Macedonia 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Travel Itinerary for Macedonia

Day 1: Skopje (Capital City)

Places to Visit:

  1. Skopje Fortress (Kale) - Offers a panoramic view of the city and is steeped in history.
  2. Church of Saint Savior - A beautiful Orthodox church located on the Vodno Mountain.
  3. Skopje’s Old Bazaar - A bustling market filled with traditional Macedonian food, handmade crafts, and souvenirs.
  4. Mother Teresa Memorial House - Dedicated to the life and work of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Activities:

  1. Take a stroll along the Skopje’s Vardar River.
  2. Experience local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the city center.

Things to Know:

  • The official language is Macedonian, but English is widely spoken in urban areas.
  • The currency is the Denar (MKD).
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants and taxis.

Transportation:

  • The city center is easily explorable by foot. For longer distances, use public buses or taxis.

Day 2: Ohrid

Places to Visit:

  1. Ohrid Old Town - A UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient churches, Ottoman architecture, and the beautiful Lake Ohrid.
  2. Samuel’s Fortress - Offers a panoramic view of the lake and the old town.
  3. St. Jovan Kaneo Church - A stunning Orthodox church perched on a cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid.
  4. Ohrid Archaeological Museum - Showcases artifacts from the ancient city of Lychnidos.

Activities:

  1. Swim in Lake Ohrid or hire a boat to explore the lake.
  2. Try local dishes like trout and shopska salad at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Things to Know:

  • Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in Europe and is home to many endemic species.
  • The climate can be quite hot during the day, so remember your sunscreen!

Transportation:

  • Take a bus or hire a car for the journey from Skopje to Ohrid (approximately 3 hours).

Day 3: Bitola and Pelister National Park

Places to Visit:

  1. Bitola’s Old Town - With its Ottoman-style architecture, it’s known as the “City of Consuls” due to the many foreign consulates that were located here during the Ottoman Empire.
  2. Pelister National Park - Home to Macedonia’s highest peak, Mount Pelister, and a variety of wildlife including brown bears, wolves, and chamois.

Activities:

  1. Hike through Pelister National Park to enjoy the stunning views and spot some local wildlife.
  2. Visit the Museum of Internal Macedonian-Adrianople Revolutionary Organization (VMRO) in Bitola for a glimpse into Macedonia’s history.

Things to Know:

  • The climate in Bitola can be quite cool, so pack accordingly.
  • Bitola hosts a large annual film festival in August, which is worth checking out if you’re visiting then.

Transportation:

  • Take a bus or hire a car from Ohrid to Bitola (approximately 1 hour).

Day 4: Tetovo and the Matka Canyon

Places to Visit:

  1. Tetovo’s Hassan Pasha Mosque - A beautiful Ottoman mosque adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy.
  2. Matka Canyon - A stunning natural canyon with caves, a monastery, and opportunities for swimming, hiking, and boat tours.

Activities:

  1. Explore the caves of Matka Canyon or take a boat tour to visit the Vrelo Monastery.
  2. Visit the nearby Treskavec Monastery, one of the oldest in Macedonia.

Things to Know:

  • Matka Canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rare bird species.
  • The canyon is best visited during spring and autumn when the weather is milder.

Transportation:

  • Take a bus or hire a car from Bitola to Tetovo (approximately 1 hour) and then continue to Matka Canyon (approximately 30 minutes).

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and EU member states, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, it’s always best to check the current requirements for your nationality.