Beautiful Ohrid – Hidden Gem in North Macedonia
North Macedonia (Macedonia before February 2019), officially the Republic of North Macedonia is landlocked country in Southeast Europe, bordering Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west. I wanted to visit this country for a long time and I’m glad that I finally did. It is such a beautiful country, with lots to see and do. There are many things to do in Skopje or Ohrid and there are many other amazing places to visit while visiting North Macedonia.
Even though there is no ocean in sight, this country has amazing lakes and rivers and it’s totally worthy of a visit. Talking about the water, let me introduce you the hidden gem of North Macedonia – I’m talking about the beautiful Ohrid. Lake Ohrid is one of the deepest and oldest lakes in all of Europe. It is partially owned by Albania, but the majority of the lake is within the North Macedonia’s borders.
Keep on reading to find out why you should put this hidden gem on your travel bucket list! I’ll introduce you the best things to do in Ohrid, tell you something about the history and show you the most beautiful places around the lake.
Read also: Reasons to love Skopje
Best day trip from Skopje to Matka Canyon
Table of Contents
WHERE TO STAY IN OHRID
When we were looking for out accomodation, we wanted to base ourselves in the old town of Ohrid. The old town has beautiful architecture, many things to see and there are many different options for accomodation. The entire city with its cobblestone streets is extremely picturesque and charming. Ohrid was also listed as a UNESCO heritage site. There are other places to stay around the lake, but the old town of Ohrid is the most lively, the most beautiful and it is the most interesting for travelers.
There are numerous places to stay – majority of them are being apartments, villas or guesthouses. Also you have a few hotels there and you can decide if you want to rent something cheap, mid-range or a bit expensive. If you travel on a budget, you won’t have any difficulties with findind a place to stay (and you can get a really decent one for a small amount of money).
If you come by car, you may face some problems with parking in the old town. I can’t tell you more about parking, because we decided for a bus journey from Skopje.
WHAT TO SEE ON LAKE OHRID
There are endless options on what to do on lake Ohrid, you just have to find something that suits you the best. You will find something for yourself whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, culture or you are more of a lazy type. You will never be bored at Ohrid. On the top of that the prices are cheap and people are so nice.
The Old Town is pretty compact, so all the sights are within walking distance (but there are a few hills to conquer). According to legend there were once 365 churches within Ohrid’s city boundaries – one for every day of the year.
ST. JOHN at KANEO
I am sure that you have already seen this place somewhere. It is the most photographed location of lake Ohrid and it is something that you will find on postcards from N. Macedonia. I can understand why is it like that. This is picture-perfect church, located on a cliff above Kaneo beach just outside the Ohrid old town. The views are stunning and you can also hangout and relax here.
To get there you just have to follow the signs through the old town and wander the streets of Ohrid before arriving at the church. If you will continue your way into the forest, you will arrive at Plaoshnik and eventually at the Samuel’s Fortress.
SAMUEL’S FORTRESS
Absolutely this is place to see it when in Ohrid. Ancient castle located on top of the hill. It was built by tsar Samuel and it was the capital of the first Bulgarian empire when tsar Samuel ruled in the 10th century. Despite the fortress being in a relative bad condition, the small entrance fee (around 1.30€ – 80 MKD) to get inside is worth the trip up the hill. You will get a better understanding of the former strategic importance of Ohrid and there are some spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
CHURCH OF ST. SOPHIA
St. Sophia church is located in the old part of Ohrid, and is one of the most important churches in Macedonia. It is believed to have been built in the 9th century, the present church is a reconstruction of the 11th century, but the courtyard was built later, in the 14th century. In the second half of the 15th century the Ottomans transformed the church into a mosque.
WANDER THE COBBLESTONE STREETS OF OHRID
Ohrid’s architecture is unique. The cobblestone streets are narrow and tight, with white houses actually built hanging over the roads. All the houses are painted white to help with the intense heat of the sun. There aren’t many open areas or big yards in front of the houses and there are two main reasons for that – there is no space available and it also helps to prevent the strong winds from the lake.
Worried about your safety? You don’t have to be – you can explore the town withour any bigger concerns.
ADOPT A BALKAN APPROACH OF LIFE
There is a cultural difference between Western lifestyle and life at the Balkans. The people of the Balkan countries still like to take their time. Service may be slower and some stores may be closed in the middle of the day. If you not used to it, this things can disappoint you. There isn’t much you can do about it, so you only have two options – to get frustrated or to accept those cultural differences and adopt a Balkan approach.
Be open and flexible and inform yourself about local customs and culture. People of the Balkans are very nice and friendly and they will try their best to make you feel comfortable. I’ve met a lot of great people during my time in the Balkans and I’ve hung out with them a lot. They are the best source for getting information about culture and lifestyle.
Adopting a Balkan approach of life includes having a Turkish coffee at a typical café, Skopsko beer, some delicious meaty dishes and the Ohrid trout – an endemic freshwater fish. The trout is considered a culinary delicacy, usually enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of hearty fish soups or other fish dishes. This area is also well-known for its tradition of winemaking.
TAKE A DAY TRIP TO THE ST. NAUM
During the summer months there are a different options to get to St. Naum. We chose the boat Aleksandrija from the Ohrid centre with a stop at the Bay of Bones. The boat left at 10am and at 3:30pm from St. Naum. The price of the return trip = 10€.
Visiting Saint Naum is amazing experience without a doubt. It’s a place where you can fully spend your day, enjoy and relax. There are two main things you have to visit/do.
THE MONASTERY OF ST. NAUM
The monastery sits high on a cliff overlooking the lake. The primary reason to visit this place is because of its historic legacy. When you walk into the main complex, you will see the main square, St. Naum’s grave and peacocks that roam freely. On the other side there is a beach where visitors can go for a swim in the crystal clear waters of lake Ohrid.
ST. NAUM SPRINGS – IZVORITE NA CRNI DRIM
Not far from the St. Naum monastery is the St. Naum springs. The water flows into Ohrid lake but it seems not to run at all. It is perfectly clear and the place it’s so peaceful. The water comes from the lake Prespa, travels the mountain Galichica for 26 years before it comes to the St. Naum springs. The mountain is the natural filter, so the water is 97% clear (the other 3% are grass, leaves, etc.). The St. Naum springs is the natural habitat for many birds and other creatures. One of them is the cormorant and you can easily spot them in the sun drying their feather.
The average water temperature of St. Naum springs is between 9° and 13°C, no matter of the time of the year or weather conditions. The water never frozes.
The St. Naum Springs tour will cost you 1000 MKD for a private tour or 200 MKD/person if you take a group tour. If you don’t travel in a group and you don’t want to pay for a private tour, just wait for a few minutes and you will find some people to share the boat.
THE BAY OF BONES
Once it was an ancient settlement, today it represents a perfect combination of beauty and history. This place shows you what life was like many many years ago. You’ll have the chance to see prehistoric homes and tools and you’ll see how these people used to live, sleep and cook. The entry fee is 100 MKD and allows you to explore the “village” and museum.
You can visit the Bay of Bones individually, but I did it as a part of the St. Naum day trip with boat cruise. My suggestion is to take a boat to the Bay of Bones, but you can get there by road too. Getting a taxi is easy and the price you’ll pay is similar to the boat trip.
I’ve found the information that they were buses running to the Bay of Bones and to St. Naum but at the time I was there, there were no buses.
CHECK OUT THE OLD ROMAN THEATRE
I never made it here, but I regret that I missed this place. The over 2000 years old Roman Theatre is located near the Upper Gate. Later it was used for gladiator fights and execution of Christians – during Roman times. For that reason it was completely buried by locals. It was discovered by accident.
HOW TO GET THERE
Ofcourse this depends on the fact from which place you are traveling, but there are different options on how to get to there. Ohrid also has an airport, but there are not many flights to Ohrid. You can check Skyscanner and see if there are flights from your country.
The easiest option is to drive there. With this type of transportation you will get the most flexibility to explore all the beautiful places around the lake.
As mentioned above, we decided to take the bus from Skopje as we have spent a few days there before. The buses run pretty frequently. We have checked the timetable in the Skopje bus station and bought the tickets in advance. We decided to take the Galeb Ohrid which is the best bus company operating this route. One way journey will cost you 14€. There are daily services from Tirana too.
The bus station at Ohrid is outside of the old town (30 minute walk). A taxi in should cost around 2€, which is around 120 MKD. Before getting into the taxi ask for a price and agree on a price.
Among travelers there is another route that is pretty common. Many travelers visiting Ohrid continue their journey to Albania or they are coming from Albania to Ohrid. We decided to visit Albanian Riviera and we had to figure it out how to get from Ohrid to Sarandë.
How to travel from Ohrid to Saranda by bus
The bus from Ohrid to Saranda will be a long journey. But unfortunately there are no trains, private driver will cost you a fortune and driving can be really stressfull if you’re not used to Albanian roads and reckless driving.
Based on that, we decided to take the bus again. You can book a journey in advance on getbybus – the journey is direct and it takes around 7 hours. Keep in mind that it only runs during the summer months and that you have to print the ticket before (because it will be handed to the driver). Price = 35€/person.
The bus leaves Ohrid at 4.30 a.m. and that felt super early for us. Based on that, we decided to get to Saranda on our own – oh, what an interesting story that is. It was a hell of a journey. I’ll tell more about this journey in post dedicated to the Albanian public transport.
The regular bus goes via Tirana and this journey will take you up 9 hours.
The cost of a taxi from Ohrid to the Albanian border will cost you about 20€. This is the price we have payed for a taxi ride from Ohrid old town to Pogradec on the Albanian side of the lake Ohrid.
If you have visited Ohrid and have any other recommendations for things to do in town, please let me know in the comments below. You can show me some support and share this post if you like it.
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Amanda
April 23, 2022Oh wow. These photos have me dying to visit. I’m particularly entranced by the color of the water at the Bay of Bones. What a beautiful place! It does look like a hidden gem!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022I couldn’t believe that the water is SO beautiful.. I was speechless. St. Naum spring are also stunning. So much beauty in one place! 🙂
Katy
April 23, 2022Ohrid is beautiful! And well worth the epic bus journey from Saranda ? I would love to visit again, maybe in spring when it isn’t as hot!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022I agree completely! And the bus journey is really epic 😀 I would love to visit again too and explore more of North Macedonia!
Helena
April 23, 2022Ohrid is definitely an underrated gem, I loved it there and so great for trips to Albania too!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022It really is. I’ve been asked why I want to go to Ohrid, but is is so worth the visit. I loved both Macedonia and Albania 🙂
mohana and aninda
April 23, 2022I’d love to explore the old city and learn more about the city’s history and architecture. The Bay of Bones and St. Naum look absolutely gorgeous.
Jasmina
April 23, 2022There is much to see there and you can’t get bored. You’re so right, those two places are really sooo beautiful!
Daniella
April 23, 2022Oh wow! Orchid looks absolutely stunning! A true hidden gem – I so want to visit this stunning destination now.
Jasmina
April 23, 2022I’m so happy that my mum told me to visit this place, because I don’t think that I would think of Ohrid!
Alanna
April 23, 2022What a beautiful area! I love the scenery and the Bay of Bones sounds very interesting!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022It is really beautiful! The bad news about the Bay of Bones is that the government doesn’t do anything to keep the place in a good condition!
Mayi
April 23, 2022I have never heard of Ohrid before, but it looks like the type of place I enjoy visiting: history with amazing architecture. I would love to visit Macedonia, thank you for sharing.
Jasmina
April 23, 2022I wouldn’t think of Ohrid too, but my mom told me that she was there as a child and told me to go there and see all the beautiful places. I do not regret choosing Ohrid and Macedonia at all!
Pia
April 23, 2022Oh, that sounds and looks beautiful! Would love to visit one day! Especially, the Bay of Bones looks very interesting. I like to dive in to ancient times and see how people may have lived 1000s of years ago!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022The Bay of Bones is something that you shouldn’t miss if you visit Ohrid. It is beautiful and interesting place. But the fact that the government does nothing to keep this place in a good condition is very sad..
Anita
April 23, 2022Ohrid looks like an awesome place to visit. I have never been to North Macedonia before, so it’s something to add to my future travel list. Thanks for sharing!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022There are some amazing places to visit in the Balkans and Ohrid is certainly one of them. I’m glad that you’re adding it to your travel list!
Lauren
April 23, 2022I LOVE this article! I haven’t found many on Ohrid and I’m going this fall so this is so helpful!
Jasmina
April 23, 2022Thanks a lot! 🙂 I’m so happy that you find it helpful! And I am sure that you’re going to love Ohrid!
Cristina
April 23, 2022I have never heard about Ohrid, but I am glad I read your blog. I am all about discovering hidden gems wherever I go 🙂 I also need to visit Macedonia, I have never been!
Jasmina
April 26, 2022There isn’t much said about Ohrid, which is sad, because it’s a really beautiful place, worth the visit. Same here, I love discovering hidden gems. & I’m sure that you’re going to love Macedonia 🙂
Ashley
April 24, 2022Looks like a great place to visit. Love the views from St. John!
Jasmina
April 26, 2022It certainly is! And the views are just amazing! 🙂
Patri
April 24, 2022What a cute, picturesque little town! And that water! I know next to nothing about Macedonia but I would love to visit some of the countries in that area.
Jasmina
April 26, 2022It really is! Ohrid has exceeded my expectations in many ways. I can guarantee you that all the countries in the Balkans are worth the visit.
Kathryn
April 24, 2022Not overly familiar with Macedonia, so this provides a good introduction. So beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Jasmina
April 26, 2022Macedonia is such a beautiful country! You’re welcome.. anytime 🙂
Erin
April 24, 2022I’ve never been to Macedonia. It sure looks like a hidden gem! It wasn’t on my radar until now. Thanks for sharing this great article.
Jasmina
April 26, 2022I would never think of Ohrid, but my mom inspired me for this place and I regret nothing – it’s a real gem! Thank you! 🙂
Ketki
April 24, 2022Such a stunning place! I had not heard about Ohrid before but it is everything a cute and beautiful European town is.
Jasmina
April 26, 2022Yes, it isn’t really well-known but it’s a great & beautiful location in the Balkans.
Emma
April 24, 2022Wow, what an interesting part of the world. I seriously thought that was the ocean in the first picture until I kept reading. That’s one big lake, and so beautiful. Love the look of the fortress, and the monastery. They look like the kind of places I’d like to explore
Jasmina
April 26, 2022I would also never say that this is a lake and not the sea! And the color of the water in some places… I was amazed! It’s a really great place to explore!
Hels
April 24, 2022What a stunning place to visit! That water is incredible and I just love those overhanging houses. So much history to learn. I’ve never been to North Macedonia but is it certainly on the list for future explorations. Thank you for your beautiful guide.
Jasmina
April 26, 2022Ohrid has really exceeded my expectations and I was speechless when I saw the water color! Thank you, this is so nice to hear!
Terri
April 24, 2022What an amazing place to visit. The Old Town is gorgeous.
Jasmina
April 25, 2022It really is gorgeous!
Yvonne
April 24, 2022So beautiful! Perfect combination of interesting architecture and nature. I would love to visit some day!
Jasmina
April 26, 2022It really is! For me this combination was really perfect. I’m sure that you’re going to love it!
Annie
April 25, 2022Lake Ohrid is up next on my list for the Balkans! Thank you for sharing all thos wonderful info. I can’t wait to visit!!
Jasmina
April 26, 2022This is great, you are going to love it!
Melissa
April 25, 2022Wow what a beautiful place! I think my favorite scenes would be just walking around the cobbled streets and seeing the Roman theatre. I need to add these places to my list!
Jasmina
April 26, 2022It sounds like a pretty good plan!
Krista
April 28, 2022I’ve actually heard of Ohrid before! It looks beautiful with all of the old streets and medieval buildings to explore.
Jasmina
April 30, 2022It is such a beautiful place and it would deserve more attention!
Lyne
April 30, 2022I never heard about this place before but it looks amazing, I’d love to visit! Thanks for sharing
Jasmina
April 30, 2022It is a great place to visit some day!
Chelsea Messina
April 30, 2022St Naum Springs is so beautiful! Can you swim in them?
Jasmina
May 14, 2022You can’t swim in St Naum Springs, but you can swim in the lake Ohrid where the springs pour out.