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.