15 things to do in North Macedonia–located on the Balkan Peninsula

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In 2019, I have decided to take a leap of faith and create a space where other travel bloggers, freelance writers and storytellers contribute their travel stories to DownshiftingPRO.com.  In the last four years, I have encountered some wonderful kindred spirits that love to travel and write about it.

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The first installation comes from Ace… a seasoned traveller who has returned to his native country of North Macedonia to try and entice others to visit and fall in love with small country nestled in the Balkan Peninsula! His images are enticing and his suggestions of 15 Things to do in North Macedonia will likely entice you too.  From Byzantine buildings and Roman ruins and rugged peaks to glacial lakes, there are many things of interest and adventure to be found in North Macedonia.

15 Things to do in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a landlocked country located on the Balkan Peninsula and formerly, part of  Yugoslavia (a federation of six republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia). Without war and strife, North Macedonia declared independence in 1991.

The Republic of North Macedonia has borders with Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.  This multinational country has 6 official languages and regions.  The capital and largest city, Skopje, is home to roughly a quarter of the nation’s 2.06 million inhabitants. The majority of the residents are ethnic Macedonians with Albanians forming a significant minority at around 25 percent.

The country’s geography is defined primarily by mountains, valleys, and rivers and has some beautiful countryside to explore.    Within this list, you will find fun festivals,  great food, ancient ruins and breathtaking nature that provides fantastic adventure travel opportunities.

15 Things to do in North Macedonia

• Caving –

North Macedonia has a lot of caves to visit. Vrelo cave at Matka Canyon near Skopje is the deepest underwater cave in Europe.  You’ll need to take a boat into the cave.  There are more than 10 caves in Matka Canyon.  You may also consider visiting, Makedonski brod Peshna cave (2 hours south of Skopje) and many more.

• Skiing/Snowboarding

  Skiing and Snowboarding at the Mavrovo ski centre is one of the places where you can enjoy skiing during the winter. Krusevo the highest city in North Macedonia and one of the highest in Europe is also great for cross country, snowboarding and skiing. The new centre on the border with Greece, Kozuf is also a good place for skiing. And last but not least is the Pelister ski centre near Bitola and of course Shar Planina near Tetovo on Kosovo North Macedonian border.
  

• Food tasting –

  North Macedonian cuisine is wonderful and tasty. Zelnik, Pastrmajlija pie and other pastries for breakfast and Selsko grne, meat meals from pork, Sarma, roasted beans called Tavce Gravce. Stuffed peppers and many versions of rice meals are few in a very rich Macedonian cuisine.

• Drinking wine and rakija –

  With over 2,000 years of wine tradition and over 70 wine varieties and 84 registered wineries – this is North Macedonia’s second largest agricultural crop. To be sure, it is not uncommon for a house in North Macedonia to have a wine and rakija production. Rakija is a mixed fruit brandy.  Macedonians will always offer you great food, wine and rakija when you visit their homes. Located in the three wine regions you will find the majority in the Vardar River Valley region. You will find the wine trail from Skopje to Valandovo. Be sure and indulge with wine tasting available at many locations.

  

Hiking in the mountains –

North Macedonia has several mountains ranges with a lot of nice places to hike. Nature is outstanding and wonderful. Untouched beauty wherever you go. North Macedonia has several national parks: Galicica near Ohrid, Pelister near Bitola, Mavrovo near Gostivar and many others. East Macedonia has great mountain ranges including Ograzden, Plackovica and Belasica. All have well-maintained hiking trails and tracks.

Visit Ohrid –

A place full of history, tradition and the beautiful Lake Ohrid (which is under UNESCO heritage protection).  Ohrid is one of the most beautiful cities in North Macedonia. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, the town of Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Built mostly between the 7th and 19th centuries, Ohrid is home to the oldest Slav monastery (dedicated to St. Pantelejmon) and more than 800 Byzantine-style icons of worldwide fame dating from the 11th century to the end of the 14th century.  The architecture is unique and for those who love history, they can visit Samoil fortress and plenty of churches. Throughout its century of existence, 365 churches exist now or were destroyed in Ohrid. This makes Ohrid the spiritual center of the country.  Be sure and stop in the Bay of Bones, a great spot to take in the view of the two lakes – Prespa and Ohrid.

• Ancient history and ruins –

  There is a lot of history in this country.  Visit the ruins in Stobi.  It’s location made it a crossroads for Romans in the 1-4th century.  Stobi suffered from the raids of Huns, Ostrogoths, Avars and Slavs with the last a defeat of the local militia by Byzantine troops.  Located off a major highway about an hour from the nation’s capital, you don’t want to miss these important ruins featuring a theatre, the first Episcopal Basilica and 25 more ruins.

  You may also want to visit the ancient city of Heraklea (Heraclea), located just outside the beautiful town of Bitola a real treasure for anyone fortunate to visit.  You will see impressive colourful mosaics found in the Large and Small Basilicas.

• Galicnik wedding –

  One very special couple gets to celebrate their wedding day with 20-3000 of their closest friends.  You too can go.  Consider attending the Galicnik Wedding Festival.  Every year on the 12 of July, St. Peter’s saint day, one village called Galicnik hosts an old traditional wedding for a village descendent. Though many apply only one couple gets a chance to have this wedding with all the old traditions.  From visiting ancestors, toasting them and inviting them to participate in the festivities to the groom getting a shave by the father of the bride to ‘retrieving’ the bride with a horse to serenades with traditional dance and drums. It’s a beautiful way to keep traditions alive!

• Waterfalls in North Macedonia –

  The natural beauty provides plenty of things to do in North Macedonia.  Visit Kolesino or Smolare waterfalls near Strumica on the border with Bulgaria. Also if you looking for smaller ones you can find more waterfalls near Pehcevo, Stip.

• Visit Stenje Beach and Prespa lake –

  You can rent a cottage or stay in the small village of Stenje on the idyllic Prespa Lake. The village borders with Albania but has recently updated with modern facilities, dining and drink establishments and even a bit more sand! It’s a beautiful and peaceful place with a nice little beach enjoyed by both locals and tourists.

• Visit carnivals –

  Dress up in masks as devils, demons and other mythical characters.  Come to North Macedonia to attend the Vevčani Carnival in mid-January.  The Carnival is the ritual of calling after Saint Basil the Great, which coincides with the Twelve Days of Orthodox Christmas and the Orthodox New Year. The Vevcani Carnival is about 1,200 years old.

  Every February or March depending on when the North Macedonian holiday Prochka is, you can visit and attend Strumica carnival. This Carnival is held every year at the beginning of the Great Lent, an Eastern Orthodox Lenten period similar to the Roman church’s calendar about one month earlier. Akin to a Mardi Gras celebration, groups assemble with a theme and create costumes and masks.  Thousands walk the streets in this three-day festival.

• Skopje nightlife and sightseeing –

  Our capital’s vibrant city offers different options for those who want to enjoy nice drinks, great company and long wonderful celebrations. Skopje is the political, cultural and historical capital of the Republic of North Macedonia with 1/3 of the population living here.

  Cross over the Arts Bridge – lined with statues of prominent Macedonians – and head towards the imposing National Archaeological Museum.  A bit further down the Stone Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Vardar River.  At night, check out the huge statue and fountains of the Horse Warrior (Alexander the Great).
  

  Walk around the old bazaar. Enjoy the view from Kale Fortress.  Don’t forget to visit the Mother Theresa Memorial house.  Born and raised in North Macedonia, she spent the first 18 years of her life in Skopje.

  In the outskirts of Skopje, you can see more ancient and historic sites like the Skopje Viaduct, the church in Nerezi, beautiful view from Mount Vodno.  Need a break from the city?  You will find beautiful nature walks and kayaking at Matka canyon (see #1 above).
  

• Veles –

  Located in Central North Macedonia, Veles is an old city with nice pottery tradition and a lot of cultural influence in film, theatre and poetry. Nearby Lake Mladost is an amazing place to enjoy during your stay.  Pesti is a complex of early Christian churches and caves near river Babuna.
  

• Bitola –

  In the time of the Ottoman Empire, Bitola was an administrative city with many consular places. This city (located about 9 km from the border with Greece) has a wonderful pedestrian street called Sirok Sokak.  Stop by the fruit and vegetable market in the Old Bazar or simply walk the cobblestone streets of Bitola and view the beautiful architecture and amazing atmosphere. It’s great to spend the day walking around, enjoying the food and talking with locals.
  

• Kokino observatory –

  According to NASA the Kokino Observatory is the fourth oldest in the world. Located at 3,300 feet above sea level the old Neolithic Kokino observatory is located near Kumanovo at the border with Serbia. It’s a wonderful and outstanding place with precise mark for every major astrological event. Four stone thrones that are lit on solstice days provided both its dual function as a scientific and ritual site.

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Ace is a travel blogger and freelancer from the tiny country of North Macedonia. Since a young age, he had a passion for travelling and nature. First trips were as a kid around Yugoslavia. Later he started to explore neighbouring countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece. As a DJ he travelled and played in many places including Bulgaria, Belgium, Tunisia, Israel, South Africa, Slovakia, and Albania. This 39-year-old traveller has been to 27 different countries and has lived abroad in Israel and South Africa. Ace’s travel passion on things to do in North Macedonia can be found on his website myamazingtravel.com and several pages on Facebook like Exotic Places and Exploring North Macedonia.

 

Facebook page: My Amazing Travels

Instagram & Twitter: @Cosmic_Ace

 🥾 Explore: Tours & Experiences
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