The best and most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia
It is a stunning natural paradise with great historical sites and ruins tucked into idyllic villages that have not seemed to change in centuries.
The amazing thing is that you get all of that, plus the full modern cities and luxuries at your fingertips.
Additionally, Macedonia is a wonderful representation of the Balkans with its diverse range of influences, ethnicities, modern cities and beautiful countryside, where life moves at its own unique pace.
Well, let's take a look at The best and most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia…
The best and most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia:
1. Skopje – Capital of Macedonia
Skopje is definitely Europe's most eclectic capital.
Efforts have been made, with some success, to infuse a new culture in the form of museums, fountains, bridges and statues throughout the city.
The result is something grand that has come to symbolize a new national identity for all Macedonians.
History still lives on in places like Kameni Most (Stone Bridge), Sveti Spas Church, Tvrdina Kale Fortress and the old Turkish bazaar Caršija.
Be sure to check out the giant statue of Alexander the Great, commissioned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Macedonia's independence.
Shopping and nightlife in Skopje is also something you can experience – if that’s what you’re looking for, head straight to Makedonija Street.
Skopje and the statue of Alexander the Great
2. Prilep – The Tobacco Capital of Macedonia
Prilep is known for some unique things.
First, agriculturally, it is the tobacco capital of Macedonia.
Secondly, it became known as “the city under the towers of Marko”, since it was the medieval capital of Kings Marko and Volkasin – who populated the city with churches and monasteries.
Prilep is located in western Macedonia and features a distinctive landscape of massive boulders scattered loosely at the base of a small hill.
At the top of the hill are the ruins of a medieval castle.
Moreover, the locals also have a distinct flavour – which you can see in their sense of humour and their dedication to preserving their traditions.
Prilep city at night
3. Bitola – A stylish city to visit in Macedonia
Bitola is an old Ottoman city that was formerly known as the “City of Consuls” because it served as a diplomatic center for the region.
Elegant and sophisticated are the best words to describe it.
You'll see colorful 18th century townhouses and Turkish mosques all around.
A not-to-be-missed and certainly often-repeated experience is sitting along a wide street, sipping espresso and watching everyone come and go.
Bitola is the second largest city and is a favorite among Macedonians for its cafe culture and European atmosphere.
Discover the Dibuj Hammam in front of the Turkish Bath (17th century), the Old Bazaar, the Jeni Mosque and the Ishak Bey Mosque (both 16th century).
Bitola city
4. Mavrovo National Park – One of the most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia
The Mavrovo National Park is the perfect place for skiing, and is the largest winter resort in Macedonia.
It covers more than 730 square kilometers of forests, valleys, waterfalls and karst fields.
You can also see the country's highest peak, Mount Korab, which stands at 2,764 metres.
No matter what time of year you visit, the fresh air at high altitudes and stunning vistas are worth the trip.
In addition, nature lovers can wander among the diverse fauna and flora and take a walk around Lake Mavrovo.
Galichnik and Janche are two quaint villages nearby, as well as the monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski.
One of the villages in Mavrovo National Park
An ancient church submerged in Mavrovo National Park
5. Pelister National Park – A wonderful natural haven to visit in Macedonia
The oldest of the three major national parks is Pelister, located in western Macedonia near Bitola.
With nearby Mount Pelister (2600m), and eight other peaks over 2000m, the vistas are a wonderful natural escape from everyday life.
The park is home to Pine Molica Found in a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula – something all nature lovers will love to see. There are also roe deer, wolves, bears, chamois, eagles, partridges and red ravens.
Moreover, in Pelister there are two beautiful mountain lakes called by the locals: Eyes of Belister.
Pelister National Park
6. Ohrid City – One of the Best Places to Visit in Macedonia
The largest city on Lake Ohrid, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ohrid has a fascinating history and heritage to share.
At the top of the list are the frescoes inside the Church of St. Sophia, the ancient theatre, the Church of St. Clement (13th century) and the Tsar Samuel's Castle – which has an incredible view of the city and the lake.
The surrounding mountains reach an altitude of 2,800 metres, meaning that Ohrid is not only culturally significant, but also naturally breathtaking.
So it is no exaggeration to say that Ohrid offers the best of Macedonia.
It is a good idea to use the town as a base camp to explore the lake as well as the many surrounding towns and monasteries.
It is located Monastery of Saint Naum Only 30 km away, it is one of the richest and oldest monasteries in the country.
Ohrid city and ancient theater
Monastery of St. Naum on Lake Ohrid
7. Struga – A charming and elegant city in Macedonia
Struga, nicknamed the “City of Poetry”, is a comfortable and beautiful city to walk around.
You will enjoy the vibrant market in the Old Bazaar, St. George Church, Halveti Teke and a walk on Goce Delcev Street where you can see some well-preserved traditional houses.
River view in Struga
8. Kumanovo – A culturally rich city to visit in Macedonia
It is one of the largest cities in the country and has a wonderful mix of Macedonian and Serbian culture.The city and outlying villages highlight a colorful multi-ethnic mix of Romanians, Serbs, Albanians and Turkish minorities.So check out Kostoperka Karpa, a unique rock formation, the Church of St. George, and the monument to Batko Gjorgjija – a legendary and much-loved local bohemian.
Kumanovo city center
9. Strumica City – One of the Best Places to Visit in Macedonia
Strumica is located in Eastern Macedonia with a number of great attractions worth exploring.
Enjoy hiking in the Belasica Mountains, or head to the Smolar Falls and the town of Kolesino, two nearby places.
There are also some stunning monasteries, including Veljosa and Vodoka, both Byzantine and still occupied by monks and nuns.
Be sure to check out the stunning murals in both.
Strumica city center
10. Gevgelija – Las Vegas of Macedonia
Villa in Smerdliva Voda Resort
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