Skopje in winter. Macedonia. What to see in Macedonia

A country of archaeological excavations, ancient lakes, marble mountains and a leisurely pace of life - this is Macedonia.

The warm and dry climate is conducive to learning about the culture and history of a small corner of the Balkan Peninsula. Three hundred sunny days a year allow you to enjoy magnificent views of nature, see the main attractions, and even swim in the cool waters of crystal clear lakes. Hot Macedonian summers and warm winters are conducive to all types of recreation - from beach to skiing!

Climate zones of Macedonia

Climate of Macedonia – temperate continental over most of the territory. But the terrain makes some differences. In the south the climate is very similar to Mediterranean.

Fact! Macedonia is deprived of its own water spaces - the country has no access to the sea. But instead, nature has fully endowed Macedonia with beautiful lakes. The largest is the oldest Ohrid Lake.

Mountains are a special climatic zone. It is always colder there than in the flat areas. But there is a lot of snow. Especially on the western slopes of the mountains. Thanks to this, ski resorts are thriving.

This is interesting! Tourists and Macedonians themselves come with pleasure to ski and snowboard in Krusevo and Popova Shapka.

Capital of the state Skopje differs in its climate from the rest of the country. It is always colder here in winter, hotter in summer. Locals even consider this a kind of weather “attraction” of the city, telling legends about 20-degree frost. The latter, of course, is a legend for visitors. Winter in Macedonia never gets colder than -5ºC. The temperature range rarely goes beyond -1-3ºС.

In northern Macedonia, the weather is particularly generous with precipitation (especially in the mountains). But the closer to the southern part of the country, the drier the climate (for example, in the Vardara Valley only 300-500 mm of precipitation falls).

Winter in Macedonia is very mild, with little frost. It snows rarely, and if it does snow, it melts very quickly. Macedonian children are clearly deprived of the pleasure of having snow battles, sledding or even making a snowman.

Summer is dry and sunny. The average temperature reaches 22 degrees Celsius. But there are also hot days when the thermometers reach +35ºС, and even higher.

On a note! In summer, Mavrovo National Park is open for lovers of natural beauty.

Tourist seasons in Macedonia

Since the climate of Macedonia can be conditionally called transitional (from temperate to subtropical), almost the entire territory has mild weather conditions - warm winters and dry summers. This creates optimal conditions for most types of recreation.

Ski season lasts from December to February, although snow can fall and remain on the mountain slopes from November to March.

Beach season– from June to August. In the hottest month of the year, July, it is most comfortable to swim in the rather cool waters of the Macedonian lakes, or rather the main lake - Ohrid, which the locals also call the Macedonian Sea.

They are very popular in spring and autumn, as well as during cool periods of summer. balneological and health tours to Macedonia. Nature here creates all the conditions for such a holiday.

And late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are considered the optimal time for travel in Macedonia.

Important! Seismic activity is significant in Macedonia. Earthquakes do not happen often, but they can be quite destructive.

Weather in Macedonia by month

January

Humid and cool - these are the main characteristics of Macedonian January. In the capital at this time it is up to 3 degrees below zero, although on a sunny day it can be up to +5 ºС. There is practically no snow on the plains, but ski resorts actively welcome tourists.

February

It’s the height of a ski resort – there’s a lot of natural snow, but it’s a little minus outside. All this contributes to a large number of ski tourists who storm the snow-covered slopes of Krushevo, Popova Shapk and Mavrovo.

At this time it is rainy in Skopje - for a third of the month there is light drizzle. Temperature is about 5 degrees Celsius during the day.

On a note! There is no central heating. In winter, it is advised to “shelter warmer.” But most modern hotels, reconstructed using smart home technology, have heated floors.

March

After a wet and cold winter, March brings warm spring weather to Macedonia. Temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius in the capital. In Bitola, a famous Macedonian resort, it is also up to +18 ºС. In Ohrid it is cooler, up to +14 ºС during the day.

April

A great time for walking and sightseeing. It’s not hot yet – the air warms up steadily to +20+21 ºС. At night it’s still cool – maybe up to +5 ºС. In Ohrid, since it is located in the southwestern part of the country, it is traditionally cooler - up to +15 ºС in April. The resort of Kumanovo is located not far from Ohrid; it is also cool here, but there is also high humidity.

Important! Thunderstorms are a special type of manifestation of the Macedonian weather pattern. Lightning during a thunderstorm is a rather dangerous phenomenon.

May

May marks the beginning of the holiday season in Macedonia. In Skopje during the day it is already about +23 ºС, there are very few rainy days. In Ohrid – up to +20 ºС.

This is interesting! All year round, for those who like to peer into the beautiful night sky of Macedonia, Kokino, an ancient observatory, is open.

June

In June, Macedonia becomes a popular holiday destination for Europeans - at this time it is not as hot as in the middle of the high season. In Skopje the air temperature is +24+28 ºС. In Ohrid it is a couple of degrees cooler.

Fact! Macedonia is traditionally visited by tourists from Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, and travelers from the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.

July

Hot and dry - this is the weather in July. From daytime temperatures above +30 ºС you can take refuge near the cool waters of Lake Ohrid. July is the height of the tourist season, so prices for housing and services are high, and there are many travelers from other countries. At this time, it is worth going either to the mountains on excursions - it is cooler there, and there are not as many tourists as in Ohrid, or to explore the remote corners of Macedonia.

August

The tourist season continues, the weather plays in its favor - it is hot and dry in Macedonia. Thermometers during the day show +31+35 ºС; on some days the temperature at noon is above +36 ºС. Those who like cooler weather should go to Ohrid – it is most comfortable near the oldest lake in Europe (+28 ºС).

September

The holiday season continues. At this time, tourists come to Macedonia who want to save a little money on their vacation. There is no rain, the weather retains the summer heat - in Skopje during the day it reaches +27 ºС, at night it becomes cool (about 11 degrees Celsius). It is noteworthy that at this time there is still long daylight hours.

October

October marks the arrival of autumn. It becomes cool and damp in the evenings. During the day the temperature no longer rises above +19 ºС. Rainy weather begins to prevail in Ohrid.

November

Often at this time the mountain slopes are already white with fallen snow. The ski season may begin by the end of the month. In the capital during the day there is still a stable plus of up to 14 degrees Celsius. In Ohrid, the weather is influenced not only by the location of the resort, but also by the main attraction - Lake Ohrid. Along the coast the temperature during the day reaches +10ºС.

In the south in November it is already quite damp - there may be fogs and even rain.

December

The height of the tourist season for skiers. The snow-capped mountains of Macedonia at this time are a mecca for riders from all over the world. Many come to Mavrovo, Krushevo, Bitola to celebrate New Year and Christmas in a real snowy fairy tale.

What clothes to take with you

Ski and beach holidays, rafting, ecological, health and hiking tourism, caving expeditions - depending on what type of trip you choose, you will need clothing according to the season.

For a ski holiday you need equipment. There are rental shops, but they are expensive, it is better to take your own equipment. To visit Macedonia in winter, it is worth stocking up on warm boots and a jacket, a hat and gloves. Warm, waterproof clothing is needed at this time for excursion tours across the plains.

The spring-autumn period is not characterized by a large amount of precipitation, so sometimes you can do without an umbrella. But without a good windbreaker, it’s unlikely. For evening walks, even in April-May, you need a warm sweater and scarf.

For summer, be sure to take swimwear, sunscreen and sunglasses. There is very little precipitation in summer, so the air at this time is quite dry. In this case, it is worth having a facial moisturizer.

Take into account another feature of autumn in Macedonia - starting in October, day and night temperatures can vary greatly. And if during the day, especially on a sunny day, you can even feel the breath of summer (up to +20 ºС), then in the evening and at night the temperature can drop sharply to +5 ºС. In this case, it is worth having warm clothes.

Weather in cities and resorts by month

Skopje

Macedonia is called one of the pearls of Europe. This state appeared relatively recently, but already has its fans. The Republic of Macedonia, where holidays are mainly focused on magnificent nature, landscapes, active tours and skiing, is popular among citizens of Russia and

Story

The Republic of Macedonia was formed in 1991, after the collapse of Yugoslavia. It is located in the south of the country, with an area of ​​more than 25 thousand square kilometers. The population is about 3 million people, the official language is Macedonian. The republic borders with Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia and the country is 70% Macedonian, there are also many Albanians, Serbs and Roma. In 1993, the country was recognized by the UN under the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The name is explained by the fact that Greece opposes the use of the word "Macedonia" to designate a separate state, because the region of the same name is part of Greece itself. The head of the republic is the president.

Geographically, the country is located in the center of the Macedonian Mountains and has no access to the sea. The climate of the republic ranges from temperate to subtropical, the average summer temperature is 21-23 degrees. Macedonia is surrounded on all sides by mountains; the main development of tourism and recreation is ski resorts. The capital of Macedonia is the city of Skopje, where almost a quarter of the population of the entire state lives.

Holidays in Macedonia

The main attraction of the country is Lake Ohrid. It has an ancient history and is located at an altitude of 695 meters. Located on the border with Albania, its Macedonian part is distinguished by beautiful green landscapes and clear water. Many hotels and sanatoriums have been built along the shores of the lake, offering guests a variety of accommodation and entertainment.

The swimming season starts in May and lasts until October. The resorts of Macedonia are mainly ski resorts.

Mavrovo

One of the most famous resorts in Macedonia is Mavrovo. It is located 70 km from the capital, famous for its fabulous landscapes and opportunities for all types of winter recreation - here you can ski, skate, mountaineering, and in other seasons - hunting and fishing. The mountain lake attracts with its clear water and beautiful views. There are many hotels and inns to suit every taste.

Ohrid

The city of Ohrid is named after the lake of the same name and has an ancient history. The modern city is called the Balkan Jerusalem; it has many cultural and architectural attractions. Orthodox churches and monasteries, ruins of ancient buildings - all this arouses keen interest among city guests.

Modern Ohrid offers accommodation in hotels and inns, national and European cuisine in numerous restaurants and cafes, visits to entertainment and shopping centers.

Skopje

The capital of Macedonia is Skopje, an ancient city that is more than 2 thousand years old. Its history remembers many conquerors, among whom were the Byzantines, Romans, and Turks. Strong earthquakes occurred here many times, and each time the city was rebuilt.

Skopje is a large modern city, its population exceeds one million people. The new part of the city is inhabited by Macedonians; there are many hotels, bars, restaurants, and entertainment centers. The old part of the city is famous for its oriental bazaar, the best in Europe. Mostly Albanians live in the old town.

Macedonia - seaside holidays

The Republic of Macedonia has no access to the sea. However, the neighboring state, Greece, has a large coastal region with the same name. Holidays in Macedonia by the sea include a visit to Greece. Greek Macedonia offers numerous tourists an excellent seaside holiday - clean beaches, wonderful hotels, interesting excursions to historical places and the ruins of ancient architectural monuments. There are many cultural attractions and magnificent natural conditions - the landscapes amaze the imagination with their beauty and unusualness. The nature of Macedonia is included in the UNESCO fund. This region is simply surrounded by greenery - the mountains are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, and there are many picturesque lakes in the mountain gorges.

You will definitely enjoy your holiday in Macedonia. Reviews from tourists say that this is the best way to spend a vacation by the sea, as it can be successfully combined with active travel and a rich excursion program. Tourism in Greece is very developed; millions of travelers from all over the world visit the country every year.

Greece, Macedonia

Macedonia is one of the largest Greek regions, occupying 26% of the entire territory. Its capital is the city of Thessaloniki. It is famous for the fact that the ancient Roman trade road that connected Constantinople with Italy passed through here. Here is Holy Athos - this is a most interesting monastic state. (exactly the one referred to in myths, 12 gods lived on it) and the Chalkidiki peninsula - the center of a resort holiday. All these attractions are the basis of the excursion program. In addition to it, Greece (Macedonia) offers SPA tourism with various healing marine substances of local origin, shopping tours and active recreation in magnificent places.

Macedonia offers seaside holidays (the prices here vary greatly) for every taste - from luxury luxury hotels with a wide variety of services to semi-homey small hotels and guesthouses, where the cost of living is relatively low.

Greek Macedonia - resorts

Thessaloniki is one of the largest cities in the country. Not only resort life is concentrated here, but also cultural and historical. Every autumn a famous film festival takes place here, thousands of tourists come to visit local archaeological and historical monuments. The city has an ancient history; here is the famous triumphal arch of Galeria, a palace, a hippodrome and a mausoleum. The modern city of Thessaloniki is called the second capital of Greece.

At the foot of Olympus is the resort of Pieria, famous for its beaches. Picturesque places and a very developed infrastructure with modern hotels and inns, restaurants of national cuisine with fresh seafood and excellent wine attract tourists at all times of the year. Holidays in Macedonia are described by travelers who visited these places as wonderful.

The peninsula of Halkidiki is called the pearl of Greece. The island is distinguished by clean beaches, a warm climate, a developed network of hotels for every taste and the proximity of an international airport. Any traveler will find here everything he dreams of - young people are attracted by the resort life, full of entertainment, lovers of pristine nature enjoy trips to the surrounding area and beautiful places, there are all opportunities for “free relaxation” - campsites on the coast are located very conveniently, close to small villages.

Athos deserves special attention - it is a monastic city-state that has its own laws, visa and customs regime. Athos is a shrine of Orthodox Christians; pilgrims from all over the world come to it. The city consists of monasteries; they are located on an area of ​​over 50 square kilometers. The city was founded in the 4th century; previously there were about 40 monasteries - the number of monks permanently residing on its territory exceeded 4,000 people. Currently, only half of the monasteries have survived; about one and a half thousand monks remain. In order to enter this city, a special permit is required. Strict monastic laws allow visas to be issued for only 4 days after application by the Greek authorities; theologians, historians and philosophers are allowed into the territory. To obtain a visa, you need to provide a certificate about what the guest is doing. Women are not allowed into the monasteries.

Macedonia, where holidays are amazing and varied, has a distinctive culture, rich history, stunning nature, and at the same time a developed tourist infrastructure. A trip to Macedonia will leave unforgettable impressions for a lifetime.

Very cozy and very friendly Macedonia is, in fact, a very small state with excellent living conditions, wonderful ski resorts and very modest prices for holidays. Literally all tourists, especially those who come here for the first time, first of all note the clean air, untouched nature and many interesting sights. Many ancient monuments have been preserved here to this day, which are very popular among tourists. If you are traveling to Macedonia for the very first time, then you undoubtedly need to visit its resorts such as Struga, Mavrovo and Ohrid.

Mavrovo is a wonderful ski resort, which is also located very close to the capital of the state. And not far from this resort there is a beautiful mountain lake, loved by many tourists for its pristine beauty and for the delicious trout grown in it. And literally next to the resort there is a wonderful park, which can rightfully be considered a national treasure of the country. In addition, the territory it occupies is almost 27 hectares. In general, it should be noted that the terrain in Macedonia is incredibly diverse, it is constantly replaced by mountains and plains. Fans of ski slopes will certainly like the local slope, which starts at around 1960 meters.

Struga is also considered a very hospitable Macedonian city, respected by many tourists. This is quite an ancient city, because its history began in the 11th century. That is why so many historical objects have been preserved here. The numerous poetry festivals that are often held here have brought great popularity to this resort. In addition, Struga is literally surrounded by classic small villages, the main activity of which has long been winemaking. If you like young wine combined with poetic lines, then you should definitely visit here.

Another interesting city in Macedonia is Ohrid. Tourists are especially attracted by its walls, towering over a beautiful reservoir. Lake Ohrid, whose depth in some places reaches 300 meters, is perhaps the most beautiful natural attraction of the city. In summer, a large number of vacationers come to the lake. But in winter and early spring it is very convenient to explore all the most interesting places in the city.

Ohrid, perhaps, has the largest number of ancient temples and monasteries, so it’s probably not for nothing that it is called the spiritual center of Macedonia. Here you should definitely visit the Church of St. John Kaneo and the Monastery of St. Naum. It will be difficult for you to find the first shrine, since the temple, although located on the territory of Ohrid, is hidden from prying eyes and is located quite far from the main attractions - almost on a rock ledge. But if you get here, you will be able to see the faces of ancient saints and admire the magnificent view of Lake Ohrid.

But to get to the second temple, you will have to move 30 kilometers away from the city. But you will be able to see the sarcophagus, which contains the relics of the disciple of Cyril and Methodius - St. Naum. Believers claim that if you lean your left ear against the sarcophagus, you can hear the saint’s heartbeat. While still in Ohrid, you should definitely visit the fortress of King Samuel. This most popular attraction is certainly included in the list of all excursions.

The capital of the state, Skopje, is of no less, if not greater, interest to tourists. Many ancient history monuments are also quite well preserved here. This city is also notable for the fact that it is conventionally divided into two parts - Muslim and purely Macedonian. Moreover, the Muslim part of the city is even more ancient than the Macedonian one.

Here you can see the world-famous Kale fortress, which was able to withstand even the severe earthquake of 1967. Now one of the best oriental bazaars in Europe is located around it. Also in Skopje, you should definitely see the medieval Mustafa Pasha Mosque - this is perhaps the most striking Muslim monument in Macedonia.

It will also be very interesting in Skopje to visit numerous ancient mosques, Turkish baths, as well as a picturesque stone bridge. The Macedonian National Theater and the Museum of Macedonia are also very interesting to visit. The new part of the city also has a lot to explore - wonderful museums and galleries, the building of the Academy of Sciences and the Macedonian Parliament. In the suburbs of the capital, you should definitely look into the unique Church of St. Panteleimon, which is no less, but almost a thousand years old. Also don't forget to visit the Church of St. Anastasia. And literally not far from here there is a real gypsy quarter. If you are interested in your future fate, you can look here. Here they can easily tell your fortune both by your hand and by the coffee grounds. Just be careful that the gypsy doesn’t take your wallet with the fortune-telling fee.

Almost on the border with Greece there is another large Macedonian city - Bitola. If you go here, you can wander here through the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea, which was founded in the 4th century BC by the direct descendants of Alexander the Great.

Holidays in Macedonia - impressions of the country and a short guide. What I liked most about Macedonia, what caused surprise, and what caused criticism. In the article you will find a brief overview of interesting places in Skopje and Ohrid, as well as their surroundings.

Travel route

By car: Belgrade (Serbia) – Skopje – Ohrid – Vlora (Albania).

• 01.09 – road Belgrade – Skopje, check-in at Skopje apartments, walk through the center of the Macedonian capital
• 02.09 – exploring the center of Skopje, the Old Bazaar, the fortress, mosques and churches.
• 03.09 – Millennium Cross, departure from the apartment, Matka Canyon, road to Ohrid, check-in to the apartment, walk around the city
• 04.09 – exploring Ohrid, walk along the Ohrid embankment.
• 05.09 – check out from the apartment, visit to the Bay of Bones and Sveti Naum, road to Vlora.

Travel expenses in Macedonia

1. Gasoline (we drove 300 kilometers through the territory of Macedonia) - 30 euros.
2. Toll roads (from the Serbian border to Skopje and from Skopje to Ohrid) - 200 denars (3.5 euros).
3. Accommodation in Skopje (2 nights, booked on) - 43 euros.
4. Accommodation in Orchid (2 nights, booked on Airbnb) - 45 euros.
5. Food (groceries at Ramstore, water, bakeries for two people) - 30 euros.
6. Restaurants and cafes (checks for two) - 70 euros.

A short guide to Macedonia

Macedonia is a landlocked state on the Balkan Peninsula. Neighbors: Serbia, Greece, Albania and Bulgaria. The area of ​​the country is 25 thousand square kilometers (the Tula region has the same size).

Official language – Macedonian

Currency – Macedonian denar (detailed article about money exchange).

The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. Brief summary: the city is controversial, quite dirty even in the center, not very clear for tourists.

The main airport in Macedonia is Alexander the Great Airport near Skopje (). There are no direct flights from Russia (about).

Interesting places in the vicinity of Skopje - (ride on a double-decker bus, cable car, trekking on Mount Vodno) and (reservoir, churches and monasteries, swimming in Lake Treska).

Macedonia has no access to the sea, it was replaced by Lake Ohrid - as unique as Baikal in Russia. The main city on the lake coast bears the same name - Ohrid (b). Brief summary: a pleasant resort city with a well-developed infrastructure, a range of attractions and low prices.

Interesting places in the vicinity of Ohrid:

1. Bay on the bones.
2. Monastery of St. Naum.
3. Prespa Lake.
4. Struga.

He spoke in more detail about these places in.

My impressions of Macedonia: what surprised me and what I didn’t like

I admit, I counted more disadvantages for myself in Macedonia than advantages. So I'm unlikely to ever come back here. The only bright spot on this five-day trip to Macedonia was Lake Ohrid. On the other hand, there are cities and countries that you need to get to know, delve into, understand, and only then love. This is what happened to me with Serbia, from which, after my first visit, I left and stamped my foot with joy. And now, when I leave, I immediately plan the next time I come back.

Our vacation in Macedonia, where we arrived from Serbia as a group of two people and one dog, began after crossing the border at the Presevo-Tabanovce section. What I didn’t like right away was the toll road payment system. On the Tabanovce – Skopje section, which lasts only 50 kilometers, you had to stop at a booth four times (!) and pay money for a certain segment. The point here is not about money, since in each individual case the amount was small (from 10 to 40 denars), but about inconvenience for drivers.

For example, in Serbia such booths are located outside the main highway. You need to drive into a populated area, get off the highway, pay for the distance you drove, and move on. The most convenient system in Hungary - you buy a 10-day, monthly or annual vignette on the Internet and ride on all the autobahns as much as you like.

Impressions from Skopje

I didn't like it at first sight. From the car windows he seemed dusty and dull, somehow tired. He bashfully covered up his poverty and simplicity, but Skopje should be ashamed not for this, but for the new city center. For the kitsch, for the absurdity that was built here. Sculpture on sculpture, sculptural compositions supporting one another. A bunch of new buildings in different architectural styles are stuck here and there. And there are fountains everywhere. Complete lack of symmetry and harmony.

Don’t think about it, it’s not so terrible that you want to gouge out your own eyes and run away from the city. Moreover, there are also pleasant places in Skopje - the Kale Fortress, the Old Bazaar. We were surprised by the red double-decker buses - double deckers. They significantly enliven the streets of Skopje and make them more festive.

The parking situation remains unclear. We lived almost in the very center of the city in an ordinary multi-storey building, reminiscent of a business-class Khrushchev-era building. And for some reason it was possible to park on one side, but not on the other. Moreover, neither there nor there were any signs indicating permission or prohibition for parking. The owner of the apartment could not explain such rules, so the mystery remained unsolved.

Macedonia presented the third unpleasant surprise in the evening of the first day. After a walk around Skopje, after a delicious dinner in a restaurant, I wanted to drink wine, especially since there are good local brands, but the store informed me that after 21:00 alcohol is not sold. For a second I even thought that I had been transported to Russia (although they are more humane there, they don’t sell from 22:00). By the way, the most common grocery chain (I suspect there is only one) of stores in Macedonia is Ramstore. Remember there were such supermarkets in Russia, with a green kangaroo on the logo?

The next day there was the aforementioned Old Bazaar with a delicious eatery, mosques with churches and a fortress, so the discontent from Skopje subsided somewhat. I even forgave the Macedonians’ attempt to make a move under the Prague Charles Bridge. In Skopje it was called the Bridge of Civilizations.

Impressions from Ohrid

The Ohrid resort made a much more pleasant impression. This is the quintessential holiday in Macedonia. A provincial town with all the attributes present in a place where there are many tourists. The obligatory pedestrian street with restaurants and souvenir shops, beaches with sun loungers, hotels of various stars in old houses, stone pavements and stairs, arrows of minarets and drums of churches, cyclists with trays carrying tea or coffee upon request.

The large Muslim population was surprising. Nowhere else in the Balkans, even in Albania itself, which is considered the most Muslim on the peninsula, have I seen so many veiled Muslim women and men.

Slowness, which is unusual for a Russian person, to which I still cannot get used to either in Serbia or Montenegro, is also widespread in Macedonia. By agreement with the owner of the apartment, I had to announce my arrival through an exchange officer who worked in the same building. But he called only 10 minutes after my request. First he talked with one acquaintance, then another one joined them, then he was interested in something on TV, then they went to change money. Moreover, all this time the man periodically looked in my direction and nodded, making it clear that he remembered me.

The Republic of Macedonia is a small Balkan state located in southeastern Europe. Extraordinarily beautiful nature, many archaeological monuments, beautiful lakes - Macedonia is ready to give all this to its guests. Local cuisine and service deservedly receive high marks from tourists.

Macedonia carefully protects its natural resources. The unique Lake Ohrid has been preserved in its original form. The unusually beautiful national parks Galicica, Mavrovo and Pelister are equipped for walking and cycling. Fans of historical sites appreciate Macedonia for its many medieval and ancient architectural monuments. Such famous cities as Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola are ideal for urban tourism.

Ohrid pearls are usually brought from Macedonia - a unique product that has no analogues in the world. Lovers of practical gifts will appreciate high-quality shoes, the production of which Macedonia has been famous for for decades. Tourists prefer to bring Macedonian national embroidery, icons or local wine as souvenirs.

The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Macedonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photographs and brief descriptions.

Lake Ohrid is one of the most famous attractions in Macedonia. This oldest body of water in the Balkans is protected by UNESCO. Tourists here can expect clean beaches, many comfortable hotels, as well as everything they need for sailing.

The stone bridge over the Vardar River is a real symbol of the city of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. This ancient bridge was founded during the Roman Empire. Today it is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also an important transport artery connecting Old and New Skopje. According to legend, luck will accompany everyone who crosses the Stone Bridge with light thoughts and a pure heart.

Palosnik is located in an amazingly beautiful wooded area near Lake Ohrid and Samuil's Stronghold. This tourist center has gained its popularity thanks to its well-restored archaeological finds, in particular the Church of St. Panteleimon. It was erected on the site of a temple built in 893 in honor of St. Clement.

The national pride of the capital of Macedonia is the ancient fortress called Kale, the foundations of which date back to the 1st century AD. Stone fortress walls, paved paths, a landscaped park - Calais has everything you need for a wonderful holiday. You can get to the fortress on foot, moving from Macedonia Square.

One of the most popular places in North Macedonia is the stone town of Kuklica, which is also called the Valley of the Dolls. This is a unique natural landscape that consists of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars, which in their shape resemble human figures. There are many legends associated with the Valley of the Dolls that explain this amazing natural phenomenon.

On Lake Ohrid there is a unique archaeological complex - “Bay of Bones”. This museum, created in the form of floating houses, closely imitates an ancient fishermen's village. There is an archaeological museum and an equipped campsite for those who want to stay longer in the “Bay of Bones”.

The Millennium Cross was erected in 2002 and is the tallest cross in the world. This structure was built in honor of 2000 years of Christianity in the lands of Macedonia. The cross is located on a mountain, its height is 66 meters, thanks to which this monument can be observed from almost anywhere in Skopje. The Millennium Cross looks especially impressive when illuminated at night.

In the very heart of the city of Ohrid there is a beautifully preserved ancient amphitheater, the construction of which dates back to two hundred years BC. Despite its impressive age, this building is still used for its intended purpose today. Musical evenings, festivals, and theatrical performances are held here.

Galicica National Park is located in southwestern Macedonia. Many unique plants grow here, and the forests are home to bears, deer and wolves. Visitors to Galicia regularly conduct hiking tours, and cycling enthusiasts will be pleasantly surprised by the equipped bicycle paths. You can also take a sightseeing paragliding flight here.

The city of Bitola, located in southwestern Macedonia, is famous for its unique archaeological finds. Thus, the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient ancient city, were discovered here. This settlement dates back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. There is a well-preserved amphitheater, several ancient walls, and beautiful floor mosaics.

The Monastery of St. Naum is one of the oldest churches in the country. It is located 30 kilometers from Ohrid in a quiet area on the shore of a lake. The iconostasis, internal walls and ceiling of the monastery amaze the imagination with the splendor of their decoration. The monks of this monastery traditionally treat their guests to national dishes and wonderful wine of their own production.

The fortress of Tsar Samuil, which was built by the Bulgarian ruler to protect his possessions, begins its history in the 10th century AD. The foundations and walls of ancient defensive structures have survived to this day. The best way to get to the fortress is by a special excursion bus.

The unusually beautiful Lake Prespa is more than 5 million years old. The only island in Macedonia, Golem Grad, is located in this body of water, on the territory of which are the ruins of the ancient monastery of St. Peter. To enjoy the views of the lake or visit the ruins of the temple, you should rent boats in the neighboring villages of Konsko or Stenje.

The house-museum of Mother Teresa is located on the very spot where the Catholic church used to be located, in which the future saint was baptized. The house museum displays several exhibitions about the life of Mother Teresa, containing documents, photographs and personal belongings of this holy woman. There is also a working chapel here, and the square in front of the building is decorated with a monument.

The unique archaeological monument of Kokino, which, according to research, is more than 3800 years old, is located on the Tatichev Kamen hill. This structure is an ancient observatory made of stone slabs. The radius of Kokino is 100 meters; experts attribute many archaeological finds to the Bronze Age.

The central square of the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, is crowned with a sculpture in the form of a horseman with a sword. This monument was called “Warrior on Horseback” and it is believed that this structure immortalizes Alexander the Great. The opening of “Warrior on Horseback” was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Macedonian Republic.

15 kilometers from the capital is one of the most popular tourist attractions - Matka Canyon. This picturesque place was created by the Treska River flowing through the mountain range. In 1938, the river was blocked with a dam, thanks to which a beautiful mountain lake was formed. In Matka Canyon you can also visit the Vrelo stalagmite cave.

Not far from the Old Market in Skopje is the most famous Islamic landmark in Macedonia - the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was built in the Middle Ages. Not only Muslims, but also representatives of other religions can admire the decoration of the ancient mosque.

Not far from Lake Ohrid stands the medieval Church of St. John Kaneo. The temple is made of stone, and its architecture combines Armenian and Byzantine styles. The interior decoration of the church was completed in the 15th century and has been perfectly preserved since then. In the evenings, the Church of St. John Kaneo is illuminated.

Pelister National Park covers a huge area of ​​more than 12 thousand hectares. Among tourists, this park is valued not only for its unique nature, but also for the annual ski season. There are many comfortable hotels where visitors can stay to comfortably enjoy the beauty of Pelister Park.

The unique and inimitable Church of Hagia Sophia, which is located in the city of Ohrid, was built in the 11th century. Today it is one of the most revered Christian shrines, which tourists from all over the world come to visit. The rare frescoes of the 11th-13th centuries that decorate the Church of St. Sophia are prohibited from photographing.

Not far from Skopje is the village of Vizbegovo, which has gained considerable popularity thanks to the aqueduct located on its territory. This impressive architectural structure consists of 55 arches rising 16 meters above the ground.

In the eastern part of Macedonia, near the city of Kriva Palanka, there is the monastery of St. Joachim of Osogov. In the 17th century, the monastery was severely damaged, but then restored. Now it is a very beautiful functioning temple, located in a picturesque natural corner of Macedonia.