34 Attractions in North Macedonia You Must See

North Macedonia is a small country, but in terms of historical and natural attractions, it rivals many larger nations. Here, you'll find ancient Orthodox churches, medieval fortresses, stunning buildings from the Ottoman Empire, and, of course, beautiful mountains, rivers, canyons, and the famous Lake Ohrid...

It makes no sense to list all the attractions of North Macedonia - there are simply too many. Instead, we will tell you about the most interesting ones.

In the historical center of Ohrid, you will find the antique amphitheater. This structure belongs to Hellenistic architecture and dates back to approximately the second century BC.

This amphitheater has witnessed a lot over its lifetime, including gladiatorial games and public executions, but after the fall of the Roman Empire, people forgot about it, which perhaps allowed it to survive. The ancient structure was discovered relatively recently and quite by accident.

Unfortunately, only the lower tier of the structure has survived to this day, but this does not prevent us from admiring the work of ancient architects. Moreover, since the 1980s, the Ohrid amphitheater has been actively used as a concert venue, hosting opera stars and performances by world-famous theater troupes.

Address: Antique Theater, Ilindenska, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

In the heart of Skopje, on a high hill on the right bank of the Vardar River, stands Kale Fortress, which translates from Turkish as "fortress." The first fortifications began appearing here in the 1st-6th centuries AD, but the castle took on its modern appearance only by the 10th century.

Throughout its history, Kale Fortress has endured numerous assaults and long sieges, being captured, destroyed, and rebuilt several times.

Since the mid-20th century, Kale Fortress has not been a military site - it has been transformed into a recreational area. A well-maintained picturesque park is located within, often hosting concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events. Tourists regularly visit to stroll along the solid fortress walls and enjoy the views from on high.

Address: Kale Fortress, Samoilova, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Most tourists include the fortress of King Samuel in their must-see list in Macedonia, and this attraction truly deserves such close attention.

This fortress was built in the 10th century by the Bulgarian king Samuel, who aimed to make Ohrid the capital of his state and was therefore concerned with the city's defenses. Thus, the fortress in Ohrid emerged with nearly twenty watchtowers along its perimeter.

Today, Samuel's fortress still silently overlooks the city from its highest point. It has survived in fairly good condition, largely thanks to restorers who have patched the holes in the walls and restored the ruins.

Now, tourists leisurely stroll along the steep stairs and dark passages. Once here, travelers hardly part with their cameras, eager to capture both the ancient walls and the magnificent views from the high hill where the fortress stands.

Address: Samuel Fortress, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

Lake Ohrid, located on the border of Albania and North Macedonia, is rightfully considered a national treasure of both countries. The age of this ancient lake, the oldest in the Balkans, is estimated by scientists to be at least 5 million years, yet it remains remarkably clean. Lake Ohrid is often called the freshwater sea and compared to Baikal: the average depth of the Macedonian water body is about 150 meters, while the visibility depth exceeds 20 meters!

Indeed, this beautiful lake attracts tourists eager to spend their vacation far from overcrowded resorts. Stopping here means not only enjoying clean and convenient beaches but also good accommodations. The docks are full of boats and yachts available for rent to explore the Macedonian 'sea.'

There's no need to worry about getting bored here, as nearby Ohrid boasts countless historical attractions, ensuring you can diversify your leisure whenever you wish. However, this fairytale beauty is simply unforgettable.

Address: Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia.

In terms of beauty and grandeur, Lake Prespa, shared by North Macedonia and Albania, is only slightly behind the nearby Ohrid 'pearl,' located just 10 km away. Like Ohrid, Prespa is also quite ancient; scientists believe this body of water formed around 5 million years ago. Interestingly, not much has changed over the years: the lake remains just as clean and rich in wildlife.

By renting a boat in one of the nearby villages, you can take a cruise on the lake and also visit an island called Golem Grad, which translates to 'Big City' (there's also a smaller island, Mal Grad, located in Albania). The island is now uninhabited, but the ruins of the ancient monastery of Saint Peter can still be found there.

Address: Lake Prespa, North Macedonia.

Galicica National Park is a true haven for tourists coming from bustling metropolises, located right between the two main lakes of the country - Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. The park is named after the mountain within its territory, although it actually has even higher peaks, including the 2000-meter Magaro.

Galicica is vast, but this doesn't intimidate travelers who wish to explore it thoroughly: nearly twenty villages are situated within the national park, where residents are always happy to welcome guests and offer food and lodging.

In the reserve, you'll find not only natural attractions, which include numerous caves and so-called karst fields, but also historical sites, including the medieval monastery of Saint Naum.

Address: Galicica, North Macedonia.

The Monastery of Saint Naum of Ohrid, located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, on Mount Galicica, is one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in North Macedonia. Historians believe it was founded in the late 9th century by Saint Naum of Ohrid, a disciple of Cyril and Methodius.

The main cathedral of this monastery, with its pyramidal vaults instead of domes, has a rather unusual appearance, but it looks very harmonious against the backdrop of the paved square and colorful greenery. The interior of the church is impressive: columns are adorned with Old Slavic inscriptions, and the walls and ceilings are covered with exquisite paintings and frescoes, some dating back to the 10th century.

By tradition, a table is laid for guests at the monastery. Don't refuse the offering to avoid offending the monks and to seize your chance to taste the most delicious national Macedonian dishes and authentic monastery wine.

Address: Monastery of Saint Naum, Monastery, North Macedonia.

Saint Clement of Ohrid was a highly respected figure in North Macedonia, and therefore there are many churches built in his honor across the country. One of them, which is a cathedral, is located in the city of Skopje.

This dark gray structure with white edging, built in a modern style, emerged comparatively recently - in the 1970s-1990s. Despite this, the cathedral has already become quite popular.

Partly, this is due to its unusual architecture, and partly because of the depiction of the largest image of Jesus Christ in the world on the 36-meter dome, which can accommodate 6,000 parishioners - its area is 70 square meters.

Address: Cathedral of Saint Clement of Ohrid, Boulevard Partizanski Odradi, Skopje, North Macedonia.

The Church of Saint Sophia in Ohrid is depicted on the 1,000-denar banknote for a reason; it is one of the most important monuments of architecture and history in North Macedonia. It was built in the 9th century after the country adopted Christianity.

After the conquest of Macedonia by the Ottoman Empire, the church was turned into a mosque: all Christian symbols were eliminated, ancient frescoes were plastered over, and the bell tower was made into a minaret.

In the 20th century, restorers required significant time and effort to return the Orthodox church to its original appearance. Thanks to them, we can now see the unique frescoes from the 11th to 14th centuries that adorn the walls of this temple, regarded as some of the most valuable examples of medieval Macedonian painting.

Address: Church of Saint Sophia, Tsar Samuel, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

In Skopje, on the hill overlooking the Old Bazaar, stands the Mustafa Pasha Mosque - the largest Muslim temple in North Macedonia and one of the most striking examples of medieval Islamic architecture. It was built in the 15th century on the initiative and personal funds of Mustafa Pasha, the vizier of the sultan, an outstanding Ottoman commander and a highly devout man.

The Mustafa Pasha Mosque has survived in excellent condition to this day, as if time has not touched it. The building, made of polished stone and brick, is topped with a dome 16 meters in diameter, adorned with arabesques.

In the northern part rises a 47-meter minaret. On the walls of the building, you can see remnants of the original Eastern ornamentation, while the walls at the main entrance are decorated with colored plates, which is why the mosque is popularly called the Colored Mosque. In the warm months, a luxurious rose garden blooms around the sanctuary.

Today, the mosque in Skopje is a functioning place of worship that welcomes not only Muslims but also followers of other religions. However, it's essential to remember to adhere to established norms of conduct to avoid offending the feelings of the faithful.

Address: Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Fort Kale, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Located 8 kilometers from the town of Kratovo is a stunning natural creation - Stone Town Kuklica, or the Valley of Dolls. Here, on a small territory, stand 120 stone pillars that vaguely resemble peculiar figures of people or dolls - hence the name of the valley.

These stone statues have appeared due to natural erosion lasting several million years, but the legend explaining their origin is quite beautiful. Each of the large figures has its own name - there are, for instance, a groom and bride, matchmakers, guests...

Locals claim that the number of pillars increases every few years. All the figures can be viewed from an elevation reached by a staircase.

Address: The Stone Dolls, Kuklici, North Macedonia.

The Museum of Macedonia in Skopje is one of the largest museums in the country. It was established by merging three capital museums - historical, archaeological, and ethnographic, thus becoming the main repository of national cultural and historical treasures.

The museum's collection, which includes several thousand exhibits, is rich and fascinating. In the archaeological department, you will see artifacts found in North Macedonia dating from the Neolithic to the Middle Ages, including ancient coins, pottery, and weapons.

The historical department aims to tell about the culture and politics of Macedonia from the time of Ottoman rule to the end of World War II.

In the ethnographic department, you can view national costumes, traditional interiors of Macedonian homes, and artisanal crafts. Many visitors to the Museum of Macedonia are delighted to see miniature models of Macedonian cities and a collection of ancient icons, the most unique of which is a clay icon from the 6th century.

Address: Museum of Macedonia, Kurciska, Skopje, North Macedonia.

In the National Gallery of Macedonia, founded in 1948, there is a rich collection of artworks spanning from the 14th century to the present day. Here, you will find unique icons, paintings from various historical periods, and works by contemporary artists. A separate hall is dedicated to Macedonian photo and cinema art.

The collection presented in the National Gallery is undoubtedly exquisite, but the building that houses it is equally interesting. This is the Daut Pasha Hammam - a medieval Turkish bath that is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in the capital of North Macedonia.

Inside, there are more than a dozen halls connected by vaulted passages. Each hall is crowned with a dome with an opening in the center, through which diffused daylight enters. The inner walls still bear vestiges of ancient Eastern ornamentation. The historical ambiance of the former bath creates a particularly unique atmosphere in the gallery.

Address: Daut Pasha Hammam, Daut Pashin Amam, Boulevard Goce Delchev, Skopje, North Macedonia.

It is impossible to truly appreciate the natural beauty of North Macedonia without visiting Pelister National Park. The park is named after the peak, which is 2,600 meters high, located within its territory. Many climbers and well-prepared tourists come to Pelister with the purpose of conquering this and other mountain peaks.

But even if mountains aren't your thing, you can still have a wonderful time in this national park. Here, you'll find the purest lakes with straightforward names - Big and Small, small villages where traditional Macedonian homes are still preserved and where locals are always happy to greet guests, as well as the unspoiled beauty of nature.

Even in winter, Pelister remains popular: with the onset of the cold season, the slopes of the local mountains become 'adorned' with ski trails.

Address: Pelister National Park, North Macedonia.

Ovchepoliye (or Ovche Pole) is a valley stretching east of the Vardar River. Its relief is primarily flat, with the exception of low hills in the northern and central parts. But there is also a completely astounding formation - a stone wall approximately 500 meters long and 10-12 meters high.

There are many versions regarding the origin of this wall, and scholars have yet to provide a definitive answer regarding which is true. As usual, there is a folk tale suggesting that the Devil plays a role in this, which is why the unusual stone formation has become firmly associated with the name 'Devil's Wall.'

Sadly, among treasure hunters, there is a legend that a tunnel lies beneath the wall where countless riches have been hidden since Roman times. The pilgrimage of illegal diggers to this site leads to the rapid destruction of this ancient monument. But you still have a chance to see this marvel, created by either nature or man.

In the northeastern part of North Macedonia, on Mount Taticheva Kamen, lies Kokino - an interesting archaeological site that constitutes a megalithic astronomical observatory. Historians believe it was created in 1800 BC and used for observing the Sun and the Moon.

Upon reaching Kokino, you will see four stone 'thrones' arranged in a row, intended for observing celestial bodies. The 'thrones' were also used for a ritual called 'union' of the Sun god with the local ruler held at the end of July: during this time, the sun's rays pass through an opening in a stone block located slightly higher, falling directly on the ruler's 'throne.'

On the stones of the observatory, you can see notches designed to identify the sunrise position on the days of the autumn and spring equinoxes, as well as the summer and winter solstices.

Address: Kokino Megalithic Observatory, North Macedonia.

Just 17 km west of Skopje lies the beautifully scenic Matka Canyon. It was formed by the Treska River, which carved its way through a mountain massif. In 1938, a dam was built on the river, resulting in the formation of an artificial Lake Matka, which quickly transformed from a purely technical reservoir into one of the main attractions of the area.

In the vicinity of the canyon, there are several ancient Orthodox churches and monasteries. You can also find the Vrelo Cave, with its many stalactites and underground lakes, emerald waters, an abundance of greenery, and a vast blue sky.

Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Matka is a popular recreation spot for both locals and tourists. Here, people can boat and kayak on the Treska River, swim in its unusually clean waters, fish, or simply walk through the canyon.

The path along the canyon alternates between descending to the water and rising up steep cliffs, from where magnificent panoramic views unfold. A stroll here will fill you with emotions and be remembered for a long time.

Address: Matka Canyon, Village Matka, North Macedonia.

On the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid extends Plaoshnik - the historical center of ancient Ohrid, which is now an archaeological site. A significant part of it is occupied by the church of Saint Clement of Ohrid, which was destroyed during the Ottoman Empire but has been restored in modern days according to old blueprints and is now named in honor of Saint Panteleimon.

In the 'revived' temple, glass floors have been installed through which the ruins of the previously existing church can be seen.

Now that the ancient temple has been restored, the next project is to raise the building of the Slavic University from its ruins. While it is named a university, it actually refers to the Ohrid Orthodox School, which worked at the temple and was considered the most important center of Slavic literacy and culture. Upon completion of the project, a large library and gallery of icons are planned to be housed in the restored university building.

Address: 'Plaoshnik', Kaneo Plaoshnik Pateka, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

The Church of Saint John Kaneo is hard to miss: it is located not in the midst of urban development, but like a hermit, it stands on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Ohrid.

The main merit of this church, built in the mid-15th century and combining the traditions of Byzantine and Armenian architectural styles, is its preserved ancient frescoes inside the structure and decorative elements on its facade.

Once inside the sanctuary, you can see images of Christ, angels, and prophets created in the 15th century. As darkness falls, the church's lighting activates, making it appear even more majestic than during the day.

Address: Church of Saint John, Kaneo Plaoshnik Pateka, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

The Church of the Most Holy Theotokos is one of the oldest buildings in Ohrid. It was built in the 14th century during the Ottoman Empire and became the center of Christian life in the city after the demolition of the Church of Saint Clement.

This structure, in a traditional Byzantine style, has survived to the present day almost unchanged. The frescoes and icons that adorn it from the medieval period are of exceptional artistic value. The church's main treasure is the icon of the Mother of God, which is an exact replica of the Constantinople holy relic.

The Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Ohrid is quite popular among pilgrims. Believers are willing to travel hundreds and even thousands of kilometers to visit this holy site. Pilgrimage tours to this location are organized annually from various parts of Europe, including places as far as Moscow.

Address: Church of the Most Holy Theotokos in Ohrid, Klimentov Univerzitet, Ohrid, North Macedonia.

On the site of the southern outskirts of modern Bitola once lay the city of Heraclea Lynkestis, founded in the 4th century BC by Philip II of Macedon, the father of the great commander and king. Several centuries after its founding, the city fell under Roman rule, then to Byzantium, but it was only after the arrival of Slavic tribes that, by the 7th century, the last inhabitants left their homes. The city gradually fell into disrepair and was ultimately lost.

In the middle of the last century, archaeologists became interested in this site and began excavating. However, they only uncovered the center of the ancient city - several temples, a theater, and baths. Other buildings, streets, and squares remain hidden underground, awaiting their investigators. Today, the ruins of Heraclea Lynkestis are open to tourists, who can see mosaics, statues, and fragments of columns created centuries ago.

Address: Heraklea Lynkestis, Bitola, North Macedonia.

In 2002, when the 2000th anniversary of the baptism of Macedonia was celebrated, a majestic monument - the Millennium Cross - was erected on the summit of Mount Vodno, rising above Skopje. At a height of 66 meters, it is the tallest cross not only in Europe but in the world. Easily visible from 30 kilometers away, the Millennium Cross serves as a good landmark for tourists, especially since it is illuminated with bright lights at night.

An elevator is built into the Cross's structure, raising all those interested to an observation deck located atop. Furthermore, a recently installed cable car now provides access to the base of the Cross without needing to climb on foot; from the glass cabins, you can see all of Skopje laid out before you.

Unlike many other squares that formed spontaneously on the sites of old city markets, Skopje's main square - Macedonia Square - was planned by architects.

Between the years of 1920 and 1940, the central part of the city was deliberately demolished, and a square with beautiful buildings along its perimeter was established in the newly cleared space. Until 1991, the square was named after Josip Broz Tito, the political leader of Yugoslavia, but with North Macedonia's independence, it received its current name.

The square is adorned with a 14-meter bronze statue of Alexander the Great, officially titled 'Warrior on Horseback,' while important administrative buildings with beautiful facades - the National Bank, the Mazura Palace, the Officers' Home, and the Ristika Palace - surround it.

Address: Macedonia Square, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Mavrovo is a national park located in western North Macedonia and is the largest of the country's three reserves. It features more than 52 mountain peaks that rise over 2,000 meters, including the highest peak in North Macedonia - 2,764-meter-high Korab.

The presence of many gently sloping hills has made the region popular for ski tourism. The 'Zare Lazarevski' base is particularly favored by winter sports enthusiasts. However, summer visitors will also find plenty to enjoy; travelers can look forward to numerous canyons, waterfalls, karst fields, glacial lakes, beautiful beech forests, and the stunning artificial Mavrovo Lake.

Address: National Park Mavrovo, North Macedonia.

The Radika River, dammed in 1959, flooded 1,370 hectares of adjacent land, including several villages and meadows where locals grazed their livestock. This resulted in the formation of the beautiful Mavrovo Lake, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level.

The water in the lake is cold, so swimming occurs only during the hottest weather. However, visitors can enjoy boating, engage in water sports, fish, or take walks through the lush forests that line the shores, where lynxes, deer, and other wild animals still roam.

You may see the church of Saint Nicholas, submerged during the dam's construction, which becomes visible above the surface when the water level drops. Travelers can stay in one of the neighboring villages, which offer rather comfortable modern hotels.

Address: Mavrovo Lake, North Macedonia.

You can see what the city looked like several centuries ago by visiting an area of Skopje called the Old Bazaar. Since the time of the Turks, not much has changed there, except that modern goods have appeared in the windows of old shops.

In essence, the Old Bazaar is a vast Eastern market, resembling a city within a city, with numerous streets lined with artisan workshops, small shops, caravanserais, hammams, and various mosques.

Today, the Old Bazaar is a commercial district enjoyed by tourists who are captivated by the Eastern color of this place. We recommend visiting the Old Bazaar Museum, located in the premises of the former caravanserai Suli-An.

Address: Old Bazaar, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Slatinski Izvor is the largest karst cave in North Macedonia. It is named after the nearby village of Slatina, located on the left bank of the river of the same name. The cave's entrance is a narrow opening 1.5 meters high, formed by a stream flowing out of it.

Access to the cave is only possible during the summer, when the stream is shallow. However, even then the descent is very challenging and risky, and it may turn out that the entrance is full of water. The length of Slatinski Izvor, which is essentially a long underground canal, is about 4,000 meters, and not all of its sections have been explored yet.

In addition to Slatinski Izvor, there are four smaller caves on the outskirts of the village. While they are not as large, they are still quite interesting for tourists.

Address: Cave Slatinski Izvor, Slatina, North Macedonia.

The collection of the Archaeological Museum of Macedonia, founded in 1924 and recently relocated to a new three-story building, boasts over 6,000 exhibits. Here you will see the gold dove from the Trebenishte Fortress, dated to the 3rd century BC, a statue of Venus from the 2nd century, the restored tomb of a priest from the village of Marvenci, and a unique collection of antique gold pieces, alongside an early Byzantine mosaic.

All these and other curiosities on display at the museum were found during archaeological excavations throughout the country. There is also a large collection of terracotta icons, which were only common in the territories of Macedonia and Tunisia.

Address: Archaeological Museum of North Macedonia, Kej Dimitar Vlahov, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Near the village of Vizbegovo, 2 km northwest of Skopje, you can see the only remaining aqueduct in North Macedonia, which once supplied the city with water from a mountain spring. Whether it was built during the Roman Empire, during the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, or during the Ottoman period remains unclear.

According to some accounts, the aqueduct was used until the 18th century, after which it gradually began to deteriorate. To this day, from the rather lengthy stone arched structure supported by numerous columns, only a 386-meter section remains.

Address: Skopski Akvadukt, Kasarna Ilinden, Skopje, North Macedonia.

If you enter the Old Bazaar from the direction of the vegetable shop area, you will find Suli-An, which once functioned as a caravanserai - a kind of hotel where traders arriving in the city with their caravans lodged. Built in the first half of the 15th century, it served its primary function until the early 20th century.

In modern times, the premises of Suli-An, covering an area of over 2,000 sq.m., are shared by the Old Bazaar Museum and the Faculty of Fine Arts.

Address: Suli-An, Skopje, North Macedonia.

On the hill near the town of Prilep stands a fortress by the same name for many centuries. However, it is better known by its popular name - Markovi Kuli, or Marko's Towers: this castle was once the center of the holdings of the ruler of the Prilep kingdom, Marko.

The fortress was supposedly built in the 10th century, and it was constructed in such a way as to combine four peaks of the mountain ridge into a single system of fortifications. Three rings of fortified walls with dozens of towers reliably defended the castle's inhabitants.

To this day, Markovi Kuli has survived only in ruins, with fragments of its walls preserved in some places. The ascent to the historical ruins begins from the Varosh district of Prilep.

Address: Markovi Kuli, North Macedonia.

The history of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Skopje is rather unusual. Following the devastating earthquake of 1963, which damaged more than 70% of the city's structures, museums worldwide began sending paintings by 20th-century artists to support the residents of the Macedonian capital emotionally.

As a result, the collection grew so large that the city authorities were compelled to establish a new museum, initially renting a gallery for this purpose and later constructing a new building. It consists of three interconnected structures housing space for both permanent and temporary exhibitions, a library, archives, lecture hall, and more.

The area adjacent to the museum often hosts exhibitions of sculptures and installations.

Address: Museum of Contemporary Art, Samoilova, Skopje, North Macedonia.

Nearby the Old Bazaar in Bitola stands the Gazi Haydar Kadi Mosque, built between 1561 and 1563, also known by its second name 'Princess of the Balkans.' It is regarded as the most impressive example of Islamic architecture in the city, largely thanks to its harmonious simplicity and perfect proportions.

This religious building once had two minarets, making it unique in Macedonia, as all other mosques in the country have only one. However, by the early 21st century, only the foundations of the towers remained, and during the 2016 restoration, only one minaret was rebuilt. Today, the Gazi Haydar Kadi Mosque is once again in the hands of the faithful.

Address: Gazi Haydar Kadi Mosque, Sv. Naum, Bitola, North Macedonia.

The mountain village of Vevchani, located on one of the slopes of Mount Jablanica, gained fame across North Macedonia in the 1990s when it found itself at the center of a major scandal. When there was a plan to build luxury resorts for the Yugoslav party elite nearby, water from Vevchani Springs - the main local attraction - was to be diverted to supply them.

The villagers feared they would be left without water, and they not only raised an uprising but also announced the creation of their own republic, even going so far as to print their own currency. A sign reading 'Republic of Vevchani' still stands before the village today.

If you manage to reach this area, you will see not only this historical sign but also traditional Macedonian low houses lining the narrow winding streets, an authentic water mill, and, of course, the famous Vevchani Springs located on the village outskirts.

Address: Vevchani, North Macedonia.