North Macedonia Holidays

North Macedonia holidays are often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, but we’re on a mission to change that. The country is still refreshingly undiscovered and though small has plenty of variety. Cultures intertwine and landscapes shift dramatically within a few hours’ drive. Ottoman-era mosques stand beside Byzantine Orthodox churches, café culture spills into cobbled streets, and mountain villages feel suspended in time.

In the capital, Skopje, you’ll find an eclectic blend of old and new: the stone arches of the Old Bazaar, fortress views from Kale, and some crazy modern architecture and sculptures which has earned Skopje the nickname of ‘city of statues’.

Further southwest lies the jewels of the Balkans: Lakes Ohrid and Prespa. Some of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes, they are framed by mountains and dotted with historic monasteries and little beaches. The lakeside town of Ohrid is a UNESCO treasure, known for its postcard-famous Orthodox church, carved wooden balconies, and gorgeous sunsets over still waters. Spend your days swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding on this lovely lake.

For outdoorsy Undiscovered Balkans guests, the rugged Mavrovo mountains are a great place to start a Macedonia adventure with us. In summer, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts can experience dramatic scenery and a chance to spot the rare European brown bear, wild boar, chamois and wolves. In winter, ski slopes boast pistes quieter than any you’d find elsewhere in Europe.

Like many regions in the Balkans, North Macedonia’s natural landscapes remain largely untouched by mass tourism, providing a genuine escape into nature. As a company committed to responsible travel, we strive to preserve the pristine beauty of this land. You can learn more about our sustainable practices here.

This tiny country has also been flying the flag for pan-Balkan cuisine, with Macedonian Ajvar brand Pelagonia bringing the iconic pepper paste to tastebuds across Europe. But to experience the full range of Macedonian flavours you have to head to the source and taste everything frrom ajvar and burek, to unique local dishes such as Tavče Gravče, Pastrmajlija and Selsko Meso. Meals are savoured slowly – this is a country where hospitality feels instinctive and genuine.

Whether you’re travelling with family, a partner, or on your own, we invite you to fully experience North Macedonia.


Macedonia Holidays

The Church of St Jovan of Kaneo at Ohrid Lake in Macedonia.
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7 day North Macedonia Activity Holiday

Wild mountains and emerald lakes in the Balkans’ best-kept secret!
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Get there

Wizz Air offers direct flights from London to Skopje year-round. TUI Airlines runs weekly flights from London to Ohrid from June to September.

No-fly options

It’s easiest to travel to North Macedonia by road as public transport options are limited. From the UK, you can drive yourself or take the coach to Skopje using Flixbus.

Rome2Rio and The Man in Seat 61 are helpful resources for planning your journey.


Macedonia weather

Macedonia has a temperate continental climate with Mediterranean influences. The weather varies by region and season. The average monthly temperature ranges from -1°C to 22°C, with the coldest months in December and January and the warmest in July and August. Mountainous regions are cooler, with alpine conditions and ski resorts. The Vardarec, a cold north-west wind that blows in the Vardar river valley, can bring dramatic weather changes in central Macedonia.
Precipitation
The average monthly precipitation ranges from 40–71 mm, with the highest levels in May and June and the lowest in February/March and August/September. 
Seasons
Macedonia has four distinct seasons. Summers are long and hot, with temperatures over 30°C and ten hours of sunshine a day. Autumn is pleasant with rich autumn colours.  Winters are long and cold, with rain, and plenty of snow in the mountains. Springs are warm.

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