Location:
Borders northern Macedonia and Albania.

Description:
Unique to Lake Ohrid is that it is one of the oldest lakes in Europe. It is estimated to be about 1.3 million years old. In addition, it is also one of the deepest lakes in Europe. The lowest point is 288 meters deep…! We’ll go on and on. The lake also has more than 200 endemic species (plants and/or animals found only there). A small sample:
– The Ohrid trout: In any case, the most famous fish from the lake. Looks a bit like salmon but is definitely not. The northern Macedonians have enjoyed it for centuries and (perhaps because of this) protect it from overfishing. Breeding programs have already been established.
– The Ohrid gondola snail: A particularly small snail only a few millimeters in size. The shell is elongated and smooth and light in color. Due to over a million years of isolation in this lake, it has fully adapted to the ecological nature of the lake. However, the chances of encountering it are extremely low. It usually lives at the bottom of the lake, keeping the rocks there clean. But just because of its name it is in our list…
– When it comes to plants it certainly does not always involve aquatic plants. A super nice example is the ‘Ohrid bee orchid’. An orchid that you can therefore only find around Lake Ohrid. To be precise, near pine forests on dry grassy slopes. And what makes this orchid so special? The flower looks like a female bee. That way it lures male bees to “accidentally” provide offspring.

What to do:

• Walk the plank paths of Kaneo to the iconic church of Sveti Jovan Kaneo

• Explore the ancient theater, monasteries and churches (Ohrid once had 365 churches!).

• Boat trips to Sveti Naum monastery

• Swim, kayak, or chill on pebble beaches

Location:
In Mavrovo National Park, in western northern Macedonia and not far from the border with Albania.

Description:
Lake Mavrovo is an artificial lake and, to be fair, it shows. Created in 1953 for electricity production. The river Radika was dammed to create the lake. Last facts: the lake is about 12 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of 48 meters. So what makes this lake so special you may wonder.
During its construction, parts of the old village of Mavrovo were flooded. Including the famous church of St. Nikola. The irony is that (partly) because of this, this church has now become perhaps the most iconic image of northern Macedonia. At low tide you can still walk around the church but at high tide only the roof and turret stick out above the water. I can hear you thinking: tide…. in a lake…?
Yes. At least, not real tides like ebb and flow, but as a result of generating electricity. Water is then drawn from the lake and routed through turbines. This in itself causes a lower water level, add melt water from the mountains, precipitation (autumn and winter) and evaporation (hot summers) et voila: High and low water levels!

The nature around the lake still holds countless secrets in flora and fauna. Think of limestone mountains, rivers, caves but also alpine meadows. And therein live the balkanlynx (almost extinct), the brown bear, the wolf (but we also know them by now …) and the golden eagle.

What to do:

Summer:

• Hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, horseback riding

• Boat trips on the lake

• Visit traditional villages with wooden houses

Winter:

• Skiing & snowboarding in Mavrovo Ski Resort (popular local ski resort)

• Winter hikes and snowshoeing excursions

• Fairy landscapes with snow-capped mountains and frozen parts of the lake

Location:
The lake borders three countries: Northern Macedonia, Albania, Greece

Description:
Lake Prespa lies at an altitude of 850 meters and is up to 54 meters deep. This lake is about the same age as Lake Ohrid. But the relationship between these two lakes goes further. Lake Trespa feeds Lake Ohrid through underground rivers! It is a kilometer-long underground system through which water flows to the lower Lake Ohrid. The beauty is that the peculiarities of Lake Ohrid can also be found in Lake Prespa. Think large numbers of endemic species. There is also another side to it. Lake Ohrid is completely dependent on Lake Prespa in its livelihood. Lake Prespa not only determines the water level of Lake Ohrid but is responsible for there being water in Lake Ohrid at all. Ecological connection. A marriage between two lakes.
Nature and especially bird lover? 260 bird species! One of the most important breeding sites in Europe for the Dalmatian Pelican. But also cormorants, herons, spoonbills and ospreys.
The lake has one island, but a very special one! Golem Grad (“Big town”). You will find many remains of Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and ancient tombs. But also bird colonies and…. Snakes! It really is chock-full of snakes (by far most of the harmless kind). That’s probably why the island’s nickname is more telling: snake island. It can only be visited by boat and with a guide.

What to do:

• Hiking in Galicica National Park (between Prespa and Ohrid)

• Bird watching in the wetlands around the village of Ezerani

• Visit traditional villages such as Resen, Stenje and Konjsko

• Boat trip to Golem Grad

Location:
In western northern Macedonia, near the town of Debar

Description:
Lake Debar is also an artificial lake. It was created in the 1960s with the construction of the Debar Dam. Although artificial, this lake feels very natural. It has ‘blended’ fantastically into its surroundings over the past 60 years.
Surrounded by the Sharr Mountains and the Bistra Massif, it has those beautiful ‘mountainous’ views. In terms of flora and fauna, you’ll find wild boar, birds of prey, otters and a carload of freshwater fish. And not just any:
– The European catfish: the giant of the lake. Can grow as long as 2 meters. The pubs in Debar talk about the “lake monsters. Catfish, in other words.
– Balkan pike: Still few encountered this aggressive hunter with its elongated body and sharp teeth. Water level dynamics and fishing pressure keep populations small.
– The Macedonian grayling: a regional peculiarity. It is related to the grayling but may be a unique subspecies. You find it mostly in the clear cold tributaries (the Radika) of the lake.
That brings us to a unique monastery which lies on a cliff above this river Radika. Famous for its intricate carvings and with a still active community of monks.

But what does Lake Debar really excel at? Tranquility! There is absolutely nobody there. So much beauty all to yourself. How cool is that!

In short, are you a bit of an adventurer, nature lover, fond of vistas and special places? Then don’t think too long about it. The lakes in northern Macedonia!

These kinds of lists are subjective, of course, and the Netherlands has many more areas that are more than worth the effort. But that certainly doesn’t make these any less beautiful! In short, if you are looking for spectacular nature, you don’t have to go that far. And, a little preaching to your own parish, everything can be seen by bike. How cool is that!

In short, it’s always fun to try real regional dishes. If it doesn’t appeal to you, you can certainly find something more appealing anywhere. Enjoy your meal!

This 36-km route runs between the towns of Olvera and Puerto Serrano in the provinces of Cadiz and Seville. The trail passes through spectacular landscapes, including the Peñón de Zaframagón Nature Reserve, known for its colony of griffon vultures and a good chance you will see them too. Along the way, you will pass impressive viaducts and more than 30 tunnels, such as the nearly 1 km-long Túnel del Castillo. So much for facts… But truly bizarre is the fact that no train has ever run on this route. The construction of this railroad began in 1920 with the intention of connecting the cities of Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz) and Almargen (Málaga). The economic crisis and civil war between 1936 and 1939 halted construction. By now, 30 tunnels and 4 viaducts and several small stations had been built. After the war, the continuation proved too technically challenging and priorities had now shifted. The route was never completed.

This Vía Verde winds along the river of the same name in the Madrid region and takes you through a beautiful landscape of green plains. The route extends into the province of Guadalajara and is very easy to follow thanks to the red asphalt path that runs all the way to Ambite, right on the border between the two provinces.A real must along the way is a visit to the cozy Railway Museum of Arganda in La Poveda, where you can travel back in time for a moment! This Via Verde actually has the name: “The sweet track of the beet trains”, referring to the original function of the railroad line on which the current Vía Verde was built. Especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the sugar industry in Spain relied heavily on railroads. These trains ran through the fertile plains (vegas) of Madrid and Guadalajara, where many sugar beets were grown. The trains transported the harvest to factories where the beets were processed into sugar. The term “sweet” obviously refers to the sugar production for which the beets were used.

With a total length of about 160 km, this is the longest Vía Verde in Spain. The route begins in Santa Eulalia (Teruel) and ends in Algimia de Alfara (Valencia). The path passes through diverse landscapes, from mountainous areas to Mediterranean fields, and is popular with long-distance cyclists. The Palancia Valley is the setting for this route over the former Sierra Menera mining railroad. From the high plateau of Barracas, at the foot of the Sierra de Javalambre, the Vía Verde de Ojos Negros descends into the fertile agricultural areas of Valencia, located on the shores of the Mediterranean. The route joins the Vía Verde Xurra (see below), which takes you further into the city of Valencia. In all honesty, we can’t fully assess it. We cycled only a small part of it. Still, it is in this list for two reasons. It is the longest AND. from the point where we came on it was 20 kilometers downhill flat. Really didn’t have to do any stairs… 20 km long… Humming along!

Interested in biking a Via Verde, too? Check out our Spanish cycling trips or email us. You won’t forget them soon!

This species grows at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 meters and is known for its fine fragrance and medicinal properties. True lavender has small flowers and each sprig bears one inflorescence.

Characteristics:

• Also known as “fine lavender” or “tall lavender.”
• Grows at altitudes between 600 and 1,400 meters in Provence, where climatic conditions are ideal.
• Small in size, with narrow leaves and compact inflorescences. Each stalk bears only one inflorescence.
• The scent is subtle, sweet and considered the most refined of all lavenders.

Applications:

• Used in high-quality perfumes and essential oils.
• Known for its soothing, antibacterial and healing properties.
• Traditionally used in aromatherapy and skin care products.

Cultivation:

• The yield is relatively low, making it an exclusive variety.
• Harvested by hand in July and early August.

This variety grows at lower altitudes and has broader leaves. Spike lavender is less commonly grown in Provence but is still relatively common….

Characteristics:

• Grows at lower altitudes (below 600 meters) and in warmer areas.
• Has broader leaves and a larger, less dense inflorescence compared to true lavender.
• The smell is stronger, but less refined; often a camphor-like odor is observed.

Applications:

• Used mainly for industrial purposes, such as cleaning products and insect repellents.
• Essential oil of spike lavender has medicinal properties, such as expectorant and anti-inflammatory.

Cultivation:

• Easier to grow and harvest than true lavender.
• Grows well in dry, rocky soils.

This is a hybrid of true lavender and spike lavender. Lavandin can be recognized by the fact that each sprig has three inflorescences, and the plant and flowers are larger than those of true lavender. Because of its higher yield, lavandin is often used in essential oils and other lavender products.

Characteristics:

• This is a hybrid variety created by crossing true lavender and spike lavender.
• Grows at medium elevations (200-800 meters).
• Larger and more robust plant with long, sturdy stems. Each sprig has three inflorescences instead of one.
• The scent is stronger and less complex than that of true lavender.

Applications:

• Lavandin is mainly used for mass production of fragrance products such as soaps, candles and household sprays.
• Also suitable for essential oil, although the quality is lower than that of true lavender.

Cultivation:

• Much higher yield than true lavender, making it economically advantageous.
• Mechanical harvesting is possible due to the uniform size of the plants.

Want to look for the differences yourself? We have a new cycling vacation in Provence starting in 2025. There you will definitely encounter these species.

The Meteora monasteries are “rather unmissable. From steep sandstone rock formations rising from the valley of Thessaly, they look down on everything. Sometimes it seems as if the monasteries have grown out of the rocks. This unique and rugged landscape, with its towering rocks and expansive views, is itself a wonder of nature. And you only really see it when you are there. Indeed, the views from the monasteries are phenomenal; at times it seems as if the buildings are floating in the air. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the view is magical.

Since 1988, the monasteries of Meteora have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This unique spot is a gem when it comes to nature. They are super holy hotspots for the Orthodox Christian world, with a religious tradition dating back some 1,000 years. The first hermits and monks apparently had a penchant for solitary and hard-to-reach living – and found the steep cliffs of Meteora the perfect “no neighbors in sight” place.

By the 14th century, monasteries had become veritable fortresses, a kind of medieval sky lounges, built specifically to keep out enemies and protect spiritual life. Monks had a serious retreat here: no neighbors, a tricky climb for visitors, and a view that leaves you silent – and once you get to the top, there’s no coming back down, either!

The architecture of the monasteries is truly a feat and the building was by no means an easy task. Building a church on steep, barely accessible rocks without a crane, elevator or even a decent ladder at your disposal. In order to get everything to the top, the monks had to literally hoist themselves and their materials up with ropes, nets and pulleys stretched like cable cars. By the way, these are still in use (sporadically). If you are lucky you can still see monastic residents going up in a tray. By the way, this is done electrically these days. After hundreds of years the monasteries still stand proudly on top of the rocks, as if they always belonged there.

Inside the monasteries you will find some of the finest Byzantine artwork and icons. The walls are covered with frescoes depicting Biblical stories and the lives of saints. These paintings sometimes date back to the 15th century and give an impression of the rich artistic and religious heritage of Eastern Orthodoxy. The monasteries also house ancient manuscripts and relics, offering a wonderful insight into the history and culture of this place.

Although today stairs have been carved into the rocks and bridges built to facilitate access, the climb to the monasteries remains a unique experience. You get a glimpse of the challenges the monks faced centuries ago. The stairs winding along the rocks, the narrow passages, and the sense of height give you a sense of adventure and bring you closer to the past. Along the way, you can enjoy phenomenal views of the plain and surrounding mountains, making the experience even more special. Not to mention the bike ride there! Visual feasting all day long!

The Meteora monasteries are unique in the world. And the great thing is, they are just as beautiful in real life as in the pictures! We have a bicycle tour that allows you to visit them. Either individually or in a group. Enjoy!

Fact:
Everyone knows that Hunebedden are old, but do we know how old? Hunebedden are the oldest visible structures in the Netherlands and date from 3350 to 3050 BC. This means they are over 5,000 years old, which is impressive when you consider that the pyramids of Giza in Egypt were not built until around 2600 BC. This places dolmens in a unique position as European prehistoric monuments, alongside Stonehenge and the megaliths in Brittany, France.

Fact:
Many people know that dolmens were burial chambers, but few know that they probably served only for important people or ancestral figures of the community. The bone remains found show that not everyone was buried here. So hunebeds were probably not only burial chambers but also had a spiritual significance. It is possible that the hunebeds were places for rituals and ceremonies, although we do not know exactly what these looked like.

Fact:
Netherlands once had more hunebeds than today, but over the centuries many hunebeds have been lost or damaged. During the 17th and 18th centuries, in times of great poverty and economic crisis, people took stones from the hunebeds to use in the construction of houses, churches, roads and bridges. These practices resulted in many dolmens no longer being intact or only partially remaining. The hunebeds we see today are therefore often incomplete structures, and it remains a challenge to reconstruct their original form.

Fact:
dolmens look very similar at first glance, but there are notable differences between the structures. Some dolmens are large and contain multiple chambers, while others are smaller and have only one chamber. There are also variations in the arrangement of the stones and the shape of the chambers. These differences may indicate social, economic or cultural differences between the groups that built these monuments. For example, a large hunebed could indicate a powerful or important person, while a smaller hunebed may have represented a simpler community.

Fact:
Hunebedden, so also known as dolmens or megalithic burial chambers, however, are not found only in the Netherlands. They have been found in many different other countries both in and outside of Europe. They are part of a widespread (European) megalithic culture. Here you can find more of them: Germany:
Many dolmens can still be found in Germany, especially in the northern regions such as Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein. These dolmens are similar to those in the Netherlands and date from the same time period. Like the Dutch hunebeds, they were burial chambers for the Funnel Beaker culture. Denmark:
Denmark has a large number of hunebeds, or “jættestuer” as they are called there. They are found mainly on the islands of Funen and Zealand and in Jutland. These monuments range from small dolmens to elaborate gang tombs. Denmark has some of the best-preserved and most impressive dolmens in Europe. Sweden:
Sweden also has many dolmens, mainly in the south of the country, in the regions of Skåne, Halland and Blekinge. These dolmens, known as “gånggrifter” in Swedish, also date back to the Neolithic period. Sweden also has other megalithic monuments such as stone circles and ship-shaped stone formations. France:
In France, dolmens and other megalithic structures are widespread, especially in Brittany. The French term for dolmens is “dolmen,” and hundreds of these structures can be found, especially in the region of Carnac. Brittany has a rich megalithic culture, with menhirs (standing stones), stone circles and elaborate burial monuments.

United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland):
The United Kingdom is home to dolmens or dolmens, although they are often referred to by other names, such as “cromlechs” or “chambers tombs.” Well-known examples are the Pentre Ifan in Wales and Wayland’s Smithy in England. Similar structures also occur in Scotland, such as the Cairns in the Orkney Islands. Ireland:
Ireland is known for its dolmens, often called “portal tombs.” One of the best-known examples is the Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren area of County Clare. These structures are sometimes smaller than Dutch dolmens, but their huge capstones and location in the Irish countryside make them very impressive. Portugal and Spain:
Dolmens are frequently found in Portugal and Spain, especially in the Alentejo region of Portugal and the Galicia region of Spain. Here they are sometimes called anta. These megalithic monuments are sometimes huge and are part of ancient Iberian culture. Belgium:
Belgium has fewer dolmens, but some dolmens can be found in the Ardennes. They are often called “dolmen” here, as in France, and although they are less numerous, they still show that the megalithic building tradition also reached Belgium.

Poland and the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania):
Poland and the Baltic States also contain some dolmens and other megalithic structures. Although they are less common than in Western Europe, there is evidence that the Funnel Beaker culture or related cultures were also present here. Israel and other Middle Eastern countries:
Surprisingly, dolmens are not just a European phenomenon. In Israel and Syria, dolmen-like structures can also be found. These dolmens date from a later period and were built by various prehistoric cultures in the region.

There is, of course, an incredible amount more to tell about the Hunebeds. If you’d like to check them out for yourself, we have some incredibly fun biking and hiking tours that take you past the dolmens.

Fact:
The park is home to the old Beekhuizen Ice Cellar, an underground storage facility used in the 19th century to store ice in the winter. This ice was then used in the summer to keep food cool. Today, the ice cellar is a resting place for bats, which hibernate there. The combination of history and nature makes this place extra special and mysterious. Location:
The Beekhuizen Ice Cellar is located near Velp, on the grounds of the old Beekhuizen Estate.

Fact:
Much of National Park Veluwezoom is one of the few “dark sky” areas in the Netherlands. This means that there is hardly any light pollution, which makes for spectacular starry skies when the weather is clear. Stargazers and nature lovers gather here to enjoy the night sky dotted with stars, something you can experience in few other places in the Netherlands. Location:
The open moorlands around the Posbank and the Unsung Woods are the best spots

Fact:
In addition to wildlife, Veluwezoom is home to an array of special plants and rare insects. The park is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can spot the crane, as well as rare butterflies such as the heathland blues. Also growing on the dry sandy soil are heather, juniper bushes and special lichens, which are unique to this part of the Netherlands. Location:
Especially in the heathlands such as the Posbank and the Rheder- and Worth-Rhederheide you will find a lot of the rare flora and fauna.

Description:
National Park Veluwezoom, established in 1930, is the oldest national park in the Netherlands. It was protected by Natuurmonumenten to preserve its special nature and has since become an iconic nature reserve with a rich history. This makes it a pioneer in nature conservation in the Netherlands.

Description:
Veluwezoom is one of the few places in the Netherlands where you can see a great diversity of wildlife, including red deer, wild boar, roe deer, foxes and Scottish highlanders. Chances are that you will encounter one of these animals during a walk. Especially the red deer’s rutting season is a spectacular natural spectacle that attracts many nature lovers. And to top it off, since a few years the wolf has been spotted again on the Veluwe, of which Veluwezoom is an important part. The wolf returned to the Netherlands from Germany and settled in the Veluwe from about 2018. This area is ideal for wolves because of its vast forests, moorlands and abundance of wildlife such as red deer, roe deer and wild boar, which serve as prey. In 2019, it was officially confirmed that a wolf pair had settled on the Veluwe, and wolf cubs have since been born. Although the wolf is a shy animal and usually shuns humans, it is occasionally spotted through cameras or by tracks found. For visitors to Veluwezoom National Park, the chances of seeing a wolf are still slim, as wolves are very shy and active mainly at night. Nevertheless, their presence is a sign of the park’s healthy ecosystem. In short on the Veluwezoom we have our own Big Five!

In short, these ‘Weetjes’ make the experience in National Park Veluwezoom even more special and therefore offer you plenty of opportunities to explore the diversity of the park! Go for it!

Location:
On the east coast of Rhodes, close to the town of Afandou. Description:
Afandou Beach is a lesser known windsurfing spot on Rhodes, but offers stable wind conditions and a long sandy beach. The Meltemi wind blows here mainly during the summer months and offers speed and stability, ideal for windsurfers of all levels. The water is generally flat to slightly choppy, making it comfortable for beginners. Afandou Beach has a relaxed, local atmosphere and is less crowded than the popular west coast surf spots, making it a quiet option for windsurfing and water sports. The beach has basic facilities, and nearby are a few taverns and accommodations.

Location:
On the southeast coast of Rhodes, away from the tourist crowds. Description:
Lachania Beach is a quiet and relatively unspoiled windsurfing spot, ideal for windsurfers looking for a more secluded location. The wind here is not as strong as in Prasonisi or Ialyssos, but is still regular and reliable, making it a good spot for beginners and for calm surfing days. The sea has mostly flat water with a slight chop, which is comfortable for freeriders. Lachania offers a serene atmosphere, and the surroundings are beautiful and pristine. There are limited amenities, but there are some small-scale accommodations nearby.

Location:
On the west coast of Rhodes, about 20 km from the city of Rhodes. Description:
Theologos Beach is a relaxed and relatively pristine windsurfing spot popular with both beginners and advanced windsurfers. The Meltemi wind blows sideways here, providing safe and stable conditions. The sea has light surf, but the waves are not too high, providing an ideal balance for freeride and freestyle windsurfing. Theologos has a quiet, authentic atmosphere and is usually less crowded than Ialyssos or Prasonisi, making it a perfect spot for a quiet windsurfing day. The beach location has windsurfing centers for rentals and lessons.

Location:
Near the city of Rhodes, on the northwest coast of the island. Description:
Ialyssos, also known as Trianda, is a hotspot for windsurfers of all levels and is easily accessible from the city of Rhodes. The Meltemi wind blows constantly and parallel to the beach here, which is ideal for windsurfers. Wind conditions are particularly good in the summer months, with speeds between 15 and 25 knots. The beach has a mix of sand and pebbles, and the sea has a flat to light chop, making it a perfect location for both beginners and advanced surfers. There are several windsurfing centers, accommodations and facilities along the beach, making it a very accessible and convenient surfing spot.

Location:
Located at the southernmost point of Rhodes, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. Description:
Prasonisi Beach is a unique spot where windsurfers can enjoy two different types of water conditions. On one side, the Aegean Sea offers calm waters, ideal for beginners and freestyle windsurfers. On the other hand, the Mediterranean Sea provides bigger waves, which is more challenging for more experienced windsurfers and ideal for wave-riding. Prasonisi is famous for its constant Meltemi winds during the summer months, which regularly reach speeds of 20-25 knots. There are several surf centers with rentals and lessons available, and the beach has a vibrant surfing community.

In short, You probably wouldn’t have thought it but if windsurfing is your thing (besides biking of course) then Rhodes is the place to be!

Ohrid’s old town has charming, narrow streets with traditional houses that are often whitewashed with wooden details. Stroll through the old town to admire the authentic Macedonian architecture and soak up the local atmosphere. Actually, you have too little time when you consider that you can also visit, for example, the Fortress of Tsar Samuil, the Ohrid amphitheater or Lake Ohrid. Not to mention the huge amount of churches. There were times when Ohrid had 365 churches. One for every day of year.

And speaking of churches, St. Jovan Kaneo Church, perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid, is the city’s iconic symbol and one of the most photographed spots in northern Macedonia.

We will definitely come back with a post especially for Ohrid!

Located in western northern Macedonia, Mavrovo is a beautiful national park and a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Mavrovo National Park is the largest national park in northern Macedonia, established in 1949. It covers an area of more than 730 km² and is known for its impressive mountains, vast forests, and diverse flora and fauna. A special feature (and iconic spot) of the lake is the semi-submerged St.
Nicholas Church , which is fully visible only during the dry season. This is a popular spot for photography and a symbol of Mavrovo.

Mavrovo is a perfect destination for outdoor activities, especially hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. In summer you can enjoy the scenic mountain trails, and in winter the area is popular for winter sports. The park stretches across the southern slopes of the Šar mountain range, Korab Mountain and Bistra Mountain, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

Vevčani is a small village in southwestern northern Macedonia, is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and unique traditions. In 1991, when Yugoslavia broke up and northern Macedonia declared its independence, Vevčani humorously and satirically decided to declare itself an “independent republic,” the so-called “Vevčani Republic.” Although of course it is not officially recognized, the population still playfully takes the idea of their independent republic seriously. Tourists can even receive a “Vevčani passport” as a memento of their visit. This symbolic independence adds to the village’s unique and rebellious culture. But apart from this, the Vevčani springs, St. Nicholas Church or the Vevčani carneval make the place a hidden gem in northern Macedonia that should not be missed!

Debar is located in western northern Macedonia, close to the border with Albania. It is a town surrounded by beautiful nature and a rich history. A must when visiting Debar is the Monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski. This monastery (actually located more near Debar) is one of the most important Orthodox monasteries in northern Macedonia. It dates back to the 11th century and is known for its beautiful iconostasis (wood carvings), one of the finest in the Balkans.
The monastery offers a serene and spiritual environment, surrounded by mountains and forests. It is a place of pilgrimage for the faithful and a tourist attraction for its architecture and religious art. If you have plenty of time then you will definitely have to visit Debar Spas (Banja Spa).
Debar is also known for its thermal baths. The thermal springs of Kosovrasti and Banjishte are famous for their healing properties. Many people come to these spas for their mineral-rich waters used to treat various health problems.
The spas offer a combination of relaxation and medical treatments and are an excellent place to enjoy the natural healing powers of the region.

The Sveti Naum Monastery, founded in the year 905 by St. Naum of Ohrid, is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in northern Macedonia. It is not only a spiritual site, but also a historical monument that gives visitors an insight into the early medieval Orthodox traditions of the region.
The monastery is dedicated to St. Naum, a disciple of the famous Saints Cyril and Methodius, who together developed the Cyrillic script. St. Naum is revered as an important figure in spreading Christianity in the region.
The tomb of St. Naum is located in the monastery church, and many believe that if you put your ear to his sarcophagus, you can still hear the beating of his heart, making it an important pilgrimage site.Not unimportant…: The monastery offers phenomenal views of the deep blue waters of Lake Ohrid and the surrounding mountains.

In short, Northern Macedonia is a small but diverse country in the Balkans, notable for its rich history, impressive natural landscapes and unique cultural diversity. The hospitality of the Macedonian people is legendary. Visitors are often welcomed with open arms and invited to try local dishes or participate in traditional festivities. Northern Macedonia is a relatively inexpensive destination compared to other European countries.