Macedonia is still an unknown destination for most Dutch people. Nevertheless, Macedonia is becoming increasingly popular as a holiday destination. Once you’ve visited this country, you’ll understand why. The food is delicious, the people are very hospitable and the beautiful nature regularly leaves you amazed. Macedonia is a relatively young country that declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991. This happened without too many problems. However, at the beginning of this century there were some disturbances between the Albanian and Macedonian population of the country. Nowadays, however, little or nothing of this is noticeable. Check topmbadirectory for how to get to Macedonia.
Most tourists who visit Macedonia stay in the southwestern part of the country near Lake Ohrid. Most places of interest can be found in this part of the country.
Macedonia ‘s Top 10 Things to Do
#1. Skopje
Skopje is the capital and largest city in the country. About half a million people live in the metropolitan area of this city, which is a quarter of the total population of Macedonia. Skopje is one of the oldest cities in Macedonia. The area surrounding the city has been inhabited for more than five thousand years. In Skopje there are many places of interest. The most famous of these are the Stone Bridge, the Oriental Bazaar and the Macedonian Museum. Of course there are many more sights to be found in and around the city.
#2. Pelister National Park
The Pelister National Park is one of the three national parks of Macedonia. The park is located in the southwestern part of Macedonia in the vicinity of the city of Bitola. The park is located in the Bababerg massif. The park is known for its special flora and fauna. In particular because of the Macedonian Den, which originally only occurs in this park. Nowadays this special pine is also cultivated and can be found in several places in Europe. In addition to snakes, foxes, turtles and other small animals, wolves, bears and Balkan lynx are also found in the park. In the winter months, part of the national park serves as a winter sports area. Check simplyyellowpages for mass media and culture of Macedonia.
#3. Ohrid
Ohrid has been the most popular tourist destination in Macedonia for many years. In the period that Macedonia was still part of the former Yugoslavia, Ohrid was a destination for the richer inhabitants of the country. In recent years Ohrid has been regaining this old status. It is also not surprising when you see what the city has to offer. For example, a large part of the historic center is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition, the city is located on Lake Ohrid. Ohrid is a cozy little town with a large central square with many terraces and restaurants. The main attractions in the city are the fortress of Samuel.
#4. Ilinden Monument
The Ilinden Monument stands on a mountain just outside the town of Krusevo. The monument was erected in the 1970s in memory of the Ilinden Rebellion in the early twentieth century. This revolt against Ottoman rule was unsuccessful but did change the feeling within the country. The Ilinden Monument, sometimes also referred to as the Makedonium, is a particularly modern memorial monument. The shape is most reminiscent of a ball with blunt points on it. Some people see in the shape of a heart with several veins. The stained glass windows of the monument provide beautiful colors inside.
#5. Monastery of St Naum
The Monastery of St. Naum was founded in the early tenth century. Initially the monastery was called differently, but since the tomb of Saint Saint Naum was placed in the monastery, the name has changed. According to locals, if you put an ear to his tomb, you can hear the heart of the saint. The monastery is located on Lake Ohrid, about thirty kilometers from the city of Ohrid. The monastery is one of the most popular sights on Lake Ohrid. The monastery is not far from the border with Albania and just after the First Balkan War, the monastery even stood on Albanian territory for a few years. In the vicinity of the monastery you will find the source of the Black Drin.
#6. Bay of Bones
The Bay of Bones is an open-air museum about half an hour’s drive from Ohrid on Lake Ohrid. The Bay of Bones is a recreated stilt village as it probably looked in the tenth or twelfth century BC. About twenty-four houses have been recreated in the museum. The houses display the various articles and archaeological finds that have surfaced and found in the bay. The open-air museum owes its sinister name to the large amount of animal bones found in this bay. The Bay of Bones is also a popular dive site.
#7. St. Spas Church
The St. Spas Church in Skopje is one of the most famous sights in Skopje and perhaps in all of Macedonia. This beautiful church from the sixteenth century is a true work of art. From the beautiful wood carvings to the glittering icons and wall paintings, it is all of a particularly high quality. The entire church was restored in the last century. During this restoration many of the original drawings surfaced.
In the courtyard of the church is the tomb of the Gotse Delchev. These resistance fighters were one of the motives behind the Ilinden uprising.
#8. Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is probably the most beautiful part of Macedonia. The water of the lake consists of many thousands of shades of blue and sometimes even bright green. This only becomes clearly visible when you take a boat trip on the lake. What is also striking during such a boat trip is the clarity of the lake. In some places you can easily see twenty-five meters deep. The water temperature of the lake remains more or less the same throughout the year. This is mainly due to the great depth of the lake. On the lake are some popular tourist sites such as the town of Ohrid, the Monastery of St. Naum, and the Bay of Bones.
#9. Waterfalls of Vevchani
The waterfalls of Vevchani are an essential part of the Vevchani. For example, the flour from the water mills is still used to bake bread and the various water storms in the village are used as a refrigerator. A walking path has been built around the falls with several bridges and narrow paths. This makes it possible to get a good picture of these beautiful waterfalls. After visiting the waterfalls, it is recommended to visit one of the restaurants in the village and enjoy the delicious Macedonian cuisine.
#10. Bitola
Bitola is a large city in the southwestern part of Macedonia. The city is located at the foot of the Pelister National Park on the Pelagonian Plain. It is the largest and most important city in this part of Macedonia. Hert is an ancient city that has been inhabited since ancient times. In the second century BC the city was conquered by the Romans. In the centuries that followed, the city has known many rulers. Today Bitola is a quiet city with a pleasantly busy center. The streets of the city are always filled with people and it is difficult to get a seat on the terrace here. Famous sights in the city are the clock tower of Bitola.
