Macedonia has so much to offer, yet so many people don’t even know it! From historic sights, to beautiful lakes and tall mountains – there’s really something for everyone to enjoy!
In no particular order, here are 10 must see places in Macedonia:
1. Kaneo Church
The St. John Kaneo church in Ohrid is one of the most iconic sights in Macedonia. The Macedonian Orthodox church is situated on a small cliff right by the lake. According to experts, the church dates back to before the 1500s. Besides the beautiful church, the views and the surrounding nature are just pristine. You can easily reach the church on foot from the Ohrid city center.
If you decide to visit the area during summer, make sure that you also take along your swim suits. Right beneath the church, you’ll find a quaint little beach called “Potpeš” – perfect for relaxing!
How to get there: You can easily reach the church on foot from the Ohrid city center.
Recommended visiting time: Half a day (maybe 1 day if combined with beach time)
2. Stone Bridge Skopje & Old Town
Another famous sight in Macedonia is the old Stone Bridge in the capital city Skopje. The bridge is built over the river Vardar and connects the modern city to the historic Ottoman part of the city. You can still experience the Ottoman history through the mosques, hammams, and the unique architectural style.
Specific sights to hit in the old Turkish part:
- Čifte Hamam: Old Turkish bath, now Contemporary Art Gallery
- Daut Pasha Hamam: Old Turkish bath, now National Art Gallery
- Kapan Han, Kuršumli Han, Suli Han: Old guesthouses
- Church of the Holy Salvation: Half underground church with intricate carvings
How to get there: You can reach the bridge and Turkish old town on foot from the Skopje city center.
Recommended visiting time: Half a day (maybe 1 day if you want to visit some of the museums)
3. Matka Canyon
Matka is a canyon located near the capital city of Skopje. It is probably the most popular day trip to take if you are visiting Skopje. The canyon and the lake offer plenty of paths for walking around, and you can even get on a little boat or rent a kayak and explore the area from the water. Additionally, there are also several monasteries nested in the canyon, for those of you interested in more cultural sights.
How to get there: I’d highly recommend to either rent a car or get a taxi to drive you there. There’s also a bus, but it will take you a lot longer to reach the canyon.
Recommended visiting time: Min. 1 full day
4. Vodno
Vodno is the «house» mountain of Skopje, and also the home of the Millennium Cross. The Millenium Cross is one of the biggest Christian Crosses in the world. There are multiple hiking trails on the mountain, and the top gives you a nice view over the city. It will really show you how spread out the city is, and how the river Vardar passes through.
How to get there: There is a cable car that will take you all the way to the top. In order to reach the lower station of the cable car, you can either drive there or take a public bus. The public bus number 25 departs from the main bus station, or the “Rekord” bus station in the city center.
Recommended visiting time: Min. 1/2 day, if you plan to do some hiking rather aim for 1 full day
5. Trpejca
Trpejca is a village at the foot of the Galičica Mountain and along the shore of the Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia. Traditionally, Trpejca was a small fishing village. Hence, it is very famous for seafood restaurants right by the water. Besides, there’s also a cute little beach to lounge around.
How to get there: The best way to get there is to rent a car. Alternatively, you could take a taxi or ask one of the boat charters to take you there.
Recommended visiting time: Min. 1/2 day, if you plan to do chill by the beach you could spend 1 full day
6. St. Naum
The Monastery of Saint Naum is an Orthodox monastery in Macedonia situated along Lake Ohrid. It was established in 905 by St Naum of Ohrid himself, who is also buried in the church. Depending on your interest and time, you can also take a boat trip along the St. Naum springs.
How to get there: The best way to get to St. Naum is either by car or by boat from Ohrid. You will find regular scheduled lines a couple of times a day. Check the signs by the port for more info.
Recommended visiting time: 1 full day
7. Galicica
The Galičica mountain separates the two lakes Ohrid and Prespa. The mountain is an outdoor lovers dream, with plenty of hiking trails, mountain bike trails and possibilities for paragliding. You’ll get the best view over both lakes from Magaro Peak.
How to get there: You can reach the entrance of the Galičica National Park by car.
Recommended visiting time: 1 full day
8. Kruševo
Kruševo is the highest town in Macedonia and one of the highest in the Balkans, situated at an altitude of over 1350 m above sea level. It is most famous for hosting the Ilinden Memorial Complex, also known as Makedonium. The memorial was established on August 2, 1974, at the thirtieth anniversary of the ASNOM session and the 71st anniversary of the Ilinden Uprising. It is a complex of four platforms that symbolize the invincibility, the struggle and the eternal aspiration of the Macedonian people for freedom and an independent state.
How to get there: You can reach the town of Kruševo and the memorial by car.
Recommended visiting time: 1 full day
9. Plaošnik
Plaošnik is an archaeological site and holy place in Ohrid, North Macedonia. You’ll find a church, mozaiks and a beautiful view of the lake.
How to get there: You can easily walk to Plaosnik from the city of Ohrid.
Recommended visiting time: ½ day
10. Mavrovo
The Mavrovo National Park is the largest of the four national parks of North Macedonia. The area is characterized by deep canyons, lakes and dense forests. In summer you can spend your time hiking the area, while in winter you can also go skiing here!
How to get there: You can best reach Mavrovo by car.
Recommended visiting time: Min 1 full day, perhaps 2
If you have any further questions about visiting Macedonia, please leave a comment! As a Macedonian, I’d love to answer your questions 🙂 Looking for more reasons to visit the Balkans? Check out my post here.