Macedonia used to be one of the old Yugoslavian republics. Stuck between Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece it is a small country with a population of 700.000 people. It is unique because we have many historical and cultural similarities.

The Macedonian republic is located in the Balkan Peninsula and is on the border to Greece in the South, Bulgaria in the East, Albania in the west and Serbia and Kosovo in the North. Its natural beauty is outstanding as if it is an untouched country. Unlike other countries, mass tourism has not yet spoiled this country and its hospitality. The prices are reasonable and choices of accommodation are quite good.

Skopje

It is the capital city of Macedonia and has been established on both shores of the Vardar River. You can travel the city in a day. It has a history of Ottoman settlement. The city is decorated with many statues. Tours of Macedonia start in the city of Skopje with the 13 Arched Stone Bridges and Grand Bazaar being important points. Other famous places are the Mustafa Paşa Mosque in the market place, Kurşunlu Han, Sulu Han, Davut Paşa Turkish Bath all left behind after 500 years of Ottoman sovereignty. This can be added to the Skopje Castle, which is located on the highest area in Skopje.

Ohrid

It is one of the most beautiful cities of the Balkans and Macedonia’s most precious. It is a small city founded on the shore of the Ohrid Lake and can be travelled in a day. It has a unique architecture and is a peaceful place. Famous places to see are the Tsar Samuel Castle, UNESCO world heritage old city centre, Ali Paşa Mosque and Halveti Islamic Monastery. They say there used to be 365 churches around Ohrid. The world’s oldest Slav monastery, Sveti Naum and other churches such as St Pantelejmon and St Jovan Kaneo must not be missed. This city is 3,5 hours away from Skopje. You may also like to go on a boat trip on the lake.

Struga

You must stop at this new and touristic city built on the shore of Lake Ohrid. Struga is known for its art nights and poem festivals. The wooden bridge, which connects the shore to the Dirim River, is used as the poem festival centre. You will see many anchored boats opposite the bridge. Restaurants at the shore of the lake are peaceful. Although the city centre is small, the streets and market is clean. Struga is a university city therefore you can see many young people in the streets. There are buses travelling between Struga and Ohrid and the trip lasts 20 minutes.

Bitola

Bitola is famous for the many cultures it inhabits. It is Macedonia’s second largest city; in fact it is a town. It is calm, small and clean. Some streets have been the venue for Turkish TV shows for a long time. Bitola is slightly more advanced than other cities because in the past it was the military centre for the Ottoman’s Third army. This is also the place Atatürk came to in 1896 to study in the military high school. This is where he successfully took his military examinations and the city he lived in after Selanik.

Resne

Resne is famous for its apples. In the 14th Century, 1385-1913 it was part of the Ottoman Empire. You must visit The Resne market constructed in Kurbinovo during the 12th Century, St. George Monastery and Ahmet Niyazi Bey Palace.

Niyazi Bey was born in 1873 in Macedonia. He saw the Versailles Palace on a postcard and liked it very much. Therefore he decided to build a similar palace in Macedonia. He never got to see the completed structure because they say he was murdered for political reasons. (Today, used as an idiom: “Neither martyr, nor veteran, dying in vain Niyazi!”)

Niyazi Bey Palace is a cultural monument today. The building serves as a cultural house called Dragi Tozija. In the palace, there is also a gallery of Resne Ceramic Colony.

Galicnik

At the heart of the Miyak area, it is located in the skirts of Bistra and is 17 km from Mavroro. The historical village architecture has been protected and is 1400 metres wide. It is known for its traditional weddings taking place in traditional clothing. Weddings take place in July every year and might be interesting for those who would like to see the local traditions close up.

Gostivar

Gostivar, is located in upper Polog, West of Macedonia. You must see the small bronze statue of Menada, the Bakus Fairy.

Tetova

During the Ottoman times, it was the most important centre of the Balkans. The population is mostly muslim and is at the shore of the Pena River located on the skirts of the Sar Mountains, North West of Macedonia. It is 30 minutes from Skopje.

Mavrovo

This city is 1,5 hours away from the capital Skopje and is a favourite for those interested in skiing. It has an impressive natural beauty; forests, mountains and a river under snow. If you like skiing, note down Mavrovo skiing centre. Mavrovo National Park is full of Pine trees, and 52 peaks can be seen at 2000 metres, also you can see the Sar Mountain and the Pind Mountains from here as well. It can be a great nature walk for those who prefer trekking up the mountain.