Struga holidays

Popular holidays

Packed with history and culture, holidays to Struga are all about stepping back in time and exploring Lake Ohrid’s second-largest town.

Where ancient cultures meet new traditions

Described as vivid and vibrant by merchants and travellers throughout the centuries, Struga hasn’t lost any of its charm today. The town’s cut in half by the Black Drim River that flows right through the middle, and it’s lined on both sides by bars and restaurants. Don’t be surprised if you see people of all ages jumping in – it’s a local tradition here, so grab a seat outside a riverside café and watch as people cool off in the water.

The city of poetry

It’s got heaps of history around every corner, with churches, monasteries and mosques giving a nod to the country’s time under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Wander through the Old Bazaar, which was once filled with the hustle and bustle of trade, and then head just across the road to the Church of St George, one of Europe’s oldest spiritual shrines. Or for something more recent, follow the river to the Poetry Bridge, where writers and artists have been coming to share their work since the sixties in the world’s largest poetry festival, held here every August.

Take to the lake

If you don’t fancy getting in the river like the locals, there’s a handful of stony beaches a short walk from the town where you can go for a dip in Europe’s oldest lake. Or take a 20-minute taxi ride round the lake to Radozhda and hire a stand-up paddleboard, where you can soak up the scenery with a solo session or glide along with a guide to see all the best bits.

Good to know

Please be aware that in North Macedonia, smoking is permitted on balconies and on terraces at bars and restaurants.

Out and about

Lakeside path
Lakeside bathing
Bike hire
Lakeside cycle paths
UNESCO sites
Guided walking tours
Open-air concerts
Indoor pool
Outdoor pool
Paragliding
Caves

Popular hotels in Struga

Top things to see and do in Struga

Beaches

Male and Female beaches

The Male and Female beaches are open to everybody, despite what their names suggest, and are both around a 10-minute walk from town. Pay a little extra for a lounger and lie under a shady parasol after a paddle, or head to one of the nearby bars or cafés for a cold drink or an ice-cream.

Shopping

Bargain buys

There are lots of lively markets in Struga, and you'll find the biggest at the end of the Old Bazaar. Rummage through the stalls to find a bargain.

Mid-range buys

North Macedonia is known for its handcrafted souvenirs, and there are plenty of gift shops where you can pick up hand-painted terracotta pots, silver necklaces or traditional clothing. You'll also find reasonably priced clothes shops.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For something a bit more relaxed, stroll along the river in town. If you work up a thirst you can always stop at one of the bars along the way.

Lively evenings

There are lots of lively bars along Struga's lake shores where you can sip on a cocktail and listen to DJs as you watch the sunset over the water. Versus Beach Bar is a popular pick, with its boho feel and coloured lights that come on in the evenings.

Food & drink

Unique cuisine

North Macedonian food is a bit of a mix between Turkish and Greek - creating something completely unique. Think fragrant stews, slow-cooked lamb, sheep's cheese and salads packed with tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.

Macedonian mezze

Many restaurants serve North Macedonian mezze, where you can choose from a big spread of cold meat, bread, cheese and dips. Look out for dishes using makalo - a smooth garlic paste that's local to the area. Most meals are eaten with a shot of rakija on the side, a strong fruity spirit that's common in this part of Europe.

A local type of pizza

At one of the town's pizzeria's, you might enjoy a pastrmajlija, North Macedonia's take on the Italian favourite. The dough is stretched long and thin and is topped with tomato and cubes of pork.

Swan spotting at Dva Bisera

For some incredible views, take a 17-minute taxi ride round the lake for a meal out on the water. The seating area is on stilts, so you get front-row seats next to the glassy lake while you tuck into platefuls of seafood. You might even be visited by swans swimming along while you eat.

Getting about

Buses

Jump aboard the hourly bus from Struga to Ohrid, which takes about 20 minutes. Go for a day trip to see more UNESCO sites, like the Church of St John at Kaneo or the Roman amphitheatre.

On foot

Most things are within walking distance here – you can easily get to the lakefront and beaches from the town centre, and with the river running right through the middle, it’s easy to find your way around. For anything out of town, taxis don’t cost a lot, so you can explore further round the lake.