North Macedonia is one of Europe’s best-value surprises. Lake Ohrid — one of the continent’s oldest and deepest lakes — has a UNESCO-listed old town, frescoed churches and clear water for swimming, while Skopje mixes an Ottoman bazaar with a monumental new centre. Mountains, monasteries and wineries fill the rest.
This guide covers where to go and when. For our hand-picked trips, see our North Macedonia holidays page.
The quick answer
- Spend at least three nights at Lake Ohrid.
- Add Skopje and a boat trip in Matka Canyon.
- For walking and lakes, explore Mavrovo and Galičica.
- Combine with Albania, Kosovo or Greece.
- Go between May and September.
Where to go
| Region | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Ohrid | Swimming, history | Old town, Kaneo church, St Naum springs |
| Skopje & Matka | City life, canyon boat trips | Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, Matka Canyon |
| Bitola & the south | Ruins, quiet lakes | Heraclea Lyncestis, Lake Prespa |
| Mavrovo & the west | Mountains, skiing | National park lakes and Bigorski Monastery |
Most visitors fly into Skopje or Ohrid and split a week between them; Ohrid is about 2 hours 30 minutes from Skopje by road. Our Balkan tours continue into Albania, Kosovo, Bulgaria or Greece.
Things to do
- The Church of St John at Kaneo — the clifftop view that sums up Ohrid.
- A boat to St Naum — the monastery by the springs at the southern end of the lake.
- Matka Canyon — by boat or kayak, with caves to explore.
- Skopje’s Old Bazaar — Ottoman lanes, mosques and kebab houses.
- Tikveš wine country — tastings at family wineries.
- Heraclea Lyncestis — Roman and early Christian mosaics near Bitola.
When to go
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 sightseeing and walking. Winters are cold, with skiing at Mavrovo.
Getting there and entry
Direct flights from London to Skopje take about 3 hours, with seasonal flights to Ohrid. UK passport holders don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check the FCDO travel advice for North Macedonia before you go.
Money and local costs
The Macedonian denar is the currency; cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, and euros are often accepted.
Food and drink
Try tavče gravče (baked beans), Ohrid trout, ajvar pepper relish, grilled meats and local wines such as Vranec. Lakeside restaurants in Ohrid are a highlight — and excellent value.
Ask us to plan North Macedonia →
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit North Macedonia?
May to September. June and September for sightseeing, July and August for swimming in Lake Ohrid.
How long should I spend there?
A week: three or four nights at Lake Ohrid and two or three around Skopje, often combined with Albania.
Do I need a visa?
No, UK passport holders can visit for up to 90 days without a visa.
Is North Macedonia good value?
Yes — hotels, food and wine are excellent value compared with most of Europe.
Can I swim in Lake Ohrid?
Yes, from the town beaches and around the lake in summer.
Planning a North Macedonia holiday?
Tell us how long you have and whether to add Albania or Kosovo, and we will build the route.
