In this article, I write about some of the top things to do in North Macedonia, a beautiful Balkan country still fairly off the beaten path.
A quick guide to North Macedonia
Best time to visit: In summer, between June and September
How many days: if you want to visit the most important places, you need at least 4 days
Why it’s worth visiting: it is a country with few tourists, and travelling there is cheap. It will allow you to see many beautiful places without spending too much. It also offers a glimpse into life in the Balkans.
There are places I’ve dreamed of visiting for as long as I can remember, but North Macedonia has never really been near the top of my list.
So, how did I end up on a plane to Skopje? I’m still asking myself the same question. One moment I was browsing the internet, and the next I’d booked a low-cost flight from Bergamo, without really thinking about why, or whether North Macedonia was worth the trip.
But that’s part of the magic of travelling: not always knowing what you’re getting into. These days, travel has lost much of the mystery it once had before the internet era, but lesser-known destinations like the Balkans can still offer some pleasant surprises.
After booking the flight, I started doing a bit of research and quickly realised that, at least financially, it was a great deal. Hotels are cheap (search on Booking.com or Trip.com), and so are restaurants.
This wasn’t my first time in North Macedonia. A few years ago, during a solo trip through Greece, I made a quick stop near Dojran. But this time, I had the chance to get a much clearer picture of this small nation with a glorious past.
General info about the country
Aside from Skopje (here my guide), the capital, and Ohrid (here’s my travel guide), the rest of the country remains relatively unexplored, and that’s a good thing. People are incredibly friendly and genuine, something that’s becoming rare in more popular tourist destinations. At times, you might not even feel like you’re in Europe.
Geographically, the Macedonian region includes the present-day Republic of North Macedonia (38%), the Greek province of Macedonia (51%), where Alexander the Great was born, and a small corner of Bulgaria (11%). These current borders are relatively recent: after the referendum on September 8, 1991, Macedonia officially broke away from the former Yugoslavia in January 1992. Thanks to the diplomacy of the Macedonian president, this was the only case in which the Yugoslav army peacefully withdrew from one of its former republics.
Despite its independence, Greece refused to recognise the official name “Macedonia” for many years, fearing potential territorial claims over its region. Instead, it accepted the title “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” or FYROM. That’s why you’ll still see this acronym on many maps. The country’s name was a long-standing and controversial topic in Greece.
During my trip, I crossed the border into Greece, and the first thing the Greek customs officers did was stick a label on my car (which had a Macedonian license plate, marked MK) that read: “MK is not recognised by Greece.” That says a lot about how seriously the Greeks took the name dispute.
Fortunately, the issue now seems to be resolved, and the country’s official name is now North Macedonia.
Walking through the streets of the capital, it’s immediately clear that North Macedonia is a deeply multicultural country. About 58% of the population identifies as Macedonian, while over 24% is of Albanian ethnicity. Turks, Roma, Serbs, Bosniaks, Vlachs, and other minorities also live together within the same state.
This coexistence, while generally peaceful, often feels fragile, like it could crack at any moment. Ethnic tensions aren’t exactly a distant memory: think of the violent clashes in 2001 between the Macedonian army and Albanian rebels, which ended only after the Ohrid Agreement was signed.
Despite its turbulent past, North Macedonia today is safe and welcoming, and the best way to explore its regions is by car. I recommend renting one after you are done visiting Skopje.
Top things to do in 5 to 7 days
If you’re planning a short trip to North Macedonia, 5 to 7 days are enough to experience a good mix of culture, nature, and history.
Skopje
Start your trip in Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital. I already wrote a full guide about it, but here’s the essence: spend a day exploring Macedonia Square, the Stone Bridge, and the Old Bazaar (Čaršija). Hike or take the cable car up Mount Vodno to visit the Millennium Cross and enjoy panoramic views.
Just 30 minutes from Skopje, Matka Canyon is the perfect nature escape. Hike along the canyon rim or rent a kayak. The Vrelo Cave, accessible only by boat, is worth seeing if you have time.
Tetovo and Mavrovo National Park
Drive west to Tetovo, home to the eye-catching Painted Mosque (Šarena Džamija), one of the most unique mosques in the Balkans. From there, continue to Mavrovo National Park, a great spot for hiking or relaxing by the lake.
Ohrid
Head south through scenic mountain roads and small villages to reach Ohrid, North Macedonia’s cultural and spiritual gem. I’ve already written a whole article about it, but here’s the short version: this UNESCO-listed town deserves at least two days. Explore the cobbled streets of the Old Town, visit the churches (especially Saint John at Kaneo), and take a boat ride on Lake Ohrid.
If you have time, consider a detour to the Prespa Lakes, shared with Albania and Greece, more remote and quieter than Lake Ohrid, with birdwatching and nature opportunities. The Galičica National Park connects both lake regions and offers spectacular views from the mountain pass.
The Small Prespa Lake has been recognised as an essential wetland ecosystem, favouring the breeding and feeding of rare waterbird species. It is best known for hosting the largest breeding colony of the Dalmatian pelican in the world. But if you want to photograph these amazing birds, it’s much easier to do it in Kerkini, Greece.
Bitola and Pelister National Park
From Ohrid, drive east to Bitola, a historic town with strong Ottoman and neoclassical influences. Walk along Shirok Sokak and visit the ancient site of Heraclea Lyncesti. If you’re into hiking, Pelister National Park offers trails with views of glacial lakes. The Bitola Bazaar is less touristic than Skopje’s and more authentic.
Prilep
If you have an extra day, consider driving north to Prilep, known for its tobacco production and surreal rock formations. The hike to Treskavec Monastery is scenic and not too demanding. The town itself has a laid-back charm, and you can still find traces of its medieval and Ottoman past in the architecture.
Is North Macedonia a safe country?
I often had the impression that there were underlying tensions between the different nationalities and ethnic groups living in North Macedonia. That said, during my time there, I never experienced any problems firsthand, locals were generally welcoming, and I felt completely safe throughout the trip.
As always, it’s important to use common sense, avoid risky situations, and be respectful of local customs. Honestly, I felt safer walking around Skopje, both during the day and at night, than I do in cities like Milan.
Final thoughts
Visiting North Macedonia is not just a holiday; it’s like travelling back in time. And in some places, it seems that time has stopped. In the remotest parts of the country, you will see people still using horses as the primary means of transportation, and the contrast between Skopje and the other places can sometimes be shocking.
North Macedonia is a relatively poor country with a high unemployment rate, and the cost of living for its residents and workers is relatively high. This is particularly evident in the capital. Pollution is also another big problem, as I discussed here.
Even though life can be tough, people are just great. The capital was almost destroyed by an earthquake in 1963 and then rebuilt. North Macedonians survived General Tito’s dictatorship and the Yugoslav government’s fall. There’s a quiet resilience in the way people live here, and it shows in their hospitality and sense of identity.
Here is more info about another amazing country in Europe: Slovenia. Here are more pictures of North Macedonia. Here is my travel guide to Meteora in Greece.
Just remember that Macedonia of Alexander is not there, but in Greece.
Because Macedonians have always been Greeks.
I still don’t get why people take this issue so seriously..Today Macedonia is Macedonia. That’s it.. 😉
Thanks God somebody understand.
Macedonia is old country and always will exist.
First, Macedonians have always been Greeks. Macedonians did spread Greek Language and Civilization to the World. I really don’t know how could any decent person deny this.
Second, Macedonian is still being a strong local Greek identity. We are proud of Macedonian past and we proudly honor, read and learn about Alexander’s campaign.
We cannot be humiliated by SlavoSkopians by hearing that we have stole their land, their identity, their name. Because they cannot convince us that they are not dreaming of our land as long as they insist to be named just Macedonians, for no reason!
Greeks created, defined and glorified the name of Macedonia. Its fame belongs to us.
I belive that Germans would do what we Greeks do if a Slavic nation around east-south borders of Germany would insist to be named Bavarian.
Some local names-indentites are crucial and importand. World MUST respect them.
Anyway, I am here to answer to any question about Macedonia and Macedonians.
You talk about “respect” then you don’t show any respect to millions of people. There are many ways to explain this issue and I understand that many people take it so seriously. But you are certainly using the wrong way.
The only reason why I didn’t delete you comment is because I want other people to see how far someone can go in hating another country. I’m really sorry for you.
Thank you fabio for being truthful to millions of macedonians. Greeks have never respected us they even think they can call us any names they want ! The real reason why they are discriminating and humiliating us because if they admit who we are they will have to give us back the northern part of greece whicj they took of us after the world wars . Grerks are very popular on modern day by the number of things they owe to their neighbors like macedonia and turkey and few billions of euros to lots of European countries.They love taking but not paying back ! They have taken the northern region from us and now they make all sort of crazy stories just to keep macedonia gor themselves! Thats the truth about gteece and macedonia
Ohh istor Macedonian you are sooo boring with your own stories that you are blind to accept the truth! Macedoniands ! Europe has seen your real face you love taking money and land you love spending others hard earned money and you stole our land! You are good at taking but not at giving back… The world is not blind anymore. ..everyone have seen greeks real face of overspending on the account of othets…poor Macedonia happen to be your neighbour and suffered the most your egoism rudeness discrimination. ..you csn do whatever but you will never delete Macedonia of the map Macedonia has existed b for thousands of years and has one of the oldest culltures in the world and we r proud on who we are…After all we don’t ripp off other countries and cultures and nations like you
NEVER my dear, you must be a TRAITOR and maybe worse than the Nazis. I thought we are trying to live in the beautiful and peaceful continent, it was enough of the Greeks milking the European community, the gravy train is over for Greece, and start working in building better Europe. Are you claiming the Byzantine to be Greece? You are dead wrong! What about the Roman Empire, are you saying that was Greece too!? MACEDONIA existed and will exist, perhaps you should try and go back to school and not to mention the Holly Bible, maybe you will learn SOMETHING! I am proud to say I am MACEDONIAN, and for your interest, most of my learned Greek friends love me and respect me for what I stand for …
Back to school?
Well, if you are my teacher, I would be glad to !
Deal?
Lets start: Why Macedonians have named after Greek names ALL the cities they built or renamed?
Thank you Fabio for the article. Pity all these people are arguing …. it sure doesn’t make one want to visit this country…. doesn’t sound like a relaxing place.
Yea people get super sensitive when talking about these topics.
Just a reply to the “dutch” guy who is paid to don`t know any history. The fortress in Skopje was made by the roman emperor Justinian First, but since you are paid to know you probably would know that. st***d people who think they know everything. there is not one single thing which is truth in your reply.
And you Istor you are probably one of the many “greeks” who once were real macedonian, slavic macedonian but during the assimilation made by the greeks in the 20th century became a greek and now you are one of the most loud greeks in whole greece. there is a name for people like you traitor.
You should be ashamed of all your sayings because you are a shame for the hellenic people. those were people for respect and nowadays greeks(every respect to the exceptions) are just a fart left trough the time of 2000 years, so you can guess whats left from them.
As for you Fabio, thank you for your great post. The people should see the things as they are not constantly trying to push some already dead ideology.
I would be ashamed about eventual data manipulation made by me.
But I am not. All sources about Macedonians prove that they have always been Greeks.
In contrary, SlavoSkopians distort, rape and kill historic facts in order to adapt Macedonian name and history to their Slavic identity.
Please give an end to this stupidity. Open your eyes and realize that Macedonians did spread Greek Language and Civilization to the World.
he he yes, they spread one language which the nowadays greek can not understand. it has no similarity with the greek language nor the new, nor the old greek. It is your fabricated history which leads you to stu****ty.
But yes you can write as long as you want, name us however you think would be an insult. That would not change the fact that greece is using their last strength to keep up what is left from it. If it was`nt for a certain Churchill, you would still wash our legs as you were doing before it. But life is circle once you are up, once you are down. How high you fly, so low you go. See you!
The Language of Macedonians was a Greek dialect.
This is what Plutarch, an ancient Greek writer, states in his hymn to Macedonians’ Greekness.
Modern Greeks need as much time to learn it as they need to learn any other Greek dialect.
Greeks are defending truth about Macedonians.
yes yes everybody can write what he wants on the internet, and you can believe him as much as you want. the first one that ancient Macedonians conquered were the greeks. Can you tell me why would one conquer his own people?
No please don`t tell me, i don`t want to ruin such a good post anymore.
Sorry, Fabio, you can delete all my comments after this guy will read the last one. Don`t want to sh*t on this great post anymore. and you can let them do whatever they want.
Thank you for the post once again.
Problem with Macedonia is that it’s country in making! It’s not a country that had continuity and history like Serbia, Bulgaria or Greece, even more so, it was a country called Old Serbia ( as a part of serbian empire ) for more than 1000 years (!) The fortress above the capitol Skopje is built by the Serbian not by a Macedonian emperor Nemanjicz! Never the less, it is the will of the people to live in the country of their own, but me, as a Dutch I should be impartial, but I’m Not! because it is my country and rest of the EU and US who decided to demolish Yugoslavia for reason fitted to us and consequently disintegrate Serbia as a biggest and most dangerous part of Yugoslavia, and in the proces we made some new “countries”out of Serbia’s proper, Macedonia being one of them! There’s different between Hellenic nation and Slovenian nations. Real Macedonian are HELENIC ( Greece ) But the Macedonians nowadays are mainly Slovenian ( Serbs ) and the rest are Albenian, Bulgarian Greece, Roma… And thats it where the problem is! All of the respectful minorities do not call themselves Macedonians because that is what there’r not and the one that call themselves Macedonian, are actually Slovenians ( or Serbs ) one that we so cleverly call slavish Macedonians, while real Macedonians can be only Helenian of the nation! Greece and Serbs are very close allays sinds 5th century and its Greece who allowed Serbs to settle on their territory ( hence Old Serbia!) but calling once land Macedonia outside Greece means confiscating part of the Greece land and culture, and that is something hard to swallow and it would be always a problem!
PS; for the record, I’m not a Serb! I work for some organizations in NL and I’m paid to know balkan history!
Of course you aren’t Serb, because Serbs know the history and you don’t. I don’t know who is your boss but apparently they’re wasting money paying you to know wrong facts and history. Be ashamed. If you don’t have to comment something normal and related about the tourism in this beautiful country Macedonia, better don’t.
Well your getting paid for NOT doing your job and reporting incorrect facts on the balkans. If Macedonian’s were Serbs or Greeks why do we not speak the same language?? If you have traveled to Italy you will see tourist maps on a wall near the vadican city that show Macedonia on the maps of the world well before Greece and Serbia existed (why italy?? Exactly! Macedonia does not have any connection with Italy!!its just that the truth couldnt be removed). Before you act like you know about the Balkans do some proper research instead of quoting incorrect information that has been taken from an uneducated Greek that cannot admit they are Turks. (I wonder what its feels like to be called a turk when you know your greek and you dont even understand the Turkish language, well thats what us Macedonia’s have been dealing with for years). And im not suprised that your been paid to report lies, the Greeks have been doing it for years. Maybe thats actually why they ran out of money and not because of an evonomic crisis! Im am Macedonian now and forever and dont bother commenting in Greek or Serbian I DONT UNDERSTAND YOUR DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
No worries.. I approved all the posts because I think that It’s good to have an honest and open discussion.. But so far it seems that there is nothing more to add to this topic.. So I wont approve any other comment that is about the name of Macedonia.. I honestly don’t have all the facts and I don’t know the history of Greece and Macedonia as well as I know the history of my country… But that’s the point: It’s history… And history is part of the past. Today Macedonia is a country and Greece is another one. I’m sorry that this bothers so many people… As for me, I love both Macedonians and Greeks. They are generally very good and generous people.. And at the end of the day that is what really matters in life, not what happened in the past (let’s keep in mind guys that history is ALWAYS written by the winners and even historians are not 100% reliable, they are ALL in one way or another biased).