When I finally visited, I was amazed at how much history and culture seemed to be forgotten there. I came across churches that dated back centuries in Ohrid, and thought about the importance of Ohrid as a medieval religious centre. Likewise, in Skopje, I thought about the odd collective of Ottoman, Yugoslav, and modern references in the architecture, which represent a convoluted history. That said, the spectacular landscapes stood above everything: The clear blue waters of Lake Ohrid, the rugged trails of Mavrovo National Park and the quiet mountains of the country made it clear that this small country has so much to offer.
The best part is, there is not much chaos like at other touristy places. You can explore and take it in without being rushed or crowded. If you want something different and something real, North Macedonia will likely surprise you.
How to Get There
Getting to North Macedonia is more straightforward than you might expect, especially if you’re already traveling within Europe. The main gateway is Skopje International Airport (SKP), located just about a 25-minute drive from the capital. Budget carriers like Wizz Air frequently offer low-cost flights into Skopje from cities including Vienna, Berlin, London, and Milan, making it an affordable destination to reach by air.
If you’re arriving from nearby Balkan countries, overland travel is a solid option. Bus connections are reliable and generally affordable. Flixbus and local operators run at least one daily route connecting Skopje with Thessaloniki in Greece (roughly €20–€25), Sofia in Bulgaria (around €15–€20), and Tirana in Albania (usually €20–€25).
Once you’re on the ground, getting around requires a bit of planning. While buses cover most major routes and towns, their schedules can be infrequent. Trains do exist, but they’re typically slow and outdated. For the most freedom—especially if you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like remote villages or national parks—renting a car is your best bet.
When to Go
North Macedonia is always a great place to visit any time of year, the best season really depends on what type of experience you want to have.
Spring (April to June) is an excellent place to be if you intend to spend time outdoors. The weather is pleasantly warm, the countryside is bursting into color, and the wildflowers are blooming everywhere. It’s an ideal time to go hiking, walking through mountain villages, or just appreciating everything Mother Nature has to offer without crowds or heat.
Summer (July and August if you can) is more of the time for swimming in Lake Ohrid, festival experiences, days on days of sunny, hot weather. But, especially in July and August, the heat can become intense and so early morning travelling or a hotel along the lake would be a way to avoid the hot temperature.
If you like things a little slower, fall (September through October) is a quieter time and has some of the best scenery of all the seasons. The changing leaves color the hills in warm golds and reds. The weather is ideal for hiking or just meandering around historic towns (try to avoid the touristic centers) without the craziness of peak season.
Winter, which officially lasts from November until March, is a quieter time, but has its own charm, especially if you like snow in particular. If you want to ski, you can drive to Mavrovo. Otherwise you can soak in the tranquility of the beautiful landscapes that are snowscapped. Enjoy this time with a little calmness as a lot of things will be closed (although not everything), but you can have your lunch next to a fire with something warm in the mountain lodges.
Why Go
Unbelievably Cheap
When you compare North Macedonia to Western Europe or even to the rest of the Balkans, it’s remarkably cheap. You can easily eat out for under €10, find a humble guesthouse for less than €30 a night, and most attractions are only a couple of euros.
Diverse Landscape
You have it all: mountains, lakes, rivers and canyons. It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise! There are three national parks, tons of hiking trails and one of the oldest lakes in the world.
History & Culture
You have everything from ancient ruins, Ottoman-era bazaars and Byzantine churches. Plus, the diverse cultures represented – Slavic, Albanian, Turkish and Greek.
Incredible Hospitality
Lastly, the people of North Macedonia are welcoming and kind, maybe some of the warmest people you could ever meet, which is great if you’re a female solo traveller. It is not surprising to be invited in for a coffee or a rakija (local brandy) by someone you just met.
Top Places to Visit
Skopje
Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital, is an unusual, but interesting child of multiple cultures, styles, and stories. It has an ancient fortress that looms over modern boulevards with gigantic statues and faux-classical buildings from the controversial Skopje 2014 refurbishment.
Start at the Old Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the Balkans and quite a lot of charm. At each turn, you’ll find crooked cobblestone paths, small courtyards, artisan shops, mosques, and centuries of history. Find some traditional sweets or Turkish coffee (around €1–€2) while you people-watch.
Cross the Stone Bridge to the new part of town to see some bizarre skyline with neoclassicism façades and various enormous monuments (including the enormous Warrior on a Horse… spoiler: it’s actually Alexander the Great) with fountains illuminating the chaos during night time.
For scenic views, you can take the cable car up Mount Vodno (around €3 round trip) or hike yourself to the Millennium Cross, one of the largest crosses in the world, from which you can see the whole sprawling city between the mountain ranges.
That’s Skopje. Weird. Chaotic. Totally unforgettable. And that’s what makes it so great.
Ohrid
If North Macedonia has a crown, then Ohrid is the sparkly jewel at the center. A secret treasure of the Balkans, this lakeside town is pure magic, a roadmap of turquoise water, medieval churches, and red-roofed homes stacked on cobbled lanes. Little wonder UNESCO handed it both cultural and natural status.
Begin in the old town and slowly walk up to Tsar Samuel’s Fortress (entry around €1.50) to see the full view of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest, and deepest, lakes. Below is the postcard shot of the Church of St John at Kaneo, dramatically situated overlooking the water, with a lot of friendly stray cats wanting to sit on your lap.
Take your time exploring Ohrid’s 365 churches (like Saint Sophia, around €2 entry and Saint Naum, which can be reached by boat for €10–€15 round trip). During the day you can swim in the crystal clear water, rent a paddle boat (about €5/hour), or simply enjoy the pebble beaches such as Beach Labino which is tucked away from any city distractions. In the evening the town transforms, with bustling nightlife, families at lakeside bars and outdoor performances.
Bonus Tip: eat the local food at a lakeside restaurant near sunset (expect to pay €8–€15 for a meal), the golden hour is unreal.
Mavrovo National Park
Mavrovo National Park is where North Macedonia turns wild. When you think North Macedonia, you don’t think of huge parks with dramatic peaks, massive pine forests, alpine meadows, and lakes with mirrored surfaces, but that is what you get with Mavrovo National Park.
In the winter, not many people know about Mavrovo Ski Resort, a small / inexpensive area to ski (day passes are €15-€20), and not that many tourists venture to Mavrovo. It’s a great place for beginners, or for a day when you feel like skiing without the chaos of a ski resort.
In the summer, Mavrovo is a hiker/biker/camper paradise. The trails go through quiet mountain villages, plenty of wooden bridges, and serene waterfalls among trees. Grab a kayak (rentals around €5–€10 per hour) and paddle around Lake Mavrovo, where the half-submerged Church of St. Nicholas haunts Lake Mavrovo as a memoir of existence.
Mavrovo National Park is a conservation area with wildlife such as lynx and wolves, so keep your eyes open and keep your camera handy!
Bitola
Charming, cultured and distinctly European in spirit, Bitola is North Macedonia’s cool younger sibling that is still very much under the radar. The city has an old world elegance to it, but with an urban, artsy, and historically-rich energy.
Stroll down Shirok Sokak, the main walking street that runs through town, the neoclassical buildings, buzzing cafés, and interesting boutiques. The people of Bitola know how to live well, with a coffee culture and leisurely pace of life (you will likely pay in the range of €1–€1.50 for a coffee).
Just outside of town are the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedon (for the uninitiated, that’s Alexander the Great’s father). Wander among the Roman ruins, admire the beautiful mosaics, and imagine gladiators taking center stage in the amphitheater (entry is to the local ruins around €2).
Bitola is very close to Pelister National Park, with its hiking trails, glacial lakes, and rare species of ‘molikapine’ trees that are unique in the Balkans (entrance is free, though guided tours may cost around €10–€15).
Matka Canyon
With just a 30-minute drive from Skopje, the Matka Canyon is a transcendental experience as soon as you arrive. The massive cliffs plunge into the jade water beneath, while a monastery appears as if it is growing out of the rock, like a product of a fantasy novel.
Rent a kayak (around €5–€7 per hour) and paddle upstream, perhaps try a tour on a boat (about €5–€8) where you can get to Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves in the world! There are also some incredible trails above ground, with staggering views, and even sport climbing if you dare.
Nestled in the canyon are most hidden medieval churches and monasteries, like St. Andrews (entry typically free or by small donation), where monks have been living in solitude.
Matka is wild, tranquil, and surely worthy of a full day of exploration, preferably with a packed picnic.
Hidden Gems You Shouldn’t Miss
Kratovo – Town of Bridges and Towers
If you enjoy medieval atmospheres, history and places that are not overcrowded, Kratovo is the place for you! This small town in North Macedonia was built into the crater of an extinct volcano so you already know it’s going to have a different vibe than the normal cities you visit. Full of crisscrossing streets, picturesque stone houses, and crumbling Ottoman towers, there were at one time 12 towers, with six remaining as sentinels on the hills.
The main attraction of this town are the stone bridges gracefully spanning deep ravines and rivers flowing through Kratovo. On a brisk morning mist, you will feel like you are in a fairytale.
The people of Kratovo are very gracious and friendly. Locals open up about their lives, and it’s often a friendly baker, sweet lady selling wild herbs, etc. to chat with. Kratovo has a sleepy food scene with homemade nourishment (a meal typically costs around €5–€8), and warm rakija (around €1–€2 a shot) to soothe your throat (and chest) on those cool evenings.
Insider Tip: Go to the Kuklica Stone Dolls nearby (about a 15-minute drive; entry is usually free or by small donation) – it is a wacky rock formation that looks like a field of petrified people. Locals have some wild stories about it, starting with cursed weddings, to jealous lovers.
Berovo – for a Relaxed and Green Experience
Tucked away in the eastern hills near the Bulgarian border, Berovo is the kind of place where you go to breathe, literally. Berovo is known for its fresh air (one of the cleanest air in the Balkans!), surrounded by tall pine trees, tranquil lakes and soft rolling meadows. If your brain has been fried by too many apps giving you notifications, this is your chance to unplug.
It seems to be the perfect place for hiking, horseback riding (around €10–€15 per hour), or simply hanging in a hammock with a view. The Berovo Lake area is a popular picnic location, paddle boats (about €5/hour), and walking in the woods. The colors in the fall are crazy too – all fiery red, yellow and gold.
Berovo is known for its cheese and honey, so make sure you visit a local farm or farmer’s market (tasting and small jars usually cost €2–€5). There are also several boutique eco-lodges (rooms from €30–€50 per night) that lean into the wellness experience and offer spa treatments (from €10–€25), yoga classes (around €5–€10), and farm dinners (about €10–€15).
It is a little bit of a drive from main cities, but that’s the thing! Rent a car (around €25–€40/day) and take it slow, the drive through eastern Macedonia is beautiful and underrated.
Vevčani – a Village that Borderlines on the Wild Side
Vevčani is a small mountain village only 14 km out of Ohrid. There’s a Carnival that happens every year on January 13–14, which I wasn’t able to attend but have heard a lot about. It gained some popularity for its oddity and extravagance, in which the villagers wear strange costumes and masks. They humor the incongruities of politics, celebrities, and even each other. It is both chaotic and hilarious, and is steeped in traditional practices. If I had to compare it to something in North America, it would probably be some variation of Mardi Gras, but weirder.
But desperate for attention after multiple weeks at the festivities, Vevčani has more to offer than humorous parties like the Vevčani Springs. There is a series of clear natural water sites, situated into this tremendous forest with a tried pathway. The path winds through the village, onto the springs, and is a serene and spectacular environment (entry is free; guided tours, if available, are around €5–€10). There are plenty of ancient chapels and wooden bridges along the path as well.
The village even has an unexpected artiness present. You can see this through a number of local galleries, handcraft shops (souvenirs and handmade items typically range from €3–€15), and even murals. Add in the rustic and vaguely delicious food (a hearty meal costs around €7–€12, often accompanied by a large glass of homemade wine, around €1–€2).
Food You Gotta Try
Macedonian cuisine is healthy, substantial, and extremely undervalued. Warm food that fills your tummy and makes you feel at home, even if you’re not. Grilled meat, roasted vegetables, rich cheese, and strong flavors, what more do you want?
Some dishes to try include:
Tavče gravče – The national dish: Baked beans with paprika and onions, slow cooked in a clay pot. Food for the soul! (around €3–€5)
Ajvar – Roasted red pepper spread you will want to bring home in jars. It goes with everything and is a personal favourite of mine. (a jar costs €2–€4 in local markets)
Pljeskavica – The Balkan burger, typically stuffed with cheese. So deliciously messy. (around €4–€6)
Burek – Flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. Tastes great when eaten for breakfast with yogurt, or after a night out. (about €1.50–€2.50)
Kebabi – Grilled mini-sausages served with onions and fresh bread. So simple, juicy and just perfect. (around €3–€5 for a portion)
Shopska salad – Tomato, cucumber, onion, and salty white cheese. Fresh, simple, and addictive. (around €2–€3)
Baklava & Tulumba – Sweet, sticky, and best with coffee. (around €1–€2 per piece)
As far as drinks go – try rakija (€1–€2 per shot), local wines including Vranec (a good bottle costs €5–€10), and do not skip a tiny cup of coffee, Turkish style (about €1). But remember, never drink the sludge from the bottom and make sure to mix your coffee well or you’ll make an ugly face like me the first time I tried it.
Whether you’re eating in a village kitchen or a trendy Skopje café, Macedonian food hits the spot — every time.
Final Thoughts
North Macedonia is not just a pin on the map, but a little gem waiting to delight you in unexpected ways. There are ancient lakes, wild mountains, little towns, award-winning food, and everything else in-between without the crowds. From adventure, history, or purely to enjoy chill time, North Macedonia truly has it all.
If you’re looking for a part of the Balkans that is affordable, authentic, and way less crowded, book a ticket, pack a bag, and jump on a plane. North Macedonia is waiting for you, and you will be thinking why you didn’t give this hidden gem a chance sooner!