ohrid travel blog

10 Best Things To Do in Ohrid: A One-Day Itinerary

Last Updated on October 25, 2023

by Michael Rozenblit

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Straddling North Macedonia and Albania, gorgeous Lake Ohrid is one of the top destinations to visit in North Macedonia. There are a number of things to do in Ohrid beyond enjoying the tranquillity and beauty of the body of water itself and it’s so worth setting some time aside to enjoy this lovely destination.

Considered to be one of the oldest lakes in the world and the deepest lake in the Balkans , Lake Ohrid is a popular holiday destination among North Macedonians and other Balkan residents.

Though it does straddle two countries, the North Macedonia side of Lake Ohrid is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And the town of Ohrid itself has a lot to do aside from lounging around on the lake.

So if you want to step a bit off the beaten path and explore a truly spectacular area, then consider visiting Ohrid – you’re sure to fall quickly in love.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Ohrid?

There isn’t a lot of information out there about visiting North Macedonia, let alone Lake Ohrid. So it is normal for visitors to wonder how many days to spend in Ohrid in order not to feel too rushed, be able to explore the town and also get some time to get out onto the lake.

Fortunately for those short on time, the town of Ohrid is quite small and compact and you can see the vast majority of what it has to offer in just one day. That being said, spending only one day in Ohrid doesn’t really give you the time to relax and chill out in this holiday destination, which is what most do when they flock to this lake!

Ideally, you would spend 2 days in Ohrid or more. This will allow you to do a bit of sightseeing while also giving you time to lounge on the beach or get out onto the lake. With a few more days, you can also head outside of Ohrid Town and visit places like the St Naum Monastery and Galičica National Park. You can even go wine tasting in the surrounding area!

Getting To & Around Ohrid

Ohrid Town is located in the southwest of North Macedonia and sits along the shores of Lake Ohrid. As mentioned above, Lake Ohrid itself actually spans across both Albania and North Macedonia, making it a central place to visit if you’re on a longer trip through the Balkans .

When it comes to getting to Ohrid, there is a small international airport just outside of Ohrid Town. The airport, however, is seasonal and only serves a handful of European destinations, so it’s not always the best option. Your best bet is travelling overland.

From the North Macedonian capital of Skopje , you can get a direct bus to Ohrid and the journey will take about four hours through the gorgeous countryside.

If you have a rental car, the drive from Skopje to Ohrid takes about 3 hours. It is also possible to visit Ohrid as a day trip from Skopje either on a full-day tour or on a private tour.

If you’re coming from Albania, there is a direct bus from Tirana to Ohrid that takes about 2.5 hours, however, it is not very frequent.

You could also get a bus from Tirana to Struga – a town on the lake just north of Ohrid Town – and grab a minibus or a taxi from Struga to Ohrid. It’s only about 15 minutes away. You can also organise a tour if you want to take an Ohrid day trip from Tirana.

You also could combine a trip to Ohrid with a longer trip across mainland Greece . There are no direct buses from Ohrid to Thessaloniki , however, you can drive between the two in about 4 hours if you’re keen for a beautiful road trip.

Once in Ohrid Town, you can easily get around the town itself on foot and there is no need for a car.

Even if you want to get somewhere outside of the town, for instance to the Saint Naum Monastery, you can grab a boat to ferry you across the lake. However, if you do want to head out to Galičica National Park, it may be best to hire a car for this.

10 Things to do in Ohrid: A One-Day Itinerary

A good part of the appeal of visiting Lake Ohrid has to do with simply chilling out and enjoying the beauty of the lake – this is a popular holiday destination for a reason!

However, there are a number of great things to do in and around the town that you can easily occupy a day or two if relaxation isn’t really your thing!

Ancient Macedonian Theatre

You can begin your exploration of Ohrid Town at a fascinating ancient ruin. The Ancient Macedonia Theatre of Ohrid is a wonderfully preserved Greek amphitheatre that dates back to 200 BCE. Nestled between two hills, it’s in a perfect location to keep it protected and to ensure that the acoustics are fantastic.

Because of this, the theatre is still used for performances to this very day. Especially in the summertime, the theatre plays host to performances in the Ohrid Summer Festival.

The fascinating thing about this theatre is that it is the only Hellenistic theatre of its kind in North Macedonia, so it’s definitely a place that is worth checking out while visiting Ohrid. Especially if you’re a history buff!

Samuel’s Fortress

Ohrid Town was once the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the 11th Century while under the rule of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria.

During that time, he constructed this imposing fortress to guard the town from invaders. Though the majority of the fortress was constructed in the 11th Century, there is archaeological evidence that a fortress of some sort has existed in this spot since the 4th Century BCE.

Today, the imposing fortress is a major tourist attraction in the town and paying a visit to it is one of the best things to do when you’re in Ohrid. From the top of the fortress, you can get spectacular views over the old town and of Lake Ohrid and it’s absolutely beautiful.

There is a small fee to enter, however, it’s worth it to be able to climb around the old stalls and take in the incredible panoramas from this historic place.

Labino Beach

From the fortress, you can wander through some walking trails for about 10 minutes until you reach the rocky and lovely Labino Beach. While no visit to Ohrid is complete without lounging a bit on the beach, one of the highlights of reaching here are the views you can get along the way.

If you wander along the pathways from the fortress, you will come across a few viewpoints where you can get an excellent vista of lovely Lake Ohrid.

After your walk, you can take the time to chill out a bit on the beach or maybe take a dip in the water. Though this isn’t going to be an expanse of soft, white sand, the pebble beach is still a great place to visit.

Old City Park

Next to the beach, you can take the time to wander through the Old City Park. This is a large park that’s on the edge of Ohrid Town and is filled with historic sites to see.

One of the most notable landmarks to take in while wandering around this area is the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon.

This Byzantine-style church is dedicated to St Clement, who was a disciple of St Cyril. The church has evidence of it being the site where the first students of the Glagolitic alphabet – which was the first written Slavic script and what today’s Cyrillic alphabet is derived from (the script that is used in countless Slavic countries – including North Macedonia – today).

During Ottoman rule of this area in the 15th Century, the church was actually turned into a mosque. Today, however, it is back to being an Eastern Orthodox Church.

There are other beautiful churches to see in the City Park along with plenty of archaeological sites that are so worth taking in. It really puts into perspective just how old and historic Ohrid as a town is.

Church of Saint John the Theologian

Hopefully, you haven’t tired of seeing beautiful and historic churches because the next stop is one of the most iconic in all of Ohrid – the Church of St John the Theologian, also known as the Church of Saint John at Kaneo.

This church sits on the banks of Lake Ohrid and is incredibly picturesque and symbolic of the town entirely and it is one of the top Ohrid attractions.

This 13th-century church is located on its own little cliffside peninsula jutting into the lake. It is a gorgeous site to see.

Inside the church, you can also view some beautiful frescoes painted on the interior of its dome that were discovered during a 1960s restoration of the building. No visit to Ohrid is complete without snapping a photo of this beautiful building.

Ohrid Boardwalk/Bridge of Wishes

After taking in the aforementioned historic sites, it’s time to stroll around and simply enjoy the lovely scenery along the lake. There is an expansive boardwalk that you can stroll along lakeside where you can really take in the tranquil vibes of this town.

Make sure not to miss the Bridge of Wishes, a small bridge that offshoots from the boardwalk. This bridge, like many in Europe, is where plenty of couples leave a lock to symbolise their love.

If you want to see the lake from a different vantage point, this is also a great time to head out on the lake and take a boat ride! There are plenty of operators around and you can be shown the sights and views of the lake and gain a bit of perspective.

Church of Saint Sophia

There are a lot of churches to visit in Ohrid, but after wandering along the boardwalk or getting out onto the water, it’s time to take in yet another – the Church of St Sophia.

This is another Byzantine-style Orthodox church located in Ohrid’s old town. Constructed in the 9th Century (and rebuilt in the 10th Century), it is home to a large collection of Medieval art and is considered to be quite an important church in North Macedonia due to its historical significance.

Robev Family House

Moving still further into the old town you will come across the Robev Family House. This 19th-century house was once home to the Robevi family – a family of wealthy merchants and today it has been turned into a museum.

For a small fee, you can tour the museum and take in a lot of interesting artefacts that were once owned by this important family. You can also learn about the history of 19th-century Macedonia and see the impressive collections held by this family over the three floors comprising this house.

Church of Holy Mary Peryvleptos

Yes, after the Robev House Museum, it’s time to head to another church! The Church of Holy Mary of Peryvleptos (also sometimes spelt Peribleptos) is also built in the Byzantine style and was constructed in the 13th century – making it one of the oldest churches in Ohrid.

What makes this church notable is its impressive and well-preserved frescoes that depict a number of beautiful religious imagery and are worth taking the time to view.

Ohrid Old Bazaar

And if you’re looking for a great place to browse or maybe pick up a great souvenir from your time in Ohrid, then consider heading to the Old Bazaar. Located in the centre of the Old Town of Ohrid, this is the main tourist drag in the town and is filled with different shops and eateries.

This can be a great place to pick up a necklace or earrings adorned with Ohrid pearls , which are made from grinding down shells found in the lake.

Even if you aren’t in the mood to pick up a souvenir, this is a great place to stroll along and take in the lively atmosphere, especially as the sun begins to set. The Old Bazaar has had a marketplace along it for centuries and it is still lively today, though certainly selling different things!

Have More Time?

If you have more than a day to spend in Ohrid, then there are a few other things you can do to occupy your time.

One of the most popular places to visit as a day trip from the town is the St Naum Monastery. Located about 30 kilometres south of Ohrid close to the Albanian border, this is a historic monastery that can be reached via ferry from Ohrid town.

If you want to spend more time on the lake itself, you can opt to go on a longer boat ride. There are plenty of options to be able to spend a few hours out on the lake, enjoying the peaceful vibes and seeing the towns from a different perspective.

Those who want to get a bit more active may want to consider visiting nearby Galičica National Park. This gorgeous natural area is located within easy reach of Ohrid and has a number of hiking trails to enjoy. It is, however, best reached if you have your own vehicle.

Finally, you could also plan to go wine tasting! There are a number of wineries within the vicinity of Ohrid such as Monastery Winery that will take you on a tour of them. Otherwise, you can always find a local vintage in restaurants and bars within the town itself.

Where to Stay in Ohrid

Old City House – This cosy guesthouse is located 300 metres from the beach in Ohrid. They have a number of air-conditioned rooms along with a kitchen for guest use and a lovely terrace to enjoy.

Villa Jordan  – This 4-star hotel overlooking Lake Ohrid is perfect for those after an upmarket stay. There are several great rooms to choose from along with a large swimming pool and free parking.

Blue Lake Hostel – Those looking for a hostel will love this highly-rated option in Ohrid’s old town. They have a number of different rooms and also organise fun activities for guests.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Ohrid hotels!

Lake Ohrid is a delightful destination that isn’t necessarily on the radar of many visitors. However, there are plenty of great things to do in the area and it’s a wonderful place to visit.

Are you planning to visit Ohrid? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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About Michael Rozenblit

Michael is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Both solo and with his partner, Maggie, he has travelled to over 50 countries across the globe and has a particular affinity for the Balkans and Eastern Europe. He’s lived in numerous countries worldwide but currently resides in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Read more about Michael

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Home » Lake Ohrid Macedonia Ultimate Travel Guide and Itinerary

Lake Ohrid Macedonia Ultimate Travel Guide and Itinerary

Life is always better at the lake. Now imagine a scenic mountain backdrop and an assortment of adventurous activities to fill your day. From thrilling mountain biking to sunset cruises, Lake Ohrid is the perfect destination for any traveler.

This Lake Ohrid, Macedonia ultimate travel guide will share day-trip ideas, offer budget-savvy tips and provide contact information for locals to help you plan your next holiday to this fantastic region.

Macedonia has been keeping a secret from the rest of the world. It’s a little hidden paradise called Lake Ohrid. During weekends in the summer, Skopje becomes unusually quiet because many Macedonians make the 200 km drive to escape to this lake.

It’s also a major holiday destination for many Dutch, Polish, Serbian, Bulgarian, and German tourists. Although we’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring the Balkans , we’ve heard little about this region. Visiting Lake Ohrid simply blew us away! Especially, with its natural beauty and affordable prices.

Lake Ohrid is unique in that it holds a UNESCO World Heritage Site award for both nature and culture. With so much to see and do in the area, visitors can be as active or as laid-back as they prefer. Most travelers flock here during summer, but Lake Ohrid is a year-round destination.

Where to Stay in Ohrid

These are the best places to stay in Ohrid, Macedonia sorted by price.

Budget: Villa Dvor Ohrid (great value) or Villa Mishe (modern and clean) Mid-Range: Villa Dislievski Apartment: Apartment Villa Dudanov or Port Villa Luxury: Unique Resort and Spa (large rooms and a pool!)

Most Popular Tours in Ohrid

• 🏞️ Discover the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Lake Ohrid on this private tour and explore the entire lakeside in one day
• 🚢 Cruise along the historical part of Ohrid and taste 4 samples of fine authentic wines in unlimited quantity, in an intimate atmosphere with beautiful surroundings
• 🏍️ Experience the lush landscapes of Macedonia as you explore Galicica National Park on an exciting ATV tour
• 🚶 Embark on a walking tour of the Old Town and discover the city’s main attractions with a private tour guide
• 🪂 Take this Paragliding Flight above the Ohrid and surround yourself with breath-taking Mountain and Lake Views

🚕 Need a transfer from Skopje to Ohrid? If you’re not renting a car and want to see Lake Ohrid, book a private transfer for up to three people to your hotel or vacation rental.

Best Day Trips in Lake Ohrid

The best day trip in Ohrid includes taking the ferry from Ohrid to St. Naum. From St. Naum, visitors may tour the monastery, swim on the beach, visit the St. Naum Spring, dine at one of several restaurants, or rent a paddleboat.

Beach, Boat, and St. Naum Monastery

One of the best days we had in Lake Ohrid was spent boating, sunbathing, and visiting St. Naum Monastery. If you are not traveling by car, the best way to get to the other side of the lake is by the Lake Ohrid Holiday Ferry.

For two people, the cost was about USD 25. The ferry provides round-trip transport to the other side of the lake and a beautiful scenic boat ride. The ferry departs from Ohrid’s main city center around 10 a.m. and departs St. Naum around 3 p.m.

Floating over the springs provides passengers with a spiritual and mystical feeling.

Once we arrived, we toured the picturesque Monastery taking note of the famous peacocks, beautiful architecture, and scenic views. There are a hotel and a restaurant on the premises. During our visit, the restaurant was playing some lovely guitar music, making it a relaxing place to enjoy a coffee or a cool drink.

Thanks to Aleksandar from the EDEN Tourism Cluster of Southwest Macedonia , we were wisely advised to explore the freshwater springs located next to the Monastery. A 30-minute rowboat ride through some of the most pristine water on the planet is available for about USD 3 per person.

St. Naum Spring

Floating over the springs provides passengers with a spiritual and mystical feeling. The guides narrate throughout the boat ride and point out specific locations where the water is released from the earth below. This was one of our top experiences in all of Europe!

After our boat ride, we headed to the only sandy beach on Lake Ohrid. It’s located adjacent to St. Naum. The lake was warm despite being so close to the chilly spring water.  There are changing stations, fountains for drinking water, souvenir stands, and a few restaurants.

We ate at Cuba Libre Restaurant Drim, which is directly next to the springs. The ferry departs for Ohrid at 3 p.m. If you’d like to stay longer,  consider the option to take a minibus back for a small cost. Minibusses provide pickup and drop-off in the Saint Naum parking lot.

Outdoor Adventures

Ohrid’s diverse topography provides a great backdrop for a variety of outdoor adventures. For this reason, we decided to enjoy an ATV adventure through Galicica National Park .

Hiking Around Lake Ohrid

Hikers will love the 350+ kilometers of mountain trails to explore around the lake. We spent one day hiking in the Marin Dol Valley, along the Old Velestovo Trail. The trail is elevated providing glorious views of the lake below.

Many of these settlements are now abandoned and it gave us the feeling as though we were walking through an opened time capsule.

On the walk, we passed through several small villages such as Velestovo, Shipokno, and Gorno Konjsko. Many of these settlements are now abandoned and it gave us the feeling as though we were walking through an opened time capsule.

Villa Minami

Halfway through our walk, almost like a mirage, we came upon Villa Minami located in the village of Gorno Konjsko. During the tourist season, this quaint B&B offers visitors a lovely opportunity for a traditional lunch with gorgeous lake views. (Non-hikers can reach Villa Minami by taxi for about USD 10 from the city center.)

After lunch, we continued through the wooded forest in Galichitsa National Park. During our slow, easy walk, we learned more about the area and shared stories along the way. After a while, we reached Risto’s Guest House where we enjoyed the perfect refresher, homemade cherry juices picked fresh from her garden.

While enjoying our juices we were informed that many hikers plan multi-day hiking tours through this region and use Risto’s as a pit stop. Often people will start in Struga and make their way to St. Naum, overnighting in guesthouses along the way.

Risto’s Guest House is a popular stop on this hiker circuit. They receive stellar reviews, with some of the best homemade cooking on Lake Ohrid. The Eden Tourism Cluster of Southwest Macedonia can provide additional information and help in arranging these multi-day hiking tours.

Best Hiking Guide in Lake Ohrid

We spent the day hiking with our new friend Ivan Cekic, a licensed mountain guide. Ivan specializes in organized mountain biking and cycling excursions through Travel Velodrome, but he’s also an avid hiker with lots of knowledge to share. You can contact Ivan at [email protected] to set up personalized tours throughout the Ohrid area.

Biking Around Lake Ohrid

The following day we connected with J.J. Adventures to enjoy a cycling day trip on Ohrid’s backroads and mountainsides. There are a variety of different trails and difficulty levels for a wide range of experiences.

J.J. recommended the medium level course that winds it’s way along some beautiful countryside and up a mountain to Saint Bogorodica church.

Ivan and J.J. also organize multi-day biking tours for cycling enthusiasts. That morning we met at a local hotel where we received our bikes, helmets, and packed lunches.

Exploring Ohrid’s Old Town and City Center

Although enjoying lake life was our main goal, many historical attractions are worthy of a visit too.

Samuel’s Fortress

The Samuel Fortress was constructed by Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria who moved the Bulgarian Empire’s capital city from Skopje to Ohrid in 990 A.D. Today, the fort is a very controversial character, especially between Bulgarians and Macedonians.

Climb up to the fortress towers to get a great view of the lake and surrounding city. There’s a small admission fee, but the views make it well worth it.

Amphitheater

This amphitheater was discovered by accident in the 1980s and was used for gladiator battles and murdering Christians during its heyday. It was believed to be constructed around 200 B.C. and is now mainly used for summertime concerts and performances.

1,000-Year-Old Tree

The Old Plane Tree is one of Ohrid’s most famous landmarks. It is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

National Workshop for Homemade Paper

This tiny working museum demonstrates the old-world tradition of making handmade paper. There are many beautiful handmade paper products for sale including journals, postcards, and frame-worthy sketches all for as little as 2 euros. Admission is free.

Church of St. John at Kaneo

Gracing the cover of National Geographic twice, this church is truly the iconic beauty of Lake Ohrid. The earliest surviving documents can confirm that the church has been perched on the cliff overlooking the lake since at least 1447. In 1964, restoration efforts found wonderful frescos painted on the dome.

Ohrid was built on the Ancient Greek city of Lychnidos. The Amphitheater and the remains of this early Christian basilica, believed to be from the 5th century, were the only two structures left of the initial settlement. However, recent excavations revealed lovely mosaics constructed with the up-most attention to detail.

Bay of Bones

Consider visiting one of Macedonia’s most popular museums. The Bay of Bones is a speculative recreation of a prehistoric settlement, from 6000-8000 B.C. It features staged over-water huts replicating the living conditions of the people who once lived here.

There is a very small museum on-site, but it doesn’t provide much information. Touring the museum takes about 30 minutes.

There is a small cafe so grab an ice cream or coffee to enjoy the waterfront and to extend your time at the museum. Next, to the archaeological site, there is a company that arranges scuba diving tours.

We took a minibus from a local bus stop to get to the Bay of Bones Museum. After our visit, we had a very difficult time getting back to the city center.

We waited for almost two hours at the side of the road waiting for another minibus to come from St. Naum. The easiest, most reliable way to visit the museum is by arranging transportation ahead of time.

Best Restaurants in Lake Ohrid

On our tour, we were lucky to discover three great restaurants that offer a more memorable dining experience in Ohrid.

Fish House Kaneo

Known locally as belvica, this freshwater fish is a specialty dish around Lake Ohrid. At Fish House Kaneo, we dined lakeside enjoying this local delicacy served with grilled vegetables, roasted green peppers with garlic, and potatoes. When accompanied by a glass of white wine and rakija, this dining experience is as local as it gets.

Before dinner, we enjoyed a sunset boat cruise on the lake. Locals line their boats along the lakeshore making it easy to hail one for a short sunset cruise. Ask a local to find out the going rate.

The trendy SU Hotel features a fresh, modern menu, lake views, and a great outdoor seating area. Order the Real McCoy, 180 grams of pure baby beef. This is our top pick for the best burger in the Balkans!

As previously mentioned, we reached this charming, family-run restaurant by hiking, but folks can drive to the restaurant or hire a taxi for about USD 10 from the city center. The restaurant boasts aerial views of the lake and fabulous local Macedonian food at reasonable prices. It is here where we tried Gomleze, a layered Macedonian pie that when prepared in the traditional method, takes several hours to properly make.

Best Cheap Eats in Ohrid

As busy budget travelers, we love cheap local eats that are hearty and satisfying. We found three places worthy of a stop.

One morning, our host from Apartments Joce invited us to his favorite local restaurant, Restaurant Boem. This place served up some of the best chorba in Macedonia. Along with fresh bread and a regional garlic dressing, this was one of my favorite meals in Macedonia.

It took us some time to realize this, but chorba is a morning dish only. It is often referred to as a cure for morning hangovers. If you want to sample chorba, come before noon! It goes quickly!

Along the lakeside promenade, a small stand grills up meats for hearty hamburgers and ćevapi pitas. The bonus is the ability to garnish your order. There’s a salad bar where you can personally load up on tomatoes, onions, and delicious grilled peppers! It’s a good place to stop if you’re looking for a quick cheap meal. Great value!

Spicy Sausage Pita

Located in the square with the Old Plane Tree, this restaurant sells spicy, grilled meat sandwiches at a great price. They offer to take away so it’s a great option when you want to grab a quick bite to eat.

We’d like to give a special shout-out to our friends at EDEN Tourism Cluster of Southwest Macedonia  for helping us plan our week around Lake Ohrid. Their hospitality, warmth, and pride in their country are as beautiful as the landscape itself. We arrived as tourists and left as friends.

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One thought on “ lake ohrid macedonia ultimate travel guide and itinerary ”.

Nice to see some attention given to the active tourism opportunities that the Ohrid-Prespa region has to offer. Not many people realize that Lake Ohrid, Prespa and Mount Galichica create one of the most biodiverse locations in all of Europe with several plants and animals that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Together with the stunning scenery, that makes for superb hiking and biking. We’re glad you enjoyed that experience.

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How to Spend the Perfect 72 Hours in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Last updated on March 27, 2024

Our main reason for visiting North Macedonia in the first place was getting to see Lake Ohrid in its full glory. So, after exploring the capital of Skopje, we headed down south to spend 3 full days in the scenic town of Ohrid. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore ancient churches and monasteries, or indulge in delicious Macedonian cuisine, Ohrid has something for everyone.

At the same time, it retains its small town charm and is really compact, meaning we could easily work in the mornings and still explore plenty in the afternoons.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know when planning your trip – from where to stay to the best things to do and restaurants to visit in Ohrid – so you can make the most of your time in this magical town!

AD – This post contains affiliate links (marked with *) | Read my full disclaimer

Where to stay in Ohrid, North Macedonia

As we wanted to work remotely during this leg of our trip, we were looking for a place where we could comfortably set up our virtual office. We chose RINES Apartment *, where we stayed for 4 nights at a cost of €154.75 (around £137) . Our favourite thing about this place was its location in a quiet residential area, yet only a 10-minute walk away from the waterfront. If you’re arriving by bus, the station is also just a 15-minute walk away. You have to be careful, though, as the pavement is extremely narrow in places and a little tricky to walk on, especially in the evenings.

When it comes to the flat itself, the only real downside was that the hosts didn’t supply toiletries or even toilet paper, so we had to buy these ourselves. On the positive side, there’s a washing machine, which can be particularly handy if you’re travelling for an extended period, like we were. Overall, our stay was very comfortable and we would certainly consider booking it again for future trips.

Best things to do in Ohrid

Buy some original ohrid pearls.

One of the best keepsakes to bring home from Ohrid are the original Ohrid pearls. Not your typical pearls, these ones are made of ground shells that are formed into a ball and coated with several layers of special emulsion. To make the emulsion, they use the scales of the Plashica fish, a species only found in Lake Ohrid. The rest of the process is a well-kept secret.

You’ll find all sorts of jewellery in most souvenir shops around the town. But remember, only two families in Ohrid, the Talevi and the Filevi, are certified to make the original Ohrid pearls. So, if you’re after the real deal, their shops are where it’s at!

After popping into both shops, I decided that the Filevi pearls were more up my street. It looks like I was in good company too, as we spotted photos of the Swedish Royal Family on the walls. If you’re planning to buy, I’d really recommend checking out the Filevi website first. This way, you can get a ballpark idea of what you’d like to buy, along with the pricing. Once you’re in the shop, the choice is almost too much, so it definitely helps to know what you’re looking for!

Make friends with the local kitties

It’s no secret that I’m a total cat lady. If that sounds like you too, you’re gonna feel right at home here. The cats of Ohrid are super friendly and sociable, often spotted lounging about in the sun on the steps of local shops or strolling through the town’s streets. As we were eating in the waterfront restaurants, they’d often come up to our table, hoping for a bite. They’ve become such an integral part of Ohrid that you can even buy cat magnets in souvenir shops!

We saw so many strays during our time in Ohrid that I started carrying around a bag of cat treats in my handbag just in case. One of the cats we met was covered in scars and wounds, and it broke our hearts thinking about what he must have been through. Even so, every encounter with these furry friends was a highlight of our trip. They add to the town’s charm and character and serve as a reminder of why we should care for all creatures, big and small.

Explore the Church of Saint Sophia

As you wander through the old part of Ohrid, right by the entrance to the Ohrid Boardwalk, you’ll come across one of the most important churches in North Macedonia. In fact, it’s so important that you can spot a part of it on the back of the 1000 denars bill!

The Church of Saint Sophia was built in the 9th century on the foundations of an early Christian basilica. During the Ottoman rule, it was converted into a mosque, and the stunning medieval frescoes were covered up. It was eventually abandoned in the first half of the 20th century and turned back into a church. During the restoration works, they uncovered the original frescoes, which you can now admire for a small entrance fee.

Sadly, the church wasn’t open when we were there, but it was still lovely to walk around the grounds. Between July and August, the church gardens also host North Macedonia’s biggest music and theatre event, the Ohrid Summer Festival, featuring performers and theatre groups from various countries around the world.

Stroll the Ohrid Boardwalk

The boardwalk connecting the old part of the town with Potpesh Beach was undoubtedly one of my favourite places in Ohrid. When we first stumbled upon it, it genuinely felt like we were stepping into paradise.

You can also use it to reach one of the waterfront restaurants, or continue on to the Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo. As you walk alongside a cliff, surrounded by crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place to take a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Ohrid.

Pose under the flower arch

Now, I would categorise this next attraction as “nice-to-see” rather than “must-see”. But, if you find yourself with some extra time or in need of some fresh Instagram content, this flower arch should do the trick. You can find it on the Ohrid City Square, right in front of the St. Kliment Ohridski statue.

Go back in time at the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid

Very close to the Upper Gate of Samuel’s Fortress, you can find the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. Built in 200 BC, it served as a venue for performances and gladiator fights. Later, it became the site of Christian executions by the Romans. This caused the locals to despise the theatre, so after the fall of the Roman Empire, they decided to abandon and bury it.

What’s fascinating about this place is that it was uncovered by complete accident back in the 1980s during construction work in the area. This created a rather unusual effect, as it’s now completely surrounded by modern houses. I mean, can you imagine growing up with an ancient amphitheatre practically in your front garden? These days, the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid hosts a variety of public performances again, including the Ohrid Summer Festival.

Climb to the top of Samuel’s Fortress

An interesting fact about Ohrid is that at the turn of the 11th century, it used to be the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire. That’s when Tsar Samuel restored an old fortress dating back to 4th century BC, resulting in Samuel’s Fortress as we know it today.

Although it’s no longer the stronghold it once was, Samuel’s Fortress is still worth a visit. At the time of our visit in 2022, the entrance fee was 120 MKD (around £1.70 / €2) . Back in 2003, extensive restoration work was done on the fortress, adding new battlements where none of the original ones had survived. Now, if you climb to the top, you get incredible panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding area. I’d say it’s the only reason to visit, as other than that, the interior of the fortress is mostly rubble.

Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Ohrid, there’s a good chance it featured the Church of St. John at Kaneo. What makes this church a must-see for anyone visiting Ohrid, as well as one of the most iconic photo spots in the entire Balkans, is its clifftop position overlooking the lake.

Getting there was quite a struggle, but the scenic views made it more than worth it. If you’re heading there from Samuel’s Fortress, you can stop by the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon, or check out the ruins of an early Christian basilica on your way.

To get the best photo with the lake in the background, you should climb the steps behind the church. If you’re visiting in the high season, I’d highly recommend getting there before the tour groups arrive, as this place can be swarming with tourists. For an additional fee, you can also go inside to see the medieval frescoes.

Learn about the art of paper-making at the National Workshop For Handmade Paper

If you weren’t actively looking for it, you could easily miss this tiny, unassuming workshop. However, it was actually one of the most fascinating places we visited in Ohrid, as it houses one of the only 2 existing copies of the Gutenberg Press in the world! Ohrid has been making paper since the 16th century, and this little museum/shop is dedicated to preserving this ancient craft.

Inside, you can witness the paper-making process firsthand completely free of charge. The man who gave us a short demonstration was an absolute wizard. When we mentioned we came from Poland, he instantly switched to our language, with occasional Macedonian words thrown in-between. Describing these processes in your own language is hard enough, let alone in a foreign one, so he completely blew us away!

Once the demonstration is over, you can buy some handmade paper in the form of postcards, prints, or notebooks. The great thing is that there was no hard sell – although we didn’t need much persuading anyway after the demonstration we’d just seen.

Best restaurants to visit in Ohrid

It was Mac’s birthday on our first day in Ohrid, so I decided to book us into the town’s nicest restaurant for dinner. Our friends recommended Kaneo, and after seeing the photos, I was instantly sold.

The restaurant is practically on the water, with its own little jetty. At sunset, you get unparalleled views of the boats on the lake, with the Church of St. John at Kaneo right behind you.

They refresh the menu seasonally, meaning the truffle gnocchi our friends had tried the year before and raved about was, unfortunately, no longer available. Interestingly enough, though, soon after we sat down at our table, we were approached by the head chef holding an actual lobster! Turns out, he spends a month in different restaurants around the world, preparing lobster as his speciality. As I don’t like seafood, we didn’t take him up on his offer, but every single dish we tried was delicious.

We had the parmigiana and fish soup for starters, followed by gnudi Toscani in sage sauce and homemade ravioli with shrimps, foie gras, and truffles for our main.

Then, we had a cheesecake with sour cherries and apple tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

All of this, including 2 alcoholic drinks each (the Lavanda was SO good!) , came to just 3,800 MKD (around £55 / €62) , which was incredibly affordable!

Another highlight of our experience was the fact that we had multiple cats come to our table in the hopes of getting a little treat. I understand this might not be to everyone’s liking, but we were both in our element. Overall, if you come to Ohrid, Kaneo is certainly the #1 restaurant you should try.

Kaj Kanevche

On our last evening, I was really craving a burger, which is how we ended up at Kaj Kanevche. I learned this the hard way, though, that in Macedonian the word ‘burger’ doesn’t mean the same thing it does in Western countries. I ended up getting just a beef patty with cheese and chips, but I wasn’t complaining. Barbecue is a serious business in the Balkans. These people truly know their way around meat, and every single piece I’ve tried was amazing, this one no exception.

Mac opted for the traditional Macedonian tavche gravche, which is a baked bean stew served in a clay skillet. So, if you like a hearty English breakfast, you’ll likely enjoy this dish too.

The one thing you absolutely HAVE to try, though, is the traditional Ohridsko makalo, which is a delicious creamy garlic paste. We tried it with some bread with spices, and it was unbelievable how such a simple starter can be so flavoursome. If we hadn’t been travelling with hand luggage only, we would’ve definitely bought some to take back home!

Roastery – artisan coffee house

If you like quality coffee, you should definitely drop by Roastery for your caffeine fix. There’s a counter by the entrance where you can buy some coffee to take away. Or, you can go to their waterfront terrace and enjoy your coffee with a view.

They also offer a great selection of breakfast and lunch dishes, and you could easily work remotely from there too – that is, if you don’t find the crystal blue water right in front of you too distracting…

I hope you enjoyed my little guide to Ohrid! In case you missed the first part of our North Macedonia trip, here’s a post listing all the best things to do in Skopje . In the meantime, I’d love to hear which of these places you liked the most. Is there anything you would add to this Ohrid itinerary?

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12 seriously amazing things to do in Ohrid, Macedonia

Looking for the best things to do in Lake Ohrid? Let me help.

The serene Lake Ohrid is the perfect lakeside retreat. Straddling the border between Macedonia and Albania , it’s a protected UNESCO site and one of the world’s oldest lakes.

Although Lake Ohrid is off-the-path compared to countries like Italy or even Croatia , it’s still a popular place for Albanians and Macedonians to kick back. Prices are cheap and people are so nice.

There’s something rustic, retro, and quite charming about Lake Ohrid, that I haven’t seen other places. Much of the interior has a ’70s feel; warm earthy brown and orange tones, wood paneling, and Afghan blankets. It’s incredibly cozy and charming.

In this post, I’ll introduce you to the best things to do in Ohrid, Macedonia, and include a bit of the historical background.

From the most beautiful churches to the Old Bazaar and the historic Samuil’s fortress, here’s a list of the 12 best things to do in Ohrid. 

This post contains referral links for products I love. Adventurous Miriam earns a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through my links. I appreciate your support ♡ Learn more

Things to do in Ohrid, Macedonia

There are a lot of things to do in Ohrid. But most of all, it’s a place to relax and unwind for a long weekend or a week. 

The views are definitely the main reason to visit Ohrid. It’s just so peaceful and quiet. And it’s easy to reach from Skopje .  

Ohrid is a fairly small city and you can reach each sight by foot. You’ll need transportation to reach Lagadin or Sveti Naum. 

When to visit Lake Ohrid

Ohrid is a seasonal city, which means that hotels shut down during winter, and it can feel sort of abandoned.

We visited Macedonia in early November, just before our hotel closed down for the season. Although I haven’t been to Lake Ohrid during other seasons, nothing beats autumn when it comes to beautiful, vibrant views.

• High-season: Mid-July – mid-August, during the summer festival
• Most beautiful season: October – early November

What to see in Ohrid

1. st. john kaneo church.

The hallmark of Lake Ohrid (and North Macedonia as a whole) is St. John Kaneo Church, built sometime before 1447. It’s the most beautiful place in town.

The church stands right above a small fishing settlement, on a cliff rising up from Lake Ohrid and it’s dedicated to John of Patmos, believed to be John the Apostle .

3 ways to get to St. John Kaneo Church:

• Walk from the Plaošnik, downhill through a forest (only take this “road” if you’re coming from the fortress)
• Walk the over-water boardwalk from the main dock (most scenic)
• Taxi boat ($5.3) from the port to the base of Kaneo church (most convenient)

2. St. Sophia church

The top Lake Ohrid attractions also include St. Sophia church. It dates back to 852 – 889, and it’s one of the most important churches in Macedonia.

It’s even pictured on one of the country’s banknotes.

It’s worth going inside to see the architecture and art from the Middle Ages. When St. Sophia was converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, the frescos were covered and preserved. 

3. Plaosnik

Plaošnik is an archaeological and holy place in Ohrid. It’s home to the multi-domed medieval Church of Sveti Kliment i Pantelejmon.

Plaošnik is situated on a hill, 250 meters below Samuil’s Fortress and just above St. John Kaneo Church.

4. Samuil’s Fortress

A little further up the hill from Plaošnik and St. John Kaneo Church is the mighty Samuil’s Fortress.

Samuil’s Fortress was the HQ of the Macedonian Empire during the rule of Samuil in the 10th century.

Today, this historical monument is a tourist attraction and was renovated in 2003. There’s not much information to be found at the castle, but you’ll get some really beautiful panoramic views from the top.

5. Ohrid Amphitheatre

Ohrid’s historic amphitheater was built around 200 BC. The Romans later removed some of the rows for gladiator fights and Christian executions.

You’ll find it tucked in between residential houses, and in the summer it’s a venue for Ohrid’s summer festival.

6. Ohrid Bazaar

In the heart of Ohrid is an atmospheric old quarter that cascades down steep streets.

The most lively part is the old bazaar, especially on market days, where lots of food and handmade products are for sale.

In the center of the square stands a 1,000-year-old tree and a fountain. Above the square is the clock tower of Ohrid.

7. Ohrid boardwalk and city beach

Even if you visit outside the hot summer months, you should take a walk on the over-water boardwalk.

It starts at the main pier and takes you to a stunning outcrop of pebble beaches and a handful of small restaurants and bars.

During July and August, the water is clear and warm, perfect for swimming.

8. The Robevi family house museum

Open 10:00 – 14:00, 18:00 – 21:00. Closed Monday.

This three-floored museum is housed inside a 1864 building. It features ancient statues, stone monuments, and a carved torso of the Goddess Isis, dating from 200 BC.

On the top floor, there’s an exhibition of local woodcarving and other folk arts from Macedonia.

9. Take a stroll along Lake Ohrid

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Ohrid is the nature in Lagadin. It’s a small tourist village 9 kilometers south of Ohrid.

It’s really quiet there, and there’s also a beach, restaurants and several hotels.

While summer is the best time to visit for swimming and higher temps, autumn is particularly beautiful.

10. Day trip to Sveti Naum

Sveti Naum is the most popular day trip from Lake Ohrid and is most definitely worth a visit.  

Sveti Naum is very beautiful, and the iconostasis inside the church dates to 1711, and the frescoes to the 19th century.

The whole area is quite large and perfect for a picnic and swimming once you’re done exploring the church. There are also wild peacocks on the grounds and a lake where you can take a boat ride. Perfect for families.

How to get from Ohrid to Sveti Naum:

• By car: Drive 30 minutes south towards the Albanian border. Park at the entrance to the monastery for a small fee.
• By bus: Runs six to seven times daily (around $2.6 one way).
• By boat: 1½ hours each way. Runs every day at 10 am and returns at 4 pm ($11 return).
• By taxi: $18 one way.

11. Bay of Bones

On the way from Ohrid to Sveti Naum is the Bay of Bones. It gets its name from the many animal remains that have been found here.

Between 1200 and 600 BC, Ohrid was home to a settlement of pile dwellers who lived literally on top of the water, on a platform supported by up to 10,000 wooden piles anchored to the lake bed.

The Bay of Bones is a reconstruction of Lake Ohrid in prehistoric times. 

12. Indulge in Macedonian food

The food in Macedonia is colorful and diverse, and most of the recipes are based on organic produce.

Vegetables and pastry serve as the backbone of Macedonian food, and it’s influenced by Turkish flavors , quite similar to other Balkan cuisines .

The most popular dishes in Macedonia include:

• Tavce Gravce – baked beans with spicy peppers, onions and fresh tomato
• Shopska salad – salad with cheese
• Stuffed peppers
• Burek – flaky filo dough with vegetables or meat

Where to stay in Ohrid

We based ourselves in Lagadin, which I think is the prettiest place around Lake Ohrid. It’s got everything you need – a restaurant, ATM, small kiosk, and hotels.

But it’s 7 km from the Ohrid city center, so you’ll need a car, scooter, bike or taxi to go anywhere. Regardless of where you end up staying, just remember to book in advance if you visit during the high season.

Vila Bisera – We stayed at this lovely hotel with two swimming pools, spacious rooms, and such a nice staff.

The rooms have air-con (a must in summer) and such beautiful views over Lake Ohrid because it’s located on a hill. I’d definitely stay here again!

Click here to find the latest prices: booking.com

FAQ – What to do in Ohrid

How do i spend a day in ohrid.

Spend a day in Ohrid by exploring the old town, visiting St. John at Kaneo for the views, and checking out the ancient theater. Don’t miss Ohrid’s fortress and a stroll along the lake.

Is Lake Ohrid worth visiting?

Absolutely, Lake Ohrid is worth visiting for its stunning natural beauty, cultural significance, and relaxing atmosphere.

How long do you need in Ohrid Macedonia?

Two to three days in Ohrid let you enjoy the main sights without rushing. It’s enough time to explore the town and relax by the lake.

Can you swim in Ohrid?

Yes, you can swim in Lake Ohrid. It’s known for its clear waters and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect spot for swimming in the warmer months.

Before you go – don’t miss out on these posts:

• How to visit Macedonia for the first time
• 12 fantastic things to do in Skopje
• How to visit the beautiful Matka Canyon from Skopje

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Miriam Risager is the founder of Adventurous Miriam. She has traveled to 62 countries in the past 18 years and has done most of it solo. She helps over 100,000 people per month plan their travel adventures across the world.

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Oh god, there are so many places to visit.

Thanks for sharing.

Yeah, isn’t there!

WOW its beautiful

Right? Ohrid is such a wonderful place.

Thank you Miriam for sharing this awesome list of things to do in Ohrid.

You’re welcome. I’m glad you liked it.

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Things to do in Ohrid (My favourite Town in All of the Balkans!)

• Last Updated: January 28, 2024

This post is about my biggest surprise during my Balkan leg of travels. Ohrid stole my heart and became one of my favourite towns in the Balkans and maybe even in the whole world! In this travel guide you will find a complete list of all the awesome things to do in Ohrid and why Ohrid must be on your Balkan itinerary.

Top 7 Things to do in Ohrid:

• Famous Saint John at Kaneo
• Ohrid Old Bazaar and Ottoman Old Town
• Samuel’s Fortress and Ancient Amphitheatre
• Ohrid Boardwalk
• Boat trip to Saint Naum Monastery and the Bay of Bones
• Ohrid Beaches!
• Galičica National Park

I was not actually planning to visit Ohrid or North Macedonia. But I had to catch a flight from Belgrade.

I almost never just get on a plane and go. Instead, I always see what’s on the way and try to make extra stops and travel by bus or train. And this is what happened this time. Between Albania and Serbia there was this mysterious, little-known Balkan gem – North Macedonia. And the first stop that was screaming my name was Ohrid. So I took a bus from Tirana and I went.

Little did I know that Ohrid would become my absolute favourite place in the entire Balkans. But is not that always the case?

I totally fell in love with the town of Ohrid and the most incredible Ohrid lake. This place is just magical!

So much so, that I had serious plans on coming back in the spring to live and work here! 

(Instead, I moved to Greece hahaha)

The Ohrid Lake is like Balkan Maledives! Never seen a lake with waters so clean and beaches so inviting! Yes, I haven’t been to every lake in the world, but this will do!

The town of Ohrid is so charming and cute that it hurts. Maybe not in the way Gjorocaster is striking and dramatic but in its own intimate way.

Although tourism has been strong in this area for decades, it has mostly hosted local tourists from North Macedonia and other Balkan countries.

Lake Ohrid has been accepted as a Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the town of Ohrid was included.

The lake is protected and extremely clean!

It is one of the oldest lakes in the world and the deepest lake in the Balkans.  Lake Ohrid is shared between North Macedonia and Albania with 64% of its shoreline belonging to North Macedonia.

So is Lake Ohris worth visiting? 

Absolutely! Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe and the town of Ohrid is a true hidden gem of the Balkans!

The city of Ohrid combines the best of all worlds. It has the Balkan charm combining Ottoman, European, Orthodox and Muslim influences, the food is better than in many other Balkan countries, it is cheaper than most of the Balkans and yet not destroyed by the hoards of tourists and greedy beach owners.

For me, Ohrid ticked all the boxes! Stunning nature, mountain hikes, a beautiful lake, mild weather and affordable prices!

I resonated with North Macedonian culture and its people. The people are kind, quirky, free-spirited and funny. Very hospitable! North Macedonia also felt very solo traveller friendly and super safe!

How long should you spend in Ohrid?

I recommend spending at least 3 full days in Ohrid! This will give you enough time to soak in the town’s relaxed vibe, take a boat trip to St. Neum Monastery (a must!) and spend a day lazing on the beach or exploring the old town of Ohrid and many other sights.

However, if you are looking for a place in North Macedonia where you can spend more time either working remotely or enjoying a lakeside vacation – you can easily spend a week or even more in Ohrid!

In fact, this is one place in the Balkans that I really want to return to and now that I live in Greece, I will be back sooner rather than later!

So here is a complete list of all the best things to do in Ohrid.

Be sure to also scroll down to all the Ohrid tips and things to know before visiting!

Table of Contents

Awesome Things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Explore the town of ohrid.

The city of Ohrid is so multifaceted! From the waterfront and the Old Bazaar, to the windy streets on the way to the fortress and the medeaval streets of the old town!

Start at Ohrid City Square, where you will find a Sveti Stefan statue and the waterfront from where the boats depart. This is a lively area with many shops, restaurants, bars and walking paths.

From here, no matter which direction you choose, you will find a completely different Ohrid.

Be sure to wander towards the Ohrid Old Bazaar

At first, Ohrid Bazaar doesn’t seem like much, especially compared to cities like Sarajevo or Mostar. The Old Bazaar of Ohrid is actually just a long street with a few side streets where there is an abundance of shops, cafés, small restaurants, baklava shops and much more. But this is where the heart of the town is.

It’s a great street to just browse, eat delicious ice cream and enjoy the atmosphere of Ohrid. Strolling along the Old Bazaar and finding new shops and ice cream stands is definitely one of the best things to do in Ohrid!

But my favourite part of the Old Bazaar of Ohrid was the far end ‘Turskish’ part, where I found incredible and very affordable local restaurants, cevapcilnicas and baklava shops! Make sure you head there and visit the Vkusno restaurant (it’s worth queuing!) or Cevapcilnica Aren for lunch or dinner!

And then stop at the cutest tea house Istanbul Cayci Caytore!

In this part of the town, you will also find a local market worth checking out!

And the Varosh Ottoman Style Old Town

This is yet another completely different part of Ohrid! The Old Town, also known as Varosh, is an Ottoman-style old town that stretches up the hill to the fortress.

To uncover all its facets, lose yourself in the streets and look out for small souvenir shops, cafés and traditional restaurants!

The architecture here sometimes resembles that of Berat in Albania , but only at times. It definitely has its own distinguished feel.

As you will walk up higher you will be stunned by the views and overwhelming charm of those streets!

Old Town houses an Icon Gallery that displays a remarkable collection of icons, some dating back to the 11th century. You can also visit the beautiful Church of St. Sophia and the Ohrid City Walls and the Upper Gate.

Walk up to the Samuel’s Fortress

Samuel’s Fortress, also known as Tsar Samuel’s Fortress, is a historic fortress located on a hill overlooking the old town of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid. It is a landmark that can be seen from any part of the city and offers spectacular views!

The original construction of the fortress dates back to the 4th century BC, but it was significantly expanded and renovated in different periods, particularly in the 10th century during the reign of Samuel. It’s an interesting landmark of Ohrid, but even if you’re not interested in mediaeval sights, it’s worth a visit for the views and the breathtaking walk up there.

I am not totally crazy about this type of attractions, but I utterly enjoyed the afternoon walking up the hill, discovering parts of Ohrid I didn’t even know existed!

Stop by the Ancient Amphitheatre

On your way to the fortress be sure to stop by the ancient theatre which is believed to have been built during the 2nd century BC, making it a structure from the Roman period.

It is one of the few ancient theatres in the world that has retained its original structure.

It is still used today for cultural events, including concerts, plays, and other performances. 

And the Church of Holy Mary Peryvleptos

This is one of my favourite churches in Ohrid and believe me, there are many of them! I stumbled across it on the way to the fortress and I truly loved its surroundings and the interiors!

Built during the time of Byzantine Emperor Andronicus II Paleologus, the church’s construction year is determined by the inscription above the entrance. The magnificent building, popularly known as St Clement’s, is a harmonious blend of impressive architecture and opulent frescoes.

Be sure to walk the ‘on the water’ by the Ohrid Boardwalk!

One of the best things to do in Ohrid is to enjoy the lake’s waterfront. And there are so many ways you can do that!

One thing you can’t miss is a walk along Ohrid’s waterfront  Ohrid Boardwalk! It is beautiful no matter the time of the day or evening.

One thing you can’t miss is a walk along Ohrid’s waterfront promenade! It’s beautiful at any time of the day or evening. It leads all the way to the famous Kaneo Church, but there are many stops you can take along the way.

Stop for a coffee or an Aperol spritz at the Beach Potpesh

As you stroll along the boardwalk you will come across a few small beaches and restaurants. My favourite one is Potpesh Beach!

I came here quite a few times and I spent one afternoon lazing on the sunbathing deck and drinking Aperol Spritz! I couldn’t recommend this ‘Ohrid attraction’ high enough!

Visit the famous Saint John at Kaneo - The biggest Ohrid's Attraction

Why famous? 

If you have ever seen any photos of North Macedonia, there is a big chance you have seen the Church of St. John at Kaneo perched on the cliff with the stunning backdrop of Lake Ohrid. Yes, that’s the one!

Saint John the Theologian, also known as Kaneo, is a Macedonian Orthodox church and a fine example of Byzantine architecture. The church’s construction is likely dating back to the 13th century. Archaeologists suggest its existence before the Ottoman Empire’s rise and the restoration of the church’s dome in 1964, revealed beautiful hidden frescoes. 

The route to the church is also incredibly picturesque. You can either approach it from the top after visiting the fortress or from the bottom via the Ohrid boardwalk. Both paths are fantastic, so I recommend trying both!

It is a popular and busy sight, so if you want to take some photos, get there early in the morning before the tours begin arriving!

Stroll the Old City Park towards Secret Beach Labino

On the day you visit the Kaneo Church take a walk further up into the Old City Park!

This is just a wonderful, green area full of picturesque trails leading in all directions. 

From here you can choose to walk up to the fortress (if you haven’t already), return to Ohrid via Old Town, or walk in the other direction towards the hidden beach!

Beach Labino is a hidden wild pebble beach offering a much more secluded and peaceful experience. There will be some people, but definitely fewer than in the town and the views are just gorgeous.

It is a wild beach so if you are planning to spend some time there be sure to pack some snacks and water. And also maybe pack some water shoes or just be aware of rocks and stones. 

If you are feeling even more adventurous you can continue walking all the way to Partizan Beach too!

Stroll lake Ohrid Promanade

One of the most incredible things to do in Ohrid is just walking along its waterfront and discovering 100 faces of the town.

To the opposite side of kaneo you will find more contemporary promenade where both locals and tourists stroll day and night. But don’t stop there!

If you like your walkies, continue all the way to the Golden Beach resort. The resort is not the biggest attraction here – but on the way you will pass many small beaches, camping grounds, beach bars and restaurants and as always – incredible views!

I know I sound like a broken record, but I truly love Ohrid! 

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Take a boat trip to Saint Naum Monastery

Visiting St Naum Monastery should be at the top of your list of things to do in Ohrid. Not only because of the famous Monastery of Saint Naum but because the whole place is incredible!

It is like a town in itself with a stunning beach, a lake with boats resembling Thai mangroves, a small promenade, a hiking trail with surprises and a few restaurants and bars. 

The Monastery of Saint Naum was founded in the 10th century by Saint Naum of Ohrid , a disciple of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who were instrumental in the Christianization of the Slavic peoples. The monastery is mostly known for its picturesque location, with stunning views of Lake Ohrid.

The complex includes a church dedicated to Saint Naum, which houses well-preserved Byzantine frescoes. Saint Naum’s tomb is also located within the monastery grounds.

You can take a local bus to Naum which will be cheaper than a boat tour, but this is only one time I will advise against it.

If you knew me just a little you would know I always opt for local transport rather than organised tours.

But the boat tour to St Naum Monastery is just such an incredible value for money that you should definitely do it! Not only you will also stop at the Bay of Bones and marvel at the incredible views all the way through the trip, but they will also give you a very decent amount of time in Naum itself. 

You will have enough time to visit the monastery, walk around some great easy hiking paths and stay on a beach for an hour or two!

I have a separate post about visiting Naum so head there if you want to know more!

Super Tip: There is this strange taxi driver that has been driving between St Naum and Ohrid for years taking people for the price of the bus. It is perfectly safe and fun to go with him. He will be picking up people on the way so you will definitely have some random company.

I got into his taxi after my hike when I ended up at the Bay of Bones. he just stopped and said the price was the same as for the bus. The Bay of Bones Museum ticket seller behind me said it’s fine to go.

I know he was doing those rounds for years as I read about him in some random blog years ago! I hope you will meet him let me know if you do!

Visit the Bay of Bones

The Bay of Bones is also known as the Museum on the Water and is a truly unique archaeological complex.

It is a reconstruction of a prehistoric settlement from the Bronze and Iron Ages, which was inhabited by pile dwellers. The water here was quite shallow back then, so they built their houses on wooden piles above the water, creating a kind of floating village.

It was only recently discovered during underwater archaeological research when the wooden piles were found along with some artefacts and remains of animal bones that were probably used as tools.

The museum and the complex were built in the late 20th century to recreate the former settlement. Inside the houses, you can learn how prehistoric people lived and what tools they used in prehistoric times.

It can be visited as part of a boat tour or individually. It is located halfway between Ohrid and the monastery of St. Naum.

And Trpejca - The Saint-Tropez of Ohrid!

Trpejca is a small fishing village just half an hour’s drive from Ohrid. Named Saint Tropez of Ohrid, it is not really comparable but it’s super cute and offers stunning views and a wonderful beach!

This is one of those places around Lake Ohrid where you will completely forget you are by the lake. You truly feel like you are by the sea! The water here is crystal clear! 

Hike in Galičica National Park

The Galičica National Park Mountains rise majestically above Lake Ohrid, covering an area of approximately 227 square kilometres. It was designated as a national park in 1958 and is named after the Galičica Mountain, which is a prominent feature in the region. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.

There are several trails and viewpoints within the park and all trails are incredibly well marked. Those were some of the best-marked trailers I have walked.

Many of the trails offer incredible views of Lake Ohrid but some go very much into the forest.

The most famous is the Magaro peak hike at 2255m but you can also do the easier one starting at the Ramne village .

It is one of the least populated hiking areas I have ever visited and with this, I have a very important hint for you!

I have hiked alone for years and I absolutely enjoy it and most of the time prefer it.

Yet North Macedonia broke me for solo hiking since I have seen a bear there. Do not go hiking in Galičica National Park alone, especially in the ber season! 

Discover Ohrid Beaches!

It maybe doesn’t seem so at first but Ohrid is a wonderful beach destination! Lake Ohrid is beautiful, the waters are clear and the beaches resemble those of the seaside rather than the lakeside.

You will find a few great beaches in the town of Ohrid like Potpesh , Kaneo or Labino beach.

You can also head to the main waterfront for a swim at the ‘ Old Swimming Court ‘ which is just a swimming spot off the jetty and a great spot to watch the sunset from!

But if you are prepared to venture slightly outside of the town you will find more incredible beaches! My favourites include the beach in the village of Peshtani , Lagadin , Gr adiste campsite beach and of course the Ljubanista beach at St Naum Monastery. 

Rent a Bicycle!

Ohrid is great to discover by bicycle and you can get to many awesome spots by bicycle. One couple from my hostel even cycled to the Bay of Bones. It is definitely doable but part of the route will lead on a busy road, so consider this. 

But bike rentals are extremely affordable in Ohrid and I recommend exploring Lake Ohrid by bike. 

Take a Day Trip from Ohrid

If you are spending a few more days in Ohrid you should definitely consider a day trip. there are great towns and places you could see in a day that are just an hour or two bus drive away.

One of the best places to visit is Bitola – one of the oldest cities in the country boasting a a mix of architectural styles and ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea Lyncestis

You could also hop on a bus and visit Struga , a charming town located near Ohrid. It is a bigger and slightly more modern town but it is definitely worth a visit!

Finally, you can take a trip to the springs of Vevčani which is an off-the-beaten-path trip. Vevčani is a small village located only 20 minutes bus drive away from Ohrid where you can take nature walk along the springs which some call a mini Plitvice.

You can also take some more extensive, organised trips like a trip to Albania or Meteora in Greece. Here are some of the best-rated tours from Ohrid:

• M eteora (Greece) Tour from Ohrid
• Full-Day Private Lake Ohrid and Albania Tour
• Monastery Winery Tour and Wine Tasting

Sample North Macedonian Cuisine

Last but not least – North Macedonian Food! I think out of all the Balkan countries I visited I liked the North Macedonian food the most. It is simple yet super flavoursome and very affordable!

Check out some of the best restaurants for local food in Ohrid like Viva Ksantika, Restaurant „Orfej“ or Vkusno for the best kebap in town!

Kaneo Restaurant offers amazing food and views and Noa Lounge Bar is a great place to have a meal or drink by the lake at any time of the day.

If you are looking for an affordable beer or wine with stunning sunset views, pop into the Kadmo Lounge Bar where I came for an evening glass of wine twice!

Finally, if you are looking for a beachside lounge bar with the best views, great cocktails and delicious food be sure to pop into Cuba Libre Beach. 

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I can get a cover for a month or three months and I know I can travel with peace of mind and get the best product for my money.

Heymondo offers my readers 5% off so go ahead, and click on this link and get your quote.

Things to know before visitng Ohrid, North Macedonia

The best time to visit Ohrid is between April and October. It’s when the weather is at its best. Some hotels close for the winter season so during this time you will have the biggest choice. To avoid summer crowds visit in the spring or fall. I visited in September and it was the best month for the beach and hiking!

Ohrid is totally walkable to don’t even bother with renting a car unless you want to make it a base for some great day trips. 

Ohrid is very safe both all kinds of travellers. Whether you are a solo backpacker or a family you will be safe day and night in Ohrid!

Can you swim in Lake Ohrid? Yes! Ohrid Lake is protected and therefore very clean. You can definitely swim in Lake Ohrid without any worries. Most beaches are pebble so consider watershoes. 

In Ohrid and the whole of North Macedonia, tap water is safe to drink. 

I hope you enjoyed this Ohrid travel guide and you will love it as much as I did!

Pleas let me know! 

Until then enjoy  North Macedonia and happy travels!

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you purchase the product or make a booking via one of my links, I will receive a small commission. Please know that I will never recommend or promote a product I don’t believe in or haven’t used. This way, you are supporting this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

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Hi, I’m Pati. A traveller, photographer (aspiring), dreamer and hopeless believer in magic. I caught the travel bug in my forties – and not planning to look back any time soon. I travel solo and on a budget and I try to spend as much time and effort as possible to truly immerse myself in the country I am visiting.

Whether you are like me and decided to change your life around a new dream or just wandering (because not all who wander are lost) – I am here to tell you that everything is possible. 

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Home > Best Things To Do In Ohrid, Macedonia

Best Things To Do In Ohrid, Macedonia

Written by our local expert Giulia Blocal

Giulia is a travel blogger and Balkan addicted. She writes about unconventional destinations, abandoned places, street art, urban landscapes and all of the weird spots she finds herself in.

Here are our suggestions for all the fantastic things to do in Ohrid, Macedonia. We’ve covered all the Ohrid attractions and places to stay.

The Ottoman houses on the shore of Lake Ohrid are veiled in the morning mist as if they were white ghosts against a blanket of white.

This enveloping whiteness hovers over the wooden boats scattered around the lake and swallows the crown of houses ranged around it. Nevertheless, I know how beautiful the view is, having seen countless postcard-perfect pictures of this UNESCO-listed Lake , one of the world’s oldest.

When tourists are gone and winter is in the air, Ohrid becomes again the picturesque lakeside town that has enchanted visitors since the Byzantine Empire.

The pale light of the sun reflects on deserted cobbled streets, and this glowing fog melts in time with the footfalls of the few people wandering around. The ancient stones drenched with rain emanate a wet, winterish smell, which –here and there- is abruptly interrupted by the warm scent of oven-baked burek .

Ohrid is well-known for its churches, 365 originally –one for each day of the year- a feature that won it the epithet of “the Jerusalem of the Balkans.” The churches are scented with incense. Ohrid’s churches and architecture span more than two millennia, which is just one reason why UNESCO recognizes this enchanting city.

It is one of the 28 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on both the Cultural and the Natural lists. I didn’t stumble upon any celebrations inside Ohrid’s churches.

Instead, I always found a profound silence only occasionally interrupted by footsteps tiptoeing on the marble floorings: a solemn atmosphere I bet you can only find during this time of the year when the town becomes quiet and idyllic again.

Unlike my usual travel style,’ I visited many churches in Ohrid, starting with an ambitious plan in the early morning but slowly adopting a more Balkan approach as the day passed. This implied Turkish coffees  at a typical Macedonia cafe , Skopsko beers, some meaty snacks, and the ubiquitous Ohrid trout, which is the protagonist of the area’s traditional cuisine and the only thing that the Macedonian shore has in common with the Albanian side across the lake.

The area is also well-known for its centuries-old tradition of winemaking . Macedonians love to drink, and Ohrid’s porches overlooking the lake are the perfect place to do it.

All these lakeside cafés are bustling during the summer, but now the paved promenade is empty, and everything looks more authentic. Even the accordion player at a fancy restaurant goes for Tose Proeski’s very Macedonian songs rather than the international repertoire of the summer.

When the music stops, I can only hear the rhythmic percussion of waves on sand. Watching them coming and going, I can’t help thinking about when I was on the other side of the lake, on the Albanian shore.

The two experiences could not be more different: the touristy, postcard-perfect Macedonian outline of the Ottoman houses and the rough, neglected jumble of concrete on the Albanian side. Anyone who has visited both sides of Ohrid Lake knows that these two landscapes are not just lakes but a whole world apart.

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Things To Do In Ohrid

Ohrid is well-known for its ancient churches, among which the most popular are St. Pantelejmon, the oldest Slav Monastery in Europe ; St. Sophia, from the 11th century; the Holy Mother of God Perivleptos, well-known for its frescoes, and St. John Kaneo, which is picturesquely situated on the cliff. Or you could take a day trip and head to the Monastery of St Naum .

Besides beautiful frescoes and theological representations, Ohrid’s churches preserve a collection of more than 800 Byzantine-style icons dating from the 11th to the end of the 14th century.

Wander around the picturesque old town until you find the Hellenistic-type Ancient Theatre, built in 200 BC and still hosting concerts and performances in summer, then climb the hill to the Tsar Samuil’s Fortress, where you can enjoy a breath-taking view over the ancient town and the lake.

Take a Boat Ride on Lake Ohrid

Marvel at the ancient theatre of ohrid, wander the monastery of sveti naum, get back to nature at national park galičica and visit st. jovan of kaneo monastery, snoop through the robevci family house museum, check out st. clement church, admire the frescos of the church of st. sophia – sveti sofia, head to tsar samuil’s fortress, buy an ohrid pearl, where is ohrid macedonia & how to get there.

Ohrid is 170km away from Skopje, the country’s capital city . You can either catch the public bus from Skopje Bus Station, which will take 3 hours, or rent a car and drive for 2.5 hours along the country’s most scenic routes.

Check out other great day trips from Skopje here.

Where to sleep in ohrid macedonia.

Besides the stunning hotels in Ohrid, you can sleep in well-preserved, traditional late-Ottoman houses that have become family-owned bed-and-breakfasts for a genuinely captivating experience!

Check here for some of our favorite luxury options

What to eat in ohrid macedonia.

Macedonian cuisine is very similar to other Balkan cuisines . A popular national dish is the “Tavče Gravče,” a bean soup , while in the area surrounding Lake Ohrid, several traditional dishes are made out of trout. There are lots of authentic restaurants in Ohrid to track down these dishes.

Find a what to eat in Macedonia list here.

• The Most Famous Festivals In Macedonia
• Top Macedonia Beaches And Cafes
• Things To Know Before Visiting Macedonia
• How To Rent A Car In Skopje
• Backpack Macedonia (And The Rest Of The Balkans)
• Discover What Traveling The Balkans Is Really Like
• Incredible Macedonia Winter Destinations
• Learn How To Speak Macedonian
• Top Souvenirs From Macedonia
• Travel From Skopje To Pristina, Kosovo
• Exciting Museums In Skopje
• Macedonia’s Secret Resort Town, Dojran

Comments (13)

End of April for me, can’t wait

OHH LUCKY YOU! ENJOY.

OHHH LUCKY YOU! <3

If u end up going there, I’m sure u’ll come back orthodox haha 365 churches – they r beautiful, u’d love it:)

I would also recommend visiting nearby Bazernik and trying out a Macedonian village homestay! It’s an interesting and affordable way to get to know the local culture better!

Thanks for this post! I can’t wait to make it to Macedonia

Hi, what a nice description you have given I really can’t wait to go there.

Looking forward to drive there next month

It’s not Macedonia! Macedonia is in Greece! Read history books before you travel

Macedonia, North Macedonia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, or whatever you prefer, the fact remains people should go see this wonderful place.

Macedonia is Macedonia, you go read your history books, oh i forgot, Greeks have taken Macedonian history!..go read your own history maybe you can find your roots, instead of someone elses!

Nicely written, it’s pleasant to read your posts about Macedonia. They sound authentic and reasonable. I’ve just been wondering which place in Macedonia should I choose for a few months of remove work on laptop, I’ve been considering Ohrid, and you’ve just convinced me it’s a right choice for me (for the winter time, as I’m looking mostly for a quiet, relaxing place for remote job).

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19 Things to do in Ohrid, Macedonia

There are many things to do in Ohrid, it’s no wonder it is one of the most visited destinations in North Macedonia.  Located on the edge of one of the deepest lakes in Europe, Ohrid is arguably one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich cities in Europe.

Nicknamed the ‘Jerusalem of the Balkans’, Ohrid was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979.  Ohrid Town is best known for its cultural and historic significance, with a variety of archaeological sites within city limits, as well as churches and monuments.

Aside from its extensive cultural attractions, Ohrid serves as a prime destination to experience nature.  And being that it’s situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, it becomes extremely popular in the summer months.

Filled with plenty of places to shop, dine and explore, Ohrid is a must visit on anyone’s Macedonia itinerary.  In this article, we’ll go over all the best things to do in Ohrid and at the end of the article, I’ll list any tips you’ll want to know before you visit this magical destination.

Before we get started, I need to address the elephant in the room.  I am sometimes referring to North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia (FYROM) as Macedonia in this post because that’s how the people of this country want it to be referred and how it works with the keywords in google.

I understand that whichever name I use, I am offending someone so it’s a catch 22.  I mean no disrespect, only want to show through my eyes the beautiful landscapes, kind people and tasty food I experienced when visiting Ohrid.

For full transparency,  I have sprinkled some affiliate links in this post which gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decided to make a purchase. As always, I would never recommend a product or service that I didn't truely believe in. If you find this post useful, you can also treat Jess to a cup coffee by clicking the icon on the bottom of the page. This will allow me to continue to create more content for you to enjoy ☕️. 

Table of Contents

Things to do in Ohrid Quick List

Below I have a listed the best things to do in Ohrid and best day trips from Ohrid for easy viewing.  If you’d like more information, click on the blue links below for a detailed post or vlog of that specific Ohrid activity.

• Ohrid Boardwalk & City Beach

Summer Festival

• Classical Amphitheater (Skip to 8:35)

Eat at Via Sacra

• St. Sophia Church (Sveta Sofija Cathedral) (Skip to 7:28)

Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta

• Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo (Skip to 10:00)

Kaneo Village

• Lower Gates & Upper Gates
• National Workshop for Handmade Paper (Skip to 5:45)
• National Museum (Skip to 4:47)

Plaošnik Archeological Site

Sveta bogorodica bolnička & sveta nikola bolnički.

• Samuel’s Fortress (Skip to 10:00)

Day Trips from Ohrid

• Saint Naum Monastery (Skip to 7:08)
• Bay of the Bones Museum (Skip to 1:55)

Galicica National Park

Ohrid Travel Vlogs

We filmed a couple vlogs when we were here about some of the awesome things to do in Ohrid and things to do around Ohrid.  If you’d like to see exactly what we were up to check out our vlog above.  If not let’s get to the good stuff – 19 best things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia.

🎥   Watch our N. Macedonia Series on YouTube

Best Things to do in Ohrid

Lake Ohrid has been a magnet for visitors for centuries and is the main reason that visitors flock to this town, especially during the summer months.  Flanked by majestic snow-capped mountains and rolling hills, its deep blue waters provide a peaceful and picturesque retreat.

One of the most popular things to do in Ohrid is to take a boat ride over Lake Ohrid.  We rented a boat for 20 Euros and had it all to ourselves.

As you cruise along the lake you’ll pass by sleepy villages and the most photographed monastery in North Macedonia, Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo.

Book a Boat Tour →

Ohrid Boardwalk

The Ohrid Boardwalk is a great thing to do in Ohrid for all ages.  Located on the shoreline of the beautiful Ohrid Lake, this boardwalk provides breathtaking views all throughout the year.

The boardwalk is the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll.  With plenty of cafes and restaurants to choose from, it’s the perfect spot to grab food or drinks and spend the afternoon.

If you happen to be traveling to Ohrid in the summer between July and August, don’t miss out on the Summer Festival.  The Ohrid Summer Festival is an acclaimed annual event that brings together a wide variety of cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, lectures and workshops.

This is Macedonia’s most important cultural event which celebrates Macedonian culture through music, literature, art and dramatic performances.  Additionally, the festival’s unique venues, such as local churches, the amphitheater and museums provide a one-of-a-kind experience.

Classical Amphitheater

A sight to behold and one of the best things to see in Ohrid is the classical Amphitheater.  Built hundreds of years ago, it is thought that the amphitheater was built around the 11th or 12th century.  The Roman’s utilized this theater for shows, animal fights and gladiator fights.

Set atop a hill overlooking the beautiful Ohrid Lake, the architecture of the amphitheater is largely well preserved that seats up to 5,000 people.  You can still see some name markings on some of the seats which symbolizes the families and people that had those specific seats (usually the wealthy) back in those days.

Its visual appeal from the shore of the lake attracts throngs of visitors each year, with scenery that is framed by Ohrid’s large mountains and a seemingly endless blue sky.  As if that’s not enough, the ancient amphitheater also plays host to a number of open-air concerts in the summer, making it a Mecca for both history and music lovers.

If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Ohrid and love eating delicious pizza while enjoying great views, look no further than Via Sacra.  Located in the shadows of Saint Sofia, Via Sacra has a small menu offering a few traditional Macedonian dishes and of course pizza.

We walked 30 minutes after our long travel day to get to Ohrid and it was worth the extra steps.  Joe claims it was the best pizza he’s ever had.  That being said, we were also very hungry and he hasn’t been to Italy yet!

🧄 Must Try: Makalo | a traditional Macedonian side dish which is basically a garlic spread.

St. Sophia Church

St. Sophia Church is one of the most significant landmarks and best things to do in Ohrid.  Built in the beginning of the 11th century, it is over 1000 years old, making it one of the oldest churches in the country and the Balkans.

The church itself is incredibly beautiful, with ornate designs on the exterior walls and frescoes inside depicting scenes from the old testimony.  There’s a mural inside that depicts baby Jesus without shoes which can’t be seen on any other mural beside a church in Florence.

Like the amphitheater, concerts are held inside the church during the summer festival, it has great acoustics.  After you’re done checking out St Sophia Church, grab a slice at Via Sacra.

The Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta is a church in Ohrid located on a hill and offers great views of the town and Lake Ohrid.  Unlike most churches that were around during the take over of the Ottoman Empire, this church was not destroyed by the Ottomans because the church was devoted to the mother of god and not Jesus.  It cost 150 MKD to enter.

Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo

Another church to make the Ohrid things to do list is Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo.  This church overlooks the town of Ohrid and sits on a small peninsula which juts into the lake.

The Church of Sveti Jovan is renowned for its incredible architecture.  The main facade of the church is whitewashed and is decorated with a main door flanked by twin towers.  Not only is this church a beautiful work of art but its the most photographed church in the country as it was featured on the cover of National Geographic.

Ohrid is a small enough town that you can do a DIY walking tour and if that’s what you do, I’d end your tour here.  It’s very peaceful and there’s tons of birds flying around that are enjoyable to watch.

Kaneo Village is a beautiful little settlement nestled against the banks of Lake Ohrid close to the Church at Kaneo.  You’ll pass by the picturesque village as you’re walking back to the town center if you’ve just visited the church.  With traditional stone pathways, fishing boats, rolling hills and endless views of the lake, Kaneo is an ideal place to experience the beauty of the Balkan region.

Stroll Through the Old Bazaar

One of the best Ohrid attractions is the Old Bazaar.  The Old Bazaar in Ohrid is full of shops, cafes and gelato stands.  It’s the much more livelier part of town.

Ohrid Pearls are a popular thing to buy in Ohrid town, although most of the places that sell the Ohrid Pearls are fake, there are a few places that sell genuine pearls.  The pearl store right next to Via Sacra Restaurant is the real deal.  (That’s coming from my tour guide when I took a private tour of Ohrid.)

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Visit the Upper & Lower Gates

The old town of Ohrid is well-known for its many gates, which were used to protect the city from invaders.  The two mains gates are the Upper and Lower gates.

The lower gate is a double-arched gate meant to increase the city’s defense.  As soon as you wake through the lower gate, theres a grate and if you peer down, you’ll be able to see the “original road’.  Meanwhile, the upper gate is strategically placed on the hillside that overlooks Ohrid town and is in close proximity to Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta.

Make Paper at the National Workshop for Handmade Paper

The National Workshop for Handmade Paper is one of the best free things to do in Ohrid.  Visiting here is an amazing opportunity for paper enthusiasts from all over the world to come together and explore the traditional art form of paper making.

Hosted by the local workshop owner, the workshop provides an educational experience about the basics of hand paper making.  The Handmade Paper Museum even has an exact replica of the Gutenberg Press which is pretty darn cool.

National Museum

Located in the heart of Ohrid just as you pass through the Lower Gates is the National Museum.  The museum is home to an impressive selection of Macedonian artifacts, artworks and relics from throughout history including several gold burial masks.  A handful of these masks have been found throughout the country and are suppose to be what the princesses have been buried in.

It cost 150 MKD to enter and inside the original Ottoman-style house are works of art, religious artifacts, pottery, jewelry, coins and manuscripts.  You’ll even be able to see old photographs, clothing, furniture and what the rooms used to look like.

Other Museums to Check out:

• Icon Gallery – houses a remarkable collection of Ohrid icons.
• Memorial House of Hristo Uzunov – a memorial house dedicated to Hristo Uzunov.
• Wood Carving Gallery

The Plaošnik Archeological Site is an ongoing excavation site where the main find on the site is believed to be where St. Clement (the patron saint of the region) set up his monastery.  This is an easy Ohrid attraction to visit on your way to the fortress and church of St. Jovan Kaneo.

The SvetaBogorodica Bolnička & Sveta Nikola Bolnički Churches can be found on your left as soon as you walk inside the Ohrid lower gates.  These small churches were used to house the quarantined people of the plague due to their locations inside the city walls.

Samuel’s Fortress

Rounding off our best things to do in Ohrid list is exploring Samuel’s Fortress.  It cost 120 MKD to enter and is located about 800 meters above lake level.  The castle includes several defensive elements such as walls and towers and offers majestic views of the city.

Ohrid Day Trips

I couldn’t make a things to do in Ohrid post without mentioning some of the best day trips from this city.  You should be able to cover all the Ohrid attractions I listed above in a few days.  These day trips from Ohrid listed below are Ohrid must-sees and best explored if you have your own transportation but can easily experienced via public transportation or on a tour.

St. Naum Monastery

The Saint Naum Monastery is by far the best day trip from Ohrid.  This small yet stunning monastery is perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid.  You can’t get a better setting.

The monastery is built in traditional style, with walls and floors made of hewn stone, frescoes on the walls and a bell tower.  Visitors to the monastery will marvel at the amazing views of the lake and will get to enjoy the 2 friendly peacocks that live on the grounds.

There is a regular ferry service that runs several times a day from Ohrid town to the Saint Naum Monastery.  There is one at 9 am and one a 10 am.  If you take the 10 am, it will also stop at the Bay of the Bones Museum which I talk about in the next section.  The trip takes an hour and a half one way and costs 15 Euros round trip which is a pretty good deal.

If you rented a car, parking costs 50 MKD.  This allows you to have more time to explore Sveti Naum and avoid the crowds of the ferry.  Plus there’s several restaurants you can dine at and enjoy a peaceful meal on the lake.

Book a Tour →

🦚 Unique Stay:  There is a hotel on the grounds of the monastery that you can stay at if you love epic views and staying in unique places around the world.

Bay of the Bones Museum

The Bay of the Bones Museum is located on the way to the St. Naum Monastery and is a wonderful museum on Lake Ohrid.  The museum is a reconstruction of a prehistoric pile dwelling site, dating back to Neolithic times.

This ancient tribe wasn’t discovered until recently (1997) and represents the authentic living environment of the prehistoric village.  The community had a whole village built on piles of wood that was connected to the lakebed and had a retractable drawbridge that was defense against predators such as animals and other tribes.

Excavations weren’t underway until 2005 and they believe that there were 24 homes, all of which are represented at the museum.  It cost 150 MKD to enter.  This was one of my favorite places to see in Ohrid and reminded me a lot of the Uros people that live on Lake Titicaca in Peru.

🎥 Watch Next:   Homestay on Lake Titicaca, Peru

Galičica National Park is located on the border of North Macedonia and Albania and offers stunning views of Lake Ohrid.  There are several hiking trails that run through the park but this is one of those National Parks that you can easily drive through and you feel completely satisfied.  There are several spots along the way that you can pull off and after a very short walk, you’re greeted with epic views.

There is a road that cuts through the park and takes you up and over the mountain eventually spitting you out at Lake Ohrid’s sister lake, Lake Prespa.  The drive is nothing short of amazing and a must experience when exploring the outskirts of Ohrid.

🎥 Watch Next: Exploring Galičica & Pelister National Parks

Ohrid Tours

I took a Private Half Day Tour when I was exploring Ohrid and it was great.  My tour guide was super knowledgable and I learned a lot.  Here are a few other tours with good reviews.

• Ohrid Half Day Tour

Ohrid: Rural wine & dine experience

Ohrid: Rent an e-scooter and discover the beauty of Ohrid

Where to Stay in Ohrid

There are plenty of places to stay in Ohrid that will accommodate every type of traveler and on every type of budget including nicer hotels and budget friendly guesthouses.  These are the top picks on where to stay in Ohrid.

• Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan – Where to Stay in Ohrid for Luxury
• Hotel Aleksandrija – Mid Range Place to Stay in Ohrid
• Villa Flora – Budget Option of Where to Stay in Ohrid

North Macedonia Travel Tips

• Renting a car is cheap and roads are well maintained to drive on.
• The country is small and you can explore all the highlights in 10 days time.
• Saying a few words in Macedonian goes a long way.
• American Express isn’t accepted very often.
• Most accommodations only accept cash as payment.
• Prices double during high season.
• Some People of Macedonia may get offended if you call the country North Macedonia.
• Bus travel is very affordable and you can get a ride across the country in less than 4 hours.

Onward Travel in North Macedonia

• Cross over the border to Albania and explore the capital of Tirana.
• Explore underrated Pelister National Park and experience a homestay in Dihovo.
• Press north to the capital of Skopje.
• Kayak through Matka Canyon.
• Taste Tikves wines at the source.
• Wildlife Spot in Mavrovo National Park.
• Road Trip through the Balkans and explore bordering countries such as Serbia , Albania, Montenegro or Greece.

Do you have any favorite things to do in Ohrid?  Let other travelers know in the comments below ↓

 balkan travel guides ↓.

Planning a trip to the Balkans?  Check out these guides below for inspiration.

Staying the Night in the Rila Monastery

33 Brillant Things to do in Belgrade, Serbia

10 Charming Hotels in Berat, Albania

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Lake Ohrid in Macedonia: A Beautiful Slow Weekend

Lake Ohrid is truly the jewel in Macedonia’s crown.

When we first made it past the town centre and scaled up the hillside through the old town, we looked out in wonderment over the lake and distant mountains. Lake Ohrid isn’t just any lake, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. It is beautiful.

We’d heard from our cab driver back in Skopje that Lake Ohrid was where every family in Macedonia went in their summer holidays, when the weather was warm enough for swimming in the clear waters. We were there in winter and there was hardly anyone around, it was quiet and serene.

What did we spend our time doing? We took it slow, revelled in our fortune at being at this beautiful lake, and explored everything we could.

Amble Through Ohrid’s Old Town

Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe. Though the main high street doesn’t stand out, as soon as you begin wandering up hill everything changes. There’s a maze of cobbled streets, local architecture unique to Ohrid and historic walls and gates dotted around. Ohrid’s old town was so quiet that while we were there we crossed paths with less than five people.

Admire the Church of St. John Kaneo

The church of St John Kaneo is just a short (but uphill!) walk from the town centre. We trailed our way through the old town haphazardly but simply making sure the lake is always to your left will get you to the church. This little Macedonian Orthodox church sits right on the cliff side. We spent a fair while sitting on the grass next to the church, looking out at the magnificent view of the lake.

Look Out Over the Town from Tsar Samuil’s Fortress

Head further up hill from the church of St John Kaneo and you’ll enter a wooded area. There was construction work (of what looked like a large hotel complex!) going on right next to the woodlands while we were here, but the path simply winds around the edge of the construction site and up to Tsar Samuil’s fortress.

Tsar Samuil’s fortress overlooks the town of Ohrid. Macedonian flags stand proud atop the walls, flapping in the wind. The fortress is quite small and you can easily walk around it within 15 minutes or so. We walked along the walls, stopping at the viewpoints along the way – all of the tower viewers were out of action!

Bay of Bones & Museum on Water

Take the road south along the lakeside and eventually you’ll come to the Bay of Bones, a reconstructed pile-dwelling settlement on the water. The reconstruction was made identical to remains of the underwater archaeological site which dates back to the Bronze Age. A Roman military fortification has also been reconstructed on the hillside next to the Bay of Bones. The settlement and museum are only small, but their location was by far the most beautiful spot on the lake.

Discover St Naum Monastery

Continue following the road south down the lake and eventually you will reach the monastery of St Naum, located right on the border of Albania. Peacocks roam around the monastery’s grounds, climbing high up into the trees and even onto the roof of the monastery itself. I read that Macedonians believe you can still hear the saint’s heartbeat if you press an ear to his stone coffin inside the church – I decided against finding out, so I guess we’ll never know if you really can!

Watch the Sunset Over the Lake

Lagadin, a small town 10km south of Ohrid, is the most serene part of the lake. In the winter, there was barely anyone here at all, so we had the lakeside all to ourselves. While some days were overcast and misty, others were completely crisp and clear. On the clear days, we walked along the lake waiting for the sun to set. The reflection from the lake made it the most glorious sunset I’ve ever seen.

Where to Stay in Lake Ohrid

When we were in Bulgaria, we picked up this colourful leaflet about the best hostels in the Balkans. We were staying in a great hostel in Plovdiv that was listed in there at the time, which made us pretty confident about the other hostels. That’s how we found out about Robinson Sunset House at Lake Ohrid.

The guesthouse is located in Lagadin, the same place where we watched the most magnificent sunset. We arrived with our bags and scrambled uphill along a dirt track with no idea what to expect. When we got to the gate, we received a warm welcome from Anton and his wife, Tatyana, and immediately felt at home.

We sat drinking coffee next to the fire in the heart of their home. They explained that they’d built it themselves, adding one room each year, gradually welcoming more guests until they had a whole hostel. It was winter though, so we were their only guests, but that it made an even more personable experience for us.

Where to Eat at Lake Ohrid

Robinson sunset house.

The very best part of staying at Robinson Sunset House was that baba Tatayana cooked us delicious food with fruits and vegetables that they’d grown in their own garden everyday. There is no doubt about it: she is the best cook in all of Macedonia and I don’t know why you’d ever want to eat anywhere else. She kindly prepared all-vegan meals for us, adapting traditional Macedonia foods to be vegan . Not to mention that they also made lovely homemade wine.

Dr Falafel is a small vegetarian falafel bar on the high street in Ohrid. It’s a low-key place, but their hummus and falafel is really yummy. A plate of hummus, falafel, pita bread and salad cost us 180 denar (£2.30) each.

How to Get To & Around Lake Ohrid

We travelled by bus everywhere in Macedonia. We travelled from the main bus station in Skopje direct to Ohrid. The buses leave at regular intervals every day and takes around 3 hours. When you arrive at the bus station in Ohrid (which isn’t the best spot), it’s about a 25 minute walk into the centre of town, or you can grab a taxi into town from there.

Want to travel further in Macedonia? Check out our guide to all the best travel destinations in Macedonia .

Charlie Marchant

Skiing in Mavrovo, Macedonia: Everything You Need To Know

11 slow travellers to follow on instagram.

Gorgeous! I was only in Ohrid for a few hours and was a little confused about what more there is to do there, now I wish I’d been able to stay for longer! And I didn’t find the falafel house, just a lot a lot a lot of pizzerias…

Charlie on Travel

Sounds like you didn’t get to see the best of Ohrid at all! The main highstreet area really isn’t the best at all (we didn’t eat anywhere else there aside from the falafel place). Ohrid is much more of a slow travel and explore along the lake kind of a destination.

Filipe Morato Gomes

Thanks for sharing. I’m on my way to Ohrid and was debating wether to stay in town or at Robinson Sunset… :)

Definitely stay at Robinson Sunset ;)

If I was to go to Ohrid in February with my family, we would have the option to go Sunday until Wednesday (three nights), or Sunday until Sunday (seven nights). At that time of year, would there be enough to do to occupy a full week?

I think 3 nights would be enough at that time of year. It’ll be quite cold in February so you won’t be wanting to swim or sit lakeside. You’ll be able to spend a day seeing the Ohrid town, the churches and the fort, and another day visiting Bay of Bones and the Museum on Water. Apart from those, there won’t be a huge amount more to do in the area.

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Your Everything-To-Know Guide To Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

It’s not much of an exaggeration that we wanted to visit North Macedonia because of Lake Ohrid in the first place. (And because 85% of its territory is covered in mountains in the second place.) Is it really that beautiful? Yes, it is! We’ve seen quite some amazing lakes, and it’s not that easy to knock us off our feet anymore, but Lake Ohrid managed to do just that.

We spent an entire week there, slowly exploring the area and the beaches. Whether you have a week or less, this post helps you choose the sights and activities that’ll make your visit unforgettable, too. So let’s see the best things to do in Ohrid – the town and the lake.

What to do in Ohrid?

Ohrid is not only the name of the lake, it’s the name of a city, too. Together they were accepted as Cultural and Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. We definitely recommend having the old town of Ohrid as your base while visiting the area, because it’s undoubtedly the most impressive place to stay!

Best place to stay in Ohrid :

• luxury : Hotel Aleksandrija (central location, easy access to Ohrid Old Town)
• mid-range : Apartments Kanevce Beach & Relax (central location, easy access to Ohrid Old Town)
• budget : Apartment Ain Naum (great location)

But what to see there? If you’ve seen any pictures of North Macedonia ever, there’s a high chance it was one with the Church of St. John at Kaneo (or Sveti Jovan Kaneo in Macedonian), overlooking Ohrid lake:

Familiar? Among many other Macedonian Orthodox churches, St. John at Kaneo is located in Ohrid, and it offers the best views. You can take a look at its tiny interior for a small fee, but it’s the outside views that are truly astonishing! Several terraces look over the pure blue water of the lake, and you can walk up to the viewpoint above the church for that iconic view.

Best walking trails in Ohrid: the Old City Park

Once you’re up there, you’ll notice that trails continue further into the Old City Park, and it’s worth exploring them! Our favorite trail was the one running along the edge of the hill. In addition to those amazing lake views, it also gives access to secluded Labino Beach. It’s not really a hike, because it’s quite short and easy, but it’s as close to a hiking trail as you find in Ohrid town.

The trail in the center took us to 10 th -century Tsar Samuel’s Fortress through the quiet pine forest.

Best churches in Ohrid

The legend says that Ohrid once had one church for each day of the year. The number today is significantly smaller than 365, but we still found a surprising number of churches there, and it felt like we bumped into one wherever we walked in Ohrid.

Church of St. John at Kaneo has undoubtedly the best views, but there are some more special ones. Like the Church of St. Sophia with its pretty garden. It was actually converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire, and the same happened to the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon that dates back to the 9 th century.

The Mother of God Perybleptos church is close to the Upper Gate of the old town, and the square in front of it treated us with lovely views of Samuel’s Fortress and the old town from above.

Cobblestone streets and ruins of the old town

The Upper Gate is the best preserved of the gates that lead to the narrow streets of Ohrid old town. It’s built on a hill, and every street ends up at the lakeshore at some point.

The ancient theatre of Ohrid is not far from the Upper Gate either, and it dates back to 200 BC. Once it was home to performances and gladiator fights, then it was used for executions, and then was abandoned for a long time. Now it’s nicely renovated, and energetic little toddlers (like ours… khm) enjoy climbing its steps.

We also liked the Ohrid Boardwalk over the lake that connects the old town with Potpesh Beach . This small, pebbly beach is worth a visit, anyway, both for swimming and sunset views. It’s one of the best beaches in Ohrid, quickly accessible from the old town.

Ohrid waterfront

As for sunset views, there’s another perfect place to enjoy them: the pier and the waterfront promenade of Ohrid . It’s already outside of the old town, and this means you’ll have views of both the lake sunset and the old town.

This is the place you surely won’t miss, because it’s the main walking street and the busiest shopping street in Ohrid. That’s precisely the reason we didn’t like it that much, but it has one good thing: it ends at the waterfront promenade. 🙂

The best beach in Ohrid town: Labino Beach

Between the port of Ohrid and the Church of St. John at Kaneo you found several small public beaches. But our favorite was a bit beyond the church, accessible from the pathway running along the cliffs in the Old City Park. It led us down to Labino Beach, a secluded pebbly beach that was solely ours.

Best beaches at Lake Ohrid

When it comes to our absolute favorite Lake Ohrid beaches though, they’re all a bit further from Ohrid town. Drive about 20-40 minutes southwards from there, and you’ll stumble upon bays that remind you of the Adriatic Sea, and can choose from a wide selection of the most stunning beaches!

Gradishte beach

Gradishte beach consists of four crystal clear, perfectly turquoise bays, and they were our absolute favorites! The beach belongs to the Gradishte campground, but anyone can access it. At the camping entrance there’s a gate that the kind receptionist opened for us, and when we asked him if we could just visit the beach, he said “Sure” with a big smile. We were charged no entry fee or parking fee, but parking space for daytime visitors is limited. It wasn’t a problem for us as our car was the only one when we arrived, but it might be busier towards mid-summer.

The four bays are separated by large rock boulders, and water boardwalks were built around the rocks so that you can walk from one to the other. You can also find bars and deck chairs at each bay.

The color of the water is incredible, and to get the best views of the bays, walk up to the small hill on the southern peninsula of the campground, and take your seat on one of the benches . And enjoy one of the best lake views in North Macedonia.

Also, Gradishte beach was the only Lake Ohrid beach where we haven’t seen any trash on the beach. Sadly, on other beaches we found empty cans, plastic bags or bottles. Sometimes they were collected into one pile and tucked behind a tree or bush, sometimes a few were just buried in the sand. It’s just disappointing. Not the beaches, they were still beautiful, but can’t we all just take better care of them? If you could bring a bottle of anything, you can surely take it home with you, too, even if there’s no trash can.

Hidden bays after the Bay of Bones

As far as we know these bays don’t even have names. But beaches without names should be fabulous, shouldn’t they? (They are!)

How to find them? Park at the dirt/grassy area right after the Bay of Bones parking lot. You’ll immediately find yourself on the top of a rocky plateau that offers amazing views of Lake Ohrid. Once you walk around, you’ll notice that some paths don’t lead to a viewpoint, but down to a small, pebbly cove. We found three of them, two very small ones, and one that’s suitable for several families. Feel free to choose yours.

Trpejca beach

Nicknamed as the “Saint-Tropez of Lake Ohrid”, Trpejca beach has truly romantic views. It’s a long, pebbly bay with some cliffs in the water. It’s accessible by stairs, and you need to park your car in the parking area at the top of the stairs. Or on any of the streets where there’s space.

Ljubanista beach

It’s also a bay that belongs to a campground but accessible for anyone. We parked our car in the paved area before the entrance gate. The long pebbly-sandy beach is backed up by lush green hills, and there’s a beach bar, as well.

The first beach in Lagadin

Or we should say right before Lagadin, if you drive from Ohrid. We don’t know if it has a name, but you can park your car in a paved parking area before the signpost that indicates the town of Lagadin. A few steps take you down to the beach from there.

Barely anyone knows about this lovely, pebbly bay which has clear, beautifully blue water, and trees give some shade on the beach. Lake Ohrid is truly among the most stunning lakes in North Macedonia.

Bay of the Bones: a unique open-air museum

The best museum we visited in North Macedonia? The Bay of the Bones at Lake Ohrid. On Lake Ohrid, I should say, because it’s a museum built on water. To be fair, I also need to add that this was the only actual museum we visited in the country, because this was one that all three of us could enjoy.

Our almost-2 years old Tomi is way too young for museums, but the Bay of the Bones made him excited. It’s a reconstruction of a prehistoric pile dwelling settlement , and he liked peeking into the houses and spotting fish in the water under our feet. If you’re more adventurous, you can sign up for a scuba dive to the underwater archeological site of the original settlement.

North of the reconstructed village there are ruins of a Roman fortress on top of a hill. While the ruins are probably not the most astonishing you’ve ever seen, we got stunning views of Lake Ohrid and the green mountains of Galičica, so they were definitely worth the walk. (And that’s where we spotted the turquoise bays of Gradishte, and we liked the views so much that we visited the beach the following day.)

Monastery of Saint Naum

This is the only thing we missed at Lake Ohrid. It’s a huge miss as this Orthodox monastery established in 905 is one of the most attractive sights in the country, and also a popular day trip from Ohrid.

Why did we not visit it then? We just felt it would have been too much for us with Tomi. He’s (understandably) not interested in visiting a monastery, he’s too young to comply with rules, and we didn’t want to spend our time looking after him instead of enjoying our visit. The days we spent at Lake Ohrid were hot, anyway, so we thought that the whole family would have much more fun on the beach. The beach it was, and no regrets there.

Despite the fact that all we’re able to tell you about this monastery is our reasons not to visit it, we encourage you to do so nevertheless. 🙂 You can also take a boat ride to the source of Lake Ohrid from the monastery grounds.

Hiking in Galičica National Park above Lake Ohrid

When it comes to hiking in Ohrid, your best bet is visiting nearby Galičica National Park. Galičica Mountains tower above Ohrid lake, and some local companies offer guided hikes, but you can also hike there on your own. Trail maps are posted at most trailheads, and trails start from the towns of Peshtani, Elshani or Trpejca, and along road P504.

P504 is a zigzagging road that took us through the park, and it connects Lake Ohrid with Lake Prespa. It’s a toll road, the road quality is varying from good to still acceptable, but the views are great! The famous trail to Magaro peak also starts along this road, and it was the only longer hike we’ve done in the park.

It’s an amazing, 7 kilometres scenic loop trail that took us through wildflower meadows and snow fields, and rewarded us with a panorama of the two large lakes and all the mountains of Galičica below us.

Read this, too: Complete Guide To Galičica National Park, North Macedonia

Where to stay in Ohrid

Ohrid old town is the best place to stay and use as a base to walk in town and explore the rest of Lake Ohrid.

Best luxury hotel: Hotel Aleksandrija is a 4-star hotel on the lakeshore of beautiful Ohrid lake. The location is excellent, even though it’s not inside the old town, it’s right by the lower gate. The waterfront promenade is also a few steps away. It offers spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, with breakfast upon request.

Best mid-range accommodation : Located next to the Church of Saint Sophia in the old town and connected to Potpesh Beach by a scenic boardwalk, the Apartments Kanevce Beach & Relax are great for those looking for a comfortable self-catering accommodation. It has a garden with a terrace, and you can rent bikes, too.

Best budget accommodation: Apartment Ain Naum is a few streets further from the lakeshore, but it still has a great location in the old town, and you can enjoy nice lake views from the balcony. The apartment is spacious, clean and has excellent guest reviews.

Parking and road tolls

First of all, the only toll road is P504 through Galičica National Park. North Macedonia has motorways, but they don’t reach Lake Ohrid. That also means you shouldn’t expect a motorway quality road. The road along the lakeshore is fine, but narrow and has lots of curves, so drive carefully. However, if you’re not the one driving, you can enjoy the nice views.

Parking is only a problem in Ohrid. You’re not allowed to drive into the old town – unless your apartment owns a space that you can use. Since the old town of Ohrid is the best place to stay, we recommend booking accommodation with free parking there.

Otherwise, paved or dirt parking lots are free to use on the lakeshore, and you can also park on the streets in the smaller towns if there’s enough space. Parking fee is charged at the Monastery of Saint Naum though , where you can use a large, paved parking lot in front of the building complex.

So… are you ready for a visit? What else would you like to know?

Read more about what to see and do in North Macedonia:

• 9 Things To Know Before Traveling To North Macedonia
• Your Guide To Pelister National Park, North Macedonia
• Your Guide To Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you are ready to book your trip and would like to support this website in some way, here’s your chance. Thank you! 🙂

Related articles:

Your Guide To Galičica National Park, North Macedonia

Where To Stay In Skopje, North Macedonia?

10 Things To Know Before Visiting North Macedonia

Which are the best lesser-known hikes in north america, sign up to get your free e-book and join the community:, by beata urmos.

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

Across the courtyard from the Holy Mother of God Perivleptos (Sveta Bogorodica Perivleptos) church is the Museum of Icons. Don’t miss it! Nothing like it it this side of Moscow! If it is closed when you get there, go back.

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Skopje And Lake Ohrid: The Perfect North Macedonia Trip

• Last Updated On: August 1, 2022

To round out the remaining my Balkan countries list, I finally was able to visit North Macedonia (formerly known as just Macedonia). It was the last country on my list of former Yugoslavian nations. I’m a big fan of the Balkans having visited Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on one trip, and Slovenia on another. Not only are the people incredibly friendly and charming, but the food is right up my alley. As well, the recent history of the Balkans is tragic but truly fascinating for me.

North Macedonia was my last country and I spent five days here as part of my South Balkans trip that included Albania and Kosovo as well. I didn’t get to see everything in Macedonia but did visit the highlights including Lake Ohrid, Tetovo, and Skopje. If you are planning a quick trip to the country, I think 4-5 days is enough to see everything. To be honest, I thought Lake Ohrid and Skopje were perfectly fine for a trip. If you’re into mountains and nature, I think Albania is more stunning with their alps and lakes.

Macedonia and Greece

Prior to visiting to North Macedonia, I always thought it was strange that Macedonia would willingly change their name and add a word to it. Why make your name longer when you already had it so good?

It turns out that Macedonia is also a province in Greece! It is the northernmost province with Thessaloniki as its capital. It essentially borders the country of North Macedonia. However, because it is a part of Greece, the name of Macedonia was never contested. That is until 2018 when North Macedonia made a push to join the EU. They didn’t want to upset their Greek neighbors and changed their name so to highlight that Macedonia is not just where modern day North Macedonia lies.

Turns out in Ancient times, the Macedonian kingdom heralded by Philip (Alexander the Great’s father) encompassed modern day North Macedonia and the Greek province of Macedonia. It was only centuries later that Slavs came and settled in modern day North Macedonia.

How to plan a trip in North Macedonia?

For this itinerary, I will focus primarily on Lake Ohrid and Skopje. Structuring your trip is quite simple as there are only really two destinations. You can spend as little or as much time in each place as you want but it’s up to you what kind of relaxation levels you want to achieve.

All flights will land in Skopje, the North Macedonia capital. This is one of the prettier capitals that I’ve seen, especially after visiting Tirana and Pristina. I think you need at least one full day to see everything so I would allot at least two nights to Skopje.

From Skopje to Lake Ohrid is 2.5 hours by bus or 2 hours by car. Within Lake Ohrid, there are a few different highlights to see but most people base themselves in the town of Ohrid. This beautiful lake side town is definitely the highlight of a trip to North Macedonia. It reminds me a bit of Lake Como and is the perfect place to relax. I stayed in a beautiful apartment right on the hill which afforded me views of the entire town.

I would recommend 2-3 nights in Ohrid so you can see everything and feel relaxed.

North Macedonia Itinerary

A sample N. Macedonia Itinerary can look something like this

Day 1: Arrive in Skopje Day 2: Full day in Skopje Day 3: Bus from Skopje to Ohrid Day 4: Full day in Ohrid Day 5: Full day in Ohrid Day 6: Bus back to Skopje and flight home

Alternatively, you could shorten this trip by simply spending less time in Ohrid.

Rent a car or not?

If you’re only visiting North Macedonia, I think renting a car is personal preference. If you want to do a lot of hiking or exploring smaller towns then renting a car would be a good move. Otherwise, I don’t think it’s necessary since you are only going to the most popular places.

If you are keen to rent a car, the rental prices in North Macedonia are quite cheap.

How much money do I need for North Macedonia?

If you’re looking to budget travel around a developed country, then North Macedonia is your spot. Things in North Macedonia, like neighboring Albania and Kosovo are very very affordable. Prices for basic goods like food and alcohol might be among the cheapest I’ve seen.

The official currency is the  Macedonian Dinar  which is mostly pegged 60 to 1 with the Euro. Euros and Dinars can be used interchangeably in the country. If you do use Euros, you can expect to be paid back in Dinars.

The basic price for a delicious lunch of Kebapi at a local style restaurant is between 120-150 Dinars. A cocktail at a nice cocktail lounge in Skopje will be 200 to 250 Dinars. You can also expect to have a delicious dinner with drinks at a good restaurant for 500 Dinars.

Of course, the more touristy places like Ohrid will be more expensive but it won’t break the bank that is for sure.

Skopje City

Skopje is the North Macedonian capital. It’s likely any trip will start here unless you are coming by way of Albania (in which chase Lake Ohrid would be your first stop most likely).

Skopje is not your typical European getaway. It lacks the absolute charm of places like Vienna or Amsterdam, but it holds its own with its unique history and character. The city is divided into two parts; an old quarter featuring the bazaars left over from the Ottoman times, and the newer quarter built up after Ottoman occupation in more “traditional European” ways.

In this list of things to do in Skopje, you’ll find hammams that have been converted into art galleries, brutalist architecture, trendy cafes, a museum dedicated to Skopje’s most famous resident and another to the earthquake that flattened the city in 1963.

The drive is quite scenic with the mountain views and terrace farms. There isn’t a whole lot to see besides the Ottoman era mosque in Tetove which has some of the most stunning murals I’ve seen on a Mosque.

This area in the west of Macedonia is mostly Albanian which I learned shortly after that much of the population in North Macedonia is Albanian, similar to how much of Southern Albania’s population consider themselves Greek.

Skopje is a beautiful town and was definitely the most beautiful capital of the three countries in my opinion (Tirana, Skopje, and Pristina). The town has a fantastic vibe and energy which I enjoyed.

Walking tour of Skopje

The free walking tour of Skopje is a great way to see all the sights of the city. There is one company that does these and they meet in the main Square next to the Alexander the Great statue. My guide was great as he explained so much about the city I wouldn’t have known otherwise.

For starters, Macedonia is a former Yugoslavian country and therefore have a Slavic language. However, I never knew that Greece  also has a Macedonia part which is the region in the very north with Thessaloniki as its capital. In Ancient times, “Macedonia” encompassed what is now modern day North Macedonia and “South Macedonia” which is in Greece. However, Slavs moved in during the 5th century AD and staked out their land.

Up until 2018, the country of “Macedonia” was what is now North Macedonia. However, as North Macedonia wants to join the EU, they needed to change their name because their neighbors Greece was not happy with their claim to all of the “Macedonia” name. North Macedonia was therefore created and adopted only a few years ago. Most people were not happy about the name change and I can’t blame them!

Nevertheless, the walking tour is great as it explores the new part of the town with more European and Communist style buildings as well as the old part of town just over the old Bridge. This area was thriving in Ottoman times and nowadays is home to a Bazaar style neighborhood with shops and restaurants closely packed. It is in fact, the second largest Bazaar style neighborhood after Istanbul !

Visit Macedonia Square

If you are doing the free walking tour, you will undoubtedly pass through the main square of Skopje. This large open square features the famous Alexander the Great statue which of course upset N. Macedonia’s neighbors to the who feel like only they can lay claim to them.

The Square also features mostly new pieces of architecture remodeled and refitted in the last few decades to spruce up the city. Many statues of famous figures were created in the last two decades as a way to make the city prettier and more inviting for tourists. This of course has caused lots of controversy with people as tax money inevitable becomes misused. Nevertheless, I think they have done a good job and the city looks much nicer than I expected.

You will notice the huge Marriott hotel right in the Square. It might look like a historical building that has stood the test of time for centuries. However, that is not the case. It is the first Marriott built in the Balkans and was constructed from scratch. The Government told Marriott they could make the inside whatever they wanted but the outside facade had to resemble the Gothic architecture befitting of other European capitals.

Explore the Bohemian Neighborhood of Debar Maalo

I stayed in the Bohemian neighborhood that is just 15 minutes away from the city center. I was recommended this area as it was where all the cool bars and restaurants are. If you want a more neighborhood vibe, then this is definitely where you’ll want to stay.

Make sure to visit the cocktail bars of Casa and visit the restaurants on the main strip. The two I went to were  Shopski Merak  and Taverna Debar Maalo. These places are located across the street from each other and are definitely where all the cool people in Skopje hang out (as well as tourists).

Taberna Debar Maalo was playing Balkan music all night and it was here that I met some very cool local people. Inevitably, we started drinking rakja and the night went blurry quick.

Get lost in the Old Baazar (TBD)

The old bazaar of Skopje is in fact the second largest Ottoman style bazaar in the world after Istanbul. Of course it can’t compete to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul but it is much larger than it appears. A visit is a must and can be easily done by crossing the old bridge from the main square.

I didn’t spend a whole lot of time exploring the old town but there are two places that I can recommend.

The first is a cevapcici restaurant among the myriad of other cevapcici restaurants. This is the beloved street food of the Balkans and no one did it better than Kosmos Kebabchilnica (in Macedonia they call it Kebapi and in Bosnia/Serbia/Croatia they call it cevapi). The meat is grilling in front of you and the smoke flavor that is imbued into the meat is divine! All for 120 dinars.

After chowing down cevapi, head over to the ultimate Baklava shop nearby run by this sweet old lady. Her shop is called ‘Turska baklava Angela Merkel’. You can’t miss it – it’s the only shop with pictures of German Chancellor Angela Merkel and a baklava dedicated in her honor. There is also a huge posted of Turkish president Erdogan. I was told from my walking tour guide that she is his biggest fan and have gotten into heated arguments with Turkish tourists in the past.

Skopje to Ohrid by bus or private transport

As this is one of the most popular routes in N. Macedonia, there is a regular bus line from Skopje to Ohrid at intervals of one hour. The first bus is at 5:30 am and the last one starts its trip at 7.30 pm. The ticket costs 9 euros if you are going one way, and if you want to get a return ticket it will cost you 14 euros.

The bus trip takes around three hours and you are likely to make a few stops as the bus picks up passengers from other stations along the road. There is only one longer break where you can rest your legs and visit the restroom, and it is located at the tallest point of the road, named Straza.

Another option for transportation is to take a private  transfer from Skopje to Ohrid  by a car with a professional driver. It’s a very convenient way to travel, and not so expensive you might think.

Lake Ohrid is the  symbol of North Macedonian tourism  and a can’t-miss in the Balkans. Shared with Albania, this is the  only inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site  in North Macedonia and one of only a few dozen anywhere in the world to be included on both the Cultural and Natural lists.

Ohrid’s cobalt waters are a mecca for international and domestic tourists alike. The town of Ohrid is an obvious place to base your stay. It boasts a  charming Old Town  and a buzzing ‘tourist centre’ filled with restaurants, wine bars and shops.

There are lots of alternative villages near Ohrid if you want to escape the hustle of Ohrid. I visited in May during COVID so there was almost no tourists. However, I have heard that in normal times during the summer months, it can get very crowded. Nevertheless, the town of Ohrid itself is a beautiful highlight that you must visit. It’s probably the only town on the lake that has that old city charm unlike Lake Como where every city seemed to be a must visit.

What to do in Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is similar to Lake Como in that there are multiple towns surrounding the lake. However, I found that only one was historic and picturesque and that was of the town of Ohrid. People don’t talk much about the other towns so I think it’s safe to base yourself entirely in Ohrid.

Staying in the old town of Ohrid is the way to go as you will be close to all the sights. The main things to see here are the fortress at the top of the town and numerous Orthodox churches. The fortress is a short walk and can be done in a few minutes.

Of the churches, the most famous and most picturesque is without a doubt St John’s Church right on the tip of the peninsula. From here, you have panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and this beautiful Orthodox church perched by itself overlooking the lake.

Aside from this, you can take a catamaran around the lake as a tour. Simply walk along the main waterfront and there are plenty of people selling tours from their boats.

Simply, there is just time here to relax and soak up the beautiful lake views. I definitely could have stayed in Ohrid for a few more days.

For the best morning cafes, go to  Terazza Aquarius which is right on the water overlooking the old town.

Bay of the Bones

The Bay of the Bones Museum was a lovely place I visited during my trip to Ohrid. The complex is situated in Gradiste, 16 kilometers away from the beautiful town of Ohrid.

I thought this was an ancient settlement but it is infact just a museum that offers 24 replicas of prehistorian houses on a wooden platform placed above the Lake Ohrid. It’s meant to show how ancient dwellers of the region lived.

Although the village isn’t big, it will surely bring you closer to the people who lived there thousands of years ago. Animal remains, pottery, jewelry, all found in the beautiful, crystal clear water of Ohrid will take you back to the past, for a minute.

It’s well worth a visit if you have a car, but otherwise many of the boat tours from Ohrid town will bring you here. You don’t need more than a half hour here but you can take some very nice pictures from the jetty of the lake!

Stay at Villa Ohrid

There are so many amazing guesthouses in Lake Ohrid so your options are endless. I wanted a view of the town and of the lake so I ended up choosing to stay at Villa Ohrid . It did not disappoint because I had a balcony that was front and center viewing the lake. Waking up to this view every morning was divine.

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If you are ever in Ohrid again, make sure to go to Trpejca (hidden gem most articles won’t talk about)

Ah I was almost going to go there but stopped at the bay of the bones. Next time ????

REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA !

The name change was illegal. It was done against the people’s will. The government didn’t get the support on the referendum for the name change. The majority of the people boycotted the referendum and didn’t accept the proposal to change the name.

The fact that Slavs settled on the Balkans 15 centuries ago is totally irrelevant in your text.

The name of the country was, is, and will be… Republic of Macedonia.

Hi Alexander, yes I learned about the referendum too. Pretty ridiculous but in the end it’s all about joining the EU and not pissing off Greece i guess.

You guess wrong. It’s not at all about joining EU. The membership in a temporary union is not that worthy.

If your name (I guess it’s Johnny) pisses your neighbor off… Will you change it just because of it?

The Ultimate Ohrid Travel Guide

Ohrid travel guide – captivating visitors with its timeless beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Ohrid is recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. The city’s medieval old town, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture, is a treasure trove of historic sites, including the iconic Ohrid Cathedral and the ancient Saint Naum Monastery.

The lake, framed by the picturesque Galicica National Park, offers crystal-clear waters and opportunities for leisurely boat rides. Ohrid seamlessly combines natural splendor with cultural significance, making it an enchanting destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

Ohrid is great for…

• Watersports
• Architecture
• coffee culture
• Galicica NP

Ohrid Transport Links

By Bus Intercity Bus Station ( Google Maps ) ( Timetable and tickets ) Domestic Routes: Skopje, Bitola, Kichevo, Tetovo, Gostiva, Struga, Sv Naum International Routes: Belgrade, Nis, Tirana, Shkodër, Podgorica, Kotor, Dubrovnik

By Plane Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport ( Google Maps ) ( Timetable and tickets ) International Routes: Vienna, Dortmund, Manchester, Memmingen, Zurich

Things to do in Ohrid

Attractions and activities to make your visit an unforgettable one

Ohrid Old Town

Begin your adventure in the enchanting Old Town, a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets adorned with medieval architecture. Explore the historic churches, traditional houses, and artisan shops that make this area a step back in time.

Ohrid Lake Promenade

Take a leisurely stroll along the Promenade and absorb the breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, stop by charming cafes, and consider a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of the lake.

Samuel’s Fortress

Ascend to the hilltop to visit Samuel’s Fortress, an ancient stronghold that provides panoramic views of Ohrid and the lake. Explore the well-preserved walls, towers, and archaeological remnants, immersing yourself in the town’s rich history.

Saint Naum Monastery

Venture south along the lake to discover the Saint Naum Monastery, a tranquil and scenic site. The monastery complex, surrounded by lush greenery, offers a peaceful retreat. Don’t miss the chance to take a boat trip to the nearby springs, known for their crystal-clear waters.

Church of St. John at Kaneo

Perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, the Church of St. John at Kaneo is an iconic symbol of Ohrid. Admire the medieval frescoes inside the church and savor the spectacular views of the lake and mountains from this vantage point.

Ohrid Amphitheater

Immerse yourself in ancient history by visiting the Ohrid Amphitheater, a well-preserved Roman theater. This archaeological site hosts events during the summer months, offering a unique cultural experience against a backdrop of ancient ruins.

Plaoshnik Archaeological Site

Explore the Plaoshnik Archaeological Site, home to the reconstructed Church of St. Clement of Ohrid and the University of St. Clement. Uncover the history of the first Slavic university and admire the beautiful mosaics.

Icon Gallery

Dive into the religious and artistic heritage of Ohrid by visiting the Ohrid Icon Gallery. The collection features icons from the medieval period, providing insight into the region’s Byzantine and post-Byzantine artistry.

Ohrid Bazaar

Wander through the lively Ohrid Bazaar, where traditional markets meet modern boutiques. Explore the vibrant stalls selling handmade crafts, local souvenirs, and traditional Macedonian delicacies.

Water Activities

Take advantage of Lake Ohrid’s crystal-clear waters by engaging in various water activities. Whether it’s swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying a relaxing boat tour, the lake provides ample opportunities for aquatic adventures.

Bay of Bones Museum

Explore the Bay of Bones Museum, a reconstructed prehistoric settlement built on stilts over the water. Learn about the lifestyle of the ancient inhabitants of Lake Ohrid and their innovative construction techniques.

Beach Labino

For a relaxing day by the lake, head to Beach Labino. This pebble beach, nestled between the cliffs and the lake, offers a tranquil setting for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the serene atmosphere of Lake Ohrid.

Find out more about beaches to visit in North Macedonia in this post .

Walk along the well-preserved City Walls, which once encircled the Old Town for protection. The walls provide not only a glimpse into Ohrid’s medieval past but also offer stunning views of the town and the lake.

Galicica National Park

Venture into the Galicica National Park, which surrounds Lake Ohrid. Hike or drive through this pristine natural reserve to witness diverse flora and fauna, including rare orchids and endemic species. The park offers numerous trails for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Day Trip to Struga

Take a short drive to the nearby town of Struga, located at the other end of Lake Ohrid. Explore the charming streets, visit the unique Vevchani Springs, and experience the cultural and architectural highlights of this lakeside destination.

Sunset Cruise on Lake Ohrid

Wrap up your day with a romantic sunset cruise. Several local operators offer boat trips during the evening, allowing you to witness the sun setting over the lake, casting a warm glow on the surrounding mountains and creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Try Macedonian Cuisine

Indulge your taste buds in Macedonian cuisine by sampling local dishes at the numerous restaurants and taverns around the city. Don’t miss out on specialties like Tavche Gravche (baked beans), Pastrmajlija (Macedonian Pizza), Ohrid trout, and traditional desserts like Tulumba and Palachinki. Find out more about what food to try during your visit, in our post on North Macedonian Food.

Upcoming events

Explore upcoming events in Ohrid, that you may want to incorporate in to your visit

may 24-26, 2024

Ohrid ultra-trail.

The Ohrid Ultra Trail event is an exhilarating and challenging trail running race that unfolds amidst the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Lake Ohrid.

JUL – AUG 2024

Ohrid summer festival.

The Summer Festival transforms the picturesque lakeside city of Ohrid into a vibrant stage for music, dance, and theater, captivating audiences with a diverse array of performances.

JUL 27 – AUG 1, 2024

Ohrid waves.

The Waves Festival immerses attendees in a dynamic celebration of electronic music, creating an electrifying atmosphere on the shores of Lake Ohrid.

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16 Wonderful Things to Do in Ohrid

• April 5, 2024

Ohrid is a significantly historic and beautiful ancient lakefront town in Europe . However, depending on which part of the world you’re reading this from, there is a chance you’ve never heard of it.

For decades, Ohrid has been an important tourism hub and has entertained Europeans on their annual holidays. But the absence of international travellers makes it an intriguing hidden gem.

The city of Ohrid is steeped in historic landmarks, religious sites, and one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world . Before Ohrid really takes off with visitors from the rest of the world, it’s a magical place that any “off the tourist track” traveler will genuinely appreciate.

From the best things to see, how to get there and where to stay, this is our complete Ohrid travel guide.

Where Is Ohrid?

Is lake ohrid worth visiting, tourist map of ohrid.

• Church of Saint John the Theologian
• Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
• Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
• Church of Saint Sophia
• Potpesh Boardwalk
• Beach Labino
• Galičica National Park
• Samuel’s Fortress
• National Workshop For Handmade Paper
• Ohrid City Park
• Old Bazaar Street
• Boat or Sailing Tour
• Promenade and Drinks
• The Bay of Bones Museum
• Trpejca Beachfront
• Saint Naum Monastery

Flying to Ohrid

Flying to skopje, flying to tirana, the best time to visit ohrid, best mountain stay, best old town apartments.

• Best Stay With a View

Best Lakeside Stay With Pools

Best quiet location apartment.

• Best Luxury Stay
• Search for Ohrid Hotels
• Travel Tips for Visiting Ohrid

Lake Ohrid Travel Resources

STOP HERE if you’re not interested in a self-guided trip to Ohrid. Instead, consider a convenient day trip to Ohrid from Skopje that includes transportation and a guide . Easy peasy and done!

→ Book a Full-Day Tour of Ohrid from Skopje ←

Essentials for Visiting Ohrid

🛫 To reach Ohrid by plane, you’re more likely to find cheaper flights by flying into Skopje Airport instead of Ohrid Airport .

⛱ Ohrid is an incredible lake destination. To experience Ohrid at its best, plan a visit in late summer or early fall when the weather is still pleasant but crowds have gone.

🛌 If you’re visiting Ohrid without a car, book a stay in the centre of Ohrid . This way, you’re within walking distance of the major attractions and the lakefront. Comparatively, accommodation prices in Ohrid are a fantastic value.

→ Book a top rated stay in Ohrid ←

🚶🏻‍♀️Book a walking tour of Ohrid in order to learn about the city from a local or professional.

⛵️ Opt for a boat ride, water taxi or sailing excursion to explore Lake Ohrid or to visit the gorgeous Saint Naum Monastery.

📸 Must Do Activity: Panoramic Boat Cruise of Old Town Ohrid

Ohrid is the 6th-largest city in North Macedonia and is located in the southwest corner of the country. North Macedonia is a country in the Balkans , a group of countries in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by a handful of other countries, including Kosovo and Greece. Although North Macedonia is landlocked, the city of Ohrid is a frequented lakefront town on Lake Ohrid.

Lake Ohrid is partially divided between two countries, and approximately 1/3 of it belongs to Albania. This means that Ohrid is less than 30 km (18 miles) away from the Albanian border, and, in fact, it’s only a 2.5-hour drive to Tirana. Domestically, Ohrid is situated 180 km (111 miles) south of the nation’s capital, Skopje.

A second lake named Lake Prespa is situated just to the right of Lake Ohrid. This lake is also shared, but with Greece instead of Albania. From the Greek border, the city of Ohrid is just under 90 km (56 miles) to the north .

📞 Stay Connected: Before arriving in a country outside of the EU, pre-purchase an eSIM card for your phone so it can be used instantly once you get there. Setting up an eSIM with a provider like Airalo ensures you have internet access as soon as you arrive. For us, this method gives us peace of mind that we don’t have to scramble in the first day or so to find a local SIM card.

There are certain places we visit that leave us with the impression: “More people should know about this place.” Ohrid and its lake are unquestionably one of the most underrated destinations we’ve had the pleasure of discovering. However, this is not to say that it’s a hidden gem by any means. It’s long been a well-deserved holiday hotspot for many Europeans; it just has not made a splash with Americans and other international travellers. Honestly , we wouldn’t necessarily mind if it stayed this way so we can continue to come back and enjoy Ohrid’s beauty without mass tourism .

The most obvious reason why Lake Ohrid is worth visiting is its unparalleled beauty and distinctly clear water. Most photos you’ll see of Lake Ohrid beaches can easily be mistaken for the sea. For anyone even slightly keen on having the ultimate holiday by a lake, it’s hard to find a better option than Lake Ohrid.

Lake Ohrid has everything one would require for an idyllic European summer. Stunning beaches, waterfront dining, and an ancient town to wander through. As if these aren’t enough reasons, its overall affordability in comparison to other hotspots on the continent will certainly win anyone over.

Lake Ohrid is a natural wonder and holds significant historical importance. It was even deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. A majority of the lake’s water originates from underground springs, some of which are at the surface level. Along with its impressive deepest point of 290 meters, Lake Ohrid is believed to be over one million years old. Its many unique characteristics have led researchers to identify Lake Ohrid as one of the most special lakes in the world.

As if being so geographically blessed is not enough, history has uncovered that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Furthermore, as recently as 2023, discoveries unearthed clues to finding remnants of villages from 8,500 years ago that were built on stilts in the middle of the lake.

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Skopje ←

The Best Things to Do in Ohrid

1. church of saint john the theologian.

One of the most famous symbols of Ohrid (and the most photogenic) is the Church of Saint John the Theologian . Originally built on a stone foundation, the astounding church is also a combination of architectural styles, including Byzantine and Armenian. Most notably, it is blessed with one of the most picture-perfect settings in Ohrid. Perched on a cliff over a historic fishing village , you won’t find a more idyllic atmosphere. Whether you plan a visit to sit in peace with an unobstructed view of the lake or simply want the best photo opportunity in Ohrid, this site is a must-see.

To reach the church from the Old Town, you can do so along the lower lakefront path or from the upper road by Samuel’s Fortress. The best panoramic view of the church and lake can be found here .

2. Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid

In modern times, it’s easy for visitors to gaze upon an ancient landmark and overlook the thought and purpose put into constructing it. When building the ancient theatre of Ohrid, it has been discovered how carefully each decision was made. The theatre sits in the upper part of the Old Town and between two hills, therefore protecting the performance acoustics from winds.

Furthermore, it advantageously faces the lake and boasts scenic views of Galičica mountain . Details have also been uncovered that imply the gladiator fights that took place during Roman times. Ohrid’s ancient theatre is the only Hellenistic-style theatre in the entire country and dates back to 200 BC . Visitors can now admire it anytime for free.

3. Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

The ancient monastery originally dates back to when Saint Clement first arrived in Ohrid. At some point, it was used as a place to spread the teachings of what is now the Cyrillic alphabet . It was found that the number of students hosted reached a number of 3,500. Therefore, it created the reputation of being the first Slavic University in the world.

After the saint’s death, he was buried in a crypt built for himself underneath the monastery , which is still possible to visit today. As with all monasteries and historical landmarks in Ohrid, the religious site passed through a variety of empires. This has made it a rich archaeological site as research has uncovered remnants of a Roman basilica and different mosques . A small entrance fee of around €2 is needed to go inside the outdoor complex.

4. Church of Saint Sophia

With Ohrid’s more famous church on the waterfront stealing the spotlight, the Church of Saint Sophia is vastly underrated. The church’s marvellous architecture, peaceful surrounding garden, and its grand presence are a highlight of Ohrid’s Old Town. If you’re passing by without knowing it, the church’s beautiful arches and columns will catch your eye.

Originally from the 11th century, the church has undergone many changes, including being converted to a mosque at one point. Inside the church, medieval frescoes have stood the test of time and bring the interior of the ancient church to life. To enter the church, there is a small fee of less than €2, but the exterior is free to enjoy at any time. For those particularly focused on learning more about the church, you can pay extra (about €10) for a guided tour.

5. Potpesh Boardwalk

From the old city, it’s possible to reach the Church of Saint John the Theologian from the top or bottom. Walking along the waterfront route is much more scenic and overall a beautiful experience. The Ohrid Boardwalk, which leads to Beach Potpesh and beyond, is a charming yet functional feature most likely put into place because of tourists. As a boardwalk should, it is built into the water and hugs the cliffside , allowing pedestrians to maneuver along the shore without having to endure the old town’s hills.

After Beach Potpesh, you’ll run into a section of a few restaurants which also rent umbrellas and sunbeds for the beach.  Kaneo Restaurant was specifically recommended to us more than once and has a dreamy location and view.

6. Beach Labino

For a tranquil setting to enjoy the beach, plan a brief hike to Beach Labino . It is an untouched and “wild” beach with zero bars or sunbeds to spoil the serene atmosphere. Since it is slightly off the beaten track , you won’t encounter many other visitors, which makes this beach that much more magical.

The water is characteristically immaculate, and the beach is comprised of pebble rocks. To reach Beach Labino, you must walk through the forest surrounding Samuel’s Fortress and down the hillside. If you’re already on a trek to visit the Church of Saint John the Theologian, you can reach Beach Labino by walking on the path directly above the shoreline.

7. Galičica National Park

Aside from the lake, Ohrid’s other prominent natural landmark is the Galičica National Park. Towering above the valley and city is the mountain of Galičica with the highest summit reaching 2,255 meters above sea level. Hiking and mountain biking are some of the national park’s most enjoyable activities, as the park is well-marked with trailheads.

Founded in the 1950s, the national park is home to an extensive range of vegetation and flora. Whether you take a 4×4 vehicle or trek your way on foot to the top, the panoramic view of Lake Ohrid at Galičica’s peak is guaranteed to blow you away. From both sides of the park, there are also dedicated paragliding starting points where you can watch people fly off into the distance.

Tips for Driving: You’ll want to enter the national park from the P501 road that runs along the lake’s shoreline. P504 is the road which leads all the way to Lake Prespa. To reach the top of Galičica Mountain, you need to turn left here . Keep in mind that from this point, the road is only paved for about 2 km until you reach the abandonded ski center. After these 2 km, it’s recommended you continue with a 4×4 car. Entrance to Galičica National Park is around €3.

8. Samuel’s Fortress

Upon one glimpse of Ohrid’s cityscape, you’ll notice the outstanding fortress perched on the hill. Derived from the oldest historical data on Ohrid, it is said that the fortress was erected around 209 BC . Although it’s been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the course of history, it still stands proudly as one of the largest medieval fortifications in the entire country.

Emperor Samuel, who reigned from 976 to 1014, ended up getting the credit for the fortress from his succession, and during the period when Ohrid was the capital for Macedonian Slavs. Today, it serves as a leading landmark of Ohrid city and a spectacular place to visit for sweeping views. Entrance to the fortress costs around €2 per person and takes about 15 minutes to walk through.

9. National Workshop For Handmade Paper

One of the most quirky and unexpected attractions you’ll come across in Ohrid is this paper-making workshop . Even for us, it wasn’t on our radar while walking through the old town, but we saw a sign for it and decided to stop in. Entrance is completely free, and the gracious family who runs the studio puts on demonstrations whenever a visitor is interested. From beginning to finish, the staff does great job explaining the process (in English too!). 

The workshop features a Gutenberg-style machine, which is what was used to make handmade paper the old-fashioned way. Throughout the shop, you’ll also see works of art on the handmade paper for sale. For anyone seeking an unconventional souvenir or gift, this is the perfect place to find one.

10. Ohrid City Park

A lakefront town wouldn’t be complete without an attractive city park to people-watch from. The park is well-maintained with small flower gardens, shaded benches, and peaceful views of the boats funnelling in and out. I will admit, we only came across the Ohrid City Park because it includes a great children’s playground . A playground so entertaining that our walking tour of Ohrid was delayed by our daughter refusing to leave.

In addition to the traditional play sets, there are vendors who rent motorized toy cars for children to use by the minute. In short, the city park is an excellent pit stop for families visiting Ohrid with children.

11. Old Bazaar Street

Running in parallel with the main avenue that leads to the lake is the street once used as a bazaar. In present-day, it’s still used as a shopping street but in a different sense and without typical ancient trade items. You’ll see many different kinds of shops ranging from tattoo studios, currency exchange offices to jewelry stores .

During the summer, it certainly gets packed with tourists searching for the perfect souvenirs to bring home. Without a doubt, it’s Ohrid’s most lively street and a petite version of something you’d stumble upon on Istanbul or a busy NYC street. If you’re headed into the old town of Ohrid, enter by the Chinar Tree and walk down the bazaar street to take advantage of the full experience.

12. Boat or Sailing Tour

What better way to enjoy a ravishing lake than by taking a boat trip? Touring Lake Ohrid by boat is possible in a few different ways, and there are many to choose from that depart from the Port of Ohrid. First, there are large ferries which act as water taxis along the eastern shoreline. These are typically large boats and carry many people in the direction of popular attractions like Saint Naum or the Bay of Bones Museum . If you are not travelling by car or simply don’t feel like driving, this is the best way to visit nearby attractions with minimal effort.

For a more private or exclusive experience, you can rent a small motorized boat for just your family or group. If you rent a boat with a skipper, they’ll be able to give you a tour from their local perspective and take you wherever you’d like to go.

Sailing tours are also common on Lake Ohrid and one of the most scenic ways to discover the area. While browsing boat tour options, you’ll also notice that nearly every boat operator’s price is the same. Or at least, it’s advertised at the same rate and gives you the option to negotiate if you prefer.

13. Promenade and Drinks

One of Ohrid’s most delightfully surprising features was its pedestrian promenade . It is in great shape, stretches far along the lakefront, and is lined with bars and restaurants . Beginning at the Port of Ohrid, you can start walking south, where you’ll cross the channel over a small bridge and continue past Despina Lounge Bar.

Throughout the promenade, you’ll also find multiple playgrounds for kids, green lawns to lay on, and quiet beach areas . After a day of swimming, stop into one of the waterfront bars for a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. The evening light hits Lake Ohrid in a stunning golden filter.

14. The Bay of Bones Museum

As possibly the most mentioned tourist attraction on Lake Ohrid, this museum is certainly one of a kind. The Bay of Bones Museum is a constructed replica of an ancient dwelling in the style it is believed to have existed during its actual time. Based on scientific findings and centuries of research, this authentic reproduction is an example of what a settlement looked like on Lake Ohrid between 1200 – 700 B.C.

For a glimpse into a prehistoric time, stepping back into the past at the Bay of Bones Museum is a must while visiting Ohrid. Admission to the Bay of Bones costs around €3 per person and includes access to the settlement model, an artefact museum and Roman military fortress.

15. Trpejca Beachfront

While many visitors will remain near Ohrid’s town centre for beaches, the eastern shoreline of the lake is where the best beaches are. Particularly as you head further south, a stunning landscape begins to present itself. The small village of Trpejca is home to arguably the most beautiful beach on Lake Ohrid . With clear water and blue hues, Trpejca Beach could be disguised as something you’d find on an island in the Adriatic Sea.

To reach Trpejca, it is best to drive. Parking is quite tricky in the small village, especially during the summer. It’s recommended to park near the mini market above the village and walk down to the beach.

If you feel like exploring, take a quick detour to Bluebay , which is hidden below Trpejca. There is nearly no public area as most of the shoreline belongs to the private waterfront homes, but it’s still worth catching a glimpse of. The scenery is exceptionally mesmerizing and reminds us of something from Southeast Asia.

16. Saint Naum Monastery

After visiting many monasteries, we made assumptions about what it was going to be like to see Saint Naum (Sveti Naum). Boy, were we wrong. Not to say it was better or worse than what we expected, it was just a unique experience . In the most respectful way possible, visiting St. Naum Monastery felt like going to a theme park. The drive down the tree-lined and landscaped driveway to reach the entrance feels as if you’re about to meet a queen.

Since it’s technically a monastery, entrance is free but parking is not . You don’t have an option to park anywhere else and must pay the insignificant parking fee.

The actual monastery is just one aspect of the entire area. A large section at the front of the complex is comprised of vendors selling souvenirs, ice cream, and beach equipment. The fact is, most people don’t come to visit Saint Naum Monastery, they come to visit the beaches and swim . Within the monastery grounds, you’ll also find a couple of restaurants and bars for lunch as well as large public restroom facilities.

The Springs of St. Naum was our favourite feature as it was fascinating to experience the cold water springs feeding directly into the lake. The monastery itself is gorgeous, boasts a beautiful view, and is still frequented by people who visit for religious purposes. Visitors interested in seeing this monastery from 900 A.D. can also get there by a one-hour long boat ride from Ohrid. 

How to Get to Lake Ohrid

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport is the nearest international airport to the city of Ohrid and is less than 30 minutes away. It may sound convenient, but in reality, flight options tend to be limited since it is a smaller airport in comparison to the nation’s capital. Finding indirect flights to Ohrid is the most common, so it really depends on whether you value price, time, or convenience more. Nonstop flights to Ohrid are very restricted, so counting on flying directly to Ohrid shouldn’t be your first plan of attack.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Ohrid Airport ←

To reach North Macedonia by plane, most people would fly into the international airport in Skopje, the country’s capital. It is the largest airport in the country and therefore, services the most flights. For visitors traveling from within Europe, direct flights to Skopje are widely available, especially in the summer. Well-known airlines that fly into Skopje include Austrian Airlines, easyJet, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian, SWISS, and the budget airline of Wizz Air. Flights departing from Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Warsaw and Frankfurt are just some of the possible nonstop flights to Skopje within Europe .

How Far Is Skopje From Ohrid?

After flying into Skopje, it takes about 3 hours to drive to Ohrid . By public transportation, expect a journey of nearly 4 hours from Skopje to Ohrid.

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Skopje Airport ←

Alternatively, it is an option to fly into Tirana, Albania and cross the border into North Macedonia from the western side. The driving distance from Tirana to Ohrid (3 hours) is the same as if you were to drive from Skopje. However, you’ll need to keep in mind the border crossing, which can take up to one hour on a busy day. If flights happen to be cheaper or work better for your schedule, browse flights to Tirana instead. 

→ ✈️ Find cheap flights to Tirana ←

One of the most common ways that travelers are visiting the Balkan countries is by road tripping. With a handful of borders within close proximity of each other, driving to and throughout the Balkans is efficient, convenient, and the best way to explore on your own schedule. Personally, we’ve completed a few border crossings from and to North Macedonia, none of which were problematic.

If you are driving from Albania, there are two options to access Lake Ohrid by land . The border by the Albanian town of Lin is called Kafasan and will take you along the west coast of Lake Ohrid. Secondly and from the bottom of the lake, it’s possible to drive through the St. Naum border crossing. From both Albanian borders, it takes one hour or less to reach Ohrid. From the north end of Greece, the closest border crossing to reach Ohrid is near Medzhitlija and is 1.5 hours away. Stretching further away from Lake Ohrid, there are land borders with entry to North Macedonia from every direction (Kosovo, Serbia, and Bulgaria) .

→ 🚗 Book a cheap rental car from Skopje Airport ←

Important Tips for Crossing Borders in the Balkans

• Understand that although you’re driving from one Balkan state to another, the countries are completely independent of each other . Avoid making generalizations, but for the most part, entry and exit requirements are similar. If you’re unsure or hesitant about anything, quickly research land border guidelines ahead of time. Furthermore, be mindful when you are driving from/to the EU and into a non-EU country. These border crossings tend to be much more thorough and lengthy processes.
• Do not always take navigation directions literally or trust them fully . We use Google Maps, and although it’s reliable in foreign countries 90% of the time, we always make it a habit to study the route before we commit. There was an instance where Google provided a route from North Macedonia to Albania through Kosovo. After examining the route, I noticed it had us crossing country lines through a forest with no official border in sight. If we were to have blindly started this navigation route, we would have wasted 2-4 hours by having to turn back around.

For a particular type of crowd, taking a tour bus to Lake Ohrid is very popular and was a common sight during our time there. These are not public buses, so tours are typically all-inclusive, which means they include guides and perhaps accommodation or activities. If you’re not one to self-plan, opting for this type of approach to explore Ohrid is an excellent choice. Full-day (or more) tours from Tirana and Skopje are abundantly available for tourists who aren’t renting a car or driving themselves.

→ 🎒 Book a full-day tour of Ohrid from Skopje ←

On average, Ohrid has a mild climate, and temperatures don’t usually reach extreme heights or lows. However, you can never be too sure nowadays, and it’s not uncommon for the weather to drastically change in a matter of days. In general, if you’re interested in taking full advantage of Ohrid’s lake , plan to visit between June and August . Temperatures can reach a high of 30°C (86°F) in the peak of summer, but the nice thing is that the lake’s temperature remains comfortably refreshing. Additionally, a couple of days filled with heavy rainfall are also not completely rare during the summer. Just in case, it’s not a bad idea to pack a raincoat.

For those who don’t plan on prioritizing beach days during a trip to Ohrid and perhaps are more keen on sightseeing, check out Ohrid in the fall . The months of September and October have a lesser chance of rainy days and are still warmer than spring months. Enjoying the national park and its many trails for hiking or biking is also best done during the shoulder season.

Compared to Western Europe, accommodation in Ohrid is inexpensive year-round . Nonetheless, if you’re looking to obtain the best deal possible or want a luxury experience that you wouldn’t normally be able to afford, you can save nearly 50% during the low season.

Where to Stay In Ohrid

There is a wide range of different types of accommodation in Ohrid. Ranging from beachfront hotels, town center apartments, mountain retreats to no-frills cabins , there are options for every budget.

For people who will have a car during their trip, choosing a centrally located place to stay isn’t much of a factor. The nearby towns and points of interest in Ohrid are all fairly close to the center , so getting around doesn’t eat up much of your day. If you’re the type of traveler that books accommodation based on price, you can easily find more affordable hotels and apartments the further from Ohrid you are.

If you are not traveling with a car, choose to stay in the center of Ohrid. This way, you will still be close to the action, and there are many beaches, restaurants, and bars within walking distance. Whenever you do feel like exploring, you can catch a boat from Ohrid’s port and head south along the lake’s coast. Regular ferry stops are made in multiple areas, stretching from Ohrid and all the way down to the Albanian border.

The best towns to stay in along the east shore of the lake include Sveti Stefan, Lagadin, Peshtani and Trpejca.

→ 🛌 Find a place to stay in Ohrid ←

Villa Velestovo

Bache Apartments

Vila Bisera

Final Tips for Visiting Ohrid

• Unlike neighboring countries, North Macedonia does widely accept cards at other establishments like restaurants, bars, and attractions. Bigger hotels may accept cards, but for nearly all other accommodation, have cash on hand just in case.
• English is spoken very commonly, especially with the younger generation. Still, it’s recommended to learn a few phrases in Macedonian to show respect as a visitor.
• Ohrid is incredibly safe. However, you may come across people begging who aren’t shy to come up to you. In general, be mindful of your items . If you’re not already covered, consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Ohrid.
• As a tourist, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you’re touring many religious sites. Try to be respectful in terms of clothing and your actions while visiting churches and monasteries .
• The beaches found along the Ohrid Boardwalk are scenic but they are not the best beaches on the lake. Alternatively, you’ll find the best beaches between Lagadin and St. Naum .
• Restaurants near Old Town can be overpriced and average tasting in comparison to other towns on Lake Ohrid. We always found the best meals near Ohrid at restaurants situated in the hills . When dining at beachfront eateries, you’re paying for the location and not necessarily the quality of food.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Ohrid Travel Guide: The Pearl of Macedonia

December 19, 2023 December 19, 2023 by piriguide

Ohrid is one of the most beautiful cities in the Balkans, and they don’t call it the pearl of the Balkans or even the pearl of Macedonia for nothing. It is as precious, bright, and significant as a pearl. With its deep-rooted history and natural beauties, it is quite rare. In fact, the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List! First, in 1979, Lake Ohrid, one of Ohrid’s greatest symbols, was added to the list. Later, the historical and natural texture of Ohrid ensured the entire city’s protection under UNESCO.

In this article, we have listed the must visit places in Ohrid for you. But before we start, let’s remind you: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile app to explore Ohrid step by step with your personal tour guide! 😊

Where is Ohrid?

Ohrid is known as the eighth-largest city in North Macedonia. It is also quite close to the border with Albania, approximately half an hour away. The city is about a three-hour drive from Skopje. It takes its name from the enchanting Lake Ohrid, which is considered one of the most stunning lakes in North Macedonia. Many tourists from landlocked countries without access to the sea, such as Kosovo and Serbia, choose this city region for their vacations.

When to Visit Ohrid?

For those who wish to visit Ohrid, the most suitable period is considered to be April and May. Especially during this time, the heavy rainfall comes to an end, and the temperatures are not excessively high. The festivals organized in these months may also catch your interest. For travelers who do not enjoy crowds and hot weather, visiting Ohrid in September and October, following August, is a more suitable option. The city also attracts attention with winter tourism opportunities. In January, which experiences the coldest temperatures in Ohrid, the average temperature varies between -2 degrees to 5 degrees. Therefore, it is advisable to be prepared when visiting during winter.

The Pearl of Ohrid

One of the most important cultural heritages of this city is its pearl. Over 200 species in the ecosystem of Lake Ohrid are endemic, meaning they exist only in this region. Out of 17 fish species, 10 are found exclusively in Lake Ohrid, with Letnica and belvica being the most famous. However, there is one fish that stands out—the plasica, used in the production of Ohrid pearl. When thinking of Ohrid pearl, don’t immediately picture the pearl that comes from the oyster. Ohrid pearl is made from a fish called plasica. The technology used in the production of this pearl is a family secret, known only to two families in Ohrid: the Filevi family and the Talevi family. A special liquid solution is made from the scales of the plasica fish in Lake Ohrid. This secret liquid solution is considered the key ingredient in the production of the Ohrid pearl.

Places to Visit in Ohrid

We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Ohrid. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on the P iri Guide mobile app.   Piri Guide  detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 😊

Saints Clement and Panteleimon Church

This is the church where the Cyrillic alphabet was born! Let’s explain right away: Saints Clement and Naum were Byzantine brothers and students of Cyril and Methodius. Cyril and Methodius are known today as the “Leaders of the Slavs.” They are the two most important figures who spread Christianity among the Slavs. They developed the Glagolitic alphabet to write the Old Slavic language. The Cyrillic alphabet was later developed based on the Glagolitic alphabet. Glagolitic is a Slavic alphabet believed to be used by the Bulgarian Slavs living in the Ohrid region. Initially, it was a liturgical script, later used as a cryptographic language or code. Finally, the familiar Cyrillic alphabet emerged.

Saint Clement used the newly built Church of Panteleimon to teach his students Old Church Slavonic and the Glagolitic alphabet. Research indicates that Ohrid native Clement and Naum of Preslav developed the Cyrillic alphabet. After developing the alphabet, Clement named it after his teacher Cyril, and he established the Ohrid Literary School.

After Clement’s death in the 10th century, he was buried inside this church. You can see his tomb inside the church.

Handmade Paper Workshop

The workshop was opened in 2002. Ohrid has been producing paper since the 16th century, following the ancient Chinese tradition of papermaking. The Chinese papermaking tradition reached Europe in the 13th century. They use the essence of the tree in the papermaking process, and in some cases, cotton can be added. For decoration, they utilize natural materials such as flowers, leaves, tobacco, and coffee.

Everything in this small workshop has been produced on a Gutenberg printing press. There are only two copies of the Gutenberg print in Europe, one in Slovenia and the other in Ohrid, where we are exploring today. Inside the workshop, they demonstrate how handmade paper is produced live. Additionally, you can purchase original handmade products.

The Lake Ohrid

Ohrid is known as the “City of Fish,” and it owes its abundance of fish to Lake Ohrid. The nearly 5 million-year-old Lake Ohrid is the oldest and deepest lake in the Balkans. Fifty percent of it is fed by underground springs. The water of Lake Ohrid is very clear, and the locals liken it to tears. They even call it the “Tear of the Eye Lake.” Just as tears cleanse and moisturize the eyes, the lake holds great importance for the people of the city. Throughout history, the waters of this lake have nourished and sustained them.

The Old Bazaar

The Old Bazaar starts from Ohrid city square and the harbor. This bazaar dates back to the Ottoman era, so you can find Turkish restaurants and brands both inside the bazaar and throughout the city. The street within the bazaar is also known as the Turkish Bazaar. There used to be a significant Turkish presence here, but it has decreased over time.

Throughout the bazaar, there are many cafes and restaurants. You can choose one with a view of the lake. Additionally, boutiques, bookstores, and souvenir shops are lined along this bazaar. Those who want to buy gifts for their loved ones should definitely check out the shops in the Old Bazaar.

Bay of the Bones Museum

The Bone Museum, also known as the Bay or Water Museum, is an archaeological complex located along the shore of Ohrid near Gradishte and Ploca Micov Kamen excavation sites. Its history dates back to 1200 to 700 BC. The Ohrid Lake, which is quite shallow at this point, has led to the emergence of a large wooden water museum.

Many consider the Bone Museum to be one of the largest prehistoric pile dwellings. Pile dwellings are simply houses built on the lake. There is a reason why it is called the Bay and the Museum of Bones. Many animal remains have been found at the excavation site. Some were in a fragmented state, but others have been preserved in containers and have reached the present day.

If you’re thinking of seeing Skopje while you’re there, be sure to check out our Skopje travel guide.

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AUDIO TOURS

Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images

Sublime Ohrid is North Macedonia's most seductive destination. It sits on the edge of serene Lake Ohrid, with an atmospheric old quarter that cascades down steep streets, dotted with beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle. Traditional restaurants and lakeside cafes liven up the cobblestone streets, which in high summer can be very lively indeed. Outside of July and August, the tourist circus subsides and the town becomes more lived in.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Ohrid Boardwalk & City Beach

Skimming the surface of the water along Ohrid's shore, snaking towards Kaneo fishing village and the town's most famous church, this over-water boardwalk…

Church of Sveti Jovan at Kaneo

This stunning 13th-century church is set on a cliff over the lake, about a 15-minute walk west of Ohrid's port area, and is possibly North Macedonia's…

Saluting the lake from Ohrid's hilltop, Plaošnik is home to the multidomed medieval Church of Sveti Kliment i Pantelejmon, the foundations of a 5th…

Sveta Bogorodica Bolnička & Sveti Nikola Bolnički

Bolnica means 'hospital' in Macedonian; during plagues visitors faced 40-day quarantines inside the walled confines of these petite churches, which are…

National Museum

Ohrid's National Museum is housed over three floors of this remarkably well-preserved Old Town house, which dates from 1863 and was once owned by the…

Church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta

Just inside the Gorna Porta, this 13th-century Byzantine church, whose name translates as 'Our Lady the Most Glorious', has vivid biblical frescoes (newly…

Sveta Sofija Cathedral

Ohrid's grandest church, 11th-century Sveta Sofija is supported by columns and decorated with elaborate, if very faded, Byzantine frescoes, though they…

National Workshop for Handmade Paper

Here's a slightly random fact for you: Ohrid has been printing paper since the 16th century and this museum-cum-shop has one of only two copies of the…

Latest stories from Ohrid

Aug 23, 2016 • 6 min read

Macedonians will proudly reel off to visitors that Ohrid once had 365 churches – one for every day of the year. Yet in truth, the church spires and their…

Aug 16, 2016 • 5 min read

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Ohrid Travel Guide: Notes for Traveling to Ohrid

Traveling to Ohrid means immersing yourself in a world of natural beauty and enchanting landscapes. Located in North Macedonia, this small city will captivate you with its famous turquoise lake and picturesque surroundings in the Balkan region. Our Ohrid travel guide is packed with tips and recommendations so you can discover all the treasures that this place has to offer.

General Information about Ohrid

Ohrid is a town in North Macedonia . It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its cultural and historical importance.

The city of Ohrid has a rich history, dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. The city has been an important religious and cultural center and boasts numerous historical and religious sites.

In addition to its cultural heritage, Ohrid is also known for its beautiful beaches and Lake Ohrid, which is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The lake is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of water activities.

The city of Ohrid has a population of about 40,000 inhabitants and is one of the main tourist destinations in North Macedonia. 

Geography of Ohrid

If you are wondering where Ohrid is located , you should know that is a city located in the southwest of North Macedonia , on the shores of Lake Ohrid, which is located on the border with Albania. The city is surrounded by the Galicica mountains and the Struga Plain.

Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, with a maximum depth of 296 meters. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water and unique biodiversity and is home to many endemic species.

The Galicica Mountains separate Lake Ohrid from Lake Prespa, which lies to the west of Ohrid. The mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

The Struga Plain is located north of Ohrid and is a fertile lowland region. The region is known for its production of apples and other fruits.

Map of Ohrid on Google Maps

What to Do in Ohrid: Activities

Ohrid offers a wide variety of activities for tourists, from water activities to cultural visits and outdoor sports. These are some of the most popular activities.

A boat ride on Lake Ohrid is one of the best ways to explore the lake, tourists can take a boat ride from the Ohrid port and enjoy the spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

In addition, you can enjoy water activities in Ohrid , as the city has numerous beaches along the lake, where tourists can sunbathe, swim and enjoy the views. You can also consider fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, swimming, and diving. It is possible to rent equipment and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the lake.

You can also visit the historical sites of Ohrid , as the city has many historically and culturally significant attractions to visit, such as the Ancient Theatre, Samuel's Fortress, and the Church of St. John in Kaneo.

Finally, the Ohrid region has many hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for outdoor sports such as paragliding and hang gliding. You can explore the mountains and enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding region.

Photo of lake, mountain, and the city of Ohrid

Photo by Slavcho Malezanov on Unsplash

What to See in Ohrid: Main Attractions

Ohrid is a culturally and historically rich city and has numerous sites of interest for tourists and visitors. Below, we show you some of the most outstanding places.

Ohrid Old Town is the historic center of the city and features numerous narrow cobblestone streets, old houses, and historic buildings.

The Church of St. Sophia is one of the oldest churches in the city, built in the 11th century in Byzantine style and noted for its frescoes and architecture. While the church of St. John in Kaneo is located on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid.

The monastery of St. Naum is an Orthodox monastery located on the shore of Lake Ohrid, about 30 kilometers from the city, and is famous for its frescoes and natural beauty.

The Ancient Theater of Ohrid is a Roman theater from the 2nd century BC, located in the center of the city, and is one of the few Roman theaters still in use in Europe. The Ohrid Fortress is located on a hill above the city. It offers breathtaking views of Lake Ohrid and the city.

The Ohrid Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the city and the region.

The city also has numerous beaches along the shore of Lake Ohrid, which are ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and other water activities.

Beaches of Ohrid

As we mentioned before, Ohrid is a town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. The lake has numerous sandy and pebble beaches along its shores and is a popular destination for tourists looking to enjoy the sun and crystal-clear water.

Gradiste Beach is located south of Ohrid and is one of the most popular beaches in the region, it has a long stretch of sand and is ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the views of the lake.

Kaneo Beach is in the center of Ohrid, near the church of St. John of Kaneo. It is a small, picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and a spectacular view of the lake.

Labino Beach is located east of Ohrid and is a pebble beach with a spectacular view of the lake, it has a long stretch of beach and is popular with tourists and locals.

St. Stefan Beach is located north of Ohrid, near the village of Elshani. It is a quiet and picturesque beach with crystal clear waters and a relaxed atmosphere.

Photo of a monastery in front of a lake and mountains

Photo by Gorjan Ivanovski on Unsplash

Ohrid Festivals

Ohrid is known for its festivals and cultural events, which attract visitors from all over the world. Some of the most important and popular festivals are:

The Ohrid Summer Festival is one of the largest festivals in the city and is held every year in July and August. It includes a wide variety of events, such as classical and modern music concerts, plays, dances, and an open-air cinema.

The Ohridski Trubaduri is a pop music festival held every year in August. It attracts many young people from all over North Macedonia and the Balkans.

St. Clement's Day is a religious and cultural festival held on July 23 in honor of St. Clement of Ohrid, the patron saint of the city. It includes religious processions, music, dances, and traditional food.

The International Folklore Festival is a festival of folk dance and music held every year in September. Folk groups from all over the world participate and offer a unique experience for visitors.

The Ohrid Film Festival is held every year in September. It includes screenings of films and documentaries from around the world, as well as panel discussions and workshops on the film industry.

Ohrid’s Gastronomy

Ohrid is rich in flavors and varieties and has a strong influence on Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine. We recommend some of its best dishes:

Lake Ohrid fish is fresh and delicious, especially trout, carp, and perch. They are prepared in various ways, from grilled to stews and soups.

Tavche Gravche is one of Macedonia's most traditional dishes, made from white beans cooked in a clay oven with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. Ajvar consists of a paste made with roasted peppers, garlic, and olive oil, it is used as an accompaniment to many dishes and as a sauce for bread.

Kebapi is skewers of minced meat (usually pork or lamb) served with flatbread, onions, and peppers. While turlitava is a stew made with a mixture of vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, tomato, bell pepper), minced meat, and spices.

Rakija is a fruit brandy produced in Macedonia and is very popular in the region and is made from a variety of fruits, such as plum, grape, and peach.

The Ohrid region is known for its high-quality wines, especially the white wine made from the Smederevka grape.

How to Get to Ohrid

If you are wondering how to get to Ohrid , here are some options that you should know.

The first option is to arrive in Ohrid by plane , since the city has the Ohrid International Airport , also known as Ohrid Saint Paul Apostle Airport, which is located about 10 kilometers north of the center.

The second option is the bus. You will find regular bus connections from the main cities in North Macedonia, such as Skopje, Bitola, and Prilep.

Finally, by car, because you can reach Ohrid through the E65 highway, which connects the city with Skopje and the border with Albania .

Getting around Ohrid: Transportation

If you are thinking about how to get around Ohrid , you should know that this is a small and compact city, so it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, but you can also get around by bus as Ohrid has a public transportation system that connects the city center with other surrounding areas.

In addition, there are many cabs available, and they are a good option for tourists who need to get around quickly and comfortably. 

Tourists who want to explore Ohrid's surroundings can choose to rent a car. There are several car rental companies available in the city, and the prices are quite reasonable.

Travelers can also opt to take a boat to explore Lake Ohrid .

Get to Know Ohrid Today

Ohrid is a popular destination for nature, history, and culture lovers, as well as for those looking for a relaxing beach vacation.

Thanks to its proximity to other important and cultural sites such as Greece , travelers choose to combine their excursions to Ohrid with these.

Would you like to tour one of the oldest cities in Europe? Would you like to save time when visiting tourist attractions? Greca offers you one-day tours of the most fascinating places in the city. Don't wait any longer and save your precious time with our excursions to Ohrid !

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If you were interested in our Ohrid travel guide and want to continue learning about this and other wonderful destinations, we invite you to take a look at our travel guides section, and plan your next adventure with Greca!

The best time to visit Ohrid is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. However, summer is also popular due to the warm weather and water activities in the lake.

During the peak tourist season in Ohrid, which extends from July to August, the weather is warm and sunny. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C. However, keep in mind that there may be higher tourist crowds and prices can be higher.

No specific vaccines are required to travel to Ohrid. However, it is recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations and consider consulting with a doctor or travel health clinic before your departure for personalized recommendations.

Yes, Ohrid is generally a safe destination for travel. As with any place, it is recommended to take normal precautions such as being mindful of your belongings and avoiding isolated areas at night. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers potential emergencies.

The currency used in Ohrid and Macedonia is the Macedonian denar (MKD). It is recommended to have some cash in denars for small expenses, but credit cards are also accepted in many tourist places.

Yes, English is spoken in Ohrid and most tourist destinations in Macedonia. Hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites typically have English-speaking staff. However, in more rural areas or outside the main tourist spots, English proficiency may be limited.

The typical duration of a stay in Ohrid varies depending on the traveler's preferences. For exploring the city and enjoying the main attractions, a stay of 2 to 3 days is usually sufficient. However, if you wish to do additional excursions or enjoy the natural surroundings, you may consider a stay of 4 to 5 days.

It is important to follow local regulations and restrictions when visiting Ohrid. Make sure to respect behavioral norms in religious and cultural places, as well as conservation regulations in the Ohrid National Park. Additionally, be mindful of any local guidelines related to mask usage and social distancing.

No, US citizens do not need a visa to travel to Ohrid or Macedonia in general. They can enter as tourists and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

US citizens need to have a valid passport to enter Ohrid and Macedonia. Additionally, it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses in case of illness or injuries during the stay.

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Ohrid North Macedonia: How to spend in one day

Ohrid did not come as a surprise with its fantastic architecture and the beautiful lake, a hidden gem in the Balkans. The city owes a status to its location and is worth a trip, even just for one day. Certainly put Ohrid on the itinerary when you visit North Macedonia. Where is Ohrid? I understand if you’re not familiar with this city. It is, in fact, a well-favored place compared to the capital city of North Macedonia, Skopje.

Was it worth a day trip? Definitely worth it! Although, it takes an effort to get there, I managed and enjoyed my trip so much. So if you scroll down to this blog, you will find out how to get there and what you can do with a limited time. I’m pretty sure that you have a memorable trip to North Macedonia.

How do you get to Ohrid?

Hmm, I see these questions coming. The first thing everyone searches on the internet. I have been reading blogs and watching videos just to find out how to get there efficiently. I even went to forums inquiring about the easiest way if I only got one day.

Some suggest staying overnight, which sounds good, but I do not have the luxury of time. My flight leaves in the morning, so I must be in Skopje the night before. Anyway, there are different ways to get to Ohrid, which is alluded to in this blog.

Buses are cheap, but it takes longer

If you are looking for less expensive, the buses cost 15 euros, but it takes three hours, also, you are bounded by their schedule, mainly on a return trip to Skopje. There are buses every hour: the last service departs from Ohrid at 7:00 pm. Check the bus schedule  HERE . 

Well, I have my reason for not taking the bus. First, I was concerned about my flight back home. Secondly, I don’t want to be agitated and keep watching the time. Third, what will happen if I miss the bus? It’s a long way from Ohrid to Skopje. But that is just me, although it never happens that I missed my ride.

How about the Taxi?

Uh, the taxi. To wherever the place in the world, we know they are the most expensive transport. I inquired for the price, and they quoted me hundred euros, which is way out of my budget! However, this option is convenient and hassle-free! Just sit back and relax. But be aware that surcharges like toll fees and waiting time are not included in the price.

Another option is booking a tour

If you search for a seamless trip booking a tour would be agreeable. Athough not the cheapest option but you have the transport, local guide, entrance fees, and maybe the meals. I am not into guided tours, except if there is no other way. If you eager to know the prices, I used this company HERE . You can decide what is best for you.

Rent a car and Self-driving

The latter is to rent a car and not necessarily expensive. I pay 51 euros with all the necessary insuranc e, it took me some time to decide. But after going back and forth to the above option, I considered renting a vehicle. However, as a lone traveler, my dubiety took me some extra work searching for what is like driving in North Macedonia. And to share my driving experience during this trip, read my separate blog about renting a car and driving in the country.

How easy: Rent a car and drive in North Macedonia

Getting around in ohrid .

Even if you have a car, you won’t be driving around that’s the problem if going by car to Ohrid. The parking is difficult, especially during the weekend. However, to make this easy, set up your navigation to the  upper gate , where you can park for free. 

In addition, Ohrid is a pleasant city divided into two parts, the new and the old town. However, it is safer to leave your car at the parking and walk. The new modern center has excellent shops and I think you will concentrate on the old town like most people do. I suggest wearing good walking shoes when visiting Ohrid because you have some climbing walk in some parts of the city.

Is one day enough for Ohrid?

One day is not enough, but if that is all you have make it a memorable trip. I manage to see the highlights in one day. It was exhausting because I was continuously on the go, but a fulfilling journey. As you can see below, things I have done in Ohrid from the beginning to the last. I repeat you will do a lot of walking and climbing, Ohrid is not entirely flat.

Tsar Samuel’s Fortress

Samuel Fortress has been standing for more than a thousand years, which is the historical importance of Ohrid. There’s a small entrance fee of 120 denar (2 euros). Remember the fort is open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm and closed on Monday. Owing to its highest position, getting there is a heavy walk. If you come to Ohrid by car and park at the upper gate it is just a 10-minutes amble.

I suggest visiting Samuel Fortress first, at that point is a less heavy walk. But if you are coming from the city center, it is climbing up. However, there isn’t much to see inside, only the walls and some older foundations you can walk along. Due to its highest location, this is in fact, the best place for photographers with a panoramic of 360 degrees over Ohrid and its surroundings.

Saints Clement and Panteleimon

Lots of churches in Ohrid, and this should be in your top three to target. The church stands high above the old town on Plaosnik Hill, midway between St. Jovan Kaneo and the fortress. So it makes a convenient place to break your hike. This is one of those structures that catches the eye and it is difficult not to keep looking at it. A fine example of a red-brick building with so many details in a magnificent location with Lake Ohrid as a backdrop. A must-visit place nice complex with rich historic value dating back to the 9th century.

The Ancient Theater of Ohrid 

I have seen some ancient theaters during my trip, but this one in Ohrid lies in a perfect spot with a gorgeous view. Just one thing to be reminded about this site is the location. But if coming from the fortress, the theater is on the way down. So it’s good news, but if advent from the center, it’s a mount walk.

Since 1980, Ohrid Amphitheater has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful setting can recollect the manifest in the old days. However, the current theater is about half of the original one. The second ring has been gone over the centuries, but I find the surrounding views were more interesting than what’s missing. It’s free to visit, and you can walk around it, so it is worth a peek. Currently, the Theater is still used for some city events during the summer months.

Sveti Sofia Church

Ohrid is such a remarkable city in North Macedonia, a religious center with 365 churches. Therefore got its nickname the Jerusalem of the Balkans. Too many religious houses to see, but you have to choose which one has most of your interest. Some of these sanctuary are afield and may take your time.

Not far from Amphitheater is the attractive building of Saint Sofia, beautifully surrounded by gardens in the heart of the old town. This is the oldest Byzantine church in North Macedonia, that represents one of the most essential sights due to its medieval architecture. The beautiful interior has some old paintings and frescoes, which are remarkably well-preserved. However, there’s a small fee if going inside and it’s worth to pay for 1.50 euros.

Board Walk by the Lake Ohrid

The town of Ohrid sits on the lake. A focal point for tourists with its crystal clear turquoise water, charming bays, and rolling green mountains. You could fall in love with this city, a place to be in North Macedonia. The boardwalk is a must, don’t skip this part, or you will regret it.

This is a pleasing walk on a wooden board that runs beautifully over the lake along the rocky cliff through Potpesh Beach. Sometimes it can get crowded but enough room to walk for more people. It is also a way to the famous church Saint John Kaneo. You just follow the wooden board till you arrive at a stair flight. A great experience to be close to nature and its surroundings.

Church of St. John Kaneo

This is the icon of Ohrid, the most photographed place in town because of its location. The bad news is, you can only get there on foot. I don’t want to put you off, it is really a climbing walk. But believe me the endeavor will be awarded when you made it to the top. The stunning position of St. John Kaneo offers breathtaking views over the lake. The vista you see anywhere on Ohrid, even on the postcard.

The interior of this church is minor, but if you like to see inside, there’s a small fee of 100 denars. Unfortunately, you can’t get photos inside. The exterior was much more worthwhile than what you see inside. Most people just came to walk around taking pictures and going, some will stay for sunset. If you have a car, it would be possible to wait for the sunset. I wasn’t interested because I did not want to drive back to Skopje in pitch dark.

Strolling the Old Town

Ohrid’s historic center offers a mesmerizing glimpse into a world of exotic North Macedonian antiquity. And should be done in no hurry, the only way to enjoy the surrounding. The old cobbled streets are characterized by real old houses in white with black accents. You will be surprised by what you see around and it gives the image of life in the Balkans as it used to be.

Lake excursions

With no excuses, you will have time to take a boat ride, one of the best things to do in Ohrid. Beware, there are different boat excursions offered in town. For day trippers, you can go on a boat trip without reservation in advance. Just walk to the pier, some local people will approach you, if you want a lake tour. These are small colorful boats privately owned, and they are cheaper than those larger companies you’ve seen in town. I pay 3.00 euros for 30 minutes in May, I don’t know the price for other months…there were just fewer visitors during my trip.

Is one day worth it to Ohrid?

A gratifying trip, but if you can stay for one night, that will be more of a pleasure, because you don’t feel in a hurry. And hiring a car was a good idea, but there are advantages and disadvantages. The benefit of having a vehicle you don’t have to depend on buses. And you don’t need to go to the terminal and all the waiting time at the bus station.

It is a two-hour and half drive by car to Ohrid, while a bus can take up to more than three hours sometimes. The only problem when you arrive in Ohrid is finding parking. That said, as mentioned above, set up your navigation to Upper Gate and park your vehicle for as long as you want for free.

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Wander-Lush

Lakes, Spomeniks & Old Bazaars: The Perfect North Macedonia Itinerary (7-10 Days)

The perfect North Macedonia itinerary for first-time visitors – including the best things to do in North Macedonia in 7-10 days, detailed transport instructions for getting around, and other helpful travel tips.

A quirky destination even by Balkan standards, North Macedonia will go down as one of my most memorable travel experiences of all time.

I spent just under a month in North Macedonia as part of a half-year journey around the region by bus and train.

Before I arrived, I imagined it as a country with an identity crisis. By the time I left, I had caught a glimpse of the history and started to appreciate why people have fought so hard to hold onto their heroes, their culture , and their name.

It’s easy to write North Macedonia off as odd or eccentric or an outlier. But I see its nonconformity as a mark of free-spiritedness (and maybe stubbornness). North Macedonia does its own thing. From a traveller’s perspective, this makes it a truly unique place to visit.

My North Macedonia itinerary follows the exact route we followed on our trip, distilled into a much shorter timeframe. It’s designed for first-time visitors who want to check off the highlights and venture to a couple of lesser-known spots as well.

It takes you from the streets of Skopje , where neo-neoclassical monuments almost outnumber people, to the sparkling Lake Ohrid , North Macedonia’s most popular attraction. You’ll experience the small town of Krusevo , the region’s highest settlement where time stands still, and contrast that with the bustling ‘European-style’ city of Bitola in the country’s far south.

Along the way, you’ll visit spomeniks (Yugoslavian war monuments), abandoned churches , outstanding mosques , sprawling Old Bazaars where traders craft leather shoes and other homespun treasures, hammams that have been transformed into art galleries and wine bars, and Roman ruins as old as the hills.

There will be brutalist architecture , vintage cars , lots and lots of delicious Macedonian food , and perhaps more history than you can handle.

Planning a trip to North Macedonia? – For more things to do, don’t skip my dedicated guides to Skopje , Bitola , Krusevo and Tetovo . – For more travel tips and inspiration, my North Macedonia Travel Page has all my posts in one place. – If you love road tripping, don’t miss my Balkans road trip planner for suggested routes around the region.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

North Macedonia itinerary essentials

First things first, here are my tips for planning the perfect North Macedonia itinerary.

Do you need a visa?

North Macedonia’s visa policy is similar to the Schengen countries (although it is not included in the Schengen Area). Citizens of 85 countries (including Australia, the UK and the US) can visit North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days.

Some nationalities (including most countries in Asia, the Middle East and Africa) are required to apply for a visa in advance.

I recommend using iVisa to check if you need a visa and to apply for an expedited visa online .

Where to start your North Macedonia itinerary

I recommend starting your North Macedonia adventure in the capital, Skopje. Not only is this the country’s main transport hub, it’s also the cultural centre and a good place to dip your toes into all things North Macedonia before diving into the smaller cities and towns.

There are regular flights from across Europe to Skopje International Airport. To avoid confusion with taxis (there are no taxi apps like Uber in North Macedonia), it’s a good idea to book your airport transfer into the city in advance.

It’s also possible to arrive in Skopje overland from Kosovo, Serbia , Albania or Bulgaria by coach. Check Balkan Viator for schedules and fares, and always confirm in person at the bus station before you travel.

If you’re coming overland from Greece , it makes more sense to start in Bitola – in which case you can easily reverse this North Macedonia itinerary and finish in Skopje instead.

How many days in North Macedonia?

I think 7 to 10 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in North Macedonia.

The country is small and transport connections quite good, so if you’re just wanting to visit Skopje and Lake Ohrid for example, you could reasonably spend as little as 3 days in North Macedonia.

I lingered a bit longer than usual and spent just under a month in North Macedonia, including a full week in Skopje, a full week in Ohrid, and another fortnight on the road.

The Macedonia itinerary I’ve designed is for one week of travel, which I think is the sweet spot. I’ve also included a range of itinerary additions so you have plenty of options for extending your trip.

When is the best time to visit North Macedonia?

It depends on your interests. Cities such as Skopje and Bitola are great in any season. If you want to go hiking in Macedonia and visit the country’s national parks and high-altitude villages, late spring or summer is best.

Fall is ideal to indulge in the wine harvest season , and in winter, there are several ski resorts that open up across the country.

We visited North Macedonia in the month of May. The weather was perfect, everything was open, and it wasn’t too crowded either.

Where to stay in North Macedonia

The most popular type of accommodation across North Macedonia is the ‘apartment’ – essentially a self-contained apartment, usually with an ensuite bathroom and either a shared or private kitchen, set inside a complex or family property.

Most of the larger cities also have hostels, but you’ll often find that apartments are better value for money.

Airbnb is also very popular in North Macedonia and a good choice for budget travellers, especially in Skopje.

I’ve included specific accommodation suggestions for each destination (including links to the places where we stayed) in the itinerary below.

Getting around by bus

The easiest way to move around North Macedonia is by bus. Cities and larger towns are serviced by coaches, while vans are used in small towns and villages.

Because the country is so compact, you get just about anywhere in under 4 hours. Skopje to Bitola is the longest journey you’re likely to take, coming in at around 3 hours.

We used buses to travel around North Macedonia and apart from a few minor timetable hiccups, we had no issues. I recommend confirming schedules ahead of time in person at the bus station whenever possible, as times displayed online are often incorrect (yes, that includes here – but I do my best to keep things updated!).

You’ll find detailed transport instructions for each destination in the itinerary below.

Hiring a car in North Macedonia

If it’s within your budget, hiring a car is a great option. I didn’t drive in North Macedonia personally, but from my experience travelling around by bus, I think the roads are in good condition generally and the driving style is pretty tame by regional standards. There are mountainous roads where you’ll need to take extra care.

I suggest using the Discover Cars website to explore your options and find the best price on a rental. They aggregate a good range of manual and auto transmission cars from international hire companies, with the option to pick up a car in either Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid or Tetovo.

Compare prices for a rental car in North Macedonia using Discover Cars.

How much to budget for your trip

North Macedonia, like most other countries in the Balkans , is an extremely affordable travel destination by European standards.

• Budget traveller: 20-30 USD/day (hostel, buses, local meals)
• Mid-range: 30-50 USD/day (guesthouse or Airbnb, buses & taxis, restaurant meals)
• All-out: 50-100 USD/day (boutique hotel, taxis & private transfers, restaurant meals)

Perfect 7-day North Macedonia itinerary

Skopje – krusevo – lake ohrid – bitola.

Here is my ideal base itinerary for a week in North Macedonia. Later I’ll run through suggested extras if you want to expand your itinerary to 10 days or more.

True to my travel style, this itinerary focuses on culture, history, wine and cuisine . There are lots of hiking and outdoor adventure activities on offer in North Macedonia, but my itinerary favours small towns and cities over national parks (although there are a few day trips mentioned).

Because of this, you could happily do this itinerary in any season.

Day 1: Start your Macedonia itinerary in Skopje

Torn apart by an earthquake in 1963 that destroyed 80% of the city, Skopje was later rebuilt in a socialist-brutalist image befitting the era. Then came Skopje 2014 , an ambitious project to beautify the city by installing a series of classical facades, monuments and sculptures.

Maybe Skopje is a Potemkin village. Or maybe the new look is exactly what the city needed and deserved. Beautiful or kitsch, grand or contrived – however you judge Skopje, there’s no getting past the fact that this is a capital like no other.

Beyond the truly bizarre mix of architectural styles , Skopje also holds a truly fascinating blend of cultures, religions and traditions within its boundaries. As you traverse the Vardar River that divides the city in two, you toe the line between the twin Skopjes: One was carefully planned out by the Ottomans and still runs at the same pace it did under the Empire, while the ‘New Skopje’ – the fantasy socialist modernist futuristic neoclassical city of futures past – is a more ad-hoc, slower-paced city of outdoor cafes, open plazas and parks .

My advice: Don’t hold on too firmly to your first impressions of Skopje. Give it some time to settle in before deciding whether you love it or loathe it. (And if you find yourself falling towards the latter, try taking a city tour with a local guide – that will surely swing your opinion.)

Things to do in Skopje

• Explore the Old Bazaar: The oldest part of the city (the only area spared by the earthquake) conforms to a classic Ottoman city plan, with curled rows of shopfronts, huge stone Silk Road caravanserais, domed hammams, and more beautiful mosques than you can count.

For more, check out my DIY walking tour of Skopje Old Bazaar .

• Macedonia Square & ‘New Skopje’: Marvel at the monuments and sculpted facades added to the city as part of the Skopje 2014 project.

• Eat Macedonian cuisine: Visit any of the cool kafanas (old-school cafes) to try North Macedonian specialities such as tavce gravce .
• Kale Fortress: Climb the walls of Skopje’s fortress for a panoramic view of the city.

Discover more of the city: My guide to the 21 best things to do in Skopje .

Where to stay in Skopje

I recommend staying at an Airbnb in the Debar Maalo neighbourhood of Skopje. This is the city’s bohemian area (read: lots of coffee shops and kafanas ) and it has a great vibe. This is where we based ourselves for our one-week stay in Skopje.

If you prefer a hotel, these properties are all centrally located:

• Budget hostel: Get Inn Skopje Hostel
• Mid-range hotel: Hotel Fama or Hotel Arka
• Boutique hotel: View Inn Boutique Hotel

Day 2: Take a day trip from Skopje

There are plenty of full and half-day trip options available from Skopje. These range from easy 1-hour side trips that you can do by public bus, all the way to international day tours.

If you’re interested in visiting Kosovo from Skopje, it’s possible to pop up to Prishtina and Prizren in a day by joining a guided tour.

Day trip from Skopje to Matka Canyon

If you want to escape the concrete jungle and get a hit of green, Matka Canyon is the most accessible nature area near Skopje. It takes less than an hour to reach the canyon by city bus.

Once there, you can hike along the canyon walls, visit the caves and small monasteries, and hire a boat to take you out on Matka Lake, an artificial lake set within the canyon. When we visited, we paid 400 denars (approx. 8 USD) for a 40-minute trip on the water.

If I’m completely honest, I found Matka Canyon a bit disappointing. The setting is beautiful, but it’s very touristy (and I imagine even more so in the summer months). 

If you plan on eating lunch near the canyon, do your research first. We popped into one of the larger restaurants near the car park for a coffee, and it was the worst cup of coffee I’ve ever had in my life. This definitely tarred my experience of Matka, ha!

Matka Canyon is roughly 25km (45 minutes by bus) from Skopje. To get there, you can take bus #60 from the main bus station in Skopje. Note that you’ll need to purchase a rechargeable Skopska card to pay the fare (cash is not accepted).

Day trip from Skopje to Tetovo

My preferred day trip from Skopje is the city of Tetovo, home to the most beautiful mosque in North Macedonia (IMO), a Dervish teke, and a totally charming, laid-back main street.

Tetovo gives you a taste of small-town Macedonia. I really enjoyed walking the main street, browsing the local market and eating at one of the buzzing cafes there. The mosque itself is stunning inside and out and is reason enough to travel to Tetovo.

We spent several hours in the mosque compound taking in all the hand-painted details, then another 2 hours drinking tea with the spiritual leader at the teke who taught us all about Dervish culture and traditions before inviting us to spend the night at his sister teke in Albania (sadly we never made it).

Tetovo is located 42km (roughly 1 hour by bus) west of Skopje. To get there, take a city bus from the main bus station. This time you can pay the fare in cash at the counter before you board.

Day trip from Skopje to Stobi Winery

If you want a taste of North Macedonia’s emerging wine scene, I recommend taking a day trip to Stobi, one of the country’s biggest wineries. Stobi is located in the town of Gradsko, south of Skopje.

Note that there will be more wineries later in this North Macedonia itinerary, notably Ciflik Winery, which is located on the outskirts of Bitola.

Stobi is 80km (roughly 1 hour by road) from Skopje. Public transport connections are limited, so for convenience, I highly recommend visiting as part of an organised day tour. This four-hour itinerary includes a tour of the wine-making facilities, a degustation of four wines, plus door to door transfers from your accommodation in Skopje.

Days 3 & 4: Continue to the mountain town of Krusevo

For a change of scenery and a change of pace, head to Krusevo, North Macedonia’s highest mountain settlement. This town doesn’t make it onto many North Macedonian itineraries and that’s a great shame, because it’s by far my favourite place in the country .

Within North Macedonia, Krusevo is commonly associated with the Ilinden Uprising , a grassroots rebel movement that pitted Macedonians against the region’s Ottoman rulers. The battle was bloody, and the independence they achieved was short-lived, but their legacy has been long-lasting.

Krusevo is a peaceful, tight-knit town of vertiginous stone streets, beautifully decorated private houses, another Old Bazaar (you’ll see this is a recurring feature of all North Macedonian towns) and small museums, with a wild and beautiful landscape right on its doorstep.

How to travel from Skopje to Krusevo

There are at least three daily direct vans to Krusevo departing from the main bus station in Skopje. Travel time is roughly 3 hours . At the time of our trip, a ticket to Krusevo from Skopje cost 430 denars (approx. 8.30 USD) per person.

Another option is to transit through Prilep, the nearest ‘big city’ to Krusevo. There are frequent vans between Skopje and Prilep and Prilep and Krusevo.

Things to do in Krusevo 

• The Ilinden Monument (Makedonia): Spot the spomenik from afar, then venture inside for a closer look. Built during Yugoslav times to honour those who fought in the Ilinden Uprising and in WWII, it’s since been lovingly restored.

• Krusevo’s craftspeople: As you pace the streets and stone stairs of the Old Bazaar, pop into the small shops to meet the craftspeople who hand-made lokum , wooden barrels and snow sleds, among other things, according to age-old traditions.
• Hiking, paragliding & skiing: Venture towards the plains and mountains surrounding Krusevo for hiking and paragliding in the warmer months. In winter, Krusevo becomes a skiing and snowboarding destination.

Experience the best of Krusevo: My detailed Krusevo guide .

Where to stay in Krusevo

If you want to stay right in the heart of the old town, an apartment rental is the best way to go. We spent three nights at On Top Apartments , a very comfortable one-bedroom apartment with a shared kitchen, tidy ensuite bathroom, and best of all, a spacious private balcony with an amazing outlook over the entire town.

Find more apartment options in Krusevo on Booking.com.

Days 5 & 6: Relax at Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is the symbol of North Macedonian tourism and a can’t-miss in the Balkans. Shared with Albania, this is the only inscribed UNESCO World Heritage Site in North Macedonia and one of only a few dozen anywhere in the world to be included on both the Cultural and Natural lists.

Ohrid’s cobalt waters are a mecca for international and domestic tourists alike. The town of Ohrid is an obvious place to base your stay. It boasts a charming Old Town and a buzzing ‘tourist centre’ filled with restaurants, wine bars and shops.

There are lots of alternative (read: quieter) towns and villages around the lake if you want something less chaotic. If I had my time again, I would probably choose a smaller town – I found Ohrid a bit too touristy and crowded for my taste (I can only imagine how busy it is in the summer high season).

I couldn’t imagine skipping it though as it’s definitely one of the highlights of the region.

How to travel from Krusevo to Ohrid

There are no direct vans from Krusevo to Ohrid as far as I’m aware, so the best option is to transit through Prilep. This first leg takes 30-60 minutes depending on the service and costs 110 denars (approx. 2 USD) per person. From Prilep, you can find a direct coach to Ohrid ( 2 hours ).

Another option is to take a van from Krusevo to Bitola ( 1 hour; 120 denars ) then continue from Bitola to Ohrid ( 1.5 hours; 190 denars ). This is what we did when we travelled to Ohrid (mainly because we missed the Prilep bus).

I recommend double checking the schedule at the bus station in Krusevo – times are displayed on the window and the English-speaking attendant is quite helpful.

Things to do in Ohrid

• St. John the Theologian Church: Walk the Ohrid Boardwalk for a photo of the iconic church on the peninsula (pictured above).
• Explore the lake by boat: The full-day cruise down to St. Naum Monastery where the lake meets the Albanian border is a popular choice. We paid 600 denars (approx. 12 USD) per person when we travelled. From St. Naum, you can take a smaller boat on Black Drim’s Springs or just walk around the swampy landscape in search of smaller chapels. Don’t miss the Holy Mother of God church, which features a Holy Trout Pool cut from the church floor.

• Ancient Theatre of Ohrid: The city’s most impressive Greco-Roman archaeological site.
• Old Town Ohrid: Wander amongst the grand houses set on cobbled streets. If you’ve travelled around the region, the architecture will take you straight back to Plovdiv and Berat .
• Drive or cycle around the lake: You can even skip into Albania for an affordable fish lunch. The village of Lin on the Albanian side of the lake is a must-see.

More things to do in Ohrid: I recommend this Lake Ohrid guide .

Where to stay in Ohrid

There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from around Lake Ohrid. If your main priority is to spend time around the lake, I recommend basing your stay in Ohrid town.

We stayed in an Airbnb in the suburbs of Ohrid, a short walk from the Old Town. There are lots of Airbnbs available at competitive prices, so if you want something self-contained, this might be a good option for you.

More options in Ohrid:

• Budget hostel: Old Town Hostel Ohrid
• Mid-range guesthouse: Guest House Ohrid Trpeski
• Luxury self-contained apartment: Villa Varosh or Villa Ohrid

Day 7: Finish up in Bitola

Final stop on your North Macedonia itinerary is the nation’s second-largest city, Bitola. We chose to end our trip in Bitola for strategic reasons: This is the gateway to Northern Greece for those continuing overland, or an easy transit point back to Skopje for anyone flying home. For more details about onward travel from Bitola, see the next section below.

I really loved Bitola, especially as a contrast to Skopje. It has a similarly laid-out Old Bazaar and a comparable number of beautiful mosques , but combined with a certain ‘European elegance’ that apparently comes from the Ottoman period when Bitola was home to a number of European consuls. The cafe culture here is strong, as is the preference for pizza.

The real star of Bitola, though, is Heraclea Lyncestis . The earliest iteration of the city was founded by Philip II of Macedon in the 4th century BC and later ruled by the Romans. Today it’s an open-air archaeological site on the edge of Bitola that boasts a stunning theatre and a set of world-renowned Byzantine floor mosaics.

How to travel from Ohrid to Bitola

There are frequent buses between Ohrid and Bitola departing throughout the day. Travel time is around 1.5 hours . We paid 210 denars (approx. 4 USD) per person for our tickets.

Things to do in Bitola

• Heraclea Lyncestis: An afternoon at the famous archaeological site on the southern edge of the city is a must. Follow it up with a visit to the Bitola Museum, where you can see pottery and jewellery unearthed during the various digs.

• Shirok Sokak: Amble down Bitola’s pedestrian street, a lively cafe and restaurant precinct fringed with beautiful European facades.
• Bitola Old Bazaar & City Market: One last Old Bazaar! Bitola’s is especially cute, with charming corner buildings and Ottoman fountains. It’s a lot less lively than the one in Skopje, but there is a cool wine bar inside (see my guide below for the location). The produce market is also a must-see.
• Magnolia Square: Bitola’s main square, framed by a clocktower on one side and a mosque’s minaret on the other.

More Bitola recommendations: Don’t miss my detailed Bitola city guide .

Where to stay in Bitola

We stayed two nights at guesthouse El Greco , a budget-friendly family run place set above a cafe on Bitola’s main street. Rooms are simple and comfy, and the staff are incredibly helpful, especially with organising transfers to Greece.

More options in Bitola:

• Boutique hotel: Hotel Theatre
• Luxury hotel: Grand Central Hotel
• Luxury apartment: Robevski Luxury Rooms

Extend your itinerary: Other places to visit in North Macedonia

If you have more time, you might want to consider adding one or more of these alternative destinations to your travel itinerary.

Pelister National Park – add 1 day

Pelister National Park and Baba Mountain are right on the edge of Bitola, making this an easy day trip or overnight addition to the end of your itinerary. The area is known for its day hiking trails, abundant flora, and the alpine Big Lake.

If you want to stay close to the park, I recommend Villa ORKA cabin apartment .

Mavrovo National Park & lake – add 2 or 3 days

North Macedonia’s largest national park, Mavrovo is located around 2 hours by bus from Skopje, close to the Albanian border. Private day tours from Skopje are available, but I would suggest spending a few nights inside the park to make the most of it.

As well as remote hiking trails and delightful alpine cabins , the park boasts a rather impressive lake with a half-sunken church in the middle (pictured above).

Veles – add 1 day

Before Veles made the news in 2019 for a rather unusual reason , it was a picturesque city defined by a distinctive bridge and red-roofed houses cascading down a hillside. Well, I’m sure it still is.

I’m still kicking myself for skipping Veles – it looks exactly like the kind of small city I’d love to explore at my usual snail’s pace. It’s located right in the middle of the country, only 50km from Skopje. I would suggest stopping here on your way from Skopje to Krusevo.

My friend Kami has spent time in Veles and wrote this excellent guide

Onward travel from North Macedonia

If your flight home is departing from the capital, you can simply loop back to Skopje from Bitola by bus (2.5-3 hours journey time).

If you’re travelling on, you have the option to continue overland to Northern Greece and Thessaloniki by taxi and train. Here are detailed transport instructions for crossing the border into Greece from Bitola.

Alternatively, you can travel from Bitola to Albania , starting with the lovely city of Korca , or head back to Skopje to travel north to Prishtina or Sofia.

North Macedonia itinerary: Share it on Pinterest

What’s this about booking a taxi from the airport in to Skopje in advance? There are taxis lined up outside the airport building. And a fixed price into Skopje prominently posted right there. And you can take the bus into the city. Much cheaper, but only three stops in the city.

Of course, as you wish! Not everyone has the same travel style – some people might prefer to pre-book depending on their arrival time, budget, etc. and I am simply giving them an option.

Hi Emily, Great info about Macedonia, thanks! I am thinking of travelling this itinerary but in reverse, coming overland from Albania then flying out of Skopje. I’m going to be travelling in November 2024, and wish to use public transport like you did. Do you think that time of year transport will still be operating regularly? I know it will be cold that time of year, but surely before the snow? You have given me lots of great ideas. Cheers Cindy

Hi Cindy, great to hear that! It might be snowing in Krusevo!

Yes, I think public transport will be operating as normal in November as locals use it too.

Have a wonderful trip!

Do you set up itinerary’s with accommodations and GPS for a car we will rent? Dan

Hi Dan – yes, I can help you plan an itinerary. Here is the info: https://wander-lush.org/itinerary-planning/

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9 Things That Surprised Me About Macedonia

July 15, 2014 by Silvia 96 Comments

1. It’s not in Greece.

Okay, actually I already knew that Macedonia was also a country, not just an ancient area of Greece, thanks mostly to a mild addiction I had  to playing Sporcle’s Countries of the World and Flags of the World  geography games while living in Japan.

But it turns out there’s some serious controversy surrounding the country’s name, with many insisting it only be referred to as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Oh, and don’t even get started on Alexander the Great …

2. Lake Ohrid completely deserves the hype.

When people in Serbia and Albania kept raving about Lake Ohrid and telling us not to skip it, I was a little skeptical. I mean hello, I’m from Norway, so it takes a lot for a lake to impress me.

Oh my goodness, Lake Ohrid was so impressive! Not only was the water beautifully clear and perfect for a refreshing dip, but the whole area is surrounded by quaint fishing villages and majestic mountains.

Slightly less impressive, however, was the weather. It rained almost our entire time in Ohrid, so I only managed to get a couple of photos between downpours.

If you want a real treat while on the lake stay at Villa Bisera – it’s super luxurious with beautiful lake views, and actually a lot cheaper than you’d think. Check current rates and availability here

3. Skopje is home to 284 statues.

Okay that might be a rough estimate, but I’m pretty sure it’s close. Seriously, there were enormous statues everywhere. Pretty bizarre. But it’s bizarre in such a charming way too – in fact I think Skopje might just be one of my favorite European capitals.

4. Skopje was totally redesigned in 2014.

Apparently Skopje didn’t always look this bizarre. “Skopje 2014” was a both costly and controversial project launched by the government in 2010 in an effort to transform the capital into a more unified and visually appealing European city.

We asked various locals what they thought about their city’s makeover, and responses ranged from awkward silences to mild acceptance to full on disgust. One man complained that it was just an unnecessarily expensive display of nationalism aimed against Greece and ethnic Albanians living in Macedonia. Ouch!

5. This meal cost us a total of 3 euros, including a 2-liter jug of local red wine.

Restaurant meals in Skopje were similarly cheap and tasty.

6. People in Macedonia speak German!

After struggling in Albania due to my lack of Albanian/Italian/Greek language skills, I was so pleased to be greeted with “ Sprechen Sie Deutsch? ”

Why yes, I do  spreche  !

This especially worked with elderly men, as it seemed that all of them had at some point spent time working in Germany, which meant that we were hanging with a pretty cool crowd while in Macedonia.

7. Šuto Orizari, or  Shutka, the world’s largest concentrated Roma population, isn’t quite the outrageous gypsy festival one might imagine.

I had been both fascinated and horrified by the plight of the Roma community in Serbia and Albania, so when I heard that Shutka was just I fifteen-minute bus ride from Skopje’s city center I was curious to visit. But while I did eat an extraordinarily tasty pita burger there, I didn’t feel like I was anywhere particularly out of the ordinary.

For the Roma “Gypsies,” however, Shutka is something quite extraordinary.

Having left India more than a thousand years ago, the Roma people can be found spread around the world and they are almost always discriminated against, living on the outskirts of society. Shutka is the only municipality in Europe with Romani as an official language and a Roma mayor.

8. Macedonia is incredibly easy to hitchhike through.

I know hitchhiking is easier for girls, but I can’t imagine anyone having a hard time finding a ride in Macedonia. We hitchhiked everywhere, including from Skopje to Greece, with our longest wait being about eight minutes.

9. We didn’t have to book any rooms in advance.

Sometimes it pays to visit a place during off-season (if even just barely off).

We weren’t in Ohrid for three minutes before someone was pointing us to an apartment we could stay in for 6 euros/night. The owner was the sweetest woman who continuously fed us coffee and cookies.

Of course if you want to stay somewhere nicer you’ll definitely want to book ahead, but if all you’re looking for is a cheap room then you should easily find something on arrival (at least during the off season).

In Skopje we stayed at Backpacker’s Skopje. The location was incredibly convenient and the rooms very comfortable, and we learned that a perk of staying somewhere with perpetually high staff is that they will keep bringing you food.

Click here for current prices and more details about Backpacker’s Skopje.

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French Air Controller Strike

Affected Airports - City , State Association:

• Paris  Charles De Gaulle, France  (CDG)

For complete details View

American Airlines has implemented a special exception policy to our travel partners that is now available for our mutual customers due to French Air Controller Strike Our Travel Notice exception policies on American are also available when ticketed to/from/through on our Joint Business partners: This applies to both prime and codeshare flights as shown below:

Inventory Requirements

Lowest Inventory, Same Cabin

If original inventory is not available rebook lowest inventory available in the same ticketed cabin. As a reminder, customers that do not hold a Basic Economy fare should never be booked into B inventory.

Basic Economy -

• Must be booked in B inventory only. If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected. Advance Purchase and Ticket Change restrictions are waived.

Instant Upsell -

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for rebooking guidelines and Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com . IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

• OTHS AGENCY RETAINS CONTROL OF TKT FOR REISSUES
• OTHS INSTANT UPSELL ANCILLARY EMD ISSUED 001xxxxxxxxxx

Refer to Exceptions to Fare Rules .

Note: If customers are unable to rebook or reissue their ticket within the given timeline, they can cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket; all rules and restrictions apply. Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

Endorsement Box Requirements

• Refer to individual Travel Notice for Event Name
• Ticket Reissue required. This is the only required verbiage and supersedes all other information.

Instant Upsell (IU) tickets must use waiver code: TNADV/IU when rebooking in the Instant Upsell Inventory IU PNRs contain the following SSRs:

Refer to Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines for Endorsement Box requirement when the customer purchased Instant Upsell (IU) directly with American on aa.com .

Changes to Origin/Destination - Not Allowed

• Waive Change Fee
• Ticket reissue for original ticketed fare
• 300 Mile Radius is always allowed, unless otherwise stated in the notice
• Changes to origin/destination are not permitted for the travel notice
• Any changes made to origin/destination all fare rules apply

300-Mile Radius Only - Allowed

• Within same country
• For booking inventory, view Inventory Requirements

Basic Economy Short-haul fares

book in B inventory only.If B inventory is not available, then an alternate flight must be selected.

Changes to Connection City

Changes to Co-Terminal

Changes to Co-terminal and MAC airports on AA Prime and AA*/Codeshare flights are allowed

• Co-terminal & MAC Airports are considered the same routing.  

Reissue Policy Information

American Airlines will waive change fees and travel agents may rebook and reissue tickets provided the below guidelines are met and applied:

• Ticket issued on the following ticket stock: AA 001, AY 105, BA 125, El053, IB 075, JL 131, QF 081
• Applies to AA*/ one world flights
• Travel has not commenced on the affected flight segment and the ticket has not been reissued by American Airlines
• The first departure flight is more than 2 hours away
• Affected coupons are in OK status
• Travel reissuance only in accordance to dates identified in the applicable Travel Notice Exception Advisory
• More than one change allowed without an additional collection, including penalty or change fee within the Travel Notice dates
• Original issuing agency responsible for ticket reissue
• Ticket Revalidation not permitted
• The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory)
• Refer to Extend Travel Rebooking after the Travel Event
• Basic Economy must be rebooked in the appropriate Basic Economy inventory
• Please ensure the above procedures are accurately followed to prevent debit memo issuance

Rebooking - Exception to Fare Rules

Exception to Fare Rules: All fare rules apply with the exception of the following:

• Advance Purchase requirement waived
• Minimum/Maximum Stay requirement waived
• Change Fee waived
• When changes to the outbound travel occur, the unaffected return date may be changed to protect the original length of the trip. The return travel must be booked in the original class of service (inventory).

SalesLink Request

• Rebook flights in compliance with Travel Notice Exception Policy
• Log-in to SalesLink at www.saleslink.aa.com
• Request Type: select 'Service'
• Input AA PNR
• Waiver Type: select 'Travel Notice'
• Travel Notice: select applicable Travel Notice event name
• Select 'Next' - and complete request
• Verify: SalesLink approval remarks in PNR
• New Ticket Endorsement Box: Enter event name only
• Ticket Reissue required

Endorsement Box requirement: 23APR24A or the exchange will be subject to a debit memo

Extend Travel Rebooking Guidelines

If customers are unable to rebook within the New Travel Dates, may reschedule their reservation to/from the same city or alternate cities and reissue their ticket with the below guidelines:

• Cancel their itinerary and apply the value of the original ticket towards the purchase of a new ticket for travel commencing within 1 year from the date of original issuance
• Change fee only is waived as long as the original ticket is reissued within ticket validity and the impact dates are in accordance with those identified in the Travel Notice
• Basic Economy fares may only be used towards the purchase of other Basic Economy fares.
• Residual MCO's are not allowed when using the TNADVE waiver code for reissue.
• Extend Travel Rebooking does not apply to tickets in conjunction with Instant Upsell (IU)

Refund Policy Information

When the flight is cancelled or the length of delay is 91+ minutes , travel agents may refund ticket(s) through normal GDS/ARC/BSP processing. Refer to our Schedule Irregularity policy for delays 90 minutes or less.

• Refund To Original Form Of Payment - All penalties/fees waived
• Non-Refundable Fare
• Refundable Fare with cancellation Fee
• Basic Economy Fare
• Bulk/Opaque Fare

Note: If the ticket has been exchanged by American as an INVOL submit the refund request directly with American. Refer to American Airlines Refunds .

When the flight is not cancelled or the length of delay is 90 minutes or less , a refund does not apply:

• If customer elects to cancel their reservation and use the value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket outside the Travel Notice dates; may use Extend Travel Rebooking or may hold ticket for future travel; all rules and restrictions apply.
• Travel must commence no later than one year from the date of original issuance.

En route/Diversion

• Connecting customers' en route to one of the above-listed destinations or whose flights are diverted will have the option to return to their original departure city and rebook travel to alternate future dates.
• Customers should work directly with the airport to obtain a boarding pass for return travel to their original departure city. If the customer wishes to rebook travel to alternate future dates, please contact American Airlines Reservations for assistance. Alternatively, they may receive a refund if re-accommodation options are unacceptable.
• If a ticket has already been reissued by American Airlines or the ticket is partially used, travel agents must submit the refund request online at https://prefunds.aa.com/refunds/

American Airlines will continue to monitor this Travel Notice Exception Advisory and adjust this policy if needed. Changes will be posted on AA.com and www.saleslink.aa.com reference. Please check these sources frequently for the most up to date information.

• www.saleslink.aa.com Reference: Select Travel Notice Policy - Travel Agency Guidelines
• Visit www.saleslink.aa.com and navigate to AA News and Offers to view current travel notices.
• Contact your Sales Support Center 800-621-8489 or American Airlines Reservations 800-433-7300 (U.S. and Canada) or for Reservations outside the U.S. and Canada, please see our Worldwide Reservations Numbers American Airlines encourages all customers to check flight and gate status prior to leaving for the airport. For complete travel information, visit AA.com .
• Group reservations must be changed by AA Group & Meeting Travel
• Information contained on this web site is subject to change at any time without notice. American Airlines shall not be liable for any consequences resulting from your reliance on the information.

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Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .