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North Macedonia
Country info
Square area:
28,748 km²
Population:
2 million
Capital:
Skopje
Currency:
N. Macedonian Denar (MKD)
Language:
Macedonian
Religion:
Orthodox Cristianity
Political:
Democratic republic
English:
Among younger population
Safety level
North Macedonia is a very safe country with almost no instances of crime against tourists although pickpocketting is present in bigger cities.
If you want to get off-the-beaten-path in Europe, North Macedonia should be high on your list. Unlike Croatia and Slovenia, North Macedonia remained largely under the tourist radar after its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Today, it is precisely this uncharted quality, coupled with a seductive blend of culture, history, and landscapes that is the main draw of travel to North Macedonia.
Landlocked on the crossroads of the Balkans, Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, North Macedonia holds history and heritage that are surprisingly multilayered. The landscapes feature lakes, mountains, and canyons, and are all uniquely meditative – thanks to the lack of visitors. The diversity stretches to the dinner table, where savory feasts of meats, spreads, eggplant, paprika, sprits, and wines unravel before you every time you sit down.
- Peel off the layers of history in the UNESCO-listed town of Ohrid, then stroll along Lake Ohrid, embraced in mountains.
- Soak up the bustling contrasts of the Ottoman and neoclassical in the capital of Skopje.
- Take in the tranquility of the lakeside Monastery of St. Naum on Ohrid Lake.
- Relax by the shores of Mavrovo Lake and get active in the dramatic Matka canyon.
- Explore Macedonian wines at the longstanding Tikveš winery or the newly founded Popova Kula.
THE
BEAUTIES OF
NORTH MACEDONIA
Perfect For
Culture
Photography
Food
Nature
Itinerary ideas
DAY 1
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
DAY 2
We move to Ohrid with an en-route tour of Tetovo where we will visit the Colorful Mosque and Arabati Baba Tekke. Lunch is planned in a picturesque Vevcani after a guided tour of Struga.
DAY 3
Visit one of the most spectacular monasteries in the Balkans - St. Jovan Bigorski, known for the wood carving at the iconostasis. On the way back to Ohrid, visit the convent at Rajcica near the town of Debar.
DAY 4
A day trip to St. Naum Monastery with an en-route stop at the Bay of Bones, an archaeological site and authentic reconstruction of the pile dwelling settlement. Lunch on a raft in the lake made by the springs of Crni Drim River .
DAY 5
On our return to Skopje we will make en-route stops at Heraklea and Stobi archeological sites. A lunch and wine tasting in one of the many wineries of Tikvesh region will add a nice spice to the day.
DAY 6
Skopje discovery begins by visit to mountain Vodno and frescoes in the St. Pantelejmon church followed by a boat trip on the river Treska. After lunch, a tour of Skopje will follow.
DAY 7
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to Skopje Airport for your outbound flight.
Explore North Macedonia and its riches on this unique private tour. Home to many important landmarks, North Macedonia holds a charm for all those archeology lovers.
DAY 1
Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by your chauffeur and transferred to hotel. Settle in and relax for a while before enjoying a local welcome dinner in near restaurant.
DAY 2
A morning walking tour of important sites of Skopje including a visit to the green market. A short drive to the Matka Lake for a boat visit to Vrelo cave followed by an outdoor lunch. Traditional dinner in the local restaurant.
DAY 3
A private transfer to Ohrid with an en-route stop at Mavrovo National Park. Visit the Duf Waterfall, followed by a private cooking demo in the nearby village of Jance. Before reaching Ohrid, visit the Bigorski Monastery.
DAY 4
Morning is reserved for a tour of UNESCO enlisted town of Ohrid followed by a short panoramic boat trip and lunch. Spend the evening in a nearby village of Kuratica for dinner at the family home of Goran.
DAY 5
Morning lake cruise along the Ohrid Lake to the monastery of St.Naum with an en-route boat stop at the Museum on Water. In the evening, enjoy the sunset over the lake over dinner in Konjsko village.
DAY 6
Scenic drive to Macedonia’s only island - Golem Grad. After exploring the wildlife of this natural reserve within the Galicica National Park, proceed to the other bank of the lake and continue to Bitola to check in to your hotel.
DAY 7
Visit to the historical site Heraclea Lyncestis followed by a drive to the village of Dihoveo. Here you will meet local beekeepers that will introduce you to their tradition and serve a lunch at their home.
DAY 8
Check out after breakfast and proceed to Tikves wine region. En route, visit the spectacular ruins of Stobi, an archeological site. Enjoy an afternoon tasting of indigenous Macedonian wine varieties produced by small winemakers.
DAY 9
Today we move to Kratovo with an en-route stop in Stip to visit the Isar Fortress and to enjoy pastrmajlija pie for lunch, before a visit to the medieval monastery of Lesnovo. In Kratovo you will see how kcana salt is made.
DAY 10
Transfer back to Skopje with an en-route stop to Kuklica, famous for its geological
rock formations and Osogovski monastery in Kriva Palanka. Farewell dinner will be held at a traditional restaurant in Skopje.
DAY 11
Enjoy some time at leisure before meeting with your chauffeur for a private transfer to Skopje Airport for your outbound flight.
This bespoke travel experience holds the finest of North Macedonia. Enjoy numerous exclusive experiences such as cooking demos, private lunches and scenic boat trips.
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What to Expect
Macedonia offers a wide variety of accommodation - from chain hotels such as Marriott International to privately owned hotels and villas in center and all over the country. Properties differ in quality and level of service but generally friendly and welcoming staff awaits throughout the country. Most of the hotels are of great value.
Park Hotel and Spa in Skopje
• Boutique, traditional properties throughout the country
• Chain hotels in Skopje
• Due to ubiquitous wine production, small family properties within the wineries are great choice
• Wide accommodation selection in Ohrid Lake area
• Chain hotels in Skopje
• Due to ubiquitous wine production, small family properties within the wineries are great choice
• Wide accommodation selection in Ohrid Lake area
As in the rest of Mediterranean Europe, North Macedonia is best visited from April to November. Taking advantage of dry and warm weather before the rainy winter kicks in. In general, climate of North Macedonia is mild and the country can be visited year-round. A variety of festivals is also a good reason to visit.
Skopje year-round temperatures
• Best time to travel is from April to November
• Winters are mild and rainy
• Ohrid Summer Festival takes place from July 12 to August 2 annually
• Krushevo Etno City Festival from July 15 to August 15
• Winters are mild and rainy
• Ohrid Summer Festival takes place from July 12 to August 2 annually
• Krushevo Etno City Festival from July 15 to August 15
WiFi connection is available at all hotels and at numerous public hot spots in most urban areas throughout the country. Roaming depends on your carrier as North Macedonia is not part of EU so the charges my be higher than expected. As in many other places, a local SIM card or a portable router, are the best way to have internet at all times.
Macedonia SIM card
• Country code: +389
• WiFi available at all hotels and free spots in many cities
• Local SIM card and a portable router are the best option for internet on the go
• Power plugs are of type C and F (European); standard voltage is 230 V and frequency is 50 Hz
• WiFi available at all hotels and free spots in many cities
• Local SIM card and a portable router are the best option for internet on the go
• Power plugs are of type C and F (European); standard voltage is 230 V and frequency is 50 Hz
Cuisine of North Macedonia is a typical cuisine of the Balkans: filling and savory with lots of meat and vegetables. The country has excellent conditions for growing vegetables. From famous Macedonian peppers and eggplants to onions, potatoes, and other. Heavy influence of Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines is also present which gives an exotic note to the regional dishes. N. Macedonia is known for great wines!
Macedonia is known for its watermelons
• Gravce na tavce is a national dish
• National drink is mastika
• Diversity and quality of dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija
• Tipping by rounding up the bill is common practice or if you receive exceptional service, a 10-15% tip on top of the check is much appreciated
• National drink is mastika
• Diversity and quality of dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija
• Tipping by rounding up the bill is common practice or if you receive exceptional service, a 10-15% tip on top of the check is much appreciated
North Macedonia is not a known shopping destination but relatively low prices will definetely intrigue you to buy something whether it is a modern clothing in malls or souvenirs in small local shops. From memorabilia with prints of country's history to more authentic jewelry and crafts, there is a wide choice and your guide will tell you which are the best places to shop at.
Typical traditional jewelry
• Macedonian filigree, a metal jewelry, or Ohrid Pearls are a popular thing to get
• Gaida,Tapan and Shupelka are traditional instruments popular as souvenirs as well
• Opinci is leather-made footwear mostly worn as a part of folk costume
• Gaida,Tapan and Shupelka are traditional instruments popular as souvenirs as well
• Opinci is leather-made footwear mostly worn as a part of folk costume
Macedonians, like all the members of Eastern Orthodox churches, kiss three times on alternating cheeks. Macedonians are very hospitable and often invite guests to their homes. If you visit someone's house, the host will continue to give you food and drink far past when you think you've had enough. In Muslim areas of the country, contact between man and woman should be reduced to minimum.
Traditional Macedonian wedding
• Macedonians are hospitable and welcoming they like to invite people to their homes
• Rural areas are still traditional
• Macedonians have big respect for elderly
• Titles are very important and respected
• Rural areas are still traditional
• Macedonians have big respect for elderly
• Titles are very important and respected
North Macedonia is a safe country with almost no petty crime. Crimes against tourists are almost unheard of. Beggars in urban areas can be annoying. Medical care is solid in urban areas although do not expect Western standards at local hospitals. Roads to remote areas are often in poor condition so expect long drives.
Macedonian police cars
• Safe and hospitable country
• Medical care is not at the level of Western countries
• Poor roads off the main routes
• Tap water is safe to drink
• Medical care is not at the level of Western countries
• Poor roads off the main routes
• Tap water is safe to drink
Reaching North Macedonia by plane would take you probably to capital Skopje or touristy area Ohrid Lake. Car rental is possible but due to variable road conditions best way would be private chauffeur as part of our services.
On the streets of Skopje
• Driving side: right
• Skopje (SKP) and Ohrid (OHD) are the main airports
• Taxis are the best value and optimal way to move in bigger towns
• Skopje (SKP) and Ohrid (OHD) are the main airports
• Taxis are the best value and optimal way to move in bigger towns
What to pack
Continental climate of North Macedonia is characterized by all four seasons. Hot summers and mild, rainy winters are easy to pack for. More gear for traveling and photography with several titles to familiarize you with this unique country.
In The Media
Skopje to Lake Ohrid, Macedonia
Drone Footage from Skopje to Ohrid
Monastery St.Naum of Ohrid Lake
Amazing setting of Orthodox Monastery
Top Macedonia Tourist Attraction - Tikveš
Macedonian Wine Rroduction Area
Explore the Gorgeous Lake in Ohrid Macedonia
Immersive Relaxation on Lake Ohrid
Ajvar: a paprika mousse as national dish
A Red Pepper National speciality
Toše Proeski - Zajdi, zajdi Josno Sonce
Popular Macedonian Music
Macedonian for beginners
Learn Some Useful Phrases
Best to combine with
From popular global destinations like Greece and Montenegro, to seriously off-the-beaten-path regions like Kosovo, Macedonia is a true delight for a person willing to step off the beaten path.
Albania
Neighboring country with countless riches to discover and one of the last unspoilt coastlines of Europe.
Montenegro
Easy land or air crossing to the heart of the Balkans
Greece
Quirks for the Curious
Kokino Observatory
Macedonia has a many off the beaten path spots but Kokino should be number one on your list. Even listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage site, this 3800 years old observatory, was only discovered and partly understood in 2001. Kokino, had a dual function as a scientific and ritual site, and is of great interest to archaeoastronomy researchers for its complexity and value. But, for all of us others, it is still an impressive site.
Skopje
When people talk about Skopje, first thing that comes to mind is a crazy neoclassical architecture with sculptures all over the center of the city. Local government has gone nuts since 2010, erecting huge buildings - both government and civic - as well as hundreds of statues in the heart of the city.The project was known as Skopje 2014. but it is more like Eternal Skopje as it evokes all sorts of periods. It is kitsch for sure, but so unique that it simply needs to be seen to be believed. If that is not crazy enough, how about overnight on a pirate ship replica on Vardar river in the center of this landlocked country?
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