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Types of Skiing Explained: Alpine, Nordic, Touring & SkateLove checking out unexpected destinations? We do too, that’s why we’ve added North Macedonia into the mix. This small, relatively unexplored country is 80% mountains, making it the perfect escape for hiking and biking lovers alike. It’s one of Europe’s greatest secrets and we’re sharing it with you.
Your next holiday?
North Macedonia holidays
Macedonian cuisine is so much more than a simple meal. It’s an experience and expression of the country’s traditions, influences and unmatched hospitality. Guests are immediately treated like family, you’ll be offered plenty of food and drink (probably before you’ve even sat down), and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve just been joined the family.
Get outdoors in North Madedonia
Unexpected Holiday Destinations
Nestled between Albania, Greece, Serbia and Bulgaria, North Macedonia combines Mediterranean charm with Balkan attitude. Perfect for nature-lovers, the biodiversity and adventurous terrain give you a unique experience. Fuel up with local food, hospitality and wine (this, we personally recommend), for an adventure you’ll be bragging about for weeks after.
North Macedonia Holidays
The capital is the perfect jumping-off point for an adventure. Start in the city with a trip to the old town and its vibrant bazaar. Then, spend the day at Matka Canyon, exploring by kayak or boat, hiking to monasteries and seeking out Vrelo Cave, one of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Popova Shapka is the most famous Macedonian winter sports destination, offering plenty of sunny days and great snow coverage. Head to Mavrovo National Park for a mountain escape, where you can hike, bike, horse ride, and if you’re lucky, spot the sunken church in the lake.
In the shadow of the surrounding mountains, Ohrid offers visitors cobbled streets and ancient churches to explore, but the real highlight is its lake. This prehistoric lake is one of the deepest in Europe and home to over 200 unique species of plants and animals. The serene waters and surrounding hills are ideal for on and off-water adventures.
This northern region is home to many iconic pieces of Macedonian culture and history. The Kokino Megalithic Observatory is a Bronze Age archaeological site dating back over 3,800 years. The Osogovo Mountains offer both hiking and skiing on the border of Bulgaria. And, for another geographical wonder, visit the city of Kratovo, located in the crater of an extinguished volcano.
Activity Overview
Paddle out onto Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and clearest lakes, with mountains rising on every side and the medieval town of Ohrid perched along the shore. The water here is so clear you can see straight to the bottom in places, even several metres down.
Mornings are best, when the lake is glass-still and the light catches the surrounding hills. It’s an easy, low-effort way to take in one of the Balkans’ most striking landscapes.
Activity Overview
This is hiking through Europe’s best-kept secret – North Macedonia’s dramatic mountain terrain. Trek across ridges that cross three countries, discover cave-fed waterfalls hidden in valleys, and climb peaks where you’ll earn views that stretch to Albania and Kosovo.
Macedonian National Parks are packed with everything from forest paths, exposed ridges and rocky, uneven ground. Our routes always avoid tourist trails – we prefer local guides who take you on hidden paths to viewpoints other hikers never find.
Activity Overview
Cover more ground and tackle steep ascents – an ebike gives you that extra boost when you need it, but you’re still on an active adventure. Explore National Parks, like Mavrovo, for beautiful scenery, historic local villages and views you have to earn (well, mostly).
Combine your e-bike outdoor adventure with some cultural sites in the cities, too. The extra speed you get enables you to go from cobbled capital streets to nearby mountains in no time – ideal for regions like Skopje and Ohrid, when bustling cities lie in the midst of diverse, natural landscapes.
Your Balkan bucket list
Blending Mediterranean and Balkan flavours, must-tries are “ajvar” (a red pepper spread), “tavče gravče” (baked beans), and “kebapi” (grilled minced meat).
Celebrate with the locals all year round. From Orthodox New Year and Easter, to the Tikves Wine Festival in Kavadarci and the Skopje Jazz Festival.
With mountains ideal for take off and the soft lowlands taking your descent, it’s as if North Macedonia was designed for paragliding. Hang in the sky with views for days.
Venture up and down this compact country to find history and ancient sites through the ages. From Stibera, or Macedonian Pompeii, to the Skopje Fortress keeping watch over the city.
Not to be missed - your daily cup of coffee. Head to Skopje’s Old Bazaar for traditional coffee houses and a cup of Turkish coffee in an authentic spot.
Passed down through generations, traditional dance offers an immersive way to experience Macedonian culture. Typically seen at festivals and celebrations, it’s a fun way to get involved!
We've got you covered
Late spring and early autumn are the best bets for hiking and biking. May, June, September and October bring warm, dry days, manageable temperatures in the mountains and landscapes that are genuinely at their best. Summer (July and August) can get hot, particularly at lower altitudes, but the higher mountain routes in Mavrovo and Shar Planina stay cooler. If you’re interested in skiing, head there between December and March when Popova Shapka and the Osogovo Mountains are in full winter mode.
Generally warm and sunny from spring through to early autumn, with a continental climate that means hot summers and colder winters. The mountains are cooler and can be unpredictable – you might start a day in sunshine and hit cloud cover or a sharp wind higher up. In summer, temperatures in the valleys can reach 30°C or more, so early starts on the trails are worth it.
Lightweight, breathable layers are your best friend here, especially for hiking in the national parks. Whether you’re down on the lakes or up in the mountains, sun protection is essential in summer so a hat, sunscreen and a light long sleeve top should all be at the top of your packing list. Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots are a must given the rocky and varied terrain in the hills and water shoes are recommended for the sharp pebble lakeside beaches.
If you don’t mind the city then Skopje should be your first stop. The city is home to eclectic statues, incredible restaurants and architecture that takes you through thousands of years of history. Matka Canyon, just outside Skopje, is also worth a morning. You can kayak or hike to medieval monasteries and one of the deepest underwater caves in the world.
Away from the bustle of the capital, Mavrovo and Sharr National Parks are hard to beat with epic mountain scenery, glacial lakes and winding hiking routes. Finally, Lake Ohrid is genuinely one-of-a-kind; a UNESCO-listed prehistoric lake that’s been around for over two million years, with cobbled streets and ancient churches lining the waterfront.
It’s a small country, which works in its favour when it comes to travel as distances between regions are manageable and the variety of landscapes you can cover in a short trip is impressive. Skopje is the main entry point for flights, and most adventure destinations are within a couple of hours from the capital. The roads in rural and mountain areas can be rough in places, but that’s part of the appeal.
Genuinely one of the highlights of any trip there. Macedonian food draws on Mediterranean and Balkan influences – think grilled meats, slow-cooked beans, fresh salads and generous portions of everything. Ajvar (a rich red pepper relish) will likely appear at most meals and you’ll wonder how you’ve lived without it. Hospitality is taken seriously here; expect to be fed well and often. Local wine is also worth your attention — the Tikveš region produces some excellent bottles that don’t get nearly enough recognition outside the Balkans.
Visit North Macedonia today
You’ll always receive a warm welcome in North Macedonia. We’ve got no doubt that, just like us, the local hospitality, stunning mountains and traditional food will have you hooked immediately. Ready to join us on a trip to this unexpectedly amazing destination?
