Dreaming of an affordable trip for the school holidays? North Macedonia might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family holiday, but it really should be. This small Balkan country is packed with lakes, mountains, castles and outdoor adventures, and is both exciting and easy to manage.
Better still, it’s far more budget friendly than nearby destinations like Croatia or Greece, making it ideal for families travelling during peak times. Flights are affordable, distances between major sights are short, food and drink is cheap, and there are plenty of activities suitable for toddlers, younger children and teenagers.
Another big advantage: locals genuinely love children. Family life is central to Balkan culture, and kids are welcomed everywhere; from cafés and restaurants to boat trips and village tavernas.
Below are our favourite things to do in North Macedonia with kids— all tried, tested and approved by the Undiscovered Balkans founders’ own offspring.
Skopje
North Macedonia’s capital Skopje is lively, easy to explore, and full of little surprises (and big ones too – see ‘Man on Horse’ statue). Be aware that in summer the city is a heatbowl with temperatures up to 40 degrees, so plan your visit accordingly. Day times can be spent inside air conditioned spaces like museums or the cable car up to Mount Vodno.
Scenic cable car ride
One of the highlights for families is the cable car up Mount Vodno to the giant Millennium Cross with great views over Skopje and the Sharr mountains. It’s incredibly cheap: a return ticket costs around €1.60 per person.
Just note: the cable car does not run on Mondays or the last Tuesday of each month.
While you’re on the mountain, it’s also worth visiting Panteleimon Monastery, a peaceful medieval church in the forest, and the Macedonian Village, a recreated traditional village with cute restaurants and scenic views.
Explore Skopje’s Old Bazaar
This is one of the best-preserved Ottoman bazaars in the Balkans. Expect cobbled streets, tiny craft shops, bakeries and plenty of slatkarnice (dessert cafés). Deliciously creamy ice cream is everywhere and too tempting to miss!
Climb the fortress
Above the city sits Skopje Fortress (Kale). It’s an easy walk and a fun place for kids to run around while parents enjoy the views. Sunsets up here are lovely but do remember that the fortress closes early, so visit before 5pm.
Visit a museum (briefly!)
Museums in Skopje are worth a quick visit for older children interested in history, or if you need a break from the heat. Another popular stop is Mother Teresa’s birthplace where fans of the Skopje-born missionary come and pay their respects.
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- Our top adventure holidays for couples in the Balkans
Matka Canyon
Just 30 minutes from Skopje, Matka Canyon is a popular day trip in North Macedonia and it’s great fun for kids.
Take a boat to Vrelo Cave
The highlight is the boat trip across the canyon lake to Vrelo Cave, a deep and mysterious underwater cave. The ride costs around €7 per person and the scenery is spectacular. Once inside the cave, you can have fun spotting eerie stalactites and singing echoes into the depths.
Unusual ice cream flavours of Macedonia
As you walk down to the boats you’ll pass a row of ice cream stands selling flavours you’ve never seen before, including “Facebook” and “TikTok.” This always seems to delight younger travellers (though we hate to think what they put inside them).
When to visit Matka canyon
Matka is very popular particularly on weekends and tour buses from Turkey also stop here. Don’t expect Matka to be tourist-free, but once you’re out on the water it quickly becomes peaceful.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is the star attraction of North Macedonia, and it’s easy to see why. Affectionately known as “Macedonia’s Freshwater Sea”, it has unbelievably clear waters that glow with an iridescent blue colour and it’s the oldest and deepest lake in Europe.
There are plenty of small beaches around the lake, especially outside Ohrid town. Many are perfect for families with calm water and easy access. Swimming here is safe and quickly becomes the highlight of the trip.
Rent a boat or take a paragliding trip
Boat trips are another favourite activity. Options range from sailing yachts to small motorboats, and it’s a relaxing way to explore the shoreline. Or, you can sail through the sky on a paraglide!
Visit the Bay of Bones
Kids usually enjoy the Bay of Bones, a reconstructed prehistoric lakeside settlement built on stilts above the water. It offers a glimpse into how people lived here thousands of years ago.
Day trip to Sveti Naum Monastery
One of the best lake excursions is a boat trip to Sveti Naum Monastery near the Albanian border. The setting is beautiful and relaxed, with beaches right beside the monastery and a very chilled atmosphere.
Adrenaline park in Kruševo
Up at Panorama Hotel & Spa, Zip lines, networks of ropes suspended between trees, rope pyramids and mountain biking trails. FYI Safety note: the installations are built by experts and are certified by an EU company specialising in adventure parks.
What is there to do with teenagers in Macedonia? The annual Ohrid festival answers one of our burning questions.
Ohrid festival, usually running from July 12 to August 20, has big name DJs and acts. Past lineups include The Prodigy, Armin van Buuren and Jason Derulo as well as plenty of local acts in folk music and house/techno. It is inexpensive as festivals go and day passes can be bought. You’d be safe letting your teens off the hook here- or you could go full embarassing parent and bop with them in the crowd!
Ohrid Town
Ohrid’s historic old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with narrow cobbled streets and centuries-old churches. With over 2,400 years of history, Ohrid stands among Europe’s oldest continually inhabited towns. Once home to 365 churches, one for each day of the year, it is often called the “Jerusalem of the Balkans.”
Kids may not be fascinated by every church or museum, but exploring the maze of streets and little shops in the old town is fun for the whole family.
One of the best short walks leads along the boardwalk to the Church of St John of Kaneo, dramatically perched on a cliff above the lake. The views are spectacular. On the way back, stop at one of the cafés by the water. SUP Club Ohrid is particularly good.
Visit Samuel’s Fortress
King Samuel’s Fortress sits above the town and offers incredible views over the lake. Plus, climbing a real medieval fortress is usually pretty exciting.
Pearl jewellery shopping
Did you know Ohrid is popular for pearls? Supposedly the secret of their shininess lies in an emulsion created using the fish scales of plasic, a species only native in Lake Ohrid (aka Ohridski biseri). The emulsion is used to coat the surface of the Ohrid pearl (which is made from ground shells) giving it a rich colour and shine. There are two families, the Talev and the Filevi, who claim to know the secret formula of the pearl emulsion – and they fiercely guard the secret recipe to this day. One story goes that in 1924 a Russian soldier staying in Ohrid gave these two local families a secret pearl recipe from his home in Russia.
You will see pearls everywhere and it’s hard to know which ones are real. Some are fakes from China or Turkey. But you can still visit the Talevi and Falev family shops in town which are supposedly the most authentic.
Struga and Vevčani: Springs and Water Parks
Just west of Ohrid lies Struga, a quieter lakeside town and a good base for exploring nearby villages.
Vevčani Springs. The nearby village of Vevčani is famous for its beautiful natural springs, which cascade through a small forested park with paths and wooden bridges and old mills. Entrance costs about €0.50, making it one of the best-value nature spots in the country. There are also excellent traditional restaurants in the village.
If the kids need a break from culture and sightseeing, Aqua Park at Hotel Izgrev is a fun day out with water slides and pools.
Archaeological Sites: Ancient history for curious kids
North Macedonia has an astonishingly long history, with evidence of human civilisation going back 8,000 years. Two of the most interesting archaeological sites to visit are: Stobi, an ancient Roman city with impressive mosaics once located along a busy trade route and thrived as a commercial hub specialising in the trade of salt. Roman, Byzantine and Slavic settlers have all left their mark on Stobi.
Heraclea Lyncestis, near Bitola, is known for its Roman theatre, baths and vivid mosaics. This once thriving settlement along the important trade route of Via Egnatia is believed to have been founded by King Philip II of Macedon (Alexander the Great’s father) in the 4th century BC, before being conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century BC.
Prespa Lake
Less visited than Ohrid, Prespa Lake is a wonderful place for families looking for something quieter. The beaches here are sandy with shallow water, making them great for younger children.
Prespa is also known for its birdlife and natural scenery, and prices here are extremely low compared to more famous European lake destinations.
There are limited SUP boards and pedalos available for hire — just check the safety equipment before heading out.
10 Quick Questions answered:
Travelling with teenagers? Macedonia actually has plenty to keep them entertained.
Popular activities include: Paragliding in Krushevo, Yacht trips on Lake Ohrid, Adrenaline parks in the mountains, shopping for Ohrid pearl jewellery or attending the Ohrid Summer Festival, which sometimes features big-name DJs
Is North Macedonia safe for a family holiday?
The Balkans are very family-oriented and children are highly valued in society. Visitors generally find North Macedonia welcoming and safe for children who will be looked after.
Do people speak English?
English is widely spoken mainly by younger people and those working in tourism.
Is North Macedonia cheaper than Croatia or Greece?
Absolutely. Accommodation, food and activities are significantly cheaper, which makes it a great option for family travel.
Will kids get bored?
Unlikely. Between lakes, swimming, cable cars, castles, boat trips and nature, there’s plenty to keep them busy.
Are restaurants family-friendly?
Very much so. Children are welcome almost everywhere and restaurants are usually relaxed about families.
What about very young kids?
Younger children tend to enjoy: Beaches around Lake Ohrid, Cable cars and boat trips, Parks and nature areas, Water parks and swimming
What about active families?
North Macedonia is perfect for active travel: Hiking, Kayaking, Paragliding, Swimming, Boat trips, Cycling
What’s the weather like?
Summers are hot and sunny, particularly around Lake Ohrid, while spring and early autumn offer perfect conditions for exploring.
Practical Tips for Travelling with Kids in North Macedonia
Bring cash. Many places still prefer cash payments.
Distances are short, so it’s easy to combine multiple destinations.
Don’t rush. North Macedonia is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
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