The city of Ohrid on the northern banks of Lake Ohrid is North Macedonia’s most popular tourist destination. Its wonderful old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, which reflects the area’s rich history and architecture. For many years, Ohrid, along with North Macedonia, has been one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. The secret is undoubtedly now out, yet while visitor numbers are up, the old town and surrounding areas still retain much of their original charm and appeal. If you’re visiting North Macedonia, Ohrid is a must-see destination and one where you’ll want to spend as much time as you can.
There’s no doubt that Ohrid is a world-class tourist destination. The area’s rich history and natural beauty, as well as its breadth and depth of attractions, can easily keep you entertained for a week or more. From history to hiking and beaches to bars, Ohrid offers something for everyone.
Here are the top 10 best things to do in Ohrid:
Covering an area of 358 square kilometers and stretching across North Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid is Europe’s deepest lake. A recognized UNESCO natural world heritage site, the lake is a great place to relax, swim, and play. It’s home to numerous beaches, each offering something a little different. Within walking distance of Ohrid are Potpesh Beach and Cuba Libre Beach, while further afield are the sandy Ljubanista Beach, the relaxing Trpejca Beach, and the party beach of Gradiste. Swimming in the lake’s clear waters is a must, providing a pleasant escape from the summer heat. If you want to get on the lake, there are sunset boat tours and paddleboards for hire. For the adventurous, there are snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Ohrid’s old town is a beautiful and atmospheric place. Dating back many centuries, the cobbled streets of the old town have been walked on through the ages. Situated beneath the imposing Car Samoil’s Fortress and next to the lake, it’s home to numerous historic churches and buildings. It’s well worth taking a few hours to explore the area and take in the history. The old town is also home to plenty of bars and restaurants. Entertainment runs late into the night, and during the summer months, the area gets very busy, but the atmosphere is always friendly and cheerful.
Dating back to the 10th century, Car Samoil’s Fortress sits proudly above Ohrid’s old town. The ascent through the cobbled streets of the old town and the narrow stairways of the fortress is worth it when you reach the top of the well-preserved ramparts. The views across the city and especially the lake are spectacular and justify the climb. While there’s not much to do inside the fortress, the views could keep you entertained for hours.
Probably North Macedonia’s most iconic image is the splendid Church of Sveti Jovan, set against the impossibly blue waters of Lake Ohrid. Situated on a small cliff above the water, the church is located just a few hundred meters to the west of the old town. The church dates back to the 13th century and is in pristine condition. It’s a great spot to take in the view and enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Also in the area is Kaneo Beach, just to the left of the church, and there’s also a restaurant serving food and drinks.
The Church of Saint Sophia is an 11th-century Byzantine church and Ohrid’s finest. Featuring fine paintings and frescos from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries, the church is a treasure trove of history. Located in the heart of the old town amongst well-kept lawns and gardens, it’s a serene location to explore the area’s history and heritage in further depth.
The Classical Amphitheatre close to the Upper Gate in the Old Town is another of Ohrid’s spectacular sites. Dating back to the 2nd century BC, it was constructed during the Hellenistic period and used for theatre. Subsequently used by the Romans for gladiator battles and executions, the site was buried following the end of the Roman Empire. Rediscovered in the 1980s, what remains is just the lower section, but it’s so well preserved that it’s now used for various performances during the summer months.
Named after a famous Ohrid merchant family, this exquisite house has a colorful past. Initially built in 1827, the building was burnt down in 1861. It was subsequently rebuilt in its current layout and completed in 1863. The house is now a protected cultural monument of North Macedonia and is home to an archaeological museum. Set over three floors, the museum houses epigraphical monuments and archaeological artifacts from the past 2,000 years. It’s a fascinating buildings and museum to explore for an hour or two.
Ten kilometers outside of Ohrid is Galicica National Park. The park is home to the imposing Mount Galicica, a mountain that stands at over 2,000 meters. Snow-covered during the winter months, it offers excellent hiking opportunities from the spring through autumn. The park is renowned for the number of endemic plants that live within its 23,000 hectares and for the spectacular views it provides across Lake Ohrid and the neighboring Lake Prespa. The Galicica National Park area is the center for outdoor activities in the Ohrid region, with the splendid village of Elsani acting as the central hub. From here, you can arrange mountain biking, climbing, caving, hiking, and paragliding.
Ohrid’s smaller and quieter neighbor lies 15 kilometers to the northeast. Set along a stretch of Ohrid’s northern coastline, Struga boasts old-world charm, sandy beaches, and some fine architecture. Bisected by the Black Drin River, it’s an interesting place to visit and even stay for a day or two. Its much slower pace of life, along with its sandy beach, makes it a popular destination among couples and families. You’ll find plenty of good restaurants in town, many offering live music and poetry readings.
The Bay of Bones Museum is located along Ohrid’s eastern coast, close to the village of Peshtani. This fascinating museum is a reconstructed miniature version of a bronze and Iron Age settlement that was discovered and excavated at this exact location. The museum has been constructed in the likeness of the original settlement and is laid out to show how the buildings would have been several thousand years ago. The museum also houses numerous artifacts excavated from the area over the past 30 years. The visit is particularly rewarding if you can attend with a guide who can provide further detail and color to the excellent museum exhibits.
Ohrid and the surrounding areas enjoy a relatively temperate climate with four distinct seasons. While the city and the lake remain a tourist destination throughout the year, it’s the warmer months from May to October that are the best time to visit. During this time, you’ll be able to enjoy the sights and attractions of Ohrid while making the most of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The peak season for Ohrid and the lake is July and August. During this time, it can become exceptionally busy, while certain areas can become quite boisterous. Prices inevitably rise during this time, and accommodation can be in short supply. A visit during June or September is the ideal time, as it’s outside of peak season but with plenty of warm weather to make the most of the great outdoors.
Ohrid and its surrounding attractions are all relatively close together. A ring road circles the lake, making it easy to navigate and get to different locations across the area.
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