SKOPJE, North Macedonia (WHN) – A mountainous nation, North Macedonia, is emerging as a travel destination just three hours by flight from the United Kingdom. The country boasts significant mountain terrain, with over 85 percent of its landmass dominated by peaks, according to the Express.
North Macedonia is positioned north of Greece. It gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The nation adopted its current name in 2019 following a dispute with Greece over the naming issue.
The country’s highest point is Mount Korab, standing at 9,030 feet (2,752 meters). This peak is situated on the border with Albania. The rugged landscape shapes daily life for its residents.
“When I enter my car, whichever direction I want to drive, I have a mountain in front of me and a mountain behind me,” local resident Frosina Pandurska-Dramikjanin stated to CNN.
North Macedonia’s total population is 2 million. This figure is slightly less than the population of Birmingham, UK.
Tourism sector officials acknowledge the country’s potential. However, they express caution regarding the prospect of overwhelming visitor numbers.
Aleksandar Bogoevski, owner of Sustainable Adventure Travels, commented, “Approximately one million passengers are transiting Macedonia during the summertime. They don’t stop. I think there are so many other things that can be seen.”
Lake Ohrid is a prominent attraction. The lake straddles the border with Albania.
The North Macedonian section of Lake Ohrid received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1979. The surrounding region was designated the following year.
Ohrid town is identified as one of the world’s oldest human settlements. It houses St. Pantelejmon, recognized as the oldest Slavic monastery.
UNESCO reports that Lake Ohrid supports approximately 200 plant and animal species.
The Šar Mountain range, located along the northwestern Albanian frontier, offers extensive opportunities for walking and hiking.
Mountain communities continue to practice transhumance. This is an ancient shepherding tradition involving the seasonal movement of sheep between villages and mountain peaks.
North Macedonia’s cuisine incorporates Balkan, Mediterranean, and Turkish influences.
The national dish, Tave grave, consists of baked beans prepared in a clay pot. Other local dishes feature fresh produce, grilled meats, and pastries.
Skopje serves as the nation’s capital. The city is home to approximately 526,000 residents. It lies in the Skopje Valley, adjacent to the Vardar River.
YouTuber Drew Binksy described Skopje as one of the “weirdest cities in the world” due to its riverside monuments.
Binksy cited Lake Ohrid as a significant highlight of his visit. “Anyways, the coolest lake in Europe is called Ohrid. It’s a really clear freshwater lake,” he stated in a video.
“You can go diving in it, cliff jumping and just have a day on the water. It’s really, really awesome. That’s my favorite thing about [North] Macedonia by far,” Binksy added.
He characterized North Macedonia as “a really chill, cool, small country, easy to road trip, Balkan vibes, good food. I highly recommend North Macedonia. I actually think it’s super underrated and it’s one of my favorite Balkan countries.”
Direct flights from the UK to Skopje have a duration of three to three-and-a-half hours.