Macedonia often undeservedly remains in the shadow of other Balkan countries with access to the sea. UNESCO-protected national parks, impressive mountain ranges and the beautiful Lake Ohrid, combined with many other picturesque places, are a worthy replacement for the sea coast, which is not in this country, and create no less conditions for an unforgettable vacation here. Below are a dozen unique places in Macedonia, for the sake of which you should definitely plan a trip to this country.
10
Mavrovo National Park
The largest of Macedonia's national parks impresses with its most picturesque landscapes and is an ideal place for fascinating ecotourism. Mavrovo also has the highest peaks in the region, which attracts climbers and lovers of skiing. Mavrovsky lake with a length of 10 km is one of the best places in the country for trout fishing, swimming and boat trips.
You should definitely go on an excursion to the partially flooded church of St. Nicholas. She repeatedly found herself under water during floods in the 1950s, until she eventually acquired the mystical appearance that is now so impressive for tourists and photographers. You can take a tent with you and stay for a few days on the coast to enjoy a relaxing holiday. If you want more comfort, you can book a room in one of the hotels in the neighboring village of Mavrovo.
9
Ohrid
This historic city of Macedonia is located on the shores of the lake of the same name, which is one of the most popular attractions in the country. A settlement in these places has existed since the time of the Dassarets and Illyrian tribes. Ohrid impresses with architectural structures that date back to the 4th century BC. The ruins of the fortress of Samuel is the most interesting historical attraction of these places. The fort was erected during the reign of King Samuel to protect the city from invaders during the existence of the First Bulgarian Kingdom.
Cobbled streets, quaint restaurants and houses with orange roofs in the old town and the turquoise waters of the lake - all this gives the city of Ohrid the glory of one of the best tourist destinations in Macedonia. It is best to come here during the Ohrid Summer Festival. Tourists from all over the world come to this festive event with many theatrical, musical and dance productions and shows dedicated to the rich culture and history of Macedonia.
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru you can find an interesting article about the most beautiful streets in the world.
8
Bitola
Another beautiful city of Macedonia - Bitola is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Baba, Nije and Kaymakchalan, which makes it a great place to contemplate the most picturesque landscapes of the country. It is rarely visited by tourists, remaining the little-known cultural center of Macedonia. Art galleries, museums, cafes and restaurants are located here, which allows visitors to the country to get the most vivid idea of the rich cultural heritage of Macedonia and taste the most characteristic local dishes.
The architecture of Bitola will also impress fans of art. Here you can find a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles, ranging from prehistoric monuments Veluška Tumba to neoclassical buildings. In addition to interesting houses, in Bitola there are many beautiful churches and mosques. You should definitely admire the ancient Yeni Mosque, which is one of the most attractive architectural attractions of this city of Macedonia.
7
Skopje
It would be unforgivable to visit Macedonia and not visit its capital. Located on the Vardar River, the city is an important European trade center for the export of chemicals and equipment. But it is also famous for its rich history. It was ruled by the Romans, Serbs and Turks, as eloquently testified to the architectural heritage of Skopje, representing an alloy of various cultural influences. Mosques of the Ottoman Empire are adjacent to the buildings of the communist era, which makes walking along the streets of the city especially fascinating.
It is worth visiting here on September 8, when the independent status of the country is annually celebrated in Skopje with colorful fireworks, parade processions and musical performances.
6
Kratovo
This picturesque town is located in the crater of an extinct volcano on the slopes of Mount Osogovo and attracts tourists with numerous bridges and towers that were erected in the Middle Ages. A walk along the winding cobbled streets past ancient stone buildings allows you to plunge into the medieval past of the country.
Initially, Kratovo was an important mining city, but now it is so modernized that it is hard to believe.
5
Pelister National Park
Known for its wide variety of flora and fauna, as well as excellent hiking trails, the Pelister National Park is a great place for exciting tourism and hiking. If you are lucky, then when traveling through the park you will notice roe deer or wild boar. Located next to Mavrovo Pelister is a famous ski resort.
Here it is usually not crowded, unlike many other popular places for skiers, and a height of 1172 m creates ideal conditions for an unforgettable descent. You can stay in a tent or book a room in one of the many hotels next door to it. Bitola is located just 30 km from here, so you can combine a vacation in Pelister with a trip there.
4
Struga
Located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, but far from the bustle of its main city, Struga allows you to enjoy your vacation in this wonderful place without crowds of tourists. This city of Macedonia is famous for its mild climate and relatively secluded beaches, which makes it look like a picturesque seaside village.
The location on the lake allows you to do various kinds of water activities here, and a wide selection of inexpensive hotels in the city center only adds to the attractiveness of Struga. Staying in this city, you can carry out fascinating walks through the forests and mountains in the surroundings. The Black Drin River flows through Struga, on the coast of which there are many cozy cafes and restaurants, from which you can enjoy beautiful views.
3
Heraclea Linkestis
The ruins of the city of Hercules Linkestis are of particular interest to connoisseurs of ancient history. Founded by the Macedonian king Philip II in the fourth century BC, the city was conquered by the Greeks and turned into an important Greek fortress. The Greeks called the city the name of the mythological hero Hercules, the same name remained under the Romans, under the authority to which he passed in the 2nd century BC. The Romans divided the territory of Macedonia into four parts, and one of the important Roman roads that united them passed through Heracles. So this city has become an important shopping center.
Many Roman buildings here were erected under the emperor Andrian. Then the city passed to the Byzantine Empire, and was subsequently destroyed. Now it is a popular attraction of Macedonia. Tourists can wander among the ruins of the ancient city, visit the ancient Roman theater, which functioned under the rule of Anthony Pius, and admire the unique Byzantine mosaics. It is worthwhile to definitely plan a one-day excursion to Hercules Linkestis when traveling to Macedonia.
2
Uterus Canyon
This Macedonia canyon covers an area of 5,000 hectares and is one of the best places in Europe for adventure lovers. There are 10 natural caves, as well as many medieval buildings, including dilapidated monasteries and the ruins of the ancient city of Matka.
The turquoise waters framed by a rocky gorge represent one of the most picturesque landscapes not only in Macedonia, but also among all the Balkan countries. Tourists can stay here in a rustic hotel with a chalet-style restaurant where traditional Macedonian cuisine is served in conjunction with Balkan hospitality.
1
Joy
This quiet fishing village is another interesting spot on the shores of Lake Ohrid. Located near the border with Albania, the village is a great place to get acquainted with the culture of both countries. Rainbow is a quiet and picturesque paradise that allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of unhurried village life and come into contact with the fascinating history of Macedonia.
This settlement was first mentioned in historical documents of 1342-1345. The church of St. Michael the Archangel Michael, located just above the village, was built many centuries ago and is one of the best-preserved historical sights of Macedonia. It’s worth including Rajodda in the list of places to visit in this country if you want to get acquainted with the traditional way of life, culture and cuisine of local residents.
Article Author: skywriter13