Right now, you are probably wondering where Macedonia is. I think you should know about this place because NCC has international students from there, including me.
Macedonia is a small country located in the center of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe. Despite its small territory, Macedonia is a country with long centuries of history, and it has many natural beauties. Macedonia has mountain massifs rich in flora and fauna, mountain rivers, tectonic lakes, numerous thermal springs, caves and valleys.
Why am I writing about Macedonia?
As a person born in Macedonia, who has spent 19 years of her life here, I will separate the top five most exciting places to visit there. If you spend a holiday here one day when the pandemic is behind us, this list of places will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Why my hometown of Bitola is worth visiting
The town of Bitola needs to be your next destination, especially if you’re someone who enjoys architecture and history. Also, if you want to spend your free time drinking tea, coffee, juice or a cocktail, or walking and enjoying nature, there are plenty of places to explore. It’s a good getaway for adventurers who want to tour the mountains.
Bitola is located in the arms of the beautiful mountain, and it’s a very short distance from the sea in the neighboring country of Greece. The city also hides a huge history — a city of many consulates, churches and monasteries, and a city of diversity, where people of different religions function as one.
Clock Tower, Heraclea, Pelister National Park
If the road takes you to Bitola, the first thing that you should visit needs to be the famous Clock Tower. It dates from the 18th century and was built during the Ottoman Empire. The next thing that you should visit is the famous street “Wide Alley.” There are a lot of people walking around every day, showing off their European fashion trends. Many people there are drinking their morning coffee with their friends in the numerous cafes, restaurants and pizzerias on the street.
Also worth visiting is Heraclea Lyncestis located in Bitola, which has ancient city remains from the Byzantium Empire. And you cannot leave Bitola before you take a walk and enjoy the nature of the national park Pelister.
Pelister is filled with diverse ecology, exquisite flora and fauna, hiking trails and gorgeous natural camping grounds. In the national park, you can find the Cenozoic-age five-needle pine Pinus peuce. This plant is present on only a few mountains in the Balkan Peninsula. In the national park, you can also find the endemic Macedonian Pelagonia trout and lynx.
Matka Canyons
Another great place for adventurers and nature enthusiasts in Macedonia is the Matka Canyon stretch. It provides some of the best canyoning adventures in Europe. In the complex, there are 10 natural caves, which are ideal for exploring. There are also a number of medieval buildings, ruined monasteries and the remains of the ancient town of Matka. In this place, you will also have a chance to enjoy the traditional Macedonian food while resting in nature.
Mavrovo National Park
If life leads you to Macedonia during the winter, do not forget to visit the national park Mavrovo. It is close to the border of Albania and is the home of the country’s best ski vacation. Mavrovo is also incredible in the warmer months when you can swim and boat in Lake Mavrovo.
Krusevo
Krusevo is the highest town in Macedonia and in the Balkans. It is an interesting place to visit because of the historic Old Bazaar and the phenomenal heritage architecture. Krusevo is also the birthplace of the region’s most beloved pop musician Todor Proeski. His life sadly ended too soon in 2007; he was known as “Elvis of the Balkans.”
Ohrid
The most interesting historic town that needs to be visited in Macedonia is the city of Ohrid. There is also the wonderful Lake Ohrid which is under UNESCO protection. Ohrid is one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, located in Macedonia. One of the most fascinating pieces of architecture there is Samuel’s Fortress. The structure was first built during Tsar Samuel’s reign in order to protect the town.
With winding cobbled alleys and quaint restaurants, Ohrid is a perfect area to keep you busy. This place is best to visit during the summer, especially during the Ohrid Summer Festival. Then you can experience the town at its most lively. People come from all over the world to witness the beauty of the theater, music and dance events. They can also witness the celebration of Macedonia’s rich social and cultural history.
Photos by Marija Hristovska
