Romantic Ohrid: Kaneo Sunsets and Lake Views
Ohrid has a short list of couple experiences, and most of them rely on the setting rather than on organised packages. The appeal is the lake, the evening light and an Old Town that is pleasant to wander without a plan. Prices are in Macedonian denars (MKD), at about 61.5 MKD to the euro, and a few places quote in euros.
Sunset at Kaneo
The viewpoint at Kaneo, on the cliff above the lake, is the best place in town to watch the sun go down. The grounds and the viewpoint are free. Arrive a little before sunset to find a spot.
Dinner by the water
Kaneo Letna Bavca and Restaurant, at Kocho Racin 43 in the Kaneo quarter, is listed as family-run since 1993. Another pier-side option at Kaneo is Kaj Kanevche. Both appear in guides, so check that your choice is open before you walk down. Ask for the day’s fish, and if trout is on the menu, ask where it comes from. The Ohrid trout is protected and overfished, and brown trout is a good alternative.
A private boat
Small boats can be hired for a private run along the lake. On the St Naum route, small exclusive boats cost about EUR 20, against about EUR 10 round trip on the large shared boats. The trip takes about 90 minutes each way from the main pier. Sailing Stone Travel describes the route and prices.
The springs at St Naum
At the Black Drim springs, a rowboat ride costs about 600 MKD per boat for roughly 30 minutes, shared by the people aboard. St Naum lies about 29 km south of Ohrid.
An Ohrid pearl as a keepsake
Pearls are the souvenir Ohrid is known for. Only the Talev and Filev families are widely reported to hold the method, and both have shops in the Old Town. Buy from one of those shops and ask where the piece was made. Many other shops hand out a “certificate”, which proves nothing. The craft is described in Aramco World .
A swim together
Between about late June and mid-September the lake is warm enough for a swim, with surface water around 22 to 24 C in July and August. Gradiste, Labino and the beach beside St Naum are the usual spots. The shore is pebbly and steep, and most free beaches have no reliable lifeguard, so stay where you can stand.
Putting a weekend together
Organised romantic packages are thin here, so build the weekend from the pieces above: a sunset at Kaneo, a dinner, a boat to St Naum and a pearl to take home. Keep the schedule loose.
Read more: Couple activities in Ohrid has more ideas for two.
Booking help
Rooms with a lake view can be compared on Booking.com .