Hidden Gem North Macedonia

In addition to well-known travel destinations like Croatia or Bulgaria, the Balkans also offer some hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. One of these tips is the wonderful country of North Macedonia. Why this charming Balkan state is worth a visit is detailed in my travel magazine.

Located on the Balkan Peninsula right between Albania and Bulgaria, you will find a country that still counts as one of the true hidden gems in Europe and lures visitors with its original charm: North Macedonia! What this Balkan state with only two million inhabitants has to offer and why you should definitely consider a trip there, you will learn in this article.

Getting There & Accommodations

Capital Skopje

North Macedonia's Most Beautiful Places

Cuisine

North Macedonia has a total of two airports, in Skopje and Ohrid, which are serviced by many airports in Germany, such as Dortmund, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Nuremberg, and Berlin. Direct round-trip flights can often be found for under $60.

For those willing to embark on a longer journey, you can also reach the country by car. From Munich, it takes about 15 hours to Skopje under good traffic conditions, though you can certainly make stops along the way in Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia. For road trip enthusiasts, this is definitely a great way to see a lot of Europe.

In Skopje, there are many hotels that are all very affordable. Hostels can be found for an incredible $5 per night, and for $30, you can treat yourself to a really stylish luxury hotel. Even chic apartments are incredibly cheap here, so you won't need to spend a lot for a vacation in North Macedonia.

The capital city Skopje is located in the north of North Macedonia and is the largest city in the country with a population of 540,000. It is a perfect starting point for a tour, as most international flights land here. The city, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 1963, has since recovered and offers an interesting mix of various architectural styles. The originally modest skyline has been enhanced through the 'Skopje 2014' project with lavish buildings and monuments that have sparked controversial reactions. Many believe that the overpriced construction project does not fit the city and is simply too tacky. The mentioned structures include an extravagant triumphal arch, the archaeological museum, and an artists' bridge adorned with a total of 29 life-sized statues. These stand in contrast to the more unremarkable buildings in the city center. However, whether or not one appreciates the opulent architecture, the monuments are certainly worth seeing.

Guru Tip: If you want to get to know authentic Skopje, take a Free Skopje Walking Tour with a local! It's completely free and will take you to interesting places you wouldn't see otherwise!

Now let's get to the original sights in Skopje. First and foremost is the old bazaar, which impresses with numerous small shops and an authentic atmosphere. With its many minarets, Turkish bakeries, and shops with an Ottoman flair, the bazaar district even resembles Istanbul a bit. Here you can shop to your heart's content, try delicacies like baklava, or simply watch the hustle and bustle on the street. One of the oldest sights and simultaneously the city's landmark is the Stone Bridge, built in the 15th century. It spans the Vardar River and connects the old town with the modern center of Skopje.

In addition to the bazaar district, the Kale Fortress should also be on your to-do list. The restored castle is located on a hill right in the center and offers a great view of the Macedonian capital. By the way, entry is free. You can also enjoy a beautiful view from Mount Vodno, which is accessible by cable car - but the athletic among you can also hike up.

After getting to know the capital of North Macedonia and learning a bit about its history, it's time to head into nature. North Macedonia is characterized by beautiful, almost untouched landscapes and is a true paradise for active vacationers. The many mountains and the fabulous Lake Ohrid are sure to make any nature lover's heart race. I will introduce you to the most beautiful places in the country.

One of the most impressive destinations in the country is Matka Canyon, located about 15 kilometers west of Skopje. You can reach this natural paradise by public bus number 60 - the ticket costs only a cheap $3. What you want to do there is entirely up to you. You have the option to rent a kayak or a boat, or simply go hiking. Of course, there are also guided tours at certain times - I particularly recommend the boat tour to the Vrelo caves. Be sure to bring some snacks, as afterward, you can settle down at one of the many picnic spots and satisfy your hunger. If you don't want to bring food with you, there is also a restaurant on-site as well as a few hotels.

Lake Ohrid is situated about three hours from the capital city Skopje and is definitely worth a visit. It enchants with crystal-clear waters and is one of the oldest lakes in the world. Anyone who lands here feels transported to another time, as this place still offers a wonderfully authentic charm that immediately captivates. Tiny taverns, old cars, and cute little boats cruising in the water create the perfect postcard scene. Along the shore of the lake, you will find many sandy beaches, making Ohrid a great choice for a summer vacation away from mass tourism.

The old town of Ohrid is characterized by many churches and mosques, but one building stands out in particular. The St. Jovan Kaneo Church is probably the most photographed sight in North Macedonia as it is situated directly on the shores of Lake Ohrid and offers a truly dramatic view. You've probably seen a photo of this beautiful church and wondered where it is. Now you know!

Another must-see is the Sveti Naum Monastery, which is located just a few hundred meters from the Albanian border and can be reached from Ohrid in about 50 minutes. The interior of the monastery is adorned with numerous frescoes and the surrounding grounds are also worth seeing, as you will find many free-roaming peacocks here. By the way, you can even stay overnight in the monastery, as it has now been converted into a hotel that offers a great view of Lake Ohrid.

Also worth a visit is the Bay of Bones - with that name, you might first envision something macabre, but it is actually an archaeological museum built directly on Lake Ohrid. The amazing museum consists of individual mud huts that almost resemble overwater bungalows in the Maldives. Pretty cool, right?

Not far from Ohrid, you will find Galicica National Park, which covers an area of over 2,000 square kilometers and is considered a true nature paradise. Here, hiking enthusiasts will particularly enjoy themselves, as there are a total of 31 different hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. Nestled within the national park is the breathtaking Prespa Lake, which boasts unspoiled flora and fauna.

Those traveling to North Macedonia can look forward to a lot when it comes to culinary delights. Macedonian cuisine is dominated by Mediterranean and oriental influences, with hearty dishes and grill specialties generally served. The Macedonians particularly love their burek made of yufka pastry filled with sheep cheese, but the Shopska salad must not be missing from any meal.

You should definitely try the national dish Tavche Gravche, a type of bean stew without meat. If you enjoy fish, you shouldn't miss out on the famous Ohrid trout from the town of the same name - it is truly delicious! In general, Macedonian cuisine features many dishes that you will recognize from your vacation in Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria.

A stunning nature, delicious food, and plenty of sights - as you can see, North Macedonia has so much to offer and is still unjustly overlooked as a travel destination. Grab a rental car and embark on a discovery tour through this wonderful country - you certainly won't regret it!