North Macedonia travel guide
North Macedonia's journey to international recognition has not been easy. Firstly, its very name was long disputed by Greece. Second, France blocked its accession to the EU. And third, it's former PM, Nikola Gruevski, spent practically the entire economy on a neoclassical nationalist vanity project in the country's capital, Skopje. What is easy, however, is your decision to visit North Macedonia. It's a small country, the same size as Sicily, and, thanks to its landlocked position, influences by neighbours and occupiers, including the Ottomans, Romans and Greeks, have created a fascinating blend of Balkan brilliance.
North Macedonia was not just a token stop on a Balkan road trip. It was a place that simply stopped us in our tracks. We could have spent a month in Matka and Mavrovo alone.![]()
Its Communist era means that the mountain ranges were untouched by tourism, ancient villages unspoiled by second home ownership, and lake lands undisturbed by jet skis and jet setters. And it is so small, you can hike in the mountains in the morning, saunter around Byzantine beauty in the afternoon, and swim at one of its fine lake beaches at sunset.
Read our North Macedonia travel guide for more details.
North Macedonia is/isn't...
North Macedonia is...
small. But a big player when it comes to ancient beauty, sacred history and natural abundancy. Not only in landscape, but in the people’s inherent largesse.
North Macedonia isn't...
Greece. The name is still hotly disputed by Greek nationalists but as of February 2019 it officially became the Republic of North Macedonia.
Our North Macedonia Vacations
Ancient North Macedonia tour
Explore eastern Bulgaria, northern Greece and Macedonia.
From
US $2350 to US $2520
15 days
ex flights
Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia vacation
Escape the crowds and explore hidden Europe
From
£1995 to £2195
16 days
ex flights
North Macedonia photography vacation
The land of the sun and friendly people
From
€2250
7 days
ex flights
Dubrovnik to Athens tour
Join us on a whirlwind adventure through the Balkans
From
US $2230 to US $4005
15 days
ex flights
Kosovo, Albania & Macedonia vacation
Travel through the valleys, towns and mountainscapes
From
US $2754 to US $3270
15 days
ex flights
Things to do in North Macedonia
Things to do in North Macedonia...
Things not to do in North Macedonia...
Our top North Macedonia Vacation
Ancient North Macedonia tour
Explore eastern Bulgaria, northern Greece and Macedonia.
From
US $2350 to US $2520
15 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2023: 23 Jul, 3 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep
2024: 28 Apr, 5 May, 2 Jun, 21 Jul, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep
2023: 23 Jul, 3 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep
2024: 28 Apr, 5 May, 2 Jun, 21 Jul, 1 Sep, 8 Sep, 15 Sep, 22 Sep
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about North Macedonia or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
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More about North Macedonia
The best time to visit North Macedonia may well depend on whether you're looking for lakes or mountains with scorching summer temperatures often cooling the higher up you hike.
North Macedonia occupies one third of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia, the remainder can be found to the south, in Greece.
Make the most of North Macedonia by exploring in out of the way areas and enjoying home cooked meals with welcoming local people.
Tours of Ancient Macedonia uncover one of the world’s great civilisations, the lost empire of Alexander the Great, through visits to historic sites in Greece, Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia.
Ironically, given the name, Lake Ohrid is in fact one of the most beautiful and serene parts of North Macedonia.
It’s always wise to get some advice before traveling which is why our top tips have come from our specialist tour experts who’ve either been to North Macedonia or lived there their whole lives.
Poverty, pollution and plastic are problems in North Macedonia.
