.
In recent years, more and more tourists decide to visit this gem on the Balkan Peninsula. Everyone who was once in Macedonia returns again and again!
Although North Macedonia is a country that is enclosed within its borders and does not face the sea or ocean, it can proudly boast of its three largest natural lakes - Lake Ohrid, Lake Prespa and Lake Dojran. They lie on the southern border and are divided between the borders of Albania and Greece. Lake Ohrid is considered one of the oldest lakes and biotopes in the world.
North Macedonia is bordering with Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. It gained independence in 1991 as one of the successor states of Yugoslavia.
The majority of the residents are Macedonians, then follow Albanians, Turks, Romani, Serbs, Bosniaks, Aromanians and few other minorities. Let’s have a look at the best places to visit in Macedonia!
1. Skopje
Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia and definitely a must-visit city when you come to N. Macedonia! It is the country's political, cultural, economic, and academic center. This city boasts a rich history, flora and fauna, architecture, culture and nightlife. Beautiful new monuments by top world masters have been made in recent years and adorn the city. We can single out the beautiful giant statue of Alexander the Great the Triumphal Arch and many others.
The history still remains in places like the Stone Bridge, the Church of St. Spas, the Kale Fortress, the Old Turkish Bazaar, Memorial House of Mother Teresa, Old Railway station and many more.
Through Skopje flows the Vardar river (the biggest river in N. Macedonia) which is approximately 60 kilometers from its source near Gostivar. The largest protected area within the city limits is Mount Vodno, which is a popular leisure destination. A cable car connects its peak to the downtown, and many pedestrian paths run through its woods. Other large natural spots include the Matka Canyon.
Matka Canyon is home to diverse endemic life, wonderful lakes, medieval monasteries, caves, valleys and trekking routes, the canyon offers a myriad of unique experiences which are a must-see!
2. Ohrid
Ohrid, the Balkans pearl, the place you must see once in a lifetime!
A magical place with a rich history is located on the shore of Lake Ohrid. With its 365 churches and monasteries rightly gets the name Jerusalem of the Balkans and the epicenter of religion and Slavic culture.
However, it is Lake Ohrid that makes the city a unique historical artifact. At three million years old, it stands as one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes and gives Ohrid the prestige of being named as both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage site.
The city has its own spirit, and is worth every day spent there, especially in the summer, when there are a lot of programs for everyone!
3. Saint Naum Monastery
29 kilometers away from Ohrid center in a wonderful location lays the impressive complex st. Naum. A Wonderful place where you can spend your day, which can be reached by car or by boat. You can take a boat tour on the springs of Black Drim River, sightseeing the picturesque monastery of st. Naum, taste delicious food in the restaurant enjoy on sandy beach and parks with green grass.
4. Museum on the water - Bay of Bones
The Museum on Water is located on the eastern coast of Lake Ohrid near the auto camp Gradishte, the Bay of the Bones. From the city of Ohrid, the Museum is around 14 km away. Archeologists had discovered a prehistoric site in the lake dating from 1200 and 700 B.C, which spread on over 8.500 m2. Evidence shows that the Brydges, the oldest tribe in the Balkan region lived in that area.
5. Struga
Struga is another town that enriches the unique Macedonian experience, located in the southwestern region of the country and lying on the shore of Lake Ohrid (about 14 km near Ohrid). Lots of places to visit, culture to absorb, and scenery to enjoy. Followed by traditional food, nice and relaxing coffee shops, and restaurants, offering a beautiful view of the lake.
6. Vechani's springs
A wonderful piece of nature in the village of Vevhani. It can be visited at any time of the year, but in spring the springs have the most water when the snow melts. After visiting this beauty you can enjoy the wonderful restaurants that serve delicious traditional food.
7. Bitola
It has been known since the Ottoman period as "the city of the consuls" since many European countries have consulates in Bitola.
Bitola is the second-largest city in the country and one of the oldest cities on the territory in the Republic of N. Macedonia. It was founded as Heraclea Lyncestis in the middle of the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon. During the Ottoman rule, the city together with Salonica were the two reigning cities of Ottoman Rumelia.
8. Mavrovo National park
It is Macedonian's biggest winter resort which covers 730sq km of forests, gorges, waterfalls and karst fields. No matter what time of the year you visit Mavrovo you will enjoy the high-attitude fresh air. Perfect place for nature lovers who can enjoy hiking around Mavrovo lake.
9. Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery
The monastery church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. One of its most valuable treasures is the iconostasis, created by Petre Filipovic - Garkata from the nearby village of Gari, and considered one of the finest examples of wood-carved iconostases.
10. Smolare Falls
Smolare Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Republic of North Macedonia, falling from a height of 39.5 meters (129.5 feet). It is located above the village of Smolare in the Municipality of Novo Selo in the southeastern region of the country.
11. Tikvesh region
It is one of the biggest regions in Macedonia by square area. The climate is mixed, Continental-Mediterranean. The south of the Tikveš region is dominated by a Mediterranean climate featuring long and hot summers. It is “protected” on three sides by mountains which prevent the northern winds from reaching the vineyards. Tikveš is the center of Macedonian wine and rakija production. Definitely is a must-try!
12. Stobi
Stobi is an archeological site in the middle of Macedonia. Surprisingly underrated, this ancient city was an economic and strategically valuable hub, and once the capital of a Roman province named Macedonia Salutaris. Nowadays, partially preserved buildings fill this massive excavation site, packed densely enough to spark your imagination.
13. Krushevo
Krushevo is a small city but very charismatic and full of history. Historic Kruševo was in 1903 the center of the Ilinden Uprising against the Ottoman Empire that led to the formation of a republic that lasted only 10 days but is seen as the prelude to the modern Macedonian republic. Today, the main celebrations of the national holiday Ilinden, on the 2nd of August, are held in Kruševo to commemorate that struggle for independence.
14. Pelister national park
Pelister is the oldest and second-largest national park in North Macedonia after Mavrovo. It is one of the leading tourist areas in the country, since it is a well-known ski resort, Pelister is also known for its two mountain lakes, which are called Pelister's Eyes.
15. Popova Shapka
Popova Sapka is the most famous winter sports and recreation center in the Republic of Macedonia. It features a number of sunny days and snow cover from October to May. Suitable for all skiing disciplines. It is especially attractive for professional skiers and recreational skiers. Popova Sapka has beautiful ski slopes with an area of 35 km2.
These are just the 15 best places to visit in N.Macedonia. Of course, there are many more wonderful places to visit. It is always content for culture and nature lovers!
At your request, we can make you a wonderful organization from our agency where you will save time and money and learn much more with our guides.
Тhe beauty of N.Мacedonia in the palm of your hand with us!