MACEDONIA DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Macedonia in a way like no other. Wedged between the Balkans and the Mediterranean, Macedonia has an intriguing cultural tapestry, with a vibrant blend of Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine history. Our Macedonia holidays take you from the colossal faux-neoclassical buildings of Skopje to the alluring markets of the Old Bazaar. You’ll find beautiful mosques dating back centuries to the Ottoman Empire, while the ancient Kale Fortress harks back to the 6th century A.D. Perched on the highest point in the city, you’ll get a spectacular view of the Vardar River from the fortress, or you can cross the river on one of the city’s four famous bridges. Beyond the capital, Macedonia is filled with natural beauty. See the towering gorges, ancient caves and medieval monasteries of Matka Canyon, or get off grid in the national parks, with glacial lakes, green meadows, snowy mountains and peaceful walking trails. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.

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Balkan Adventure

The Balkans reveal their rare beauty, warm culture and colourful history for all to enjoy. Explore ancient crossroads and delve into the revival of a region once scarred by conflict and communism.

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New for 2020

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Was $4,450

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Visiting

Albania
Tirana
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Mostar Sarajevo
Bulgaria
Arbanassi Sofia Veliko Tarnovo
Macedonia
Skopje
Montenegro
Budva Kotor
Romania
Bran Brasov Bucharest Poiana Brasov
Serbia
Belgrade

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"North Macedonia has come into the spotlight in recent years and for good reason. With an intriguing culture, beautiful architecture and beautiful nature, you'll discover one of Europe's true hidden treasures."

Travel Director

Macedonia at a glance

North Macedonia has an intriguing cultural tapestry, with beautiful mosques, ancient fortresses and alluring bazaars. Venture beyond the capital of Skopje with your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover North Macedonia's natural beauty with towering gorges, glacial lakes and green meadows.

Currency: Macedonian denar
Winter avg temp: -1°C
Summer avg temp: 34°C
Time Zone: GMT+2

Capital City: Skopje
Language: Macedonian
Good morning: Dobro utro
Good evening: Dobro popladne

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Our top 5 things to do in Macedonia

We’ll show you where to go in North Macedonia, from Skopje to Kale Fortress, as well as the best things to do in Macedonia, from sipping rakija to hiking Matka Canyon.

See the legacy of the Ottomans in the mosques and bazaars

Macedonia was part of the Ottoman Empire for over 500 years, and their history lives on in the architecture of Skopje. We’ll take you to the Old Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest markets in the Balkans, where we’ll discover Ottoman mosques, monuments and caravanserais (old roadside inns).

Enjoy some local rakija

A strong fruit brandy made from white or red grapes or plums, rakija is a beloved beverage in Macedonia. Typically served with salad or white cheese, Macedonians often make rakija at home, adding anise for sweetness. Our Local Specialists will show you where to sample the best rakija and toast to your Macedonia holiday.

Walk across the bridges of Skopje

Skopje has four bridges spanning the Vardar River, all with a different theme. They feature statues of Macedonian rulers, warriors, artists, musicians and Alexander the Great’s father. They also pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for independence in Macedonia, and we’ll explore all four bridges.

Enjoy nature in Matka Canyon

Located just a few miles outside Skopje, Matka Canyon is an outdoor wonderland spanning 5,000 hectares. We’ll discover medieval monasteries, ancient caves, endemic plants and animals, and emerald lakes weaving through a towering gorge. You can also see Matka Lake, the oldest artificial lake in the country.

Lookout from the Kale Fortress

Set on the highest point in Skopje overlooking the Vardar River, Kale Fortress is a great symbol of the city, depicted on Skopje’s flag and coat of arms. Constructed in the 6th century, it was originally built with yellow limestone and travertine, and you can find remnants of ancient Latin inscriptions.

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Best museums in Macedonia

Our Macedonia trips take you to all the top museums in the country, from the Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of Macedonia, to the Memorial House of Mother Teresa.

SKOPJE

Museum of Macedonia

Located in the Old Bazaar in Skopje, the Museum of Macedonia is one of the oldest museums in the country. It houses an extensive collection of historical, archaeological and ethnological artefacts, with items spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Roman, Turkish and Byzantine Periods.

SKOPJE

Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of Macedonia

Set in the location of the old Jewish Quarter in Skopje, the Holocaust Memorial Centre pays tribute to the 7,144 Macedonia Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust of WWII. The exhibits also display the history and culture of Jewish life in the Balkans over several hundred years.

SKOPJE

Memorial House of Mother Teresa

The Memorial House of Mother Teresa commemorates the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mother Teresa and can be found in Skopje, where Mother Teresa lived from 1910 to 1928. It’s located on the site of the former church where Mother Teresa was baptised.

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Best food in Macedonia

The cuisine is a highlight of any Macedonia travel experience, and our Local Specialists will show you all the best places to indulge in Macedonian food.

Musaka

Musaka is a dish made with layers of sliced potatoes, ground meat, eggplant, onion, vegetables, spices. The top layer is glazed with egg-yolk and baked until golden. Our Local Specialists will show you the best traditional restaurants to try this tasty dish.

Ajvar

Macedonians traditionally prepare for winter by making homemade jars of ajvar. It’s a delicious relish made with garlic, paprika, red bell peppers and sunflower oil. The best way to eat ajvar is with feta cheese served on warm bread.

Pastrmajlija

Pastrmajlija is Macedonia’s tasty answer to pizza. It’s made from dough shaped into an oval, with sliced meat and egg cooked on top. The dish is so well-loved that the city of Štip organizes an annual festival to celebrate it.

What to pack for Macedonia

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Macedonian phrasebook

Macedonian is the official language of Macedonia, and you’ll find it easier to connect with the locals if you learn a few phrases in their language.

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Macedonian denar

The official currency of Macedonia is the Macedonian denar. While there are ATMs available in the cities, you can also come prepared with some local cash.

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Comfortable shoes

The best way to explore Macedonia’s mountains and Skopje’s cobbled lanes, markets and bridges is on foot, so bring a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

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Adaptor plug

In Macedonia, the power plugs and sockets are of type F, with standard European 2-pin plugs. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

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Layered clothing

Macedonia’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to bring versatile clothing. You’ll also need to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered when visiting churches and rural areas.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Trip Rating

Customer experience

4.6

Out of 5

4.6

Out of 5

Our top 5 things to do in Macedonia

See the legacy of the Ottomans in the mosques and bazaars

Enjoy some local rakija

Walk across the bridges of Skopje

Enjoy nature in Matka Canyon

Lookout from the Kale Fortress

Best museums in Macedonia

Museum of Macedonia

Holocaust Memorial Centre for the Jews of Macedonia

Memorial House of Mother Teresa

Best food in Macedonia

Musaka

Ajvar

Pastrmajlija

What to pack for Macedonia

Macedonian phrasebook

Macedonian denar

Comfortable shoes

Adaptor plug

Layered clothing

Other things to know before you go

Our Europe & Britain destinations

France

England

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Other worldwide regions we visit