This is the most scenic, slightly longer route between Skopje and Ohrid.

Mavrovo National Park & The Sunken Church

Location: Midway between Skopje and Ohrid

Mavrovo is the largest national park, featuring deep canyons, dense forests, and the country’s highest peaks. The centrepiece for visitors driving through is Lake Mavrovo. Depending on the water levels, you will see the abandoned Church of Saint Nicholas (Sveti Nikola) either partially submerged in the lake or standing eerily on the muddy shore. This church has a special sacred meaning for us as couple, so if you manage to visit – please send a pic to us 🙂 The surrounding area has several excellent traditional restaurants, making it a perfect halfway point for lunch. One of our favourite restaurants (in the whole country) is located here – House of the Mijaks. The food is delicious but our favourites are the secret of the Miyaks and Constantinopol Coffee. This restaurant is located at the foot of the Saint Bigorski Monastery (see below).

The Village of Galičnik

Location: Within Mavrovo National Park, high on Mount Bistra

Tucked away in the mountains, Galičnik is a picturesque village famous for its well-preserved traditional architecture, local cheeses, and the annual Galičnik Wedding Festival in July. The winding mountain road to reach it requires careful driving, but it rewards visitors with some of the most spectacular, sweeping views in the entire country (Some parts look like Mars!). Here we recommend you have a delicious lunch (with a view!) at Hotel Neda. 

For horse lovers, you can visit (and have a ride, if time allows) Sherpa Horse Riding. We’ve done it multiple times, and the experience (and the scenery) are fantastic!

Saint Jovan Bigorski Monastery (Saint John the Baptist)

Location: Near the Radika River, on the scenic route towards Ohrid

Perched dramatically on the slopes of Mount Bistra, this Macedonian Orthodox monastery was originally founded in the year 1020. The complex was beautifully restored following a fire and offers sweeping views of the surrounding lush valleys. The monastery is most famous for its extraordinary iconostasis (a screen bearing icons, separating the sanctuary of many Eastern churches from the nave). The intricate, deep-wood carvings were crafted by local artisans in the 19th century and are widely considered a masterpiece of regional art.

• Practical Tip: As it is an active monastery, modest dress is strictly required for all visitors (shoulders and knees must be covered).

Located just slightly north of Ohrid, this cluster is perfect for a day trip or as a final stop before arriving at your accommodation.

Struga & The River Black Drim (Crn Drim)

Location: 15 kilometres northwest of Ohrid

Often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, the town of Struga is a peaceful and charming destination located right on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is most famous as the point where the water of the lake flows out into the River Black Drim (Crn Drim). The river runs directly through the centre of the town, lined with weeping willows, vibrant cafés, and walking paths. It is an excellent spot for a relaxed afternoon coffee or a quiet dinner by the rushing water.

Vevčani Springs (Vevčanski Izvori)

Location: Village of Vevčani, 14 kilometres northwest of Struga

Nestled at the foot of the Jablanica Mountain, the village of Vevčani is famous for its independent spirit and its spectacular natural springs. The Vevčani Springs are a protected natural monument where crystal-clear water gushes from mountain caves and cascades through the village via a network of streams and old watermills. Walking the wooden paths around the springs is incredibly refreshing, especially during the warm summer months.

• Practical Tip: The village is also famous for the Vevčani Carnival, an annual event with roots dating back 1,300 years to pagan times, though the beautiful springs and excellent local food make it well worth a visit at any time of the year.

If you choose to take the southern route between Ohrid and Skopje, this cluster offers a completely different architectural and natural experience.

Bitola & Heraclea Lyncestis

Location: Approximately 70 kilometres east of Ohrid

Historically known as the “City of Consuls” due to the many European consulates established here during the Ottoman period, Bitola boasts a distinctly European, neoclassical feel. A walk down Širok Sokak (Broad Street) is essential for experiencing the local coffee culture. Just outside the city centre, you can visit the impressive ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis, founded by Philip II of Macedon (Aleksander the Great’s father), which feature beautifully preserved Roman mosaics.

Pelister National Park

Location: Mount Baba, directly overlooking Bitola

Looming above Bitola is Mount Baba and the Pelister National Park. It is highly regarded for its dense, fragrant forests of the endemic five-needle Molika pine tree. It offers excellent hiking trails and a refreshing climate, making it a wonderful stop to stretch your legs and enjoy pristine alpine nature.

Kruševo 

Kruševo is a small, historic mountain town known for its traditional architecture and role in the 1903 Ilinden Uprising, when the short-lived Kruševo Republic was proclaimed. Overlooking the town is the Makedonium (Ilinden Monument)—a striking, futuristic memorial that commemorates the uprising and the struggle for independence, featuring symbolic design elements and stained glass that celebrate national identity and resilience.

Macedonia has a rich, ancient wine-making tradition. While the primary wine region (the Povardarie region) is located slightly southeast of the main route to Ohrid, visiting a local winery is highly recommended for wine enthusiasts.

Chateau Kamnik

Location: Skopje (Eastern outskirts of the city)

If you do not have time to travel down into the central wine region, this highly awarded boutique winery is located right in Skopje. It offers a luxurious tasting experience and is particularly renowned for its powerful, full-bodied red wines, notably the Vranec (a dark-skinned grape variety cultivated in the Balkans, producing rich red wines).

Winery Chateau Sopot (*Our favourite!)

Location: Veles (Approximately 50 kilometres south of Skopje)

Located right off the main highway heading south, Winery Sopot is incredibly scenic. The estate is perched on a hill surrounded by sprawling vineyards, offering stunning panoramic views of the Vardar River valley. It is an excellent place to stop for a high-quality lunch and a tasting flight.

Tikveš Winery

Location: Kavadarci (Approximately 100 kilometres south of Skopje)

Tikveš is the largest and most historic winery in Southeast Europe, with roots dating back to 1885. A visit here offers a deep dive into the country’s wine history. They offer excellent guided tours of their massive underground cellars, followed by exceptional food pairings at their on-site fine-dining restaurant.

Popova Kula

Location: Demir Kapija (Approximately 115 kilometres south of Skopje)

Located further south along the highway, this beautiful estate is famous for reviving the indigenous Stanušina grape (a native Macedonian grape variety that produces bright, aromatic rosé and light red wines). The winery also features a lovely hotel and restaurant, making it a perfect resting point if you are taking a longer road trip through the country.

A Note on Driving

If you choose to visit Mavrovo, Galičnik, and the Bigorski Monastery, you will be driving through mountainous terrain and the Radika River gorge. The roads are stunning but feature many curves and occasional rockfalls. Please adhere strictly to the speed limits, drive carefully, and allow yourself plenty of time to safely enjoy the dramatic scenery.

Enjoy this beautiful country!