Struga holidays

There are loads of lively markets in Struga, and you’ll find the biggest at the end of the Old Bazaar. Weave through the stalls to see what treasures you’ll uncover.

North Macedonia's got great handcrafted souvenirs, and there are loads of gift shops where you can pick up hand-painted terracotta pots, silver necklaces or traditional clothing. Plus, there are lots of clothes shops if you're after a new summery outfit that won't break the bank.

There isn’t really a high-end scene in Struga, though you might see some familiar names for sale in a sunglasses store in town, and a pair of designer sunnies will cost you less here too.

When the sun starts to dip, hop in a taxi for a short ride to Mango beach bar, where you can sink into a big bean bag on the beach and chat over the day’s best bits. Or stroll along the river in town and stop off at the easy-going Barabar Mezebar for a local beer.

There are lots of buzzy bars along Struga’s lakeshore 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. Or if you’d rather stay in town, Café Blloku is a favourite for a bar with a good vibe.

North Macedonian food is a bit of a mix between Turkish and Greek – you’ll get lots of Mediterranean flavours here, like fragrant stews, slow-cooked lamb, sheep’s cheese and salads packed with tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Look out for dishes using makalo (a smooth garlic dip that’s local to the area) and most meals are eaten with a glass of rakija on the side, which is a strong fruity spirit that’s common in this part of Europe.

10 minutes’ walk from the town centre, you can get a true taste of North Macedonian cooking here. The family-run restaurant is popular with the locals and serves pork and chicken skewers with roasted aubergine, and you can share a mezze spread of cold meat, bread, cheese and dips.

To try another local dish, head to the riverside and you’ll find this rustic pizzeria down a cobbled alley. Instead of an Italian pizza, order a pastrmalija, a North Macedonian speciality. The dough is stretched long and thin and is topped with tomato and cubes of pork. Once you’re nice and full, you’re in the perfect spot for an evening stroll along the water.

And for some wow-worthy 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 – and you might be visited by swans swimming along while you eat.

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.

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.