15 Best Places You Must Visit in North Macedonia [Where To Go in North Macedonia?]

If you’re considering going to Macedonia, then you’re in for a great vacation! Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkan peninsula. It is covered with mountains, lakes, and has plenty of ancient towns with Ottoman and European architecture. North Macedonia’s capital Skopje is popular for its historic buildings that are now museums.

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With the country’s rich historical past, one can learn a lot from it. But do you know other places to explore in this Balkan country? Then continue reading. In this article, we provided you the list of the best places to visit in North Macedonia. These places are absolutely interesting and offer unique experiences to visitors.



1. Skopje, Macedonia

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Being the capital city of Macedonia, it is not surprising that it’s also one of the most popular places to visit in the country. If you want to have a quick overview of Macedonia’s past, this is the ideal place to be. The Skopje Stone Bridge is one of the most important tourist destinations. It’s because it links the current and modern side of the city and the traditional Ottoman period. And who wouldn’t want to go to the 6th century Kale Fortress? The Memorial House of Mother Teresa is another famous attraction here. 

2. Canyon Matka

Photo by Ivo Arsovski

Photo by Ivo Arsovski

Canyon Matka is the ideal place to have a wonderful trip from the city of Skopje. Surrounded by stunning steep walls, it will let you feel closer to nature. You can rent a boat that will take you around 10 caves in the surrounding area. And near the Canyon Matka, you’ll find the Treska Lake which is a popular spot for kayaking. And because of these, Canyon Matka became the popular destination in Macedonia when it comes to adventure activities.

3. Mavrovo National Park

Photo by Antonio Janeski

Considered the most notable national park in North Macedonia, Mavrovo National Park is home to the highest peak in the country. Due to that reason, skiing is a popular activity that you can do here. During the summer season, you can try boating and swim in its lake. Plus the surround lush in the lake makes the atmosphere more tranquil than ever.

4. Pelister National Park

It is the oldest of the three national parks in Macedonia. Pelister National Park is home to some of the endangered animals in the wild. It includes eagles, chamois, bears, Red-billed jackdaws, partridges, wolves, and roe deer. There are also two stunning mountain lakes in Pelister National Park where tourists can enjoy hiking activities in Macedonia. 

5. Bitola

Photo by Philip Kromer

Photo by Philip Kromer

A town in Southwestern in North Macedonia. Bitola is an old town that was of the Ottoman period. It is also the second-largest among all the cities in North Macedonia and it is one of the favorites among local people. Big thanks to its European atmosphere and café culture. In Bitola, you can have a nice afternoon sitting in Sirok Kokak while drinking a coffee and just relax.

6. Prilep

Photo by Prince Roy

Photo by Prince Roy

It is the fourth-largest town in Macedonia. Also considered as the Tobacco Capital in the country. You can enjoy seeing the beautiful landscape with huge rocks that are scattered on the base of a small hill on top. 

7. Krusevo

Photo by Guillaume Speurt

Considered as the highest town in Macedonia. Locate at an altitude of more than 1350 m above sea level. The main highlights of the city are churches, monasteries, and some incredible architecture. So if you fancy these kinds of things, then you already know where to go.

8. Stobi

Photo by Prince Roy

Photo by Prince Roy

A town in North Macedonia known for being one of the most popular archaeological sites in the country. Having numerous leadership, the city has a rich history. The site can be visited at any time of the day, and the town is only an hour’s drive away from Skopje which is Macedonia’s capital.

9. Gevjelija

Photo by george k. 1981

For fun and sociable experience, Gevjelija should be the place to be. The galleries,  concert venues, top hotels, nightclubs, and casinos have earned it the name of being the Macedonian Las Vegas. Plenty of entertainment is available here. Visitors that are looking for a break from the table for blackjack can make their way to the Smrdliva Voda, which is a spa offering 400 villas and sulfur baths to make you relax after a long day.

10. Povardarie

Popular for their wine-making history, Povardarie is of the places in North Macedonia that you should not miss. Having at least 24,000 hectares of vineyard and almost 2,000 years of viticulture history of the wine-making industry, a lot of tourists are interested in going here. 

11. Strumica

Being home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in North Macedonia, Strumica is always a worth to visit. The best example is Mount Belasica that offers a wonderful hiking experience with other trails leading out to two waterfalls, which are Kolesino and Smolare. Vodoca and Veljusa are both gorgeous monasteries that date back to the Byzantine Empire. These are just some of the few reasons why you should go here.

12. Ohrid (Lake Ohrid)

No Trip to North Macedonia would be complete without going to Ohrid, and of course the Lake Ohrid. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But what are the other interesting things to see in Ohrid? They are the frescoes that can be found inside the St. Clement Church, the fortress of Tsar SamuilSaint Sofia Church, Ancient Theater, and the Saint Sofia Church. 

13. Struga

Photo by Ali Nuredini

Photo by Ali Nuredini

Struga is one of the places you must visit inNorth Macedonia. It is a wonderful and tranquil place to take a stroll through. Vlado Maleski, who composed the Macedonia national anthem, was born in this town with Struga being the place where the hymn was sung publically for the first time. 

14. Kumanovo

Kumanovo is considered the largest municipality in North Macedonia. It is the perfect example of a great combination of the Serbian and Macedonian culture. Because of this, you’ll find a great mix of a colorful multi-ethnic combination of Albanian, Turkish, Serbian, and Roman minorities.

15. Monastery of St. Naum

Photo by Dan

Photo by Dan

The Monastery of St. Naum has located just an hour’s drive away from Ohrid. It is a stunning monastery that dates back to the 10th century. It is known for its frescos and an ideal place to revitalize and relax in.

With all these places you must visit in North Macedonia, you’ll surely have a wonderful trip. Just don’t forget to prepare yourself as you will totally be blown away.

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