North Macedonia – Balkan Tours by Local Guides

Emabark on a North Macedonia Tour and Create Unforgettable Memories

Scenic view of Ohrid, North Macedonia with a fortress on a hill and a mix of red-roofed houses. Sign

North Macedonia is not among the most popular countries in Europe, and you are probably unaware of the primary information about it. If you are planning on visiting the country, you should be better equipped to do so. So, let’s take the time to make you better acquainted with this destination by reviewing the main facts:

Population: 1,836,713
Capital: Skopje
Local Currency: Macedonian denar (MKD) 1 USD = 55.6 MKD | 1 EUR = 61.6
Visa Requirements: No Visa Needed for EU and US citizens
Language: Macedonian, Albanian
Religion: 60.4% Christianity, 32.3% Islam, 0.2% Other/No Religion
Activities to do: Sightseeing, hiking, natural exploration, food tasting
When to visit: All year round, depending on the activities you wish to do

North Macedonia is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Even though it is not the most popular tourist destination, Macedonia has numerous sites worth seeing. Whether you wish to explore majestic natural scenery, centuries-old traditions, or historically significant landmarks, this country has everything a traveller might be searching for. As part of your North Macedonia tour, you will visit the deepest and oldest lake in Europe, go hiking and rock climbing, indulge in delicious local cuisine and learn more about the history of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

Of course, that is not enough to know before you take your North Macedonia tour. You should be familiar with the most prominent tourist attractions and the activities you could try in the country. Therefore, we have outlined all the info in the following paragraphs, and we hope you will find it helpful. Bear in mind that our tours are 100% customer-oriented and tailored to the preferences of each client. So, if you wish to visit some attraction that is not on our list, just let us know, and we will include it.

Map highlighting North Macedonia in red on a regional map of the Balkans.

Tours including North Macedonia:

Albania – Kosovo – North Macedonia
Serbia – North Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania
Serbia – Bulgaria – N. Macedonia – Kosovo
Romania – Bulgaria – N. Macedonia – Kosovo
Bulgaria – Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania

Montenegro – Albania – N. Macedonia – Kosovo
Balkan Adventure 21 Days | 10 Countries
Grand Balkan Tour: 28 Days | 10 Countries
Ex Yugoslavia Tour
All Balkan Tours

Bosnia – Serbia – Romania – Bulgaria – North Macedonia
Serbia – Romania – Bulgaria – North Macedonia – Kosovo
Romania – Bulgaria – North Macedonia – Kosovо – Albania
Bosnia – Montenegro – Albania – North Macedonia – Kosovo
Bosnia – Serbia – Romania – Bulgaria – North Macedonia – Kosovo
Serbia – Romania – Bulgaria – Nоrth Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania
Bosnia – Montenegro – Albania – North Macedonia – Kosovo – Bulgaria
Serbia – Romania – Bulgaria – Nоrth Macedonia – Kosovo – Albania – Montenegro – Bosnia

Plan Your Balkan Tour!

Let us know more about your travel plans and let’s together create an itinerary which will includes all destination you want to visit around the Balkans.

Plan Your Trip

Skopje

Skopje
Skopje is North Macedonia's capital and a must-stop on your Macedonian tour. The Old Bazaar in this city is the oldest and largest marketplace in the Balkans. The narrow streets and centuries-old buildings create a fairytale setting that is quite pleasant to explore. The Stone Bridge and the Skopje Fortress are two other landmarks you should visit when in this city. Another exciting place to go to, when on your tour is the Mother Teresa Memorial House. As you have probably heard already, Skopje is her birthplace. Another thing you should indulge in when visiting the Macedonian capital is the traditional cuisine, which is quite delicious.

Ohrid

Ohrid
Ohrid is probably the most prominent town in North Macedonia, with a lot of cultural heritage and a rich historical background. Often referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”, this town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, and for sure, one of the most picturesque ones. It is surrounded by mountains and breathtaking landscapes, which leave visitors amazed. When in Ohrid, don’t forget to visit the Old Town, which is filled with medieval buildings reflecting the region's Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman influences.

Bitola

Bitola
Bitola is known as the “City of Consuls” and is another Balkan city with a significant cultural and historical background. Some famous landmarks in the town worth exploring are the Shirok Sokak Street, the Bitola Museum, the Clock Tower and the Isa Bey Mosque. The Bit Pazar (Bitola’s Old Bazaar) is also a must-visit place in the city. If you are a fan of nature, take a walk through Pelister National Park - situated in Mount Pelister, home to one of the country’s highest peaks. This is the perfect place for adventurous outdoor activities and hiking.

Matka Canyon

Matka
Matka Canyon is located 15 km southwest of Skopje and is a renowned natural spot with diverse and breathtaking scenery. The canyon covers roughly 5,000 hectares and is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in North Macedonia. The majestic Treska River runs through the canyon, completing the picturesque atmosphere. There is diverse flora and fauna, craggy cliffs and various rock formations in the Matka Canyon, which introduce splendid opportunities for climbing and hiking.

Šar Mountain

Another perfect place for hiking is Šar Mountain, which holds the highest peak in both North Macedonia and Albania - Korab. The stunning Alpine landscapes offer an excellent terrain for mountain climbing. The elevation of the Korab peak is 2,764 meters above sea level, and the trekking route to it includes dense forests, alpine meadows and rocky terrain. Of course, if you succeed in climbing to the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. This destination attracts adventurous tourists all year round.

Mavrovo National Park

Mavrovo
Mavrovo National Park is situated in the western part of North Macedonia and is the largest national park in the country. The park was established in 1949 and features 73,088 hectares of land with diverse landscapes. The park is part of the Šar Mountain range and home to an enormous plant and animal species biodiversity. You can engage in various outdoor activities, such as hiking and rock climbing during summer and skiing in winter. One interesting landmark to visit in the park is the Jovan Bigorski Monastery. You can access the park through a day tour from Skopje.

Lake Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is an absolute natural wonder and the most popular tourist attraction of North Macedonia. Located on the border between Macedonia and Albania, this lake is the deepest and oldest one in Europe. Lake Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is believed to have formed over 4 million years ago. Its waters are so crystal clear that you can easily take a peek deep into the depths of the lake with the naked eye. When you are in the area, we recommend taking a boat trip to St. Naum Monastery.

Galičnik

Galičnik is a beautiful village in the Bistra mountain range, popular with its traditions and cultural significance. An annual festival is held in Galičnik in which a selected couple gets married in the traditional “Galička” style wedding. If you are fascinated by the traditional architecture, folklore, craftsmanship and national cuisine of North Macedonia, this is the right place for you.

You can take up countless activities when you embark on a North Macedonia tour, and it would take us quite some time to list all of them. Of course, the variety of the activities included in your trip would depend solely on you and your preferences. Please inform us beforehand about your preferences so we can construct your tour itinerary accordingly. To create a better idea of the activities that would be available to you on your Macedonian tour, we have listed some of the main ones, so take a look:

Go hiking in Mount Pelister
Take a boat tour of Ohrid Lake
Explore the Skopje Old Town on your own
Visit the Macedonian meat pie festival Pastrmajlijada
Visit the Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances
Visit the Galičnik Wedding Festival
Go rafting in the Treska River
Experience traditional Macedonian cuisine
Visit museums and learn about the history of the country

1. Is North Macedonia worth visiting for tourists?
For sure! Without a doubt, we suggest you include North Macedonia in your Balkan tour. This country is rich in natural wonders, significant historical sites and fascinating cultural traditions and festivals.

2. How many days are enough for North Macedonia?
It depends on the types of activities you wish to undertake and the places in North Macedonia you want to explore as part of your tour, but generally, between 3-5 days should be more than enough.

3. Is North Macedonia cheap to visit?
Absolutely! North Macedonia is one of the cheapest Balkan destinations and is highly recommended for tourists. The value you will get from your North Macedonia tour, compared to the price you will pay, can be considered a great deal!

4. What is the best month to visit North Macedonia?
If you are visiting North Macedonia solely for sightseeing, we recommend summer/spring. The weather is best for visiting tourist attractions. However, if you are a passionate skier, you should know that this country welcomes tourists to some of its skiing resorts, such as Popova Shapka, in winter.

5. Can I speak English in Macedonia?
You could get by speaking English in most big cities like Skopje and Ohrid, especially with young people. However, finding someone to converse in English with in some remote places would not be easy. However, this is a problem you will not face when booking a tour with us, as our guides are locals.

Perks that make us stand out from the rest:

A 100% unique experience designed for your needs and wishes.
Insights from friendly locals.
Seamless organization of your itinerary.
Carefully selected accommodations and dining places.
Licensed expertise in the entire Balkan region, including history, cuisine, traditions and many more.
Hassle-free transportation by car.