Macedonia-5-day-itinerary

Macedonia 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Skopje and City Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Alexander the Great Airport (SKP) in Skopje
  • Take a taxi or bus (~30 minutes, ~€10-15) to your accommodation in the city center
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Visit the Old Bazaar ( Čaršija ), one of the largest and most beautiful bazaars in the Balkans
  • Explore the Kale Fortress, a historic fortress that dates back to the 6th century BC
  • Walk along the Vardar River and enjoy the scenic views of the city

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Macedonian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the Old Bazaar
  • Try some local wine or rakia (a strong fruit brandy)

Day 2: Lake Ohrid and St. Naum

Morning

  • Take a bus (~3 hours, ~€10-15) or drive to Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Visit the Church of St. John at Kaneo, a stunning example of medieval architecture
  • Explore the old town of Ohrid, with its cobblestone streets and historic houses

Afternoon

  • Take a boat tour (~1 hour, ~€10-15) to St. Naum, a picturesque village on the southern shore of Lake Ohrid
  • Enjoy swimming or relaxing at one of the many beaches around the lake

Evening

  • Return to Skopje by bus or car and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 3: Matka Canyon and Vrelo Cave

Morning

  • Take a taxi or bus (~30 minutes, ~€10-15) to Matka Canyon, a beautiful gorge with stunning scenery
  • Hike to the Vrelo Cave, a massive cave system with underground lakes and waterfalls

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in the canyon
  • Take a boat tour (~1 hour, ~€10-15) on Lake Matka

Evening

  • Return to Skopje and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 4: Kratovo and Štip

Morning

  • Take a bus (~2 hours, ~€10-15) or drive to Kratovo, a medieval town with well-preserved walls and towers
  • Explore the town’s historic center and climb one of the towers for stunning views

Afternoon

  • Continue on to Štip (~1 hour), a charming town known for its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere
  • Visit the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, a beautiful example of Macedonian Orthodox architecture

Evening

  • Return to Skopje by bus or car and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Depart for the airport and fly back home

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Macedonia.
  • Language: Macedonian is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The denar (MKD) is the local currency, although euros are widely accepted.
  • Safety: Macedonia is generally a safe country, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

  • Airport: Alexander the Great Airport (SKP) is located ~20 km from Skopje city center.
  • Bus: Buses connect major towns and cities, with frequent departures.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but agree on a price before you start your journey.
  • Car Rental: Renting a car can be a good option if you want to explore the country more freely.

Other Tips

  • Food: Try traditional Macedonian dishes like shopska salad, burek, and kebapi.
  • Drink: Enjoy local wine or rakia, but be careful with the latter as it’s very strong!
  • Respect: Macedonia is a conservative country, so dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries.