North Macedonia – Highway Journey Itinerary for 7-10 days – Chris Journey Weblog

North Macedonia is a tiny landlocked nation in japanese Europe and the perfect unspoiled vacation spot within the Balkan. On this North Macedonia itinerary, I take you to an important place of curiosity. It even features a day journey to the Albanian aspect of lake Ohrid. This North Macedonia itinerary contains all UNESCO World Heritage Web site, historical prehistoric websites, monasteries, the nation’s greatest nature and extra. First, I give just a few North Macedonia journey ideas after which I take you on a day-by-day highway journey. I’m certain this highway journey suggestion will provide help to plan your North Macedonian journey.

Planning a North Macedonia highway journey itinerary

North Macedonia is a small nation and might simply be explored by staying just a few nights within the capital Skopje and some at Lake Ohrid. I slightly drive barely greater than to verify out and in lodges day by day. You’ll be able to break up the journeys from Ohrid and Skopje as you want. I made a decision to do 2 nights Skopje, 4 nights Ohrid and once more 3 nights in Skopje. I’ll give some choices to shorten the journey to every week. This needs to be sufficient for the main sights however first some North Macedonia journey planning ideas.

North Macedonia visa and entry

As I’m from the Netherlands, I didn’t want any visa. Europeans solely want their nationwide ID card which is ample to enter. In case you are not from Europe, please verify with the embassy for the present North Macedonia entry requirement. A visa needs to be simply obtained if required for many nationalities.

Flights to Macedonia

The primary airport of Macedonia is in Skopje, however a second airport is close to Ohrid. To Ohrid fly largely low-cost carriers from inside Europe and is an effective selection should you’re flying from Europe and might discover a appropriate flight. In any other case, Skopje will likely be your house of arrival with flights from a number of European hubs. A the time of writing nonetheless it’s solely Star Alliance flights and airways that aren’t member of the large three alliances. Flights are low cost in off-season however will be steep in excessive season. I select Austrian Airways from Amsterdam in enterprise class which was simply over 350 euro. You may additionally verify flights to Thessaloniki in Greece as it’s only a few hours’ drive!

Skopje Motels and Lake Ohrid Motels

There are many lodges to select from in each areas. As I’m a Marriott Titanium member certainly one of their lodges is all the time my first selection. Thus, in Skopje I stayed on the Marriott resort. It has a terrific location downtown. At Lake Ohrid I wished to remain close to the previous city but additionally be capable of get out of city simply. Lodge Villa Kotlar in Ohrid was my selection and I loved it lots. The situation is only a quick stroll to downtown Ohrid, 200 meters from Ohrid Seashore and there’s simple and free parking. The right place to remain whereas on a North Macedonia highway journey.

North Macedonia automotive rental

The place doable I attempt to hire vehicles from native corporations slightly as the large manufacturers. In Skopje I can extremely advocate Chill out Hire A Automobile Skopje. Test their web site for charges and reserving. Their service is nice, and the automotive was excellent and really reasonably priced. Be sure so as to add the inexperienced card to your rental should you plan to journey to Albania. This North Macedonia itinerary does embrace a day journey there.

Different issues to remember whereas travelling in North Macedonia

• Macedonia makes use of the Denar. Change cash in Skopje. For instance, on the on line casino on the principle sq.. Their trade price is wonderful. Trade charges on the airports are horrible. If you really want to then change only a bit.
• For those who resolve to not have a rental the 2 days in Skopje, then it’s simple to take a taxi to or from the airport. It takes about 20 minutes. You’ll be able to hire a automotive from Skopje in addition to Chill out Hire A Automobile Skopje as an workplace downtown.
• Whereas driving in North Macedonia take care on two lane roads within the mountains. Locals drive quick and generally not respecting all the protection guidelines. For those who take care, will probably be completely secure.
• When visiting monasteries take note to decorate modest.
• Eat good native meals! It’s low cost and scrumptious. I offers you some options within the day-by-day clarification of this North Macedonia itinerary under.

Day 1: North Macedonia itinerary: Arrival & Skopje orientation

The arrival of my flight was within the afternoon. I used the rest of the afternoon to get the rental automotive, trade cash and to choose up some craft beer at Pivoteka Beer store. I additionally finetuned this North Macedonia itinerary final minute. Though it was a brief flight I did get drained. I went for an early wonderful genuine Macedonian dinner on the Previous Metropolis Home. The Previous Metropolis Home restaurant I can extremely advocate because the meals was wonderful. I went to mattress early as I didn’t know the period of time; I’d require the subsequent day to see Skopje.

Day 2: Skopje metropolis journey

Skopje, particularly the previous city, is a small capital metropolis. A Skopje metropolis journey will be performed in a day if not much less is my expertise. Skopje was based again within the 3^rd century BC and was of nice significance by means of the ages. Present Skopje is only a few many years previous because of an earthquake within the sixties that levelled many of the metropolis. Most buildings now are new however few older stay. All of the locations of curiosity are inside a brief stroll of Sq. Macedonia. I’ll checklist all Skopje sights in essentially the most environment friendly strolling order beginning at Sq. Macedonia.

• Sq. Macedonia and the statue of Alexander the Nice. It was constructed in 2011 for the 20^th anniversary of the Macedonian Independence.
• Mom Teresa Home. Situated at her beginning home the place she lived till right here 18^th birthday. A small museum price visiting.
• Porta Macedonia (Arc of Triumph) with stunning carvings of Macedonian historical past.
• Stone Bridge. Because the title says a stone bridge which dates to the 6^th century when Macedonia was beneath Byzantine rule.
• Museum of Archaeology and Museum of Macedonian Battle. Situated on the banks of the Vadar river and a should see.
• Daut Pasha Hamam which now homes an artwork gallery.
• Now stroll into the previous bazaar and simply wander the streets in the direction of the Nationwide Museum of Macedonia. You’ll come throughout numerous mosques, Ottoman Inns (Kapan Han, Suli Han), Clock Tower, the Bedesten (a bazaar inside a bazaar for essentially the most valuable gadgets).

For those who go to all of the museums the above will take about 4-5 hours. I made a decision to name it a day and go to the St. Saviour Church, Kale Fortress and Museum of Modern Artwork the subsequent day after the Kokino half day journey. In case you are not eager about visiting all of the museums, you possibly can see all locations of curiosity after or earlier than the Kokino day journey. It will secure 1 day on this North Macedonia itinerary. Personally, nonetheless I all the time go to the Nationwide Museum and Archaeological Museum of a rustic to know extra of its historical past. I loved Skopje as it’s small and nice.

SHORTEN THIS NORTH MACEDONIA ITINERARY: Do day 2 and three on the identical day which is well doable. You’ll be able to go to the fortress direct after arrival to secure a while as effectively.

Day 3: Kokino day journey & extra of Skopje

The Archaeo-astronomical Web site Kokino is an historical astronomical platform from the Bronze Age only in the near past found in 2001. It’s simply over an hour drive from Skopje in the direction of the Serbian border. The Archaeo-astronomical Web site Kokino is, truthfully, over marketed as a vacationer attraction in Macedonia as “the Stonehenge of Macedonia”. Sure, it is vital and don’t get me improper, it’s price going! I merely needed to go as it’s a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site. If the guard is there, you’ll have to pay a small entrance price of about 2 euro. He arrived simply once I departed. It takes about an hour to discover the positioning.

The Archaeo-astronomical Web site Kokino is believed to be from the three^rd century BC as numerous artifacts had been discovered and dated to that point. There are a number of thrones and ceremonial platforms to discover. Be sure to stroll the complete circle as you in any other case may miss the ceremonial wall!

It’s an attention-grabbing website and for certain price including to a North Macedonia itinerary. I returned in time for late lunch in Skopje which I had on the Previous City Brewery. The shaslik is scrumptious as is their beer. On day 2 I skipped Skopje Fortress & the Ascension of Jesus church which I visited this present day. Skopje is small so it’s simple to combine day 2 and three of this North Macedonia itinerary.

Day 4: North Macedonia itinerary continued: Skopje to Ohrid by way of Prilep

There are two routes from Skopje to Ohrid which, till the northern freeway is accomplished virtually take the identical time. I like to recommend going by means of Prilep not less than as soon as. Both going to Ohrid or going again to Skopje. It’s not in regards to the metropolis Prilep however the rocky mass known as Markovi Kuli in the course of the valley. This pure phenomenon is of specific curiosity because it’s not discovered elsewhere and subsequently inscribed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Web site.

To get there simply put your GPS to Markovi Kuli and it’ll take you there. On the entrance signal simply proceed the highway till it will get to slim and inaccessible by automotive. Stroll the rest to the as soon as greatest tower of the Balkans. You will have stunning views right here of the massif and when performed return and go to the Holy Mom of God (Treskavec Monastery) within the northern half. It has stunning fresco’s inside. It is usually doable to hike between the 2 locations however you would want somebody to drive the automotive or stroll each methods which is just too time consuming for this North Macedonia itinerary. From Prilep proceed to Ohrid.

ADDITIONAL STOP: For those who’re like me and don’t thoughts lengthy days then go to Saint George Church in Kurbinovo. It’s additionally a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Web site simply close to Lake Prespa. It can add about 1:15 hours to the journey together with the extra driving.

North Macedonia Itinerary Day 5: Ohrid previous city day journey

Ohrid is a stupendous city on the shores of Lake Ohrid and a should place to incorporate on a North Macedonia itinerary. I stayed a 10-minute stroll north of downtown in Lodge Villa Kotlar. It’s ideally positioned close to Ohrid Seashore, and also you stroll very quickly to the previous metropolis. Parking can be out there totally free which is ideal should you observe this North Macedonia highway journey itinerary as a result of within the previous city no vehicles are allowed.

An Ohrid previous city day journey doesn’t take a full day, so I made a decision to start out round 10 AM and end round 4 PM. From the resort I walked alongside the shores as much as the fort first after which continued by means of the previous city to the decrease half. The next locations of curiosity are a must-see. I’ll checklist them in greatest order to keep away from strolling up and down the hilly Ohrid previous city.

• Church of Saint John the Theologian
• Previous Metropolis Park with the Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
• Samoil’s Fortress
• Vintage Theater of Ohrid
• Higher Previous Gate with partitions
• Church of Holy Mary Perybleptos and the Icon Gallery
• Church of St. Sophia (lunch tip: Sveta Sofija Restaurant)
• Museums Robev Household Home (Ohrid Museum) and Hristo Uzunov Home
• Metropolis Sq. and from there stroll the procuring road

You’ll move different attention-grabbing buildings and extra church buildings. There’s sufficient time to get pleasure from all of the streets of Ohrid! For dinner, I extremely advocate Belvedere for an incredible BBQ!

Day 6: North Macedonia itinerary into nature: Mavrovo Hike

Nationwide Park Mavrovo is a big nature reserve in northeast North Macedonia. It’s actual wilderness which crosses into Albania and Kosovo as effectively. North Macedonia’s tallest mountain, Mount Korab is positioned there as effectively. On the foot of the mountain, deep into the park, is an historical beech forest which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Web site. This Primeval Beech Forest website is a transborder website and since I “hunt” UNESCO websites I merely needed to go to. For those who plan mountain climbing this can be a hike you wish to do!

There is only one hike that goes by means of the forest which begins at Ribnica to Mount Kabash summit. It’s roughly 8-9 kilometers a method. The terrain isn’t that tough however its wilderness, the trail not all the time absolutely clear and there are wild bears! Go along with an area information (contact Misko by e mail, greatest licensed information!) if you’re like me not an skilled mountaineer. I drove 2 hours from Ohrid and hiked the primary 7 kilometers (and again) solely as rain was coming so I skipped the summit. I did make it to the primeval beech forest which is historical and pristine. So stunning! On the best way again I made a rapid cease at St. Joseph Monastery which is a pilgrim’s place. I used to be again in Ohrid in time for once more a big BBQ dinner at Belvedere restaurant. Sure I like meat.

Day 7: Highway journey to Albanian aspect of Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid borders North Macedonia and Albania. For those who make a North Macedonia highway journey, I extremely advocate together with the Albanian aspect of Lake Ohrid as effectively. Why do that Albania Lake Ohrid day journey? As a result of the sights in japanese Albania are all positioned there. All others are close to the coast and thus this protects time. Begin on the Illyrian Tombs of Selca e Poshtme (take the northern border crossing) that are the stays of a settlement relationship to the 5-2^nd century BC. One it was house to the Illyrian kings and now a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Web site. I then advocate driving to Lin to see the previous basis of the cathedral. It has stunning mosaics and are a part of the Albanian UNESCO Web site Lake Ohrid.

From Lin proceed alongside the coast to Pogradec for lunch and time at the perfect seashore of Lake Ohrid. It’s a small metropolis however for locals a vacationer vacation spot. This doesn’t imply it’s costly because the meals is even cheaper as in North Macedonia. I had lunch for 2 folks for simply twenty euro. This included a big T-Bone, salad, bread, and beers. As I’m not that a lot into seashores and the climate was not good both I made a decision to already go to Sveti Naum which is a monastery simply throughout the border (southern crossing) into North Macedonia. That is together with on day 8 of this North Macedonia itinerary because it makes extra sense on that day. For those who do keep in Pogradec I do advocate staying till dinner as meals is simply so low cost there.

Day 8: Lake Ohrid day journey & Nationwide Park Galicica hike

There are some websites round Lake Ohrid left for this North Macedonia itinerary. Two of that are included within the UNESCO World Heritage website Lake Ohrid as effectively: Sveti Naum and the Pure Park Galicica. Choose in Google maps “Lipova – Vrv Magaro Start line” which is the place to begin of the hike into Pure Park Galicica. Not like the Mavrovo Hike I included on this North Macedonia itinerary you don’t per se want a information right here. The hike takes approximate 4 hours, however I solely made it midway to the highest when thunder and rain got here. It was not secure to proceed. The primary a part of the hike goes by means of pine forest after which you’ll stroll within the open. Be sure to hike the circle to the highest counterclockwise as it’s simpler. For lunch head over to Sveti Naum, which is a monastery but additionally a seashore with lots meals choices.

Sveti Naum or Saint Naum monastery is a stupendous monastery on the coast of Lake Ohrid. He lived in within the 8^th century and is related to the founders of the Cyrillic writing. He based the Pliska Literary College (you possibly can go to the stays in Bulgaria) and worded the rest of his stay on the Ohrid Literary College. His resting place is on the Saint Naum monastery which he himself based. In the present day, the monastery is partly a resort, and the seashore is filled with eateries and place to drink. You’ll be able to also have a boat journey on the small lakes. Fairly touristic however it’s a should go to on Lake Ohrid shores.

For those who begin early, you can also make a cease on the Bay of Bones Museum to find out how pile dwellers lived centuries in the past. It’s an attention-grabbing museum however if in case you have seen related museums previously, it’s not price going. Altogether a protracted day stuffed with nature and tradition. One which you have to do should you observe this North Macedonia itinerary.

Day 9: Day journeys from Skopje

I didn’t plan any of those day journeys from Skopje as I deliberate this present day to get a PCR Take a look at to journey house due to the pandemic (summer time 2021). The Netherlands nonetheless modified the principles, and I didn’t require this take a look at anymore, so I instantly had an extra day in Skopje. When you have time, I can advocate them. They’ll even be performed as half day journeys on sooner or later as I did.

• Climb as much as mount Vodno to the millennial cross. The largest millennial cross on this planet which you can too climb. The climb up the mountain takes about 90 minutes and offers nice views over Skopje. After the climb make sure that to go to the St. Panteleimon monastery close by. It has a stupendous painted inside.
• A 40-minute drive away from Skopje is the Matka canyon the place you can also make a hike or take a ship journey to a cave. There’s a monastery as effectively and loads of eating places to have lunch. When you have time, it’s price going.

SHORTEN THIS NORTH MACEDONIA ITINERARY: Merely skip this present day!

Day 10: North Macedonia itinerary: departure

My Austrian Airways flight was early afternoon, so I had an excellent evening of sleep. breakfast on the Marriott Skopje earlier than heading to the airport. I had dropped the automotive already the evening earlier than to avoid wasting time on departure. One factor: don’t come early on the airport. It’s small and there’s nothing to do at Skopje airport.

Once I began planning this North Macedonia highway journey itinerary, I assumed it might be a mean journey. Now, after driving across the nation, taking in all its magnificence I can say that it’s actually a terrific vacation spot within the Balkan. It’s unspoiled with stunning nature and tradition and since it’s small every little thing is well in attain. Then there are a budget costs for meals which is scrumptious. Altogether North Macedonia is a good vacation spot to get away from over tourism. I hope to return sooner or later to journey into Kosovo and southern Serbia.

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