Discovering Macedonia

Macedonia, famous for Lake Ohrid and the Byzantine monasteries, is still largely unexplored and therefore has retained its air of mystery.

Fun-loving Macedonia offers roaring traditional festivals and homegrown hospitality. The food and drink are cheap when compared to Western standards and the food is absolutely delicious.

Skopje is the capital of Macedonia and is a modernizing metropolis that has fascinating historical attractions plus great restaurants and a happening nightlife.

An example of some sightseeing would be to cross the Kamen Most Bridge and enter the Carsija. Here you can visit the Church of Sveti Dimitrija dated back to 1886. You will also see the double domes of the Daud Pasa Baths and the City Art gallery. Further on you will arrive at the Museum of Macedonia before arriving at the underground Church of Sveti Spas which hosts the Tomb and Museum of Goce Delcev, a nationalist leader killed by the Turks in 1903.

For those who love festivals October is a great time to be in Skopje as this is the month of the Skopje Jazz Festival (www.skopjejazzfest.com.mk;MaksimGorki5 ) and the International Film Festival (www.osfaf.org.mk)

Accommodation in Skopje can be found by visiting websites such as www.allmacedoniahotels.com but should you wish to splurge and pamper then consider staying at the Hotel TCC Plaza.

There are many good restaurants in Skopje such as the Dal Met Fu Restaurant and Destan. Plus, there are bars and cafes such as café di Roma, Mr Jack and the Colosseum that are open until midnight or 1am on a Friday and Saturday.

A word of warning when traveling in Skopje. The Main Square and riverfront in Skopje is the hangout for young beggars so keep your valuables safe.

Whilst Skopje maybe the capital of Macedonia the city of Ohrid is actually Macedonia's most popular destination boasting a medieval castle, beautiful churches and an old town atmosphere.

The castle overlooks the shimmering lake Ohrid, which is 34 km long.

To enjoy the sights of Ohrid in the least exhausting manner start from the top and work your way down.

Start from the old town's Upper gate, once inside turn left to the 13^th century church of Sveta Bogorodica Perivlepta. Straight on from Gorna Porta you will find Ohrid's grand Classical Amphitheater, where the summer festival is hosted.

Follow the signs right to the 10^th century Car Samoil's castle. Ascend the narrow stairs and follow the wooded path to the Church of Sveti Kliment I Pantelejmon.

Keep following the path downhill where you will come to the 13^th century Church of Sveti jovan at Kaneo. Continue on to the National Museum

This of course is just an example.

Again, here in Ohrid there are plenty of restaurants, you might like to try the Letna Bavca Kaneo for a swim from the dock and then a huge fish fry up of plasnica (lake fish).

July is a great time to visit Ohrid as this is the month of the Balkan Festival of Folk Dances and Songs and the Ohrid Summer Festival (www.ohridsummer.com.mk).

Culture

Macedonia is home to not only Macedonians but also to Turks, Roma, and Serbs.

Many Macedonians and Serbs are Orthodox Christians whilst the majority of Albanians, Turks and Roma are Muslim.

Should you visit any of the shrines of either faith it is recommended that you dress modestly.

Getting around

The fact that Macedonia is small is a real bonus when it comes to getting around and being able to see the most important places.

Bus services are frequent and although they can range from rundown to modern all are safe. Try and carry on your luggage as some buses do charge a baggage fee of 10MKD

Cars and motorcycles can be hired either from big names or local rental agencies.

Trains are somewhat limited so it is best to check out the website at www.mz.com.mk/patnichki/timetable.htm for times and destinations.

Money

Currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD) but Euros are usually accepted.

Visas

Passport holders from Australia, Canada, the EU, Iceland, Israel, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA so not require visas and are allowed to stay for up to three months.

If you are looking for a fun-packed vacation full of adventure then macedonia is truly hard to beat

Source: Europe on a Shoestrong - Lonely Planet