North Macedonia stays off the tourists’ radar, although it has a long line of qualities to be loved. The Balkan country is worth visiting due to its exquisite mountainous landscapes, fairytale-esque lakes, and an interesting blend of cultures. TripLeader Ivana, a North Macedonia-born TripLeader, came back to settle in her hometown Skopje after 10+ years of traveling and decided to share her insights. Oe thing she told us – she has zero trouble in finding things to look forward to in the city! So, here is a list of top things to do in North Macedonia curated by our local host Ivana.
12 Best Things to Do in Macedonia – Summary
- Wander Around Skopje
- Outdoor Adventures at Matka Canyon
- Reach Lake Kozjak Viewpoint
- Try Paragliding
- Hop on a Cable Car to Mount Vodno
- Explore the Beauty of Ohrid
- Relax on the Shores of Lake Prespa
- Walk Along the Footsteps of Mother Theresa
- Embark on a Cave Adventure
- See the Bay of Bones
- Go Kafana-Hopping
- Enjoy the Iconic Macedonian Wine
1. Wander Around Skopje
Skopje is North Macedonia’s quirky (in a good way) and charming capital. The city has stood the test of time, being established as early as the ancient Greece and Rome. The cityscape acts as a living proof for its rich history, extending from the Ottoman Empire to the Yugoslavia period. You will see intricate Baroque buildings standing side-by-side with Ottoman-influenced mosques and medieval Byzantine churches. Then, any other thing to check out? Skopje’s huge collection of unique life-sized statues!
In order to immerse fully in Skopje, Ivana recommends these group-friendly sightseeing and activities:
- Visit the Macedonia Square
- Roam around the Old Bazaar and its mid-15th century buildings
- Visit Skopje Fortress Kale
- Check out the Ottoman-styled Suli An & Kapan Han Museums
2. Outdoor Adventures at Matka Canyon
Imagine having a rough day and deciding to go to your country’s famous verdant canyon that is only 30-minute drive away… That’s the reality people in Skopje is living in! Matka Canyon is a scenic natural destination that features rugged canyons with a vast lake in the middle and an adrenaline-rushing hiking trail. The canyon is a total feast for the eyes, but it also beckons you to engage in fun outdoor activities.
Ivana never ditches adventures in Matka Canyon from her itinerary, especially in summer. She loves taking her TripMates hiking the steep and forested trails of the limestone cliffs, immersing into North Macedonia’s natural beauty. Then, she recommends kayaking along the waters and let the flow lead you to the deep Vrelo Caves.
3. Reach Kozjak Lake Viewpoint
It’s just a stone’s throw away from Skopje and very easy to reach.
4. Try Paragliding
Approximately 80% of North Macedonia are comprised of mountains and hills. Do you know what activity aside from hiking is ideal with the condition? Yes, it’s paragliding! Ivana mentioned that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy paragliding, as Skopje is a cool place to do it. You can find paragliding operators around Vodno Mountain and book an excursion with them. Then, you’ll get a thrilling and unforgettable experience of soaring gently above the majestic mountains and historic city of Skopje.
5. Hop on a Cable Car to Mount Vodno
The phenomenal natural landscapes of North Macedonia make this country worth visiting. Another natural attraction you must see in Macedonia is Mount Vodno. The gorgeous mountain acts as the highest peak of Skopje, reaching to 1066 meters high. On Mount Vodno’s peak, you can see the renowned Millennium Cross, the biggest cross in the world.
There are two main ways to reach the peak of Mount Vodno. You can hike along the hiking trail to reach the top of the mountain. Alternatively, you can hop on a cable car to save time and sweat. However, going to the top of the mountain will be absolutely worth it as the scenery is awesome!
6. Explore the Beauty of Ohrid
Offering gorgeous landscapes and remarkable historical sites, Ohrid is one of the loveliest places to visit in Macedonia. The centuries-old city is nestled on the banks of a lake with the same name, Lake Ohrid. At first glance, Ohrid will remind you of Positano or Lake Como in Italy. It is one of the major cities in Macedonia that is well-known for its stunning lake scenery.
There are so many interesting things in Ohrid, as the city is home to thousands of years of history. Head to the Church of Saint John in Kaneo, located on the edge of the lake. The lake offers the best sunset view you can find in Macedonia. Moreover, you can also see other sites like the Church of St. Sophia, the Ancient Amphitheatre of Ohrid, and St. Clement Square in Ohrid.
7. Relax on the Shores of Lake Prespa
8. Walk Along the Footsteps of Mother Theresa
See the early footsteps of Mother Teresa, the Noble Peace Prize winner, in her birthplace. The famous nun was born in Skopje and spent her childhood there. Thus, one of the best things to do in Skopje is to visit the Memorial House of Mother Teresa. The landmark was constructed on the site where she was baptized. Memorial House of Mother Teresa is a monument and chapel open to the public. Interestingly, the memorial house has quirky architecture with a futuristic sense to it.
Find more information in the Memorial House of Mother Teresa here!
9. Embark on a Cave Adventure
Looking for an out-of-the-box thing to do in Macedonia? Then, cave adventures are for you! With its abundance of limestone structures, the Republic of North Macedonia is home to Europe’s spectacular caves. There are around 300 caves that have been explored in Macedonia. Exploring a cave is one of the best things to do in Macedonia.
Some of the caves you must visit are Peshna, Vrelo, and Gjovonica Caves. All of these caves feature stunning scenery and mysterious vibes. The stone structures, stalactites, and stalagmites will take your breath away. Thus, there are caving communities and guides in Macedonia that will guide you through an awesome cave adventure safely.
10. See the Bay of Bones
Picturesque scenes and impressive structures are what you can find in this enchanting attraction. Bay of Bones, or specifically Museum on Water, features a series of wooden huts floating above the crystal-clear Ohrid lake. It is an archeological site that shows travelers the fascinating history of Brydges, a prehistoric tribe that lived in the Balkan region.
Travelers are heading to the Bay of Bones as it looks gorgeous. The crystal-clear waters, brilliant scenery, and floating houses will make you feel like you are in Hawaii or the Maldives. Moreover, the Bay of Bones is a great place to learn about the far-older history of Macedonia.
11. Go Kafana-Hopping
“Tasting local food in kafana – traditional eateries – is the best way to experience North Macedonia’s culture and atmosphere. You can try different dishes and drinks while experiencing the Balkan top-notch hospitality,” said Ivana. We agree, food is a fast-track to understand the culture of a new country. In North Macedonia, the cuisine comprises flavors from different cultures, like Turkish, Greek, Mediterranean, and Balkan.
You can try musaka, burek (cheese-filled dough), Pastrmajlija (pizza-like dish), and kebapi. Also, make sure to taste the tangy ajvar, a legendary Macedonian pepper spread. The experience will become more delightful as you’ll be greeted with friendly smiles and the owners recommending you their best dish.
12. Enjoy the Iconic Macedonian Wine
Travel to Macedonia and have an exquisite wine that will blow your mind. One of the best things about Macedonia is wine. Through thousands of years of winemaking traditions, Macedonia yields one of the most impressive wines in the world. Not to mention, Macedonia has an all-year sunshine that makes it the perfect place for wine to grow.
Head to Povardarie and Pelagonia-Pelog to spoil your tastebuds with fine wines. You can also walk through vineyards and see grapes grow perfectly under the sun. So, if you are dreaming of a high-quality Chardonnay, Macedonia is your place.
Find more information about Macedonian wine here.
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