North Macedonia

North Macedonia: general info for travelers

North Macedonia is a landlocked country located in the Balkans region of southeastern Europe. It shares its borders with Serbia to the north, Kosovo to the northwest, Albania to the west, Greece to the south, and Bulgaria to the east. Its capital and largest city is Skopje. North Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from various civilizations including Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine. The country is known for its picturesque lakes, mountains, and architecture, as well as its delicious cuisine and warm hospitality. Tourism is an important industry in North Macedonia, with many visitors coming to explore its historic sites, natural beauty, and vibrant cities.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in North Macedonia, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

North Macedonia: places to visit

Sure, here are some of the main places to visit in North Macedonia, along with their descriptions: 1. Skopje - Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia and the largest city in the country. It is known for its historic Ottoman-era old town, various museums and galleries, and Skopje Fortress, as well as numerous outdoor attractions such as Mount Vodno and the Matka Canyon.
2. Lake Ohrid - Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, and is shared between North Macedonia and Albania. The town of Ohrid on the lake's eastern shore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with numerous Byzantine-era churches and monasteries dating back as far as the 9th century.
3. Bitola - Bitola is the second largest city in North Macedonia, and was once a major center of trade and commerce during the Ottoman Empire. It is known for its numerous historic buildings, such as the Ishak Mosque and the Yeni Mosque, as well as its lively pedestrian zone featuring numerous cafes and restaurants.
4. Mavrovo National Park - Mavrovo National Park is the largest national park in North Macedonia, and is known for its stunning mountain scenery, as well as its wide variety of wildlife including wolves, bears, and lynx. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and rafting.
5. Tikvesh Wine Region - The Tikvesh wine region is located in central North Macedonia, and is known for producing some of the country's best wines. Visitors can tour numerous wineries, sample local wines, and learn about the history and culture of winemaking in the region.
These are just a few of the main places to visit in North Macedonia - there are many other beautiful and interesting destinations throughout the country to explore as well!
There is more to see and do in North Macedonia: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

North Macedonia: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in North Macedonia, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
North Macedonia has a moderate continental climate, with four distinct seasons. The summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. The best time to visit North Macedonia will depend on your personal preferences and interests. If you like warmer weather and want to experience the country's great outdoors, such as hiking and exploring its national parks, then the best time to visit is between May and September. If you prefer milder weather, then the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November) may be a better fit, as the temperatures are still pleasant and there are fewer crowds.
Winter (December to February) can be very cold, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing, but it's an excellent time to enjoy winter sports in the country's ski resorts.
Overall, North Macedonia can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the ideal time to visit will depend on what you want to do and see.

North Macedonia: activities and what to do

North Macedonia offers a variety of activities and sports to do on holiday. Here are some options: 1. Hiking: North Macedonia is home to beautiful mountains and national parks which provide great opportunities for hiking.
2. Skiing: During the winter months, you can visit one of the country's ski resorts, such as Popova Sapka, and enjoy skiing or snowboarding.
3. Water sports: Lake Ohrid, which is shared with Albania, is perfect for water sports. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
4. Cycling: There are several cycling routes in North Macedonia that offer stunning views of the countryside.
5. Rock climbing: Macedonia has a number of mountains and rock formations that are ideal for rock climbing.
6. Cultural activities: The country has a rich history and cultural heritage, and there are many museums, galleries, and historic sites to visit. You can also attend traditional festivals and cultural events.
7. Wine tasting: North Macedonia is known for its wine production, and there are many wineries that offer wine tasting tours.

North Macedonia: few words on history and culture

North Macedonia is a country in the Balkan region of Europe, with a rich history and unique cultural traditions. The area that is now North Macedonia was once part of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, which was ruled by great leaders such as Phillip II and Alexander the Great. Over the centuries, the region was conquered by many different empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and more. As a result, North Macedonia has a diverse mix of cultural influences, including Greek, Roman, Turkish, and Slavic. One of the most prominent cultural traditions in North Macedonia is music, particularly folk music, which is often played on traditional instruments such as the accordion, flute, and tambura. The country is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like baked peppers with feta cheese and ajvar (a spicy sauce made from red bell peppers). Overall, North Macedonia is a fascinating destination for history and culture lovers, with plenty of ancient sites to explore and unique traditions to witness.

North Macedonia: how to move around on holiday

There are a few options when it comes to reaching and exploring North Macedonia: 1. By air: The largest airport in North Macedonia is the Skopje Alexander the Great Airport, which has direct flights to major European cities such as London, Istanbul, Vienna, and Zurich.
2. By bus: There are several bus companies that operate in North Macedonia that connect it to neighboring countries such as Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bulgaria.
3. By train: North Macedonia has several railway lines that connect it to Kosovo, Serbia, and Greece. However, train travel in North Macedonia can be quite slow and unreliable.
4. By car: If you have your own car, driving in North Macedonia is a good option to explore the country. However, roads can be narrow and mountainous in some parts.
Once you are in North Macedonia, some of the best ways to explore the country are by renting a car, taking organized tours, or using local buses and taxis. To hire a car to visit North Macedonia, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

North Macedonia: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit North Macedonia with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the typical foods of North Macedonia: 1. Tavche gravche - It is a baked bean casserole that is made with white beans, onions, and paprika. It is typically served with a slice of bread and a dollop of sour cream on top.
2. Kebapi - These are grilled sausage-like meat rolls made from ground beef or lamb. They are typically served with onions, bread, and ajvar (a spicy pepper spread).
3. Tarator - This is a cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic. It is refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.
4. Shopska salad - It is a fresh salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, topped with feta cheese. It is typically served as a side dish.
5. Ajvar - It is a spicy pepper spread made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and eggplant. It can be eaten as a dip or used as a condiment for grilled meats and vegetables.
6. Pita - It is a savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. It is a popular snack or breakfast food.
7. Turlitava - It is a vegetable and meat stew made with potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes, and ground beef. It is typically served as a main course.
These are just a few of the delicious and traditional foods from North Macedonia.

North Macedonia: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

North Macedonia is generally an affordable destination for tourists. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are relatively low in comparison to other European countries. However, prices may vary depending on the city or region you visit. Skopje, the capital city, might have higher prices for accommodation and dining, but other cities or rural areas might be more affordable. Overall, North Macedonia is considered to be a budget-friendly destination for tourists.

North Macedonia: where to find accodation

There are many online booking websites where you can look for accommodation options in North Macedonia such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Agoda, and Expedia. You can also visit the official website of the North Macedonia Tourism Board for a list of approved accommodations in the country. Additionally, you can contact a local tour operator or travel agency who can assist you in finding suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.
You can check hotel prices in North Macedonia here:
Booking.com

North Macedonia: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the State Statistical Office of North Macedonia, the country welcomed around 1.3 million tourists in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of visitors significantly decreased in 2020. As for crowded periods, North Macedonia is generally less crowded compared to other popular tourist destinations in Europe, but there are a few peaks during the summer months of July and August, when many locals also take their annual leave. Additionally, the holiday season in December can also be a busy time due to the winter festivities and Christmas markets. It's always a good idea to check with local tourism authorities for up-to-date information on peak travel times and places to avoid.
North Macedonia is generally a safe country for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly population. However, it is always important to exercise caution and take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding dark or isolated areas at night, not displaying expensive items in public, and being aware of your surroundings.
There are some places that may be more prone to theft or scams, such as popular tourist areas, crowded markets, and public transportation. Tourists are advised to keep their belongings close and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.
In terms of specific areas to be avoided, the U.S. Department of State advises against all travel to the border regions with Kosovo and Serbia due to ongoing political tensions. It is also recommended to be cautious when traveling near the border with Greece due to occasional incidents of unrest. Overall, with common sense and awareness, tourists can have a safe and enjoyable experience in North Macedonia.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in North Macedonia on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

North Macedonia: events for tourists

North Macedonia offers a variety of interesting events for tourists throughout the year. Here are a few of them: 1. Ohrid Summer Festival (July-August): This annual festival held in the lakeside town of Ohrid features a series of cultural events including theatre, music, dance, and opera.
2. Skopje Jazz Festival (October): This is one of the largest jazz festivals in the Balkans and attracts international and local jazz musicians.
3. Galicnik Wedding Festival (July): This festival takes place in the mountain village of Galicnik and recreates a traditional Macedonian wedding ceremony and celebrations. 4. Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances (August): This festival is held in Bitola and showcases folk songs and dances from the Balkan countries.
5. International Documentary Film Festival (September): This festival is held in Skopje and features documentaries from around the world.
6. Christmas Bazaar (December): This traditional open-air market is held in Skopje every year and offers a variety of holiday-inspired foods, drinks, and crafts.

North Macedonia: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in North Macedonia, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Sure, here's a two week travel itinerary suggestion for a typical tourist in North Macedonia: **Day 1-2: Skopje** - Arrive in Skopje, the capital city of North Macedonia - Visit the Skopje Fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top - Explore the Old Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the Balkans - Walk along the Stone Bridge, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks - Visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa, who was born in Skopje **Day 3-4: Ohrid** - Take a bus or drive to Ohrid, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Ohrid - Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo, an iconic church built on a cliff overlooking the lake - Take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy its crystal-clear waters - Visit the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid, a well-preserved amphitheater built by the Romans - Explore the Old Town of Ohrid and its many shops and restaurants **Day 5-6: Bitola** - Take a bus or drive to Bitola, a charming town located in the southern part of North Macedonia - Visit the Heraclea Lyncestis, an ancient archaeological site featuring well-preserved mosaics and ruins of a Roman town - Visit the Bitola National Museum, which houses many artifacts from the Ottoman and Macedonian eras - Explore Shirok Sokak, a pedestrian street full of shops, cafes, and restaurants **Day 7-9: Mavrovo National Park** - Take a bus or drive to the Mavrovo National Park, a beautiful natural park offering stunning views and a variety of activities - Go hiking or mountain biking in the many trails of the park - Enjoy water sports such as kayaking or rafting in the Mavrovo Lake - Visit the St. Jovan Bigorski Monastery, a beautiful orthodox monastery known for its mural paintings and architecture **Day 10-12: Pelister National Park** - Take a bus or drive to the Pelister National Park, another beautiful natural park full of hiking trails and stunning views - Hike to the peak of Mount Pelister, the highest peak in the park - Visit the Big Lake Prespa, the second biggest freshwater lake in North Macedonia - Explore the city of Bitola and its many attractions **Day 13-14: Strumica** - Take a bus or drive to Strumica, a small town located in the southeastern part of North Macedonia - Visit the Strumica Carnival, a traditional folk festival featuring colorful costumes, music, and performances - Visit the Church of the Holy Mother of God Eleusa, a beautiful church featuring impressive frescoes and mosaics - Explore the nearby Koleshino Waterfall, a stunning waterfall located in a beautiful natural setting.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to North Macedonia!

North Macedonia: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in North Macedonia described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Berovo is a small town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia, close to the border with Bulgaria. It is situated in the Maleševo mountains at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, surroun... CONTINUE here for a trip to Berovo
- Bitola is a city located in the southern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Greece. It is the second-largest city in the country and has a rich history and culture, with many historic sites... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bitola
- Bogdanci is a small town located in the southeastern part of North Macedonia, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. It has a population of approximately 7,000 people and it is known for its viney... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bogdanci
- Bogovinje is a small town situated in the north-western part of North Macedonia. It is located about 9 kilometers away from the city of Tetovo and has a population of around 4,000 people. The town is ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bogovinje
- Debar is a city in western North Macedonia, located near the border with Albania. It is situated in the valley of the Black Drin river, at an altitude of 625 meters above sea level. The city has a ric... CONTINUE here for a trip to Debar
- Delcevo is a town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia. It is situated in the picturesque valley of the river Bregalnica, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The town has a population of a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Delcevo
- Demir Kapija is a small town located in the southern part of North Macedonia. The town is situated in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains and is known for its stunning landscapes and abundant ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Demir Kapija
- Dojran is a small resort town located in North Macedonia on the shore of Lake Dojran. It is situated in the southeastern part of the country and has a population of around 9,000 people. The town is kn... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dojran
- Galicnik is a small village located in the western part of North Macedonia, near the border with Albania. It is situated on the slopes of the Bistra mountain range, at an altitude of 1,500 meters abov... CONTINUE here for a trip to Galicnik
- Gari is a small village located in the northeastern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Serbia and Kosovo. It is situated at an altitude of around 800 meters above sea level and is surrounde... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gari
- Gevgelija is a town located in the southern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Greece. It is situated on the banks of the river Vardar and has a population of around 15,000 people. Gevgelij... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gevgelija
- Gostivar is a city located in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Kosovo. It is the largest city in the Polog region and the third largest in the country. The population of ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gostivar
- Kavadarci is a city located in central North Macedonia, in the Tikveš region. It is a notable wine-producing region and the largest wine district in the country, famous for its quality red wines. The ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kavadarci
- Kicevo is a town located in the western part of North Macedonia, near the border with Albania. It has a population of around 27,000 people and is situated at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level.... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kicevo
- Kisela Voda is a municipality located in the northern part of North Macedonia, near the capital city of Skopje. It is one of the most developed and popular areas in the country, known for its modern a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kisela Voda
- Kocani is a town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia, near the Bulgarian border. It has a population of about 30,000 people and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kocani
- Koleshino is a small village located in the eastern part of North Macedonia, close to the border with Bulgaria. It is situated in the mountainous region of Maleševo, surrounded by dense forests, hills... CONTINUE here for a trip to Koleshino
- Kratovo is a town in North Macedonia, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly its distinctive stone bridges and towers. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kratovo
- Kriva Feja is a small mountain village located in the northeastern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Kosovo. It is situated in the Bistra Mountain Range, which is well-known for its beauti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kriva Feja
- Kriva Palanka is a town located in the northeastern part of North Macedonia, near the Serbian border. It has a population of around 14,000 people and is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kriva Palanka
- Krusevo is a small and charming town located in the northern part of North Macedonia. It is situated in the beautiful region of Pelagonia, and its altitude of 1250 meters above sea level makes it the ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Krusevo
- Kuklica is a small village located in the municipality of Kratovo in North Macedonia. It is known for its unique rock formations, called stone dolls, which were formed by erosion over thousands of yea... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kuklica
- Kukurecani is a small village located in the Kičevo region of North Macedonia. It is situated at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level and has a population of around 150 people. The village is kno... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kukurecani
- Kumanovo is a city located in the north-eastern part of North Macedonia, close to the border with Serbia. It is the fourth largest city in the country and has a population of approximately 110,000 peo... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kumanovo
- Kumanovsko Ezero is a large lake located in the northern part of North Macedonia, near the city of Kumanovo. It is an artificial reservoir created by a dam on the river Lepenec. The lake is surrounded... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kumanovsko Ezero
- Makedonski Brod is a town located in the western part of North Macedonia. It has a population of around 13,000 people and is situated on the banks of the Treska River. The town is surrounded by beauti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Makedonski Brod
- Mavrovo National Park is a protected area located in the northwest corner of North Macedonia. It covers an area of about 73,000 hectares and is known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildli... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mavrovo National Park
- Mavrovo is a small town located in the western part of North Macedonia, near the border with Albania and Kosovo. It is known for its beautiful national park, which boasts stunning landscapes and diver... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mavrovo
- Negotino is a town located in the northeastern part of North Macedonia, with a population of around 13,000. It is situated approximately 75 km from the capital city of Skopje and is known for its vine... CONTINUE here for a trip to Negotino
- Novaci is a small town located in the south-central part of North Macedonia, near the border with Greece. It has a population of around 6,000 people and is situated at an altitude of approximately 760... CONTINUE here for a trip to Novaci
- Ohrid Lake is a large lake located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia and it is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe. It has a surface area of approximately 349 square kilometers and... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ohrid Lake
- Ohrid is a city located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, known for its beautiful lake, historical landmarks, and cultural significance. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ohrid
- Pehcevo is a small town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia, near the Bulgarian border. It is situated in the foothills of the Osogovo Mountains, which offer stunning natural beauty and out... CONTINUE here for a trip to Pehcevo
- Sure, Prilep is a city located in the northern part of North Macedonia. It is the second-largest city in the Pelagonia region and is situated on the foothills of the Baba Mountain. The city has a rich... CONTINUE here for a trip to Prilep
- Probištip is a small town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia. It has a population of approximately 8,000 people and is situated at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. Probištip is k... CONTINUE here for a trip to Probištip
- Radovis is a town in eastern North Macedonia, located in the middle of the Radovish Valley. It is situated at an altitude of 350 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains. The town has a p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Radovis
- Skopje is the capital and largest city of North Macedonia. It is located in the northern region of the country, near the Vardar River. Skopje has a rich history and culture, with influences from ancie... CONTINUE here for a trip to Skopje
- Stavrovo is a small village located in the northwest part of North Macedonia. It is situated in the Mavrovo and Rostusha Municipality, near the Albanian border. Stavrovo is known for its beautiful nat... CONTINUE here for a trip to Stavrovo
- Stenkovec is a small village located in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Kosovo. It is situated in the region of Mavrovo and Rostusha, known for its beautiful landscape a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Stenkovec
- Stip is a city located in the Eastern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Bulgaria. It has a population of around 44,000 people and is the largest city in the region of eastern Macedonia. St... CONTINUE here for a trip to Stip
- Struga is a town located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, situated on the banks of Lake Ohrid. With a population of around 16,000 people, Struga is a popular tourist destination known for ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Struga
- Strumica is a city located in the southeastern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Greece. It is the largest city in the eastern region of the country and has a population of around 35,000 p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Strumica
- Sveti Jovan Bigorski is a monastery located in the western part of North Macedonia, near the town of Debar. The monastery is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning natural surroundings, and it... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sveti Jovan Bigorski
- Sveti Naum is a popular tourist destination located in the southwestern region of North Macedonia beside the Albanian border, at the southern end of Lake Ohrid. The main attraction of this place is th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sveti Naum
- Sveti Nikole is a small town located in the eastern part of North Macedonia. It is the administrative center of the Sveti Nikole Municipality and is situated in the Osogovo Mountains. The town has a p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sveti Nikole
- Tetovo is a city located in the northwestern part of North Macedonia, near the border with Kosovo. It is the fifth-largest city in the country and is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beau... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tetovo
- Valandovo is a small town located in the southeastern part of North Macedonia. It is situated in the fertile valley of the river Vardar, at the foot of the eastern slopes of the Belasica Mountain rang... CONTINUE here for a trip to Valandovo
- Veles is a city in the central part of North Macedonia, with a population of around 56,000 people. It is located on the banks of the Vardar River, with the nearby mountain ranges providing a stunning ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Veles
- Vinica is a town located in eastern North Macedonia, near the border with Bulgaria. It has a population of around 10,000 people and is the center of the Vinica Municipality. The town is known for its ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Vinica
- Zajas is a municipality situated in the western part of North Macedonia. Its administrative center is the town of Zajas. The area is characterized by a hilly and mountainous landscape, with the highes... CONTINUE here for a trip to Zajas


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