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WHY BOOK A TRIP TO NORTH MACEDONIA
This landlocked nation, right in the beating heart of the Balkans, is the dictionary definition of an underrated travel destination.
Like several of its neighbors, North Macedonia is often ignored in favor of other nations further west, but this is a country of rich cultural and historical heritage, extreme natural beauty and a seriously delicious traditional cuisine.
Head to Skopje for the history lowdown and Tetovo for the beautiful painted mosque, but the real beauty here lies in the countryside. The calm waters of Lake Ohrid are mesmerizing in their serenity, while the sheer scale of the Matka Canyon makes for one of the best hiking routes in Europe.
Then there’s the food. As a country near the crossroads of Europe and Asia, as well as the Mediterranean, Macedonian cuisine is rich and varied, taking most of its influences from Ottoman and Balkan gastronomy. Wherever you choose to explore, make sure you do it with your tastebuds as well as your eyes and ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What’s the best time of year to visit North Macedonia?
The best time to visit is between May and September or, in other words, late spring all the way through to the very end of summer. This is when the weather is at its best to explore both the splendid countryside and fascinating cities North Macedonia has to offer.
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What’s the climate like in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia has a fairly variable climate, but generally speaking the north is fairly continental and temperate, while further south is more Mediterranean. Temperatures can skyrocket in the peak of summer (July-August) and high altitude regions can get very cold and snowy in deep winter. Expect a range of weather types, including plenty of rain all year round.
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What’s the currency in North Macedonia?
Macedonian Denar
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What language is spoken in North Macedonia?
Macedonian is the official language, spoken by most of the population and as a first language by around two thirds. Albanian gained co-official status in 2019 and is spoken by around a quarter of people. Other minority languages include Turkish, Romani, Serbian, Bosnian, and Aromanian.
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What’s the time difference in North Macedonia?
The time zone for North Macedonia is Central European Time (UTC+1), which means the time is one hour ahead of London, 6 hours ahead of New York and 9 hours ahead of LA.
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Major Airports in North Macedonia:
- Skopje International Airport (SKP)
- Ohrid “St. Paul the Apostle” Airport *OHD)
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What are the top places to visit in North Macedonia?
- Skopje – the capital is home to an eclectic mix of architecture, some great museums and an epic statue of Alexander the Great
- Lake Ohrid – straddling the border with Albania, this serene body of water is watched over by its namesake town and Samuel’s Fortress
- Matka Canyon – Southern Europe’s answers to the great Fjords of Norway
- Tetovo – this small city is most famous for its beautiful painted mosque
- Mavrovo National Park – deep canyons and dense forests cover the country’s largest national park
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What are the top five local dishes to try in North Macedonia?
- Tavče gravče – the national dish is like baked beans on crack, served in an unglazed earthenware pot
- Burek – thin, crispy filo pastry filled with either cheese, meat or spinach
- Kajmak – a popular, often homemade, condiment or appetizer, not unlike clotted cream
- Shopska Salad – a refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and peppers, lathered in traditional Macedonian white cheese
- Ohrid trout – North Macedonia may be landlocked but Lake Ohrid means that there’s still some delicious seafood to be had