Travelling to Macedonia – A Complete Guide



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Macedonia is still relatively unknown compared to its neighbors in the Balkans, although it has a lot to offer to tourists. Bordering with Serbia, Albania, Bulgaria and Greece, this multi-ethnic country offers a range of mountains and scenic landscapes and is a great place for climbers and skiers.

With a cultural heritage linked to Greece and Rome , as well as 500 years part of the Ottoman Empire, Macedonia’s undiscovered treasures are being unveiled – a growing number of archaeological remains reveal significant discoveries of this fascinating country.

Skopje

Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, saw a devastating earthquake in 1963 that destroyed many beautiful buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many people who have visited Skopje are still disappointed to see many buildings that still need to be reconstructed after all this time, despite extensive reconstruction programs.

In any case, although not famous for its beauty, a trip to these places brings to light a fascinating destination, where culture and hospitality abound. Urbanism is given by the blending of dwelling blocks, minarets of mosques and Orthodox churches, all of which have as background the mountains: bold evidences of the historical culture heritage.

Head north to look at the old Turkish part of the city, here the cobblestone streets are full of bazaars and shops that sell everything from clothes to jewelry. These busy places are a good place to dine in restaurants that serve popular Turkish dishes.

Music is an integral part of Macedonia’s rich culture, which is heavily influenced by the Roma communities in the region. The Shutka region is the largest Roma community and the first settlement belonging to this ethnic group. This place is the main point of interest of those fascinated by Roma culture.

The city market is known as one of the best places in the Balkans if you love gypsy music, as you will find here plenty of street vendors that sell CDs of local artists. There are many parks and entertainment spots in the area. If you arrive here during summer you may even see weddings taking place on the streets.

OhridThe Pearl of Macedonia

Three hours south of Skopje you will find Ohrid, perhaps the most famous Macedonian city, included in UNESCO’s world heritage list. The city lies on the banks of Lake Ohrid, which dates back four million years and is one of the oldest lakes in the world.

Ohrid has the characteristics of a seaside town, with backyards, restaurants and places where you can practice water sports. But it is also a place filled with history, and here is where the National Museum is located. The museum houses ancient and archaeological treasures, all the way from prehistoric times to the present day. The Roman amphitheater, which sometimes hosts concerts, is also definitely worth visiting!

Both in the city and around the lake, there are many possibilities of accommodation, from campsites to modern hotels. Many tourists choose to stay in one of the many apartments offered for rent, which are simple to find, as you’ll usually see the offers right on the street. During summer, camping on the lake shores will give you the chance to look at the beautiful stars in clear nights.

The pace of life here is calm and locals are always willing to talk to tourists about topics related to the history of Macedonia. You can participate in controversial discussions such as the name of the country – Greece, Albania and Bulgaria all claim the name of Macedonia. On an international plan, the country is referred to as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

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