Skopje has been knocked down and rebuilt more times than almost any capital in Europe – by earthquake, by empire, by its own government – and somehow it manages to mix it all together. Ottoman minarets sit across the river from Austro-Hungarian facades and fantastical brutalist buildings, and the city is littered with chunky sculptures.

When seasoned traveller Ginny joined us in North Macedonia this summer, she was looking to explore somewhere new, on a trip that would dig a little deeper than Lake Ohrid.  Everyone who has heard of North Macedonia has heard of Ohrid. Fair enough,  it’s one of the oldest lakes on the planet, its water the

North Macedonia is one of Europe’s most underrated destinations. Tucked away in the heart of the Balkans, this small country is packed with ancient history, dramatic mountains, UNESCO-listed sites and a fascinating mix of cultures. From Europe’s oldest lake and medieval monasteries to London buses, secret pearl-making techniques and some of the Balkans’ best wine,