4 Top North Macedonia Travel Itineraries
Written by Alaina Rydzewski
An off-the-radar destination until recently, North Macedonia is a wonderland of pristine nature, fascinating culture, and hearty cuisine. From kayaking through turquoise rivers between breathtaking gorges and hiking up soaring rock faces, to cycling through verdant countryside and sampling rich wines paired with delectable local cuisine, the options are truly limitless.
In this comprehensive guide, our contributing writer Alaina tracks down the North Macedonia’s most noteworthy outdoor excursions, accommodation, and food experiences, and presents four special itineraries that you can easily bolt onto your trip to Greece, Croatia, or Slovenia.
1. Hiking North Macedonia
Starting with a walking tour of the captivating capital of Skopje, this itinerary continues into the Mavrovo National Park, the Bistra massif, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ohrid, before finally arriving at the Galicica National Park. After all that, you’ll have a hard time deciding which hike was your favorite!
Day 1: Privately guided tour of Skopje and hiking in Mavrovo National Park
Arrive in the North Macedonian capital of Skopje and hit the ground running with a private tour of its key sites: Mother Teresa’s house, the iconic Stone Bridge, the bustling Old Bazaar, and an array of churches and mosques. Your next destination is Mavrovo National Park, the country’s largest national park and home to vast canyons, shimmering lakes, and thick forest. On the way, stop at Bigorski Monastery, an ancient mountaintop sanctuary with panoramic views of the swooping valleys below, before settling in for the night in your cozy hotel in the national park.
Day 2: Hike Mavrovo National Park and explore Ohrid
Today is the day to conquer Mount Medenica and be rewarded with views of neighboring Albania from its summit at 2,163 meters, or 7,097 feet. Hike a total of seven-and-a-half miles and enjoy a traditional lunch in a small family restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on an immersive tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Ohrid to see its numerous Byzantine and medieval churches, and hike to the church of St. John of Kaneo for a sweeping view of the city and lake. Round off your day with a well-deserved dinner at a family home in the nearby village of Kuratica, before overnighting in the heart of atmospheric Ohrid.
Day 3: Hiking in Galicica National Park
After breakfast, transfer to Galicica National Park, home of the mighty Mount Magaro, which rises 2,255 meters (7,380 ft) between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Hike up through a forest trail as your expert guide shares details of the 1,000 species of flora and fauna found within the park. Continue your ascent to the summit for awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the lakes and beyond to Albania. For lunch, dine at Nikola’s waterfront restaurant in the small coastal village of Trpejca, where you can sample the famous Ohrid trout, farmed sustainably nearby, and take in the scenic view. Then, return to your hotel in Skopje to enjoy your evening at leisure before flying back home in the morning.
2. North Macedonia by Bike
The perfect combination of cycling and culture, this adventure takes you to Krusevo, the country’s highest town; the Pelagonia plain, with lush, green countryside as far as the eye can see; and Bitola, where you can explore the ancient remains of Heraclea Lyncestis.
Day 1: Cycling in North Macedonia’s highest town, Krushevo
Transfer from the capital of Skopje and begin today’s cycling in the mountain town of Krushevo (1350 meters / 4429 ft), home to layers of fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman history and known today for its tasty gastronomy. After a day exploring the region by bike, spend the night in a charming and comfortable accommodation in the heart of Krushevo.
Day 2: Biking through the Pelagonia Plain to Bitola
Stretching across breathtaking countryside, today’s 54-kilometer (33-mile) route encompasses the craggy mountains and golden wheatfields of the Pelagonia plain, and continues to Bitola and the ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedonia after he conquered the surrounding region. Overnight in Bitola, at a family-owned winery surrounded by lush countryside.
Day 3: Village hopping by bike around Prespa Lake
On your final day, bike through quaint villages en route to Lake Prespa, the highest tectonic lake in the Balkans, where you can take in the surreal views from the rocky outcroppings bordering its shores. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch in the village of Brajcino, where early history and stunning nature are found among the ancient fortress and mysterious graveyard. In the late afternoon, continue to Skopje for an evening of rest before your flight home the next day.
3. Outdoor Adventures in North Macedonia
Known as the Pearl of the Balkans, Lake Ohrid is a playground for outdoor adventurers, offering exceptional boating, cycling, and kayaking experiences. This itinerary reveals why the UNESCO-listed city should be top of your travel list.
Day 1: Discover UNESCO-listed Ohrid and its glistening lake
Transfer from Skopje to Ohrid and begin today’s excursion with a boat ride on the glimmering azure waters and a comprehensive walking tour of the picturesque old town, hiking up to the Church of St. John of Kaneo for a sweeping view of both town and lake.
Day 2: Road cycling around Lake Ohrid
Today’s 93-kilometer (58-mile) bike ride circles Lake Ohrid with a stop at the St. Naum Monastery, where the healing waters of a natural mineral spring bubble up beside a spectacular tree-lined lagoon, and resident peacocks strut around showing off their dazzling display.
Day 3: Kayaking along east coast of Lake Ohrid
Finish off your adventure with a 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) kayak excursion along the east coast of Lake Ohrid to take in the pretty fishing villages, pristine beaches, and verdant mountains along the shore, before transferring to Skopje for an overnight in the charismatic capital.
4. The Best of North Macedonia’s Food and Wine
This delectable, bite-sized itinerary trades active adventures for immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences accompanied by a local expert guide.
Day 1: Local culinary traditions in Janche village
Transfer from Skopje to the beautiful village of Janche in Mavrovo National Park to spend the day with Tutto, a local legend who is dedicated to preserving local traditions through a range of inspiring projects, from micro-farming to his sprawling property of amazing mud and wood buildings. Inhale the irresistible aromas of local delicacies sizzling in the pan, before sampling their exceptional flavors surrounded by breathtaking views of the Bistra mountains.
Day 2: Local cooking demonstration and home-cooked dinner
Head out for a privately guided tour of the Mavrovo area, including the ancient Bigorski Monastery and a short hike to the picturesque Duf Waterfall. Continue to a family home in the village of Rostushe for a hands-on cooking class with the local women, who demonstrate how to prepare traditional pastries and other regional delicacies. Dinner is hosted by Goran at his home in the village of Kuratica, providing another opportunity to connect with locals and bond over their favorite local dishes.
Day 3: Tikves wine region with North Macedonia’s premier wine expert
Today, you’ll be joined by our wine specialist Ivana for an exploration of the family-owned wineries of Tikves, the beating heart of the country’s viticulture scene. Sample premium red, white, and sparkling wines before transferring to Skopje, stopping en route at Stobi archaeological site, a city dating back to the Hellenistic period, just before North Macedonia became a Roman province.
Inspired? Discover our top five immersive experiences in North Macedonia
