North Macedonia tours & vacations

The weather in North Macedonia varies greatly between seasons and regions so the best time to go depends on a few variables, but we can break that down together and find you your sweet spot.  

Spring (April to June) is the best time for hikers and nature lovers who want to experience the country’s national parks, like Galicica and Pelister, as they burst into bloom. The parks have quieter trails and the weather is ideal for exploring.  

Summer (June to August) brings the heat – literally – with 100°F days in the lowlands, but that’s what makes Ohrid, Prespa and other lakes perfect for swimming, kayaking, boating and soaking up the sun.  

Autumn (September and October) is a great time for warm, golden days, fewer crowds, cool evenings and good views without the long queues.  

Winter (November to February) can be quite cold, especially in the mountains, but it is a peaceful time to visit for a crowd-free experience and a chance to see a quieter, cozier side of the country.  

North Macedonia’s history and culture can be traced back to the era of Alexander the Great – the country’s most celebrated historical figure – and has been shaped by centuries of foreign interference from the Romans and Byzantines to the Serbs, Ottoman Turks, Bulgarians and Greeks. It wasn’t until 1991, following a peaceful breakup with Yugoslavia, that the country emerged as an independent nation.  

Although North Macedonia avoided the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, it faced internal conflict from 1997 to 2001 due to tensions with its Albanian population. A NATO-brokered ceasefire ended the conflict but the relations between the two populations remain a sensitive topic.  

In 2019, the country officially changed its name to North Macedonia, resolving a long-standing dispute with Greece and leading to progress toward NATO and EU membership.  

The cultural identity of North Macedonia is vibrant and deeply rooted in tradition. Many centuries-old customs remain alive today, reflecting the diverse influences of past rulers, especially the Ottomans. Folk music, dances like the traditional Oro circle dance and artisanal crafts are still proudly celebrated across the country. Locals wear traditional clothing for festivals and ceremonies.  

Family life and community ties run deep and visitors should be mindful of local customs – modest dress is the norm, especially when entering mosques or churches, with both knees and shoulders covered.  

Cultural pride is on full display during events like the Galicnik Wedding Festival, the Tikveski Grozdober (Grape Harvest Festival) and the Illinden National Festival of Song and Dance – the oldest folk festival in the country.  

North Macedonian cuisine is a delicious mix of Balkan, Turkish and Mediterranean influences. Rustic dishes are made with plenty of locally grown produce (thanks to the country’s warm and pleasant climate) and fresh fish from the country’s rivers and lakes. 

Things to try in North Macedonia

Tavche gravche

North Macedonia’s version of baked beans is also their national dish. White beans are first boiled and then baked with onions and herbs in a clay pot to create a fragrant and healthy meal. 

Pastrmajlijada

An oval-shaped bread pie is topped with cubes of meat (usually pork or lamb) and baked to create this savory snack sometimes referred to as a ‘North Macedonian pizza’.

Shopska salad

Chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions and olives topped with plenty of salty white cheese. Similar to a Greek salad, shopska is a staple served at almost every restaurant. 

Burek

A regional favourite and traditional breakfast, Burek is found in many bakeries and loved for its simple, delicious goodness. Made with flaky dough and filled with options like mincemeat, cheese, spinach or potatoes, it’s a great grab-and-go comfort food. 

Rakija

It may not be for everyone but if you're into a little alcoholic beverage action then you’ll have to try Rakija on your trip. It’s a strong fruit brandy traditionally made from plums, grapes or apricots and is a staple across the Balkans for a warm welcome or celebratory toast.

Located in southeast Europe, North Macedonia shares its border with Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. Breathtaking mountains – perfect for hiking and climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter – give way to fertile flats. The Dinaric Alps slice through the west and the Vardar Valley occupies much of the central region. Despite being landlocked, North Macedonia contains many rivers and lakes, including the magnificently scenic Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest and oldest lakes in Europe.

1. Skopje  

North Macedonia’s capital city is a mix of cultures and eras, where 30 mosques, old caravanserais and Ottoman hammams line winding streets, especially in the atmospheric Carsija district. You’ll walk by towering statues and grand monuments, including the enormous Alexander the Great in Macedonia Square, and stand alongside Byzantine domes, Turkish baths and neo-classical buildings. For a great view of the city and the River Vardar, take the cable car up Mount Vodno to the Millennium Cross.  

2. Matka Canyon  

Just 10 miles from Skopje, Matka Canyon is a deep ravine carved by the Treska River into the Suva Mountains – an easy escape into nature with dramatic views. The area is home to medieval monasteries, hidden caves and over 70 species of endemic butterflies. You can explore the lake on a boat or follow the trails that wind through the canyon and along the ridge up above.  

3. Lake Ohrid  

Lake Orhid is Europe’s oldest lake and home to one of the world’s oldest human settlements – yet somehow, it’s still blissfully crowd-free. Wander through the old bazaar, explore ancient churches (legend says there were once 365 of them!), and don’t miss the Roman theatre still hosting summer concerts after 2000 years.  

4. Lake Prespa  

Another quiet and beautiful spot is Lake Prespa. Shared with Albania and Greece, it’s a haven for birdlife and lakeside villages and great for slow, scenic exploration. Visit a local apple farm and taste fresh produce in the orchards and swing by the nearby village of Dolno Dupeni to get to know some of the locals.  

5. Bitola 

The town of Bitola makes a great base for exploring southern North Macedonia, with Lake Prespa and Pelister National Park just a short trip away. The nearby village of Dihovo, sitting at the foot of Mt Pelister, gives you a taste of local life. There’s also the ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, which used to be a thriving city named after the mythological hero Hercules. Now, it’s still covered in mosaics and amphitheatres, giving you a look back in time.  

The official currency of North Macedonia is the Macedonian Denar (MKD).  

Cash is king in North Macedonia, so make sure to carry enough for any purchases you plan on making. Credit cards are generally only accepted at touristy locations or upscale restaurants and hotels, so expect to pay cash at most places.  

ATMs can be found in larger cities and tourist areas but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas and lean on your leader for advice on where to take out cash, how much and when you’ll need it!