North Macedonia is one of the most frequently visited countries on Balkan tours: Skopje’s Ottoman bazaar and Lake Ohrid feature on almost every route. This page lists itineraries that include North Macedonia.
Skopje
The Stone Bridge, which connects the two banks of the Vardar River, leads to the Old Bazaar, which dates back to the Ottoman period. The bazaar is home to Davut Pasha Bath, Kapan Han and Mustafa Pasha Mosque, while the hilltop fortress overlooks the city. On the other side of the bridge, Macedonia Square presents a completely different scene, with its newly built statues and buildings.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid and the town of Ohrid are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. St. John at Kaneo Church on the lakeshore, Samuel’s Fortress and the ancient theater are classic stops in the town. Tours usually include an overnight stay in Ohrid; boat trips on the lake are common in the itineraries.
Tetovo, Bitola and Resen
The Alaca Mosque in Tetovo is known for the painted decorations on its interior and exterior walls. Bitola is the city where Atatürk attended military high school, and the school building is visited on the tours. Resen is a stop on the way to Lake Prespa, known for the Niyazi Bey Mansion.
What Routes Are Available?
North Macedonia features in three types of itineraries: short 3–4-night tours combining Skopje, Ohrid and Pristina; “5-country” tours that add Albania and Kosovo; and major 7-night Balkan tours that also cover Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Montenegro. Some itineraries also fly directly to Skopje.
Visa, Money and Prices
Turkish citizens can enter North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days. The local currency is the Macedonian denar. Tours that include North Macedonia start at around EUR 490 per person, with durations ranging from 2 to 7 nights.
Macedonian Cuisine and Shopping
Macedonian cuisine features tavče gravče (baked beans), shopska salad, ajvar (roasted pepper spread) and kebapche. Skopje Old Bazaar is home to jewelers, coppersmiths and coffeehouses; in Ohrid, Ohrid pearls, known as the pearls of the lake, are the best-known souvenir. It is often possible to communicate in Turkish in the bazaars.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Lake Ohrid is from June to September, when you can swim in the lake and take boat trips. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for visiting Skopje; summers are hot and winters are cold. Winter is quiet in Ohrid, and some lakeside hotels may be closed outside the season.
From Ohrid to Albania and Kosovo
The southern shore of Lake Ohrid lies on the Albanian border; the Monastery of Sveti Naum is where the lake’s springs emerge, just a few kilometers from the border. This proximity makes it possible to visit North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo together on a short itinerary.
Transportation
Skopje International Airport is about half an hour from the city; Ohrid also has its own airport. The drive between Skopje and Ohrid takes about three hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a visa for North Macedonia?
No; stays of up to 90 days are visa-free.
How far is Skopje from Ohrid?
It takes approximately 2.5–3 hours by road; itineraries usually include a stop in Tetovo along the way.
Can you visit Atatürk’s school in Bitola?
On itineraries that include Bitola, visitors tour the military high school where Atatürk studied.
How Many Days Is the North Macedonia Tour?
Short itineraries are 3–4 nights; extended Balkan tours that include North Macedonia are 7 nights.