Macedonia - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
While still relatively unknown among many travellers, over 700,000 visitors plan their holidays in Macedonia each year due to its stunning natural beauty. The country’s towns and cities exhibit a beautiful mixture of Ottoman and European influence. In fact, the capital city of Skopje is known for having an incredible Ottoman-style bazaar - the biggest in the Balkans outside Istanbul.
Though a landlocked country, a trip to Macedonia will lead you to plenty of peaceful lakeside beaches with stunning mountain views. Whether your idea of connecting with nature is sitting on the beach or hiking up mountains, Macedonia has a little bit of something for everyone.
Tour Highlights
- Overlook Lake Ohrid from the Church of St. John at Kaneo
- Look for the white peacock at the Monastery of Saint Naum
- Cross the Stone Bridge in Skopje
- Hike Galičica mountain for views of both Macedonia and neighbouring Albania
- Take a boat ride across the crystal-clear waters Saint Naum Springs
- Discover prehistoric traditions at the Bay of Bones Museum
Travel Tips
- Macedonia is the perfect destination for budget travellers. Cab fare and public transportation are incredibly cheap, and the average meal will cost you around 5 Euros.
- Renting a car in Macedonia is relatively easy, though not for the faint of heart. The coastal views are well worth it but be prepared for barrier-less roads along steep cliffs.
- Good Wi-Fi is easy to come by in tourist-dense areas. Most hotels and popular restaurants will have internet available for guests.
- The country’s name, “Macedonia” is a heated topic. The Greeks believe Macedonia to be an ancient region within its own borders, and insist on the country being called the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Try to be mindful of this when conversing with locals.
- If you want the true Ohrid experience, be sure to visit between June and August. This is when parties are in full swing and all attractions, restaurants, and shops are open and ready for tourists.