North Macedonia is relatively unknown to tourists, but in recent years people have begun to discover this country rich in historical and natural attractions.
Until 2019, the country was called Macedonia, when it was renamed to its current name. North Macedonia is located between Kosovo and Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.
Table of Contents
Best places in North Macedonia
Skopje
The capital of North Macedonia boasts a long and varied historical past.
It was an important city of the Ottoman Empire. We can still discover traces of this era in architectural monuments, such as in the old town, where mosques, hammams, and bazaars can be found. In 1963, a devastating earthquake destroyed a significant part of the city. During reconstruction, Skopje received a modern facade.
Its central square is Macedonia Square (Plostad Makedonija), which is surrounded by huge statues and impressive buildings. Here you can find the equestrian statue of Alexander the Great, which is one of North Macedonia’s most recognizable modern symbols.
Lake Ohrid
Located at the Albanian border, this lake is one of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is approximately 30 km long and 15 km wide, with its deepest point at 288 meters. Its ecosystem is extremely unique, with numerous plant and animal species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The most famous of these is the Ohrid trout.
It’s becoming an increasingly popular destination, with scheduled flights now operating from several European cities.
Ohrid
One of North Macedonia’s most beautiful and visited cities is the center of Lake Ohrid’s eastern shore.
The city is often called the „Jerusalem of the Balkans” as it once had 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Due to its historical significance and natural beauty, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The city’s most famous symbol is the Church of St. John at Kaneo, which sits on a cliff above Lake Ohrid. The Monastery of Saint Clement and Saint Panteleimon was built on the site of ancient Lychnidos and is one of the most important centers of Orthodox Christianity. Saint Clement, one of the creators of the Cyrillic alphabet, taught here.
Mavrovo National Park
North Macedonia’s largest and one of its most beautiful national parks is located in the Bistra Mountains.
Its central feature is Lake Mavrovo. The artificial lake was created by damming the Radika River and is one of the national park’s main attractions. With its crystal-clear water, it’s ideal for fishing and boating.
The Mavrovo ski center within the park is one of the country’s largest ski resorts, suitable for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. It also has many marked hiking trails, making it perfect for hiking.
Bitola
One of North Macedonia’s oldest and most important cities lies near the Greek border.
Its history spans more than 2000 years. In ancient times, it was known as Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II, father of Alexander the Great. During Ottoman rule (14th century – 1912), Bitola became an important regional center. In the 19th century, the city became known as a cultural and diplomatic center during the Ottoman reform period, hence its nickname „City of Consuls”.
In the city center is the Širok Sokak, or Main Street. The street is lined with beautiful 19th and 20th-century buildings that blend Ottoman and European architectural styles. One of the city’s most important symbols is the Clock Tower (Saat Kula). The Ishak Beg Mosque is one of the largest and most impressive Ottoman mosques.
Kokino Megalithic Observatory
One of North Macedonia’s most unique archaeological sites, often mentioned among the world’s most significant prehistoric astronomical observation sites.
Discovered in 2001, it has since become an important research site for archaeoastronomy. Research suggests the site was established around 1800 BC and was used until the Bronze Age (7th century BC). The observatory was primarily used by local inhabitants for astronomical observations and religious ceremonies.
Through openings cut into the rocks, prehistoric people could precisely determine the timing of summer and winter solstices, as well as autumn and spring equinoxes. Another interesting feature is that they also tracked lunar cycles.
Saint Naum Monastery
One of the country’s most beautiful and important religious and historical sites is located on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid, near the Albanian border.
The monastery was built by Saint Naum, one of the founders of Slavic literacy and Christianity, in 905 AD. He was a disciple of Cyril and Methodius, who created the Glagolitic and Cyrillic scripts. After his death, he was buried in the monastery, and his tomb remains one of the site’s most sacred places.
The monastery’s architectural style follows Orthodox traditions but has undergone numerous modifications over the centuries. Its center is the monastery church, where frescoes depict scenes from Saint Naum’s life and biblical stories.
Markovi Kuli
Marko’s Towers is an excellent attraction for medieval history and hiking enthusiasts.
The ruins are located in the Pelagonia region, near the city of Prilep, atop a steep rock formation at approximately 120-180 meters in height. It offers magnificent views of the surroundings.
The fortress was once under the rule of medieval King Marko, after whom it was named. The fortress was surrounded by thick walls and watchtowers, serving as one of the region’s most impressive defense systems. Although the fortress lost its significance after the Turkish conquest, its ruins still remind us of the region’s turbulent history.
Stobi Archaeological Site
It preserves the remains of one of North Macedonia’s most important and best-preserved ancient cities and is a World Heritage site.
The ancient city of Stobi was a significant center during the Roman, later Byzantine, and early Christian periods. The city was particularly known as a seat of Roman emperors and Christian bishops, and its Christian churches and buildings served as important religious centers for the contemporary Balkans.
Numerous buildings and ornate monuments have been uncovered during excavations. The Roman forum, which was a social and political center, is located in the city center. The Roman-style theater is one of the city’s most impressive monuments. There are several temples dedicated to Roman gods such as Jupiter, Neptune, and Hera.
Treskavec Monastery
One of North Macedonia’s most important religious sites is located in the Bregalnica River valley.
It was built at the end of the 12th century during Byzantine rule. The name probably comes from the Latin word „tres” (three), as there are three rocks surrounding the monastery. It reached its greatest flourishing in the 14th and 15th centuries when it became one of the important religious centers of the local Christian community.
The monastery’s church is dedicated to Saint Mary, with its interior decorated with painted iconostasis and frescoes. Several famous religious figures rest in the sanctuary.