Macedonia in winter. Macedonia: seaside holidays, resorts, prices and reviews of tourists

The Republic of Macedonia is a small Balkan state located in the southeast of Europe. Extraordinarily beautiful nature, many archaeological sites, beautiful lakes - Macedonia is ready to give all this to its guests. Local cuisine and service are deservedly highly rated by tourists.

Macedonia carefully guards its natural resources. The unique Ohrid Lake has been preserved in its original form. The extraordinarily beautiful national parks of Galicia, Mavrovo and Pelister are equipped for hiking and cycling. Fans of historical sites appreciate Macedonia for its many medieval and ancient architectural monuments. Such well-known cities as Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola are the best suited for urban tourism.

Ohrid pearls are usually brought from Macedonia - a unique product that has no analogues in the world. Fans of practical gifts will appreciate high-quality shoes, which Macedonia has been famous for for decades. As souvenirs, tourists prefer to bring Macedonian national embroidery, icons or local wine.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Macedonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

Lake Ohrid is one of the most famous attractions in Macedonia. This ancient Balkan reservoir is under the protection of UNESCO. Tourists here expect clean beaches, many comfortable hotels, as well as everything you need for sailing.

The stone bridge across the Vardar River is a real symbol of the city of Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. This ancient bridge was founded during the Roman Empire. Today it is not only a beautiful architectural monument, but also an important transport artery connecting Old and New Skopje. According to legend, good luck will accompany everyone who crosses the Stone Bridge with light thoughts and a pure heart.

Palaosnik is located in an amazingly beautiful wooded area near Lake Ohrid and Samuil's Stronghold. This tourist center has gained its popularity thanks to the well-restored archaeological finds, in particular the Church of St. Panteleimon. It was erected on the site of a temple built in 893 in honor of St. Clement.

The national pride of the capital of Macedonia is the ancient fortress called Kale, the foundations of which date back to the 1st century AD. Stone fortress walls, paved paths, a well-maintained park - Calais has everything you need for a wonderful holiday. You can get to the fortress on foot, moving from Macedonia Square.

One of the most popular places in North Macedonia is the stone town of Kuklica, which is also called the Valley of the Dolls. This is a unique natural landscape, which consists of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars, which in their shape resemble human figures. Many legends are associated with the Valley of the Dolls, explaining this amazing natural phenomenon.

On Lake Ohrid there is a unique archaeological complex - "The Bay on the Bones". This museum, created in the form of floating houses, imitates the ancient village of fishermen as much as possible. There is an archaeological museum and an equipped campsite for those wishing to stay longer in the "Bay on the bones".

The Millennium Cross was erected in 2002 and is the highest cross in the world. This building was built in honor of 2000 years of Christianity in the lands of Macedonia. The cross is located on a mountain, its height is 66 meters, thanks to which this monument can be observed from almost anywhere in Skopje. The Millennium Cross looks especially impressive in night illumination.

In the heart of the city of Ohrid, there is a perfectly preserved ancient amphitheater, the construction of which dates back to 200 BC. Despite its impressive age, this building is still used for its intended purpose. Musical evenings, festivals, and theatrical performances are held here.

Galicica National Park is located in the southwest of Macedonia. Many unique plants grow here, and bears, deer and wolves live in the forests. For visitors to Galicia, hiking trips are regularly held, and lovers of cycling will be pleasantly surprised by the equipped bike paths. You can also take a sightseeing paragliding flight here.

The city of Bitola, located in the southwest of Macedonia, is famous for its unique archaeological finds. So, the ruins of Heraclea Linkestis, an ancient ancient city, were discovered here. This settlement dates back to the 5th-4th centuries BC. There is a well-preserved amphitheater, several ancient walls, as well as beautiful floor mosaics.

The Monastery of St. Naum is one of the oldest churches in the country. It is located 30 kilometers from Ohrid in a quiet area on the lake. The iconostasis, internal walls and ceiling of the monastery amaze the imagination with the splendor of their decoration. The monks of this monastery traditionally treat their guests with national dishes and wonderful wine of their own production.

The fortress of Tsar Samuil, which was built by the Bulgarian ruler to protect his possessions, begins its history from the 10th century AD. The foundations and walls of ancient defensive structures have survived to this day. The best way to get to the fortress is by a special sightseeing bus.

The age of the extraordinarily beautiful Lake Prespa is more than 5 million years old. The only island in Macedonia, Golem Grad, is located in this reservoir, on the territory of which there are the ruins of the ancient monastery of St. Peter. To enjoy the views of the lake or visit the ruins of the temple, you should use the boat rental in the neighboring villages of Konsko or Stenie.

The House Museum of Mother Teresa is located on the very spot where the Catholic church used to be located, in which the future saint was baptized. The house-museum has several exhibitions about the life of Mother Teresa, containing documents, photographs and personal belongings of this holy woman. There is also a functioning chapel, and the square in front of the building is decorated with a monument.

The unique archaeological monument of Kokino, which, according to research, is more than 3800 years old, is located on the Tatichev Kamen hill. This building is an ancient observatory made of stone slabs. The radius of Kokino is 100 meters; experts attribute many archaeological finds to the Bronze Age.

The central square of the capital of Macedonia, the city of Skopje, is crowned with a sculpture in the form of a horseman with a sword. This monument was called "Warrior on horseback" and it is believed that this building commemorates Alexander the Great. The opening of the "Warrior on a Horse" was timed to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Macedonian Republic.

One of the most popular tourist attractions, Matka Canyon, is located 15 kilometers from the capital. This picturesque place was created by the Treska River, which flows through the mountain range. In 1938, the river was blocked by a dam, thanks to which a beautiful mountain lake was formed. In the Matka canyon, you can also visit the Vrelo stalagmite cave.

Not far from the Old Market in Skopje is the most famous Islamic attraction in Macedonia - the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was built in the Middle Ages. Not only Muslims, but also representatives of other religions can admire the decoration of the ancient mosque.

Not far from Lake Ohrid rises the medieval church of St. John Kaneo. The temple is made of stone, and its architecture combines Armenian and Byzantine styles. The interior of the church was made in the 15th century and has been perfectly preserved since then. In the evenings, the temple of St. John Kaneo is illuminated with lights.

The Pelister National Park occupies a huge area of ​​more than 12,000 hectares. Among tourists, this park is valued not only for its unique nature, but also for the annual ski season. There are many comfortable hotels where visitors can stay in order to comfortably enjoy the beauties of Pelister Park.

The unique and inimitable Church of St. Sophia, which is located in the city of Ohrid, was built in the 11th century. Today it is one of the most revered Christian shrines, which tourists from all over the world come to visit. The rarest frescoes of the 11th-13th centuries that adorn the church of St. Sophia are forbidden to be photographed.

Not far from Skopje is the village of Vizbegovo, which has gained considerable popularity thanks to the aqueduct located on its territory. This impressive architectural structure consists of 55 arches rising 16 meters above the ground.

In the eastern part of Macedonia, not far from the city of Kriva Palanka, there is the monastery of St. Joachim of Osogovsky. In the XVII century the monastery was badly damaged, but then restored. Now it is a very beautiful functioning temple, located in a picturesque natural corner of Macedonia.

Macedonia is called one of the pearls of Europe. This state appeared relatively recently, but already has its fans. The Republic of Macedonia, in which holidays are mainly focused on magnificent nature, landscapes, active tours and skiing, is popular with citizens of Russia and

Story

The Republic of Macedonia was formed in 1991 after the collapse of Yugoslavia. It is located in the south of the country - more than 25 thousand square kilometers. The population is about 3 million people, the official language is Macedonian. The republic borders with Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia and the country is 70% Macedonian, there are also many Albanians, Serbs and Gypsies. In 1993, the country was recognized by the UN under the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The name is explained by the fact that Greece opposes the use of the word "Macedonia" to refer to a separate state, because the region of the same name is part of Greece itself. The head of the republic is the president.

Geographically, the country is located in the center of the Macedonian mountains, it does not have its own access to the sea. The climate of the republic is from temperate to subtropical, the average summer temperature is 21-23 degrees. Macedonia is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the main development of tourism and recreation is ski resorts. The capital of Macedonia is the city of Skopje, where almost a quarter of the population of the entire state lives.

Holidays in Macedonia

The main attraction of the country is Lake Ohrid. It has an ancient history, located at an altitude of 695 meters. Located on the border with Albania, its Macedonian part is distinguished by beautiful green landscapes and clear water. Many hotels and sanatoriums have been built along the shores of the lake, offering guests a variety of accommodation and entertainment.

The swimming season starts from May and lasts until October. Macedonian resorts are mainly ski resorts.

Mavrovo

One of the most famous resorts in Macedonia is Mavrovo. It is located 70 km from the capital, famous for its fabulous landscapes and opportunities for all types of winter recreation - here you can ski, skate, climb, in other seasons - hunting and fishing. The mountain lake attracts with the purest water and the most beautiful views. There are many hotels and hotels for every taste.

Ohrid

The city of Ohrid is named after the lake of the same name, it has an ancient history. The modern city is called the Balkan Jerusalem, it has many cultural and architectural attractions. Orthodox churches and monasteries, the ruins of ancient buildings - all this is of great interest to the guests of the city.

Modern Ohrid offers accommodation in hotels and inns, national and European cuisine in numerous restaurants and cafes, visits to entertainment and shopping centers.

Skopje

The capital of Macedonia is Skopje, an ancient city that is over 2,000 years old. Its history remembers many conquerors, among whom were the Byzantines, the Romans, and the Turks. Many times strong earthquakes occurred here, and each time the city was rebuilt.

Skopje is a large modern city, its population exceeds one million people. The new part of the city is inhabited by Macedonians, there are many hotels, bars, restaurants, entertainment centers. The old part of the city is known for its oriental bazaar, the best in Europe. The old town is mostly inhabited by Albanians.

Macedonia - holidays at sea

The Republic of Macedonia does not have its own access to the sea. However, the neighboring state, Greece, has a large seaside area with the same name. Holidays in Macedonia by the sea involves a visit to Greece. Greek Macedonia offers numerous tourists an excellent seaside vacation - clean beaches, excellent hotels, interesting excursions to historical sites and the ruins of ancient architectural monuments. There are many cultural attractions and magnificent natural conditions - landscapes amaze the imagination with their beauty and unusualness. The nature of Macedonia is included in the UNESCO fund. This region is simply buried in greenery - the mountains are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, there are many picturesque lakes in the gorges of the mountains.

You will certainly enjoy your holidays in Macedonia. Tourist reviews say that this is the best way to spend a vacation by the sea, as it can be successfully combined with active travel and a rich excursion program. Tourism in Greece is very developed, millions of travelers from all over the world visit the country every year.

Greece, Macedonia

Macedonia is one of the largest Greek regions, it occupies 26% of the entire territory. Its capital is the city of Thessaloniki. It is famous for the fact that the ancient Roman trade road passed here, which connected Constantinople with Italy. Holy Athos is also located here - this is an interesting monastic state. (exactly the one referred to in the myths, 12 gods lived on it) and the Halkidiki peninsula - the center of the resort. All these sights are the basis of the excursion program. In addition to it, Greece (Macedonia) offers SPA-tourism with various healing marine substances of local origin, shopping tours and active holidays in magnificent places.

Macedonia seaside vacations (prices here can be found very different) offer for every taste - from chic luxury hotels with a wide variety of services to semi-homemade small hotels and boarding houses, where the cost of living is relatively low.

Greek Macedonia - resorts

Thessaloniki is one of the largest cities in the country. Not only resort life is concentrated here, but also cultural and historical. Every autumn, the famous film festival takes place here, thousands of tourists come to visit local archaeological and historical monuments. The city has an ancient history, here is the famous triumphal arch of Galeria, a palace, a hippodrome and a mausoleum. The modern city of Thessaloniki is called the second capital of Greece.

At the foot of Mount Olympus is the resort of Pieria, famous for its beaches. Picturesque places and a very developed infrastructure with modern hotels and inns, national cuisine restaurants with fresh seafood and excellent wine attract tourists in all seasons. Holidays in Macedonia are described by travelers who have visited these places as wonderful.

The peninsula of Halkidiki is called the pearl of Greece. The island is distinguished by the cleanest beaches, warm climate, a developed network of hotels for every taste and the proximity of the international airport. Any traveler will find here everything he dreams of - young people are attracted by resort life full of entertainment, lovers of virgin nature enjoy trips to the surroundings and beautiful places, there are all opportunities for "free recreation" - campsites on the coast are located very conveniently, close to small settlements.

Athos deserves special attention - it is a monastic city-state that has its own laws, visa and customs regime. Athos is a shrine of Orthodox Christians, pilgrims from all over the world come to it. The city consists of monasteries, they are located on an area of ​​over 50 square kilometers. The city was founded in the 4th century, earlier there were about 40 monasteries in it - the number of monks permanently residing on its territory exceeded 4,000 people. At present, only half of the monasteries have survived, there are about one and a half thousand monks left. In order to get into this city, a special permit is required. Strict monastic laws allow issuing visas for only 4 days after the petition of the Greek authorities, theologians, historians and philosophers are allowed into the territory. To obtain a visa, you need to provide a certificate of what the guest is doing. Women are not allowed on the territory of the monasteries.

Macedonia, the rest in which is amazing and diverse, has a distinctive culture, rich history, amazing nature, and at the same time a developed tourist infrastructure. Traveling to Macedonia will leave an unforgettable experience for a lifetime.

Macedonia is an amazing country known to many travelers and connoisseurs of history as the abode of antiquity, architectural monuments and a good location for ski lovers. Due to the peculiarities of the mountainous terrain, a rather mild climate and a high level of ecology, hiking and mountain tourism, rafting, speleology and other outdoor activities have become popular in the country.

Peculiarities. The Republic of Macedonia has no access to the sea, tourism in the country has an active and therapeutic orientation. There are a number of ski and balneological resorts here, besides, you can not only relax, but touch the origins of culture, get acquainted with the main attractions.

General information. The state of Macedonia is located on an area of ​​25 thousand square meters. km. The population is over 2 million people. The official language is Macedonian. Currency - Macedonian Denar (MKD). 100 MKD = $2.25. Time zone UTC + 1, local time is 3 hours behind Moscow. Mains voltage 220 V at 50 Hz, socket types C, F. Telephone country code +389. Internet domain.mk.


Climate. On the territory of Macedonia, the climate changes from temperate to subtropical, moving from north to south. Summer is characterized by dry hot weather, with an air temperature of +18..+22 degrees. Winters are mild and humid with average temperatures of -1..-3 degrees. Precipitation mainly falls in winter, and in the highlands, snow lies from November to March. The best time to visit Macedonia is summer for outdoor recreation, sightseeing and medical tours. In winter, ski holidays are relevant in Macedonia.

Visa and customs regulations. To visit Macedonia, Russian and Ukrainian citizens do not need a visa if the period of stay in the country does not exceed 90 days. It is also possible to visit Macedonia with a valid Schengen visa. Customs regulations comply with generally accepted norms.

How to get there. From Russia, Macedonia can be reached by a Moscow-Orchid charter flight or a regular flight to Belgrade operated by Aeroflot and Yugoslav Airlines, and then a domestic flight to Orchid and Skopje. With a valid Schengen visa, one can reach Macedonia via Greece, there is a convenient flight via Thessaloniki.

Transport. Bus transport is the most developed in the country; it is also possible to travel between cities by rail. For independent travelers, a car rental service is always available. The best quality of those roads that connect major cities, but many small tracks that are not in the best condition, and there are also dangerous mountain serpentines.

Cities of Macedonia
Skopje is the capital of Macedonia
Ohrid

The most interesting in Macedonia

It is worth visiting the famous capital of Macedonia - Skopje, a city known since the ancient Roman era. In 1963, the capital was badly damaged by an earthquake, after which it took a long time to restore, using help from all over the world. Japanese architect K. Tange gave the new houses an ultra-modernist style that contrasts with the old buildings that have survived in the old parts of the city. In Skopje, a part of the Kale fortress, built back in the 9th century, Charshia, which is considered one of the best bazaars in Eastern Europe, has been preserved.

Turkish baths, built in 1466 and called Daud Pasha, have been preserved in the capital. In one of the parts of the building where they were built, there was an art gallery of the city, the Mustafa Pasha mosque, erected three decades later than the Turkish baths, a stone Turkish bridge laid across the Vardar. Another attraction of Skopje is the Orthodox Church of St. Spas, built at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries. It will not be superfluous to visit the Museum of Macedonia, national theaters, galleries, to visit the boulevards of Arm and Odredi and the gypsy suburb of Suto-Ornzari.

Not far from the capital rise the ruins of the ancient city of Scupi, which once belonged to the ancient Romans. On the slopes of Mount Vodno, the Church of St. Panteleimon survived, which is decorated with amazing frescoes. Nearby is another church, named after St. Anastasia, and monasteries.

Having driven 70 km from the Macedonian capital, you can get to the resort in Mavrovo. Restaurants, hotels and pensions are located on its mountainous terrain, and trout is successfully grown in the local lake. For the convenience of skiers, some slopes are equipped with cable cars.

The best resorts with excellent ski slopes in Macedonia are Popova Shapka and Krushevo. The first resort is located to the west of Tetovo in the southern part of the slopes of Shar Planina and is considered the most attractive among tourists. At the resort in Krushevo, vacationers can afford excursions, hiking or horseback riding along interesting routes.

Another city worth visiting in Macedonia is Bitola, which is located on the very border with Greece. Its main attraction was the ruins of Heraclea Lincestis, which were founded in the 4th century BC. BC. the ruler of ancient Macedonia, Philip II. The surroundings of Lake Doyran are considered one of the most picturesque in Macedonia. Here you can enjoy the mineral springs, look at the canyons of the rivers that flow into the lake, visit the caves of the Bistra Mountains and capture the memory of the Radika waterfall - the highest waterfall in the Balkans. Near Lake Matka rise the monasteries of Matka, St. Andrew and other unique architectural monuments. The Tsarev Dvor area, winemaking and ceramics centers will delight tourists with impressions.

The favorite place for a full-fledged comfortable rest in Macedonia was the surroundings of Lake Ohrid, a beautiful and cleanest lake in Europe. This is a very ancient lake. The swimming season here can last from late spring to early autumn due to the fact that the water temperature is quite high for almost the entire warm half of the year. The lands near the lake are built up with hotels, sanatoriums, entertainment centers. The Ohrid National Park is remarkable. The ecology of the lake is carefully monitored so as not to damage its purest ecosystem.

Even in ancient times, the city of Ohrid arose on the shore of the lake, which to this day retains the reputation of a prosperous city. It was not greatly affected by wars and earthquakes, so Ohrid has preserved many cultural, historical, architectural values ​​and has become one of the most interesting places for tourists who want to join the ancient world and its history. A magnificent monument is the fortress of Samuil, which arose in the 11th century, the walls of which reach 16 meters. The gates of Gorna Porta, the church of Sveti Sofia, which was later rebuilt into a mosque, and the church of Sveti Kliment, where unique Ohrid icons are kept, are also impressive. Robevu Palace now houses the Archaeological Museum. Of interest are the Imaret Mosque, which was previously a monastery, the mosaic in Plaosnik, which arose in the 5th century, the National Museum and the ancient theater recognizable in ruins.

Macedonia can be called one of the most interesting Balkan countries with a wonderful climate and ecology, all the opportunities for outdoor activities, a variety of excursions to the modern and historical centers of this wonderful country.

Kitchen. Macedonian cuisine, like most of the Balkan states, has absorbed the culinary traditions of different peoples: Greeks, Bulgarians, Turks and Serbs. Meals are usually simple but hearty, based on meat and vegetables. A feature of the local cuisine is the use of fermented milk - kaymak, which is served as a cold snack. Fresh bread, herbs and cheese are always on the table. Dessert is baklava and rice pudding. Drinks include coffee and herbal teas. Macedonian wines are inexpensive and very popular on the local market.

Shopping. There are not so many souvenir shops in Macedonia, since tourism is not yet developed so actively, but there are interesting things. Opants are traditional leather shoes, and you can also buy elements of the national costume. In Macedonia, you can buy filigree silver jewelry - this extraordinary tradition of handmade jewelry is being revived.

There is no sea, but there are three lakes: Ohrid, Doyran and Prespa, around which more and more new resorts are growing.

Ohrid

Ohrid, Macedonia. Photo - Monika

Ohrid is a symbol of tourist Macedonia. In summer, people come here to relax on the beaches, and in winter it is good to arrange excursions to holy places or devote time to visiting historical monuments. The city beaches of Ohrid in the midst of the summer heat are analogous to Turkish, Egyptian or Montenegrin ones: a lot of people, loud music, peddlers and queues for catamarans and other beach activities. In fairness, it should be noted that the beaches are clean, strewn with sand, the descent to the water is gentle everywhere, and the lake itself is worthy of all praise.

Country beaches are no less popular. For example, Trpejtsa is a kind of “St. Tropez in Macedonian”. If you want peace and quiet, then you should look for wild beaches. They are easily accessible by boat, which can be rented.

Hotels in Ohrid are located along the coast and are more like family pensions. During the high season it is better to book in advance. However, experienced tourists prefer to stay in the private sector: both cheaper and more comfortable.

Strumica

Sirius Hotel in Strumica, Macedonia. Photo - Vesnamarkovska

Strumica is a small resort town in the southeast of the country. People come here for the sake of relaxing on Lake Doyran, around which there are many hotels of the 3-5 * category. You can stay at the campsite or rent an apartment.

Bitola

Pedestrian street in Bitola, Macedonia. Photo - Steffen Emrich

Bitola is the southernmost city of Macedonia, comfortably nestled on a mountain plateau. Despite its decent (by Macedonian standards) size, Bitola is not included in the list of popular tourist destinations. Rooms in hotels are expensive, and it is difficult to find places in the private sector. From entertainment: a lot of historical ruins and monuments, temples, for children - a zoo, for adults - bars and discos.

More interesting in terms of recreation are the surroundings of the city: the mineral springs of Debar, the delightful Radika waterfall, picturesque canyons, rivers and the magnificent Matka Lake.

Prilep

Near Prilep, Macedonia. Photo - Bojan Rantasa

Prilep is a sunny town in the south of Macedonia. It is worth coming to Prilep in the summer if only to visit the famous beer festival. Of course, the Prilep festival is far from Oktoberfest, but the beer here is delicious, the hotel is cozy, there is no public transport, and there are enough sights. Prilep will appeal to those who like a quiet province.

Krushevo

Krushevo, Macedonia. Photo - Vesnamarkovska

Krushevo is a small cozy town in the southwestern part of Macedonia, the highest mountain in the country (1250 m above sea level). In winter, a ski slope opens here. The resort has good infrastructure. There are restaurants, bars, discos, you can go to the pool, gym or play billiards. The only hotel is marked with five stars, and the prices are several times lower than European ones. The season is open from December to March, and all pistes are equipped with snow cannons, so there is no shortage of snow.

Kumanovo

Orizari village near Kumanovo, Macedonia. Photo - Vesnamarkovska

Kumanovo is the center of the community of the same name in the northeast of the country. There are healing mineral springs, near which a network of boarding houses is gradually growing. But people mostly come to Kumanovo for fun and noisy entertainment. The city is famous throughout the district for a huge number of clubs, discos, bars and restaurants.

Tetovo

Old Turkish bath in Tetovo, Macedonia. Photo - Vesnamarkovska

The Tetovo resort is comfortably nestled at the southern foot of the Shar-Planina ridge. Magnificent nature stands guard over this town, lost in the mountains of Macedonia. There are few tourists here, mostly those who rush north to Skopje, or south to Ohrid.

Tetovo is suitable for those who crave relaxation from the metropolis and crowds of people. In summer you can swim in the river, sunbathe and wander through the old streets. In winter, go skiing. In Tetovo, you will not find a developed infrastructure, and self-service is practiced in local cafes. But the beauty of nature and peace - in abundance.

Mavrovo

Mavrovo is a ski resort 70 km from Skopje. Delightful nature and a convenient track for skiers are far from all the attractions of Mavrovo. Numerous boarding houses and hotels in ethnic style add charm to the resort. In winter, people come to Mavrovo for skiing, skating, in summer you can go fishing or hunting. More information about ski Mavrovo can be found on the page.

Popov's hat

Not far from Mavrovo is Popova Shapka. The resort is located at an altitude of 1,700 meters above sea level. Popova Shapka is a mix of snowy peaks, green pastures and icy lakes. The quality of the tracks can be judged by the fact that international skiing competitions are held on Popova Shapka. The total length of the tracks is 35 km. More information about the ski Popova Hat can be found on the page.

Of the advantages of relaxing in the resorts of Macedonia, it is worth noting low prices (compared even with neighboring ones or) and desertedness. Tourists have not yet figured out all the delights of holidays in Macedonia, so the largest influx of tourists is observed only in the south of the country - near Lake Ohrid.

Among the shortcomings, one can note the lack of a stable air connection with Ohrid (the main resort of the country). Getting there is quite difficult. And the rest ... of course, there is no European gloss and sleekness, no luxury hotels and super fancy clubs or restaurants. Everything is arranged in a family way: quiet and comfortable.

If you crave new experiences, are ready to endlessly admire the beauty of nature, like to plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity, then a vacation in Macedonia is what you need.

Holidays in Macedonia - impressions of the country and a short guide. What I liked most about Macedonia, what surprised me and what criticized. In the article you will find a brief overview of interesting places in Skopje and Ohrid, as well as their surroundings.

Travel itinerary

By car: Belgrade (Serbia) - Skopje - Ohrid - Vlora (Albania).

• 01.09 - road Belgrade - Skopje, check-in at Skopje apartments, a walk in the center of the Macedonian capital
• 02.09 - Exploring the center of Skopje, the Old Bazaar, the fortress, mosques and churches.
• 03.09 - Millennium Cross, departure from the apartment, Matka Canyon, road to Ohrid, check-in to the apartment, walk around the city
• 04.09 - exploring Ohrid, walking along the promenade of Ohrid.
• 05.09 - check out from the apartment, visiting the Gulf on the bones and Sveti Naum, the road to Vlora.

Travel expenses in Macedonia

1. Gasoline (about the territory of Macedonia drove 300 kilometers) - 30 euros.
2. Toll roads (from the Serbian border to Skopje and from Skopje to Ohrid) - 200 denars (3.5 euros).
3. Accommodation in Skopje (2 nights, booked on) - 43 euros.
4. Accommodation in Orchid (2 nights, booked on Airbnb) - 45 euros.
5. Food (groceries in Ramstore, water, bakery for two people) - 30 euros.
6. Restaurants and cafes (checks for two) - 70 euros.

Short guide to Macedonia

Macedonia is a landlocked state on the Balkan Peninsula. Neighbors: Serbia, Greece, Albania and Bulgaria. The area of ​​the country is 25 thousand square kilometers (the Tula region has the same size).

Official language - Macedonian

Currency - Macedonian denar (detailed article on money exchange).

The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. Brief summary: the city is ambiguous, quite dirty even in the center, not very understandable for tourists.

Macedonia's main airport is Alexander the Great Airport near Skopje (). There are no direct flights from Russia (pro).

Interesting places in the vicinity of Skopje - (trip on a double-decker bus, cable car, trekking on Mount Vodno) and (reservoir, churches and monasteries, swimming in Lake Treska).

Macedonia has no access to the sea, it was replaced by Lake Ohrid - as unique as Baikal in Russia. The main city on the coast of the lake bears the same name - Ohrid (b). Brief summary: a pleasant resort town with a well-developed infrastructure, a set of attractions and low prices.

Interesting places around Ohrid:

1. Bay on the bones.
2. Monastery of St. Naum.
3. Prespa lake.
4. Struga.

I spoke in more detail about these places in.

My impressions of Macedonia: what surprised and what did not like

I confess that I counted more minuses in Macedonia than pluses. So I probably won't ever come back here. The only bright spot in this five-day trip to Macedonia was Lake Ohrid. On the other hand, there are cities and countries with which you need to tinker with, delve into, understand, and only then fall in love with. So it was with Serbia, from which, after the first arrival, I left and stomped my foot with joy. And now, when I leave, I immediately plan when I will return next time.

Holidays in Macedonia, where we arrived from Serbia as part of two people and one dog, began after crossing the border at the Presevo - Tabanovce section. What I did not like right away was the toll road payment system. On the section Tabanovce - Skopje, which lasts only 50 kilometers, it was necessary to stop four times (!) At the booth and pay money for a certain segment. The point here is not about money, since in each individual case the amount was small (from 10 to 40 denars), but in inconvenience for drivers.

For example, in Serbia, such booths are removed from the main highway. You need to drive off to the settlement, drive off the autobahn, pay for the segment that you drove, and drive on. The most convenient system in Hungary - you buy a 10-day, monthly or annual vignette on the Internet and ride on all autobahns as much as you like.

Impressions from Skopje

Didn't like it at first sight. From the windows of the car, he seemed to me dusty and dull, somehow tired. He shyly covered up his poverty and simplicity, but Skopje should be ashamed not for this, but for the new city center. For that kitsch, for that absurdity that was built here. Sculpture upon sculpture, sculptural compositions support each other. A bunch of remakes in different architectural styles are poked here and there. And fountains everywhere. Complete lack of symmetry and harmony.

Don't think it's terrible, not so much that you want to gouge out your eyes and run away from the city. Moreover, there are pleasant places in Skopje - the Kale fortress, the Old Bazaar. I was surprised by the red double-decker buses - double deckers. They noticeably enliven the streets of Skopje, making them more festive.

The situation with parking remained unclear. We lived almost in the very center of the city in an ordinary high-rise building, reminiscent of a business class Khrushchev. And for some reason, it was possible to park on one side, but not on the other. Moreover, neither there nor there were any signs indicating permission or prohibition of parking, were installed. The owner of the apartment could not explain such rules, so the riddle remained unsolved.

Macedonia presented the third unpleasant surprise in the evening of the first day. After a walk around Skopje, after a delicious dinner in a restaurant, I wanted to drink wine, especially there are good local brands, but the store told me that after 21:00 alcohol was not sold. For a second I even thought that I was transferred to Russia (although they are more humane there, they don’t sell from 22:00). By the way, the most common grocery chain (I suspect that there is only one) of stores in Macedonia is Ramstore. Remember there were such supermarkets in Russia, with a green kangaroo on the logo?

The next day there were the aforementioned Old Bazaar with a delicious eatery, mosques with churches and a fortress, so the discontent from Skopje receded somewhat. I even forgave the attempt of the Macedonians to make it look like Prague's Charles Bridge. In Skopje, it was called the Bridge of Civilizations.

Impressions from Ohrid

Resort Ohrid made a much more pleasant impression. This is the quintessence of holidays in Macedonia. A provincial town with all the attributes that are present where there are many tourists. An obligatory pedestrian street with restaurants and souvenir shops, beaches with sunbeds, hotels of different stars in old houses, stone pavements and stairs, minaret arrows and church drums, cyclists with trays carrying tea or coffee on order.

Surprised by the large number of Muslim population. Nowhere else in the Balkans, even in Albania itself, which is considered the most Muslim on the peninsula, I have not seen so many wrapped up Muslim women and men.

Slowness, unusual for a Russian person, to which I still cannot get used either in Serbia or Montenegro, is also widespread in Macedonia. By agreement with the owner of the apartment, I had to report my arrival through an exchange office employee who worked in the same house. But he called only 10 minutes after my request. At first he talked with one acquaintance, then another one joined them, then he was interested in something on TV, then they went to change money. And all this time the man periodically looked in my direction and nodded, making it clear that he remembers me.