The Republic of Macedonia is regarded as one of the world’s oldest and most culturally rich civilizations. For travelers, “this landlocked country, which sits in the center of the Balkan Peninsula, is paradise. Each town throughout the country holds a different opportunity to celebrate ancient traditions and the spots between—with some of region’s highest peaks and deepest waters—is heaven for adventure travel. And, at the end of each day, explorers will enjoy superb domestic wine and absolutely the freshest cuisine.
Skopje, the capital city, has both ancient and modern sites and a population that hovers around 500,000. Since most towns are much smaller, Macedonia’s untamed natural beauty remains a secret. Traveling alone or in a group, a trip to this region is inexpensive and easy to navigate. Make sure to experience these five activities from tourism operator Macedonia Experience during your next European excursion.
1. Fill Up on Traditional Foods
Whether you’re beginning a day of exploring or ending a long night of partying, Macedonia boasts some delicious dishes. One of the country’s best-known delicacies is moussaka, a casserole oozing with layers of eggplant, potatoes and red meat (often green peppers and tomatoes, too). Another favorite is burek—a thin, flaky pastry filled with a combination of onion, potatoes, feta, spinach, ground beef or lamb and a side of homemade yogurt for dipping.
For those avoiding lamb and red meat, check out Kaneo on the breathtaking shores of Lake Ohrid. This Mediterranean restaurant serves up plentiful helpings of fish caught right outside of its walls and colorful salads with the fresh tomatoes and peppers the country is known for.
2. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you’ve been wanting to take an athletic route through the historic hills of Europe, Macedonia is the place to do it. There are multiple races throughout the summer months, like the Tour de Galicica bike race through Galicica National Park in June. Trail running events are also popular—and you’ll have continual photo ops in the Sharr Mountains, a range that connects the country to Albania and Kosovo. Jeep safari tours are a great option for large groups and often offer scenic rides to remote villages.
And one of the best parts of Macedonia is that you can view its incredible terrains from more than just the ground level. Take a dive into Lake Ohrid (pictured at top), one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes. Under the serene waters you’ll see paleolithic settlements scattered among the sandy banks that date back an estimated 2 million years.
Don’t feel like getting wet? Opt for a tandem paragliding adventure through clear skies to get a aerial view of the Balkans. You’ll spend anywhere from 15 minutes to half an hour coasting by mountains like Jablanica.
3. Explore Matka Canyon
Photo by Jason Rogers/Flickr CC BY
Treska River flows southwest out of the Vardar River, eventually tapering off after flowing through a total of 82 curvy miles. This vast river flows through many different lakes, including Lake Matka (pictured above), which is cradled in one of Macedonia’s most popular destinations for tourists and locals, Matka Canyon. Just 20 minutes outside of the busy streets of Skopje, this serene getaway offers endless hiking, self-guided kayaking trips, and boat rides to the canyon’s caves. If you look around from the stone-paved paths carved into the canyon’s walls, you’ll see churches and monasteries tucked into the hills. There’s also a restaurant next door if you want to eat wonderful local dishes or drink a glass of wine.
If you’d like to see the area on two wheels you can also rent a bike from a local company for about $30 a day or a boat for about $6 a person. Whatever your medium is, a visit to Lake Matka is a must.
