North Macedonia holidays

Holidays to North Macedonia take you to one of Europe’s lesser-known spots, home to tranquil lakes, wildlife-filled national parks and age-old towns packed with history.

A mix of cultures

Tucked between the Balkans and the Med, North Macedonia is a country with diverse history and culture. The Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires have all left their mark, dotting the landscape with amphitheatres and centuries-old monasteries. And when you look at a menu, you’ll see Greek dishes rubbing shoulders with Turkish delights like baklava – a kind of sweet pastry.

Surrounded by nature

For a small country, North Macedonia packs in more than its fair share of natural beauty. Mountains cover 80% of the land, with some of Europe’s oldest and biggest lakes nestled between the peaks. It also tops the charts when it comes to diverse wildlife, particularly butterflies – come summer, you can see over 200 different species flit from flower to flower. Get stuck into some outdoor activities and take it all in as you kayak from shore to shore, or bike and hike your way through beech forests and up to summit viewpoints.

Macedonian mementos

There’s a long history of handicrafts here, so make sure to save a spot in your suitcase for a keepsake or two. You’ll find lots of little shops selling hand-painted ceramics and jewellery, like traditional butterfly brooches, which are made from intricate twists of silver wire. And in Ohrid, you can browse shops selling hand-painted Ohrid pearls – even Princess Diana had a necklace made here.