Travelisto destinations
North Macedonia holidays
Lake Ohrid’s churches and clear water, Matka Canyon and the Balkan bazaars of Skopje — one of Europe’s best-value surprises.
Overview
Welcome to North Macedonia
North Macedonia is a small, mountainous Balkan country with a big history. Its jewel is Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the old town of Ohrid climbing the hillside above it, Byzantine churches covered in frescoes, and the clifftop Church of St John at Kaneo, one of the most photographed views in the Balkans. Across the lake lies Albania, and the monastery of St Naum sits by springs at its southern tip.
The capital, Skopje, mixes an Ottoman old bazaar, the medieval Stone Bridge and the hilltop fortress with a newer centre full of statues and grand facades. Twenty minutes away, Matka Canyon is a dramatic gorge with a lake, caves and boat trips. Further afield are the Roman and Byzantine ruins at Heraclea near Bitola, the wine region of Tikveš, and Mavrovo National Park in the western mountains. Food is classic Balkan: tavče gravče baked beans, grilled meats, peppers, fresh Ohrid trout and local wines.
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Best for: travellers who want history, lakeside towns and mountains at good value, walkers, and Balkan tours combining North Macedonia with Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Serbia or Greece. Our escorted tours include Lake Ohrid, Skopje and Matka Canyon.
From the team
Why we love North Macedonia
Base yourself in Ohrid for at least three nights — swim, take a boat to St Naum and watch the sunset from Kaneo — then add Skopje and Matka on the way out.
Rossella Rossella, Luxury & Destination Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersMain areas
Where to go in North Macedonia
4 distinct regions — they pair beautifully two or three at a time.
Lake Ohrid
Ohrid
St Naum
Struga
Galičica
Skopje & Matka
Skopje
Matka Canyon
Vodno
Bitola & the south
Bitola
Heraclea Lyncestis
Prespa
Mavrovo & the mountains
Mavrovo
Bigorski Monastery
Tikveš wine region
Find your trip
Holiday types in North Macedonia
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
City breaks
North Macedonia's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Ohrid
Cruises
North Macedonia is landlocked — no direct cruise access. Lake Ohrid has boat trips, and the country combines well with Adriatic cruises calling in Albania or Montenegro.
Escorted tours
7 escorted tours through North Macedonia — guided, customisable, fully ATOL-protected.
Balkans by Rail: Ljubljana to Pristina, 7 Countries – 16 Days
Treasures of the Balkans: Bucharest to Belgrade – 16 Days
Solo Balkan Explorer with Flights: Four Countries – 13 Days
Albania, Kosovo & North Macedonia Explorer – 15 Days
Ancient Macedonia: Bulgaria, North Macedonia & Greece – 15 Days
Dubrovnik to Santorini: Albania, Olympus & the Greek Islands – 22 Days
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Ohrid and Skopje
Lake and capital, with Matka Canyon and a winery on the way.
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Balkan loop
North Macedonia with Albania, Kosovo or Bulgaria by private driver.
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Walking and monasteries
Mountain trails, frescoed monasteries and village guesthouses.
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Lake Ohrid escape
A lakeside hotel, boat days and slow evenings in the old town.
EnquirePractical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
5°
Feb
8°
Mar
14°
Apr
19°
May
24°
Jun
29°
Jul
32°
Aug
32°
Sep
27°
Oct
20°
Nov
12°
Dec
6°
May to September is best. July and August are hot in Skopje but perfect for swimming in Lake Ohrid; June and September are ideal for touring and walking. Winters are cold, with skiing at Mavrovo.
Flights & how to get there
Direct flights from London to Skopje take about 3 hours, with seasonal flights to Ohrid. Ohrid is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Skopje by road.
Visa & passport
UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. For up-to-date entry requirements and safety advice, check the UK FCDO travel advice for North Macedonia.
Currency & money
The Macedonian denar (MKD). Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants; cash is useful in markets and villages. Euros are often accepted.
Language & tipping
Macedonian and Albanian. English is spoken in hotels and by many younger people.
Health & safety
No special vaccinations are usually needed. Consult your GP before travel and buy comprehensive travel insurance.
FAQs
North Macedonia — your questions
When is the best time to visit North Macedonia?
May to September. June and September are ideal for sightseeing and walking, and July and August are the best months for swimming in Lake Ohrid, although Skopje can be very hot.
How long should I spend in North Macedonia?
A week is ideal: three or four nights at Lake Ohrid and two or three in and around Skopje, with Matka Canyon as a half-day trip. Many travellers add Albania or Kosovo.
Do I need a visa for North Macedonia?
UK passport holders can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Always check the latest FCDO travel advice before you go.
Is North Macedonia good value?
Yes. Hotels, food and wine are excellent value compared with most of Europe, and Ohrid’s lakeside restaurants are a highlight.
Make this trip yours
Plan your North Macedonia holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
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