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i’m telling you now that you physically can’t go to Macedonia without visiting Ohrid, Macedonia. The lake completely took my breath away. And it’s funny because I had already heard and seen so many good things, but nothing quite prepared me for the moment I arrived at the hotel and saw the view of Lake Ohrid for the first time. It was turquoise and surrounded by so clear, beautiful mountains.
If you are planning a trip to North Macedonia, then you already know that Ohrid is a non-negotiable stop. It’s only a little over two hours’ drive from the capital, Skopje and once there, you will understand that it is totally worth it for a memorable wonder. Here is everything you need to know before you go to Ohrid, North Macedonia.
Please take note that throughout this post, you will see me use both “Ohrid Macedonia” and “Ohrid North Macedonia” interchangeably; both refer to the same beautiful place.
If you are looking for a full guide, then read here –North Macedonia Travel Guide: The Perfect 6-Day Itinerary
About Ohrid
In Ohrid, Macedonia, there is a small lakeside town in the southwest of North Macedonia (often called Macedonia by locals), sitting on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes.
Lake Ohrid, Macedonia, is known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also known for its stunning Byzantine churches and incredible an incredible food scene.
Fun Fact: In Ohrid, North Macedonia there are 365 churches that exist today and that is for every single day of the year.
One thing I noticed while travelling and driving up to Ohrid was how different Ohrid felt from Skopje. However, in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, there were a lot of mosques, while in Ohrid, Macedonia, there was a clear abundance of churches. It gave the town a very different, almost timeless energy.
How Long Should You Spend in Ohrid, Macedonia?
Ohrid is a pretty small town, so I would highly recommend a maximum of two nights. You can do a boat tour for a day, go and see the famous St John or St Jovans church and not feel rushed.
However, if you are short for time, Ohrid can also work well as a day trip from Skopje. If you don’t want to sort out the logistics of getting there, then I would highly recommend booking a guided day tour, which would cover the main highlights. Here is a suggested one from Viator that you can book a tour with to Ohrid
You can also easily do Lake Ohrid, from Tirana, Albania, as it’s only 3 hours away. Just make sure you have your passport to cross borders.
How to Get to Ohrid
Ohrid, Macedonia is around a two to three hours drive from Skopje. I would highly recommend hiring a car for this journey as it gives you the most flexibility, especially if you want to stop at places like Matka Canyon on the way. You can also take a bus from Skopje or book a guided tour if you prefer not to drive. I have suggested one here based on the reviews.
Where to Stay in Ohrid, Macedonia Hotels
If you are looking for Ohrid, Macedonia hotels, then I would highly suggest Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa. It was the hotel that was recommended to me by my dentist and is where I stayed and loved.
I got the lake view room, which was stunning, and as we visited in low season, we literally had the whole hotel to ourselves. The spa facilities were also a lovely bonus after a day of exploring around the town. If you are looking for a hotel with a view, this is the one.
I have also added other Ohrid Macedonia hotels below with an interactive map below:
Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia
There are many things to do in Ohrid, North Macedonia, like the St. Jovan the Theologian at Kaneo Church. For me, if you are going to Lake Ohrid, then you have to go here. It is the most iconic spot in Ohrid and the one you have probably already seen all over social media. If you are going, it is worth knowing a few things before you go:
- The church is not easily accessible by car. I would recommend parking near the Upper Gate area of Ohrid and then walking approximately 15-20 minutes down to the church. The path is quite steep and pebbly, so I would highly recommend wearing trainers rather than sandals.
- Take a boat tour over Lake Ohrid, Macedonia, which, in my opinion, is an absolute must during your time in Ohrid. We spent a full day out on the water and it was one of the highlights of the entire trip. The boat stopped at a number of beautiful spots including Trpejca, the Bay of Bones Museum and the Monastery of St. Bogorodica Zahumka. Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes.
- You can also explore the Old Town, where you will find charming lots of cobbled streets, local shops selling Ohrid pearls, which the town is famous for, and plenty of great restaurants. It is a very walkable town and easy to explore on foot.
Where to Eat in Ohrid
- Restaurant Kaneo – It sits right on the edge of the lake with one of the most beautiful views. I ordered the trout with a potato salad, which also had tomatoes and fresh cut onions mixed inside, it was so fresh and delicious.
- Restaurant Damar – I chose this restaurant purely because of the view of Ohrid and I was not disappointed. I ordered the Grandmah Pan which was a generous spread of different types of pork (the bacon even had bone on it, that is how fresh it was). Served with different types of veg, goat’s cheese and a Macedonian salad.
- Viva Ksantika – This is also a great option if you are in the mood for lamb. I didn’t personally order anything as I wasn’t hungry, but my friend got lamb with potato wedges, and I did try some, and it tasted delicious.
Is Ohrid Good for Solo Travellers?
Now although I didn’t travel to Ohrid, Macedonia solo I do think that it is a very easy country to do solo if you are an advance solo traveller and are have a very curious mind like myself. I had moments when I was by myself and had no weird stares nor did I once feel unsafe.
In all, I would say that, Ohrid North Macedonia is from my prospective very manageable as a solo traveller. It is a small, safe and walkable town. However I would suggest considering a tour guide, especially for the boat trip and the churches, as having local context really adds to the experience and helps you get the most out of your time there.
More Travel Tools & Tips For Ohrid
- My Instagram and TikTok have quick snap videos on the specifics of my visit to Ohrid, and DM me if you have any questions about your trip.
- Book with Viator or Get Your Guide if you want specific tours for Ohrid, North Macedonia. Please read the reviews before booking!
- Get travel insurance. I recommend that anyone travelling should have travel insurance, which you can get via SafetyWing here.
- I used Airalo, an e-SIM card, for data. You can purchase it here and use the code ADEBOL5279 for a discount
Final Views on Ohrid, Macedonia
And there we have it, a guide on for Ohrid, North Macedonia. I don’t think I have ever see a lake so beautiful in my life. It is certainly beautiful and one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
For me the combination of the Lake Ohrid, the history there, the food and the beautiful churches makes it unlike anywhere else I have been. You will see when you get there that Ohrid is small but it punches well above its weight. If you are visiting North Macedonia, do not leave without spending at least a day and if you have time two nights here.
So have I convinced you to visit Ohrid, Macedonia now? Let me know in the comments.
Next week I will be writing a posting a guide on Matka, but for now be sure to subscribe to the website for more guides around the world.
Speak soon,
MBV x
