One of the most underestimated destinations in the Balkans, Macedonia is a nation of ancient cities, beautiful mountains and lush forestry. The country’s location among some of Europe‘s most stunning mountain ranges, extinct volcanoes and lakes promises natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes.
As Macedonia’s thriving capital, and home to around one third of the nation’s population, Skopje is a must-visit city oozing its own eclectic style and urban beauty. With the region having been inhabited since 4000BC, Skopje boasts a long and compelling history illustrated in its diversified architecture, with spectacles here ranging from the Ottoman era Mustafa Pasha Mosque to the Neo-Classical columns and statues of the city’s more recent projects. Home to over 200 statues, walking around the city feels like traversing a sculpture museum, and visitors can view all forms of innovative design, from communist era pieces to daring contemporary artworks. The city’s Old Bazaar, nestled on the East Bank of the Vardar River, was once Skopje’s commercial hub, transformed under Ottoman rule to be the center of commerce and trade, and today a quaint local landmark where visitors can explore a number of shops selling many items. A fascinating city with much to do and see, Skopje is a beacon for urban allure and artistry.
Galičnik
History lovers will know that Macedonia is home to the Mijaks, an ethnic group with a history dating back to the Middle Ages, known for their interesting culture, traditional rural way of life and unique dialect. The mountainous village of Galičnikis today one of the largest surviving Mijak towns, and is one of the only places left in the country in which to view original Mijak architecture, characterized by its highly skilled masonry work, and viewable in the town’s ancient amphitheater. Tucked onto the mountainside and hugged in by woodland and sprawling green pastures, Galičnik is a picture-perfect countryside retreat with a fascinating heritage, a spot appealing to culture buffs worldwide. For a true spectacle, visit Galičnik during its renowned wedding festival; at this time, one local couple are married in a traditional ceremony of singing and dancing, a beautiful custom which immortalizes the town’s past and preserves its distinctive customs.
Struga
Decidedly cozier than Ohrid, Struga lies on the same breathtaking lake, yet has less of a touristic vibe. In the past, when Ohrid was Macedonia’s cultural and religious center, Struga was known only as a trading city and a hub of commerce, thus keeping it relatively visitor-free. This preserved both its beauty and status as a hidden lakeside gem. With the Black Drin river separating the town in two, Struga has a riverside atmosphere similar to that of Amsterdam, with a number of inviting cafés and restaurants propped along the river bank. These venues ensure visitors have a comfortable place to enjoy the surrounding scenery and quiet, laid-back atmosphere. With a number of compelling attractions nearby, including the intricately decorated Kališta Monastery just outside of town, a visit to Struga promises to be just as interesting and aesthetically pleasing as Ohrid, without the hustle and bustle.
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Lying on the Vardar River, Veles is a traditional town whose main industries are in silk and porcelain production. A town under the Bulgarian empire before its capture by the Serbians, the city’s architecture and infrastructure displays a range of influences, and is a testament to Macedonia’s multiplex history. The old town of Veles is particularly alluring, with its steep hills, winding streets and customary wooden houses providing a captivating and authentic picture of Macedonian life. With its beautiful clock towers and churches built into the mountainside, Veles is a prepossessing city where visitors can explore the birthplace of prolific literary figure Kočo Racin, the poet and author credited as being the founder of modern Macedonian literature.
With a history dating back to the Bronze age, Tetovo is another city bursting with cultural allure. One of Macedonia’s larger towns, Tetavo lies at the foot of the Šar Mountain range, which stretches from the north-west of Macedonia to Albania. With the mountains in the background, visitors here can wander through the charming city streets or take a stroll along the the banks of the Pena river, marveling at the original stone bridges built by the Illyrian tribes. Not only is Tetavo aesthetically pleasing, set against a rugged backdrop of mountains and hills, it is also home to a diverse and unique culture; many of its residents are immigrants from Albania, and many languages, including English, German and French, are widely spoken.
