Explore Macedonia: The Hidden Gem of the Balkans
Macedonia is an undiscovered jewel in the Balkans, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the ancient city of Ohrid, renowned for its stunning lake and medieval architecture, or wander through Skopje, the vibrant capital known for its blend of modern and historic attractions. Adventure seekers will love the breathtaking landscapes of Mavrovo National Park, ideal for hiking and wildlife watching. Don’t miss out on savouring Macedonian cuisine, a delightful mix of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours. With its rich heritage and scenic vistas, Macedonia is the perfect destination for travellers looking to experience the authentic charm of the Balkans.
UAE nationals can visit North Macedonia without a visa for up to 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
Walk through the ages in Skopje
The North Macedonian capital is a quirky mix old and new. Kale Fortress has been guarding the city since the sixth century AD and is partly built from stones from a nearby Roman city that was destroyed by an earthquake 518 AD. A huge, kitschy statue of Alexander The Great has been standing rampant in Macedonia Square since being unveiled in 2011. Walk the streets and you’ll find a surprise around every corner.
Hike to the top of Mount Ljuboten
Looming high along North Macedonia’s north-west edge, the Šar (or Sharr) Mountains form a natural barrier with the country’s northern neighbours. It is home to untouched landscapes, abundant wildlife and some of the best (and least-used) hiking trails in Europe. One of the best is the hike to the top of Mount Ljuboten, a pyramid-shaped peak that stands 8,196 feet above sea level, and takes five hours to climb.
Stand in awe at the Painted Mosque in Tetovo
Get ready for a technicolour treat. The Painted Mosque in Tetovo, 43km from Skopje, is one of the brightest sights you’ll see in North Macedonia. Built in the 15th century, razed to the ground in the 17th and rebuilt in the 19th, no colour in the artist’s palate has been left unused on its stunning interior.
Kayak through the stunning Matka Canyon
Kayaking through Matka’s awe-inspiring canyon is a highlight of any visit to North Macedonia. From water-level, the rugged cliffs seem even more imposing. Their mood changes throughout the day, as the sun drifts across their face, shadows dancing across the stone. Best of all? The canyon is less than 10 miles from downtown Skopje.
Eat, drink and be merry
North Macedonian’s love their food and are determined that you do, too. A tasty mix of Turkish, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines, every meal is a feast with you the special guest. Burek, or ‘salty pie’, is a staple. You’ll find this warm, doughy treat, filled with spinach or cheese, everywhere. Ajvar, a red pepper and garlic sauce, is ubiquitous, as is shopska, a salad of tomato, onion, cucumber, and green pepper topped with tangy sheep cheese.
Search for wildlife in Mavrovo National Park
Mavrovo is North Macedonia’s largest National Park and arguably its most beautiful.A kaleidoscope of gorges, pine forests, karst fields and waterfalls, it is the perfect place to break your travels between Lake Ohrid and Skopje. In winter, it is home to the country’s best ski slopes. But it is in summer when the park truly comes into its own. Within the park’s boundaries you’ll find monasteries, cheese makers and pretty villages like Janče and Galičnik, famous for its traditional village wedding festival, one of the country’s quirkiest summer festivals.
Commune with God and nature at Lake Ohrid
There’s nowhere quite like Lake Ohrid. A beguiling shade of blue, ringed by nature and dotted with ancient monasteries, it is the spiritual heart of North Macedonia. That’s why it’s one of the country’s most treasured gems. And why the whole area was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lake itself is a thing of breathtaking beauty. Stretching as far as the eye can see, it glitters and shimmers, one of the oldest lakes in the world, dating back more than a million years. Take a seat, preferably on a grassy hill overlooking it, and marvel at its many moods.
Wander through ancient Macedonia in Heraclea
Famous for its stunning mosaics, ancient amphitheatre and bathhouses, Heraclea is the best preserved ruins from the time of the ancient Macedonian Empire. Polybius and Strabo wrote about it. Caesar tried to conquer it. And wandering around the atmospheric ruins is one of the most rewarding things you can do in North Macedonia today. The ruins sit just south of Bitola, on the slopes just below the village of Bukovo. There’s a small museum with a few artefacts, but it is much more rewarding to amble through the ruins and discover its treasures, like the Episcopal church and the Roman baths, by chance.
