Macedonia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Skopje and Matka Canyon

Morning:

• Arrive at Alexander the Great International Airport (SKP) in Skopje. Complete any necessary immigration formalities if you’re not from an exempt country. Visa requirements for Macedonia
• Grab a quick breakfast at a local café, try traditional Macedonian dishes like Ajvar (red pepper paste) or Shopska Salad.

Mid-Morning:

• Visit the Skopje City Center, known for its monumental statues and grandiose buildings. Don’t miss the Stone Bridge, Mother Teresa Memorial House, and the Daut Pasha Mosque.

Afternoon:

• Head to Matka Canyon, a stunning natural reserve just 15km from Skopje. You can rent a boat and explore the five natural caves or hike up to Vrelo, the spring that feeds the canyon’s lake.

Evening:

• Return to Skopje and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants along the Vardar River. Try local specialties like Tavče gravčevica (baked beans) or Sarajska cevapčići (grilled minced meat).

Day 2: Ohrid Lake City

Morning:

• Depart early for Ohrid, a picturesque city on the shores of Lake Ohrid. The drive takes approximately 3 hours.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Samuel’s Fortress and Plaosnik Archaeological Site, offering panoramic views over the lake and the old town.
• Explore the ancient churches in the Old Town, such as St. Clement’s Church and St. Sophia Church.

Evening:

• Spend your evening strolling along the lakeside promenade, sampling local delicacies at one of the many restaurants. Don’t miss trying Ohrid trout, a popular fish from the lake.

Additional Tips:

• Macedonia uses the Macedonian Denar (MKD). It is recommended to exchange some money before you arrive or use ATMs in the cities.
• Tap water in both Skopje and Ohrid is safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available.
• The local time zone is Central European Time (CET).
• Macedonia is a largely mountainous country, so be prepared for varying temperatures and weather conditions, even within the same day.