The Balkans is a vastly underrated area of Europe that receives far fewer guests than Western European nations. And the landlocked nation of North Macedonia (previously the Republic of Macedonia) sees fewer vacationers than every other Balkan nation. That’s a disgrace since this off-the-beaten-path vacation spot boasts stunning nature, fascinating historical past, and hospitable locals.
Sandwiched between Serbia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania, North Macedonia will delight any traveler. Nature lovers, historical past buffs, and foodies can all discover pleasant actions for an unforgettable trip. And in my humble opinion, North Macedonia is among the many world’s most underrated wine locations.
Throughout my Balkan journey, I spent three weeks touring round this largely undiscovered gem. Listed below are my high issues to do in North Macedonia and proposals to your go to.
Climb Magaro Peak
Situated in Galičica Nationwide Park, Magaro Peak sits at an elevation of two,255 meters between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. The trek begins at round 1,600m and ascends by means of peaceable forests earlier than rising into alpine meadows. Now, once I accomplished the hike in early Might, blankets of snow lined the hillside above the tree line.
Whereas you can begin from the village of Trpejca, you’ll save time driving the street that connects Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. The climb to Magaro Peak begins from a small car parking zone on the highest level of the street. Count on a brief however exhilarating ascent with thrilling views of verdant forests, limestone cliffs, and mountain pastures. And from the summit, you may have an unbelievable aerial view of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa on the similar time.
Cling Out in Trpejca
Simply because North Macedonia is landlocked, don’t assume you may’t get pleasure from a seaside getaway. Nicknamed the “Macedonian Saint-Tropez,” Trpejca sits on the base of Galičica Mountain beside Lake Ohrid. The sleepy fishing village now hosts summer time vacationers seeking to swim in Lake Ohrid’s crystal-clear waters. Spend lazy days lounging on pebble seashores or style scrumptious seafood caught from native fishermen.
Trpejca hosts a chill vibe, so vacationers trying to find tranquility can escape the crowds of close by Ohrid. Climb the hill overlooking the village for stunning photos of rocky cliffs, emerald waters, and snow-capped mountains. And the sunsets from this attractive location on Lake Ohrid are a few of the most breathtaking I’ve ever witnessed.
Cruise Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid was amongst my favourite locations wherever within the Balkans. Located on the Albania-North Macedonia border, Lake Ohrid is likely one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the earth. Incomes standing as each a pure and cultural UNESCO World Heritage Website, Lake Ohrid is a Macedonian treasure. The easiest way to discover the great thing about Lake Ohrid is to e-book a ship cruise from Ohrid.
A number of corporations e-book excursions from the Port of Ohrid and go to fascinating websites alongside the lake. Lake Ohrid cruises usually cease at St. Naum Monastery, Ohrid Outdated City, Struga, Trpejca, Kaneo, and the Bay of Bones. And with mountain vistas, glowing waters, and idyllic seashores surrounding your vessel, cruising Lake Ohrid is a magical expertise.
Discover Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is the simplest day journey from Skopje once you’re within the nation’s vigorous capital. Simply 15 km from Skopje metropolis centre, Matka Canyon hosts outside lovers wishing to flee the city hustle. Limestone cliffs tower above the emerald waters of this picturesque synthetic lake. Begin your journey with a ship cruise by means of the canyon for beautiful views of craggy cliffs overlooking the water.
Many cruises additionally cease at Vrelo Cave, the place you may wander stalagmites and underwater swimming pools. Vrelo and different underwater caves at Matka Canyon additionally appeal to divers researching the mysteries beneath the floor. Hikers can entry trails alongside the canyon partitions that enterprise to medieval monasteries. Throughout balmy days, it’s attainable to swim in Lake Matka however at your personal threat. After an adventurous day contained in the canyon, you may have a picnic beside the lake or get pleasure from a luxurious meal at Canyon Matka Restaurant.
Hit the Trails at Vodno
For avid trekkers, Vodno is one of the best place to go to in Skopje. Vodno Mountain overlooks Skopje and rises to its most elevation of 1,066 meters. From the mountaintop, there’s a spacious picnic house with sensational cityscapes and mountain vistas. Hikers frequent the world to start or finish day hikes round Skopje. Located atop Vodno Mountain is the 66-meter Millennium Cross that symbolizes 2,000 years of Christianity in Macedonia.
To entry the highest of Vodno, you may both experience the Vodno cable automobile or hike by means of dense forests. Since I ready for a day hike, I made a decision to wander into the thick foliage. After consuming a fast snack dealing with snowy mountains, I selected to hike from Vodno to Matka Canyon. The path traverses downhill for round 13 km by means of pine forests, inexperienced hills, and wildflower fields. And accessing Matka Canyon from the bottom supplied magnificent views you may’t get from contained in the canyon.
Wander the Bay of Bones
Returning to Lake Ohrid, the Bay of Bones Museum piqued the historical past buff facet of me. The Bay of Bones transports you again in time to recreate a village of stilt homes from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Located on the Ploca Micov Kamen, the museum offers perception into prehistoric life on Lake Ohrid. Guests can stroll inside genuine dwellings of those that lived right here from 1200 to 700 B.C.
The archaeological complicated additionally has a group of historic artifacts discovered throughout the excavation. Stroll across the displays to search out ceramics, stone instruments, fishing tools, and animal bones from the traditional settlement. The positioning additionally homes a reconstructed Roman navy fortification that rests on the hilltop above the stilt-house village. With emerald-blue waters, forest-clad mountains, and orange cliffs surrounding the museum, the Bay of Bones makes a tremendous day journey from Ohrid.
Hike Round Skopje Fortress
Courting to the sixth century A.D., Skopje Fortress, additionally referred to as Kale Fortress, is among the many most recognizable buildings of Skopje. The fortification overlooks the Vardar River and gives beautiful views of the town. Whereas a lot of its early historical past stays unknown, it’s believed the unique fortification dates to the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The Skopje Fortress was additionally the place Stefan Dušan declared Skopje the capital of the Serbian Empire throughout the 14th century.
Whereas the fortress suffered injury throughout the 1963 Skopje earthquake, restoration tasks repaired the outer wall and defensive towers. Strolling the perimeter of the fortress provides you an concept of Skopje’s strategic significance all through historical past. Standing alongside its mighty stone wall and reconstructed towers present glimpses of the Outdated Bazaar, Vodno, and Macedonia Sq..
