Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia – A Wonderful But Little Known Travel Destination

The crystal clear water of Lake Ohrid, in Ohrid, Macedonia

You won’t find any amusement parks at Lake Ohrid, Macedonia. Nor will you find a wild party scene. You can windsurf on the lake, but this isn’t the adventure capital of the world, either. There are no aggressive in-your-face touts littering the town’s main square and even the handful of vendors selling Ohrid’s famous pearls … Read more

PHOTO: Lake Ohrid, the Crown Jewel of North Macedonia

Fishermen cast lines from a wooden boardwalk that follows the cliffs surrounding Lake Ohrid in Macedonia

Fishermen cast lines from a wooden boardwalk that follows the cliffs surrounding Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. I had never heard of this destination prior to my arrival in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, but from the moment I arrived, everyone insisted I must go to Lake Ohrid. I was so glad I did, as … Read more

Matka Canyon, an Oasis near Skopje, North Macedonia

Lake Matka, behind the dam that created the world's first manmade lake. Kayaking is a popular activity in Matka Canyon

I desperately needed a break from the city. My travels for the past few months through the Balkans had been fascinating but exhausting – just trying to wrap my brain around the convoluted history of the ex-Yugoslavian countries made my head hurt. Fortunately, Matka Canyon was an easy day trip from Skopje. I’d learned about … Read more

PHOTO: Vrelo Cave in Matka Canyon, near Skopje, North Macedonia

Vrelo Cave on the Treska River in Matka Canyon, near Skopje, North Macedonia. Some speculate that it is the deepest underwater cave in the world.

Matka Canyon is easily visited during a day trip from Skopje, North Macedonia using public transportation. It offers miles of hiking along the deep river formed by damming of the Treska River, as well as trails to three historic monasteries. A restaurant and hotel offer additional amenities, including boat trips to Vrelo Cave, purported to … Read more