“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.”
It is worth quoting the tourist for their North Macedonia travel. The country is truly a fabulous mix of ancient cultures like Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan.
Is North Macedonia Worth Visiting?
There is a reason North Macedonia is a jaw-dropping fascinating destination to visit. The country has had profoundly changing cultural influences from the wildest mix of nationalities. Elements of Balkan, Mediterranean, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman traditions are deeply engraved in the walls of towns and hearts in Macedonia. In addition to the historical trails and storytelling sites, the abundance of natural beauty is another pressing reason to plan your North Macedonia travel.
However, planning is easily arranged; be it a North Macedonia travel guide or itinerary, we’ve got you covered.
North Macedonia Travel Guide
The North Macedonia travel blog will give you a good idea of the places to visit in this landlocked Balkan country. We will begin with tips and a general plan to shape your North Macedonia travel itinerary. Moreover, the article will give you an idea of packages for North Macedonia holidays and what to look for in them. Alright then, without further ado, let’s dive into our North Macedonia travel guide.
The Perfect North Macedonia Travel Itinerary
Before you set out for your little venture in North Macedonia, there are a few things you need to take care of:
- Visa
Check if you need a visa to travel to the relatively young republic of North Macedonia. Depending on your passport, you might require a visa for your North Macedonia travel. For e.g. passport holders in countries like South Korea and the UK do not need a visa for a short-term stay of up to 90 days. Then there are the nationalities granted visas on arrival on their visit to North Macedonia, and the rest might require a visa to visit North Macedonia.
Read More: Explore the countries where getting a Visa is easier than placing an order online.
- Passport
Travel airlines have guidelines; therefore, you might want to research your airline to skip any hassle. Many airlines do not allow onboarding if your passport is about to expire soon. Therefore, ensure that your passport doesn’t expire in the coming eight months.
- Flight/ Train tickets
This one is obvious and mandatory. Book your flight tickets in advance after you’ve planned your holiday in North Macedonia. International tourists can enter North Macedonia through two airports, i.e., Skopje International Airport and St. Paul the Apostle in Ohrid. Ohrid is a city in the south of Macedonia, 172 kilometers away from the capital Skopje. For North Macedonia travel, Skopje is the perfect location to start with.
- Driving License
A driving license isn’t mandatory for a trip to North Macedonia. However, the country is not the best in infrastructure, but the train network is well-developed. The coaches of the North Macedonian railway can easily take you through cities like Bitola, Prilep, Ohrid, Kicevo, Gostivar, Tetovo, Kumanovo, Veles, Skopje, and so on. Moreover, the Eurail Pass would also take you to the neighbouring countries of Serbia, Kosovo, and Greece.
The best way to explore North Macedonia, however, is by car. Arrive in Skopje and rent a car to continue your adventure in North Macedonia.
- Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most important things you should get covered when you’re travelling abroad. Depending on your insurance provider, you would be entitled to specific benefits in case of delays, flight cancellations, accidents, or casualties. Travel insurances come in handy when your flights are suddenly cancelled, and you are stuck in a faraway nation, most often in the bridge airport of your connecting flight.
North Macedonia Trip: 3-Day Itinerary
Our itinerary will take you through the best places to explore in North Macedonia, starting with the 7000-year-old city of Skopje.
Day 1: Skopje
The largest city in the country, Skopje, is the right place to begin your North Macedonia travel. The city is over seventy centuries old and hosts the finest stone statues. Moreover, the banks of River Vardar add to the natural beauty of the historically marked town of Skopje. Explore the 300+ statues in Skopje, walk along the banks of River Vardar, and take some pictures for memories. The sites to visit in Skopje are Old Bazaar, the Fortress of Skopje, Porta Macedonia, the main square of Skopje, and numerous mosques and communist buildings.
Day 2: Mount Vodno
Mount Vodno can be your next stop when you’ve your fill of Skopje. It might take you more than a day to absorb the variety of Skopje; therefore, plan your trip accordingly. Next, a cable car or walk can you take to Mount Vodno. The path winds up through beautiful monasteries in the area.
After your journey to Mount Vodno, return to your stay in Skopje and rest up. Keep looking for the next day because Day 3 of the North Macedonia travel itinerary features an exciting, adventurous location.
Day 3: Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is a scenic outdoor destination 17 km away from the capital city of Skopje. It is located southwest of the capital and is part of the Skopje Valley. Matka Canyon is a seismically active region in the faults of Eurasian and African tectonic plates, and Matka Canyon was formed after a dam was built on River Treska. Things to do in Matka Canyon include visiting caves and boat tours across the canyon.
You can also enjoy kayaking, hiking, cycling, and visiting old monasteries en route.
More International Destinations
This was a fast-track North Macedonia travel guide to explore the small country in three days. If you want to experience more and get more from your travel, a road trip through North Macedonia will offer the most incredible combination of historical sites and natural scenery. Moreover, the government is quite close to the 6 lovely places to visit in Europe, your next breathtaking adventure. Go through more fabulous places to travel to worldwide on our website.