Where to Go in Macedonia for Culture and Nature

Being in the very center of the Balkans, Macedonia (or to be more exact North Macedonia) is a country, where the old traditions are mixed and harmonized with the magnificent nature. To those who want to explore heritage and scenery venerated in an in-depth manner, Macedonia is a peculiar blend of cultural sites, ancient cities, crystal-clear lakes, rocky mountains, and local traditions. Travelling Macedonia as a cultural destination is a journey that lifts you several centuries back, visiting centuries-old monasteries, archaeological sites, Ottoman bazaar, Medieval castle and quaint small towns, each having its own story. 

It is particularly tempting about Macedonia that its cultural diversity is put in the context of the breathtaking natural environment. The lake of Ohrid, the spectacular mountains of Mavrovo National Park, are the gleaming waters and the rocky mountains, respectively, which become a breathing background to centuries of history. Both individuals who are interested in developing a step-by-step Macedonia travel itinerary and those who intend on developing guided tours in Macedonia will find out that there is a wide variety of locations that will provide you with both informative cultural aspects and captivating scenery. This is a travel guide which will show you the most ideal places to visit in Macedonia in case you intend to immerse yourself in the cultural soul of the country as well as explore its natural beauty. 

Skopje – Capital of Contrasts 

The capital, Skopje is usually the place of entry of people who intend to travel to Macedonia to be exposed to culture. It is a city wherein both the ancient and modern co-exist in interesting manners. The city has experienced the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Yugoslav influences and each of these periods has imprinted on the city architecture, monuments and traditions. 

Key Cultural Attractions: 

Old Bazaar (Stara -ÄŒarshija): This is a bazaar of the Ottoman period which makes it one of the largest and oldest in the Balkans. It is like taking a walk in the past as its cobblestone paths take one back to thousands of years in mosques, old inns (hans), craft stores, and tea houses. 

Skopje Fortress (Kale): The fortress is located on top of the city and is dated to the 6 th century and has a panoramic view of the Vardar River valley. 

Mother Teresa Memorial House: An ode to the most prominent native of Skopje, the small but touching museum describes the life of the Nobel Peace Prize winner. 

Macedonia Square and Stone Bridge: The center of the city is covered with great statues and monuments and the Stone Bridge which was constructed back in the 15 th century links the square with the Old Bazaar. 

Nature Nearby: 

Skopje is also enclosed by mountains that can be hiked by nature lovers. Mount Vodno can be approached with easy trails and cable car ride to the Millennium cross, whereas Matka Canyon, located right outside city, is ideal in kayaking, rock climbing and cave exploring. 

A Macedonia travel program would easily spend two to three days in Skopje exploring the culture and having brief nature trips. 

Ohrid The Cultural Jewel of the Lake. 

Orhid is the best place where Macedonia is the most cultural place. Ohrid has been referred to as the Jerusalem of the Balkans, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage site as a cultural as well as a natural site. This beautiful town located on the banks of Lake Ohrid is famous in terms of medieval churches, monasteries, and traditional architectures. 

Key Cultural Attractions: 

Church of St. John at Kaneo: This is a church located at the top of a cliff above the lake, which happens to be one of the most photographed churches in the Balkans. 

The Church of St. Sophia: this is the 11th-century church that is one of the most significant medieval buildings in Macedonia. 

Ohrid Ancient Theatre: This was constructed in the 2 nd century BC and it is currently utilized in performances at the Ohrid Summer Festival. 

Samuel Fortress: This 10 th century fortress is located atop the old town hill and it provides amazing lake and mountain scenery. 

Nature Nearby: 

Lake Ohrid is also among the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, which has crystal-clear waters and is good to swim, boat, and kayak in. The lake is surrounded with scenic hills and walking trails. An excursion by boat to the Monastery of Saint Naum on the Southern shore is a journey involving spiritual heritage as well as lovely scenery. Add some three days in Ohrid to any Macedonian guided tours. It is the most perfect mixture of both the richness of cultures and the fun of lakeside. 

Bitola -Aground, A mix of Cultures and History. 

Another destination that cannot be ignored by a person seeking culture in Macedonia is the second largest city of Macedonia Bitola. Bitola, considered the city of consuls in Ottoman times, has been traditionally the hub of diplomacy, education and commerce. It has European flair due to its beautiful 19 th -century architecture. 

Key Cultural Attractions: 

Shirok Sokak Street: A tourist foot street with neoclassical buildings, cafes, and stores, which features the cosmopolitan history of Bitola. 

Heraclea Lyncestis: This is an ancient city established by Philip II of Macedon (father of Alexander the Great) and boasts of some of the best maintained mosaics, baths and a theater. 

Bitola Museum: The museum is located in a former military academy that Mustafa Kemal Atatursn attended in the city, where the rich multicultural history of the city is exhibited. 

Nature Nearby: 

Bitola rests at the base of the Pelister National Park which is among the most spectacular natural regions in Macedonia. The park has alpine scenery, glacial lakes that are referred to as Pelister Eyes, and biodiversity. Mountain biking and hiking is a nice way of introducing a natural touch to your cultural agenda. The town of Bitola is a good two-day destination in the Macedonia travel itinerary, as it has a combination of history and mountainous landscape. 

Mavrovo National Park: The Nature meets Tradition. 

Although the most renowned fact about Mavrovo is the stunning nature, it also has some hints into the rural culture of Macedonia. It can be described as a place where nature and tradition interact so that a traveler can get a chance to rest and forget about the city without losing the cultural authenticity. 

Cultural Elements: 

Old stone buildings, folk costumes and traditions are in old mountain villages such as Galičnik. The Galičnik Wedding Festival, which is conducted on a yearly basis during July is an amazing festival of the traditional Macedonian marriage, music and dance. 

Nature Highlights: 

Mavrovo Lake: This is an artificial and beautiful lake filled with pine forests and mountain mountains, best used in kayaking and fishing. 

Bistra Mountain: Has got a wide range of hiking and ski. 

St. Nicholas Church: The church is half-sunken in Mavrovo Lake and it is a unique land mark and popular photography object. 

When your guided tours in Macedonia take Mavrovo be sure to be here two days and enjoy not only the adventures of the nature but also the village culture. 

Kratovo Hidden Medieval Diamond. 

Kratovo is a must-visit destination by travelers who would like to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in Macedonia in terms of discovering culture. This is a small town located in the northeast of the country that is characterized by medieval bridges, stone towers and houses built during the Ottoman years. 

Cultural Highlights: 

Kratovo Towers: The town has a number of medieval stone towers, which were left as a result of its mining centers. 

Stone Bridges: Picturesque old bridges run across the Kratovska River in the town. 

Ethnological Museum: Provides an insight into the local crafts, traditions and mining heritage. 

Nature Nearby: 

The local Kuklica Stone Dolls are a natural phenomenon; hundreds of oddly shaped stone pillars, which were formed through erosion, dipped in local legend. This renders Kratovo to be a fantastic cultural visit in addition to providing a glimpse of the special geological terrains in Macedonia. 

Prilep Land of Monasteries and Marble. 

Prilep is a wonderful place that many people do not pay much attention to but that is more of a spiritual heritage and dramatic nature that makes it an ideal location to visit when visiting Macedonia in terms of culture. 

Key Cultural Attractions: 

Treskavec Monastery: A monastery on the mountain above the city, which provides a peaceful and spectacular view of the city. Marko Towers (Markovi Kuli): Ancient structures on rocky hills conquering the skyline.Prilep Tobacco Museum: It provides an insight into the ancient tobacco culture of the area. 

Nature Nearby: 

The hills around Prilep are rocky which is a blessing to rock climbers and hikers. The surreal granite rocks of the area put a contrast in the environment with its historic sites, thus forming a wonderful landscape. 

Conclusion 

The Macedonian country is a blend of culture and nature, providing the visitor with an unforgettable time and space travel throughout the country and its natural landscapes. When visiting Macedonia in terms of culture, one will be able to go through antique ruins, holy monasteries, Turkish bazaars, and colorful old towns with great mountains, lakes, and rivers constantly around them. Cosmopolitan allure of Skopje and Bitola, classical beauty of Ohrid and the untamed silence of Mavrovo give each part of the country its own story of Macedonia. 

No matter whether you are working on your own Macedonia travel itinerary or you are contemplating the guided tours with an expert in Macedonia, this country has an eye-opening experience on cultural experience and breathtaking natural marvels at every corner. To get an even smoother experience, some companies such as Gokite Tours arrange special packages that are well conducted that mixes the best cultural sites with beautiful landscapes. In doing so you will be able to experience the heritage of Macedonia to the fullest extent at the same time you will be able to have a relaxing time during the trip.