For many visitors, Skopje marks the starting point of their journey. The city offers a fascinating blend of Oriental and Western charms, monumental architecture and picturesque historicity. The modern city parts are nicely connected to the Ottoman old town through the Kameni Most. Built between 1451 and 1469 under the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, this historic stone bridge is one of the oldest symbolic structures and leads across the river Vardar.
Another exciting pastime is a walk through the Old Bazaar featuring beautiful stairs, tea houses, and even the Kapan Han, an Ottoman roadside inn. A real culinary and cultural microcosm, this historical inn used to offer shelter to merchants and their livestock.
Anyone travelling to North Macedonia should not miss out on Ohrid, a city named after its nearby lake, which counts as one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. Both the city and lake’s historical value make them part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With over 365 churches, one for every day of the year, Ohrid is often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.
The Monastery of Saint Naum, only a few kilometres off the Albanian border, not only offers spiritual inspiration, but also a fantastic view over the lake. The lake itself, a natural gem, is perfect for paddling, swimming, or good old-fashioned relaxing. Local fishermen also offer small boat tours, showing you all the monasteries along the shore.
North Macedonia is also a secret hot spot for nature lovers. Avid climbers will love the Galičica National Park. Located between the lakes Ohrid and Prespa, it offers the perfect opportunity to climb up to 2,000 metres and with a little bit of luck and good weather to even be rewarded with a view of the Greek border.
Further up north, the Pelister Park is waiting for you with its famous Balkan pines, a rare pine species that only grows there and in some parts of Bulgaria.
The Matka Canyon, not far off Skopje, presents another unique excursion destination. Here, you’ll be able to go kayaking or go on a bike ride through spectacular rocky landscapes.
A guided tour through the Vrelo Cave, one of Europe’s deepest subterranean caves, promises a first-hand experience of an mystical underground wonderland.
One of North Macedonia’s biggest selling points is that most of its museums and monuments are accessible to very low prices or even for free. Here, culture is not seen as a luxury but is meant for everyone. In the same vein, there is a multitude of local festivities and fun fairs that also warmly welcome travelers.
One such example is the Ohrid Summer Festival, a musical event, showing international artists and spectacular outdoor stages at historical spots.
Wondering what you’ll eat? You can expect a delicious mix of Balkan, Greek, and Turkish cuisine, often featuring lots of fresh veggies, feta, eggplant, and meat. Be sure to try Tavče Gravče, a tasty dish of beans and onions, or Selsko Meso, meat and mushrooms served in a clay dish. There are a lot of locally produced beers and wines but we would like to especially recommend Tikveš.
While North Macedonia might not yet be a typical traveling destination, it is exactly that which makes it so exciting. Lots of culture, authentic living, breathtaking landscapes, and budget-friendly costs make it a dream vacation destination for everyone wanting to discover new horizons. Its unique blend of old and new make North Macedonia a definite eye-catcher.
So, grab you hiking gear and off to the Balkans and its many awaiting adventures!
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