Things to do in North Macedonia

Wander through narrow cobbled alleys lined with Ottoman-era shops, mosques, and artisan workshops in the heart of Macedonia's capital.

Perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid, this 13th-century church offers a postcard-perfect panorama of the lake and mountains.

Trek through alpine meadows and scree slopes to the roof of the Šar Mountains for sweeping views of the Sharri massif.

Savour slow-cooked meat and roasted red-pepper relish in a rustic tavern that embodies Macedonian hospitality.

Cruise across Lake Ohrid's emerald waters to a cliff-side monastery where springs feed the Black Drin River.

Paddle on the Treska River past medieval monasteries and explore one of Europe's deepest underwater caves, Vrelo.

Roam the remarkably preserved Roman city with its theatre, mosaics, and early Christian basilicas in the Vardar Valley.

Watch opera, ballet, or classical concerts under the stars in a 2nd-century BC Hellenistic amphitheatre.

Pay homage to the Nobel laureate at a contemporary chapel built on the site of the church where she was baptized.

Ascend through ancient pine forests in Pelister National Park to two sky-blue lakes known as the mountain's eyes.

Marvel at the 3,800-year-old stone markers used to track celestial movements atop a volcanic hill.

Discover medieval churches, Ottoman houses, and artisan shops in a UNESCO-listed lakeside settlement.

Peer at 5th-century mosaic floors and vibrant 13th-century frescoes at the spiritual heart of Ohrid’s Plaošnik.

Dine on the famed endemic fish grilled or baked, paired with a crisp Macedonian white wine, while gazing at the lake.

Bounce through class II–III whitewater beneath towering limestone walls, passing hidden grottoes and hermitages.

Lined with Neoclassical buildings, cafés, and bars, this vibrant strip forms the soul of the 'City of Consuls'.

Carve down slopes framed by dense beech forests and the submerged church of Mavrovo Lake in winter.

Walk the wooden platforms over Lake Ohrid to see a prehistoric village exactly as it stood 1200 BC.

Scale the 10th-century citadel walls above Ohrid for a breathtaking vantage over the lake and Old Town.

Tour cellars in the sun-drenched heart of North Macedonia’s vineyards, sampling Vranec and Kratosija varietals.

Hike through a beech forest to North Macedonia’s highest waterfall, where a 39-metre cascade thunders into a rocky pool.

Step back in time in a town built inside a volcanic crater, connected by six arched bridges and dotted with Ottoman towers.

Climb the 6th-century bastions guarding the Vardar River for sweeping views of the modern capital.

Join the two-day celebration of traditional music, costumes, and rituals held each July in a highland village.

Soar tandem from a launch site above the canyon, taking in the serpentine river, cliffs, and Skopje in the distance.