Macedonia, now officially called North Macedonia, is one of the smaller Balkan States, but still one with plenty to offer! Thanks to its small size (it only takes a few hours to drive across the country) it’s a great place to explore if you’re short on time, or if you really enjoy getting to know a place during your first visit.
With one of the most noteworthy tourist articles concerning the area having referred to it as one of Europe’s best hidden treasure, we had to take a closer look. So we broke down North Macedonia even more, and looked into how the western half of this stunning country specifically could best be enjoyed on a road trip.
Your trip will most likely begin in Skopje, the nation’s capital, as that is where the major international airport is located. In Skopje you can pick up a rental vehicle and head out on your adventure – but you shouldn’t leave without exploring the city first. Skopje is a fascinating mix of old and new, with many centuries-old historic sites still standing amidst contemporary shops, restaurants, and bars. A few can’t miss historical stops in Skopje include the Old Bazaar, the Mother Theresa Memorial House, and the Millennium Cross, where you can catch a view of the entire city from the top of Vodno Mountain.
Skopje will also be the best spot to experience Macedonia’s trendy nightlife, if that’s something you’re interested in. You can start a night out with traditional Macedonian food, wine, and music at one of the kafanas in town. Afterwards, you can visit any of the town’s numerous bars and nightclubs – most of which are fairly close to one another, and thus easy to explore all at once. Meanwhile, another nightlife option Skopje offers is an active casino scene. While the UK’s impressive online casinos have cast a shadow among many of Europe’s brick-and-mortar gaming venues, North Macedonia has retained some excellent options. Le Grand Casino in particular is a nice nightlife stop, with plenty of games to keep you busy well into your evening.
After spending time in Skopje, we’d recommend starting your road trip with the quick half-hour drive to Canyon Matka. Not only are there stunning views from atop the canyon rim – and delicious restaurants overlooking them – but there are also several fun activities available. If you want to explore by water, kayaks and boat tours are available for booking; if you’re seeking more of a challenge, this area is also known to be great for rock climbing; and if you’d prefer to stay indoors (more or less), you can explore the network of caves that exists in the canyon.You could easily spend a day or so in the area, but once you’ve had your fill we’d recommend driving a bit farther southwest to see Mavrovo National Park. This is the largest national park in the country, and another area you can take your time exploring.
Once you’ve done enough hiking and are you’re ready to relax, you should consider heading south to the lakeside town of Ohrid. Some call this spot the jewel of Macedonia, and certainly for good reason. Since Macedonia is a land-locked country, this is the closest you’ll get to a beach vacation within the borders. It certainly does the job though, with deep blue-green lake waters and a mountainous backdrop. Given its beauty, this area naturally attracts a lot of tourists, especially during peak seasons. And if you’re looking to escape this environment and immerse yourself more in local culture, you can make the quick drive to the town of Struga. Not as many tourists visit Struga for some reason, but there’s still lots to enjoy, such as local markets, cafes, and restaurants mostly frequented by Macedonians.
Bitola, another large city in Macedonia, is not too far from Ohrid, and is worth a visit during your exploration. Here you can experience some more ancient history by checking out the ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, located on the edge of the city. It has a surprisingly light tourist crowd, as you’re likely to notice if you visit. Either way, be sure to keep an eye out for the impressively preserved mosaics that line the walls of the ruins. And as you should do at so many destinations, be sure to check out some of the local cafes and produce markets for a taste of what life is like when living in southwestern Macedonia.
Of course, we’ve only covered half of Macedonia here, but as you’ve hopefully noticed along the way, even one half of this small country could occupy you for the duration of a vacation. There’s a great deal to see and do, all amounting to clear justification of Macedonia’s status as a hidden gem.
Matka Canyon 
Bitola 
Ohrid 
Skopje
