In terms of tourism, Macedonia may be somewhat lost against the backdrop of super-hyped Greece and even not so popular Albania. Frankly, in Europe there are countries with much more developed cities and a large number of historical attractions, but Macedonia also has its trump card - nature! Forested mountains rise to heaven, slicing through the air. Picturesque lakes in the mountains, to which dozens of hidden paths lead. Perhaps, being alone with nature, you will learn some secrets about ancient civilizations when they inhabited this country.
The former Yugoslav Republic will appeal to both lovers of quiet walks in the mountains and fans of extreme outdoor recreation. Add affordable prices here and get the opportunity to experience unforgettable adventures in the “Pearl of the Balkans”. We will talk about 8 locations that will immediately conquer beauty and give the necessary dose of adrenaline to everyone.
8 amazing Macedonian outdoor adventures:
1
Scales of Vodno Mountain and a walk in the Uterus Canyon
Makedonski biseri [CC BY-SA]
After arriving in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, head towards Mount Vodno. All the way there by car will take no more than a quarter of an hour. Next, make a hike, following the clear paths covered with tree tops, bypassing mountain ranges, private houses and monasteries on your way. Set your goal - the peak in Krstovar, where the Millennium Cross is located, one of the largest Christian crosses in the world.
The peak offers a beautiful view of the city, so you can take some panoramic shots and, of course, a selfie. Well, after you have no choice but to descend into the canyon of the Uterus. The path will run through historical and religious monuments, including the monastery of St. Nicholas, built more than IV centuries ago.
Photo by Markus Bernet / wikipedia.org
It is best to cross the gorge in two ways: by boat or by foot bridge. Inside the canyon there is a lake of the same name. This is the oldest artificial lake in Macedonia hosts thousands of tourists every year. There are many types of recreation for your choice, among which climbing and hiking tours in the vast expanses of pristine nature. But if you trust only yourself - at your disposal 5 thousand hectares of uncharted territories!
By the way, on our site most-beauty.ru there is a fascinating article about the incredibly beautiful canyons of our planet.
2
Pass the furious rapids or relax under the sail
As soon as you find yourself on the shore of Lake Matka, grab the oars and storm the rapids in kayaks or rafting boats. If such a vacation is not for you, most-beauty advises you to take a walk through the calmer, but no less picturesque places of the gorge, surrounded by majestic cliffs. But we still insist on rafting down the Vardar River, the sensation of wind and splashing in the face while kayaking is something unimaginable.
Elen Schurova [CC BY-SA]
Two lakes Ohrid and Prespa are adjacent to each other, shared by the border with Greece and Albania. They are suitable as a route to one of these countries and can also become a platform for practicing water sports. Here you can swim in a boat in a more relaxed atmosphere without fighting boulders and strong currents. Just relax and enjoy the surrounding landscapes adorned with ancient monasteries that peek out from behind mountain ranges.
3
Take a bird's eye view of Macedonia
Perhaps the best thing is after a “horizontal” walk along the lakes of Ohrid and Prespa, to make a “vertical” inspection of the beauties of Macedonia, rising to a bird's-eye view. It's simple: choose a lake that you want to admire, climb to the top of Mount Galichitsa (height 2,254 meters), located exactly between two ponds, make an incredible descent on a paraglider. How do you like this plan?
The total time in the air is about 40 minutes, for which you will receive the maximum dose of adrenaline and you can take many pictures of the rocky terrain, lake and nearby villages. And if the weather and the instructor allow, you will have the opportunity to grab the reins yourself and fly at the highest speed, scaring the birds away.
4
Scuba dive in the Bay of Bones
You will say that it is impossible to go deep sea scuba diving in a landlocked country, and you will be mistaken. Amfora Diving Center on the shores of Lake Ohrid offers you an incredible experience of immersion in the waters of the "Bay of Bones", which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you will find not only many fish and plants, but also touch the world culture, hidden under the water.
Having plunged into the water under the reconstruction of the ancient Macedonian settlement, whose area is about 8.5 thousand km², you will find many artifacts related to the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Ceramic and stone objects of the inhabitants of Plocha Michov Grad cover the entire bottom of the bay. Here you can also find the bones of animals whose remains were dumped into the waters of the lake. The museum on wooden stilts offers visitors even more exhibits and talks about people for whom Lake Ohrid was home and the only way to survive.
5
Ride horses like locals
Photo by: Bogoevski [CC BY]
Shake off the noise of the city and ride among the mountains on horseback, as our ancestors did. Horseback riding is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Macedonia among tourists. The high demand for such an “attraction” is easy to explain - this is the only way you can quickly reach the most inaccessible places in the mountains, including the secluded corners of the Mavrovo National Park. Rushing through valleys and gorges, with your own eyes you will see how people lived long before our appearance.
Take a break in the old villages or just in the open air, enjoying the warm summer nights. Meet the locals who will share with you recipes of traditional dishes and tell you about the secrets of housekeeping. In the end, here you will become closer to nature and come into contact with noble animals, moving further away from the stresses that life in the city is filled with.
6
Cross the ski slopes
In winter, the mountains of Macedonia are covered with snow, and there comes a paradise for lovers of winter sports. There are many ski resorts in this country that have trails for both beginners and slalom professionals. Most of these resorts are comparable to the best alpine representatives.
Mount Popova Shapka in the Shar Planina mountain range attracts not only for its ability to ski with a breeze, but also for its proximity to the ancient city of Tetovo. It pleases both history buffs and fans of beautiful architecture, offering visitors mosques, Orthodox monasteries and fortresses.
Another popular resort is Krushevo, it is the highest located Macedonian city (more than 1,350 meters above sea level). During snowfalls, locals hang original hand-made fleecy blankets on the railing of the yamboliya balconies. We can assume that they clean them like that, but, in any case, it looks interesting.
7
Cycling through the highlands
Thousands of kilometers of mountain roads serve as excellent tracks for cycling. Among the most popular routes is the road between Skopje and Veles. True, it is not so simple, therefore it is often chosen by experts of bicycle races, who easily overcome all obstacles. However, the variety of landscapes makes it easier to find the track.
If you like traveling with a company, choose trips with a tourist group. This will help to spend time in a pleasant company and add variety to the trip, for example, you can go for a tasting of local wines and food.
Photo: Delfina [CC BY-SA]
To get acquainted with one of the best mountain areas of Macedonia, take a trip on the road in the mountains of Shar Planina. Your path will run through the national parks of Mavrovo and Galichitsa, where you will see dozens of lakes and mountains, wandering with an excursion along the Macedonian mountain trails. Combine business with pleasure by visiting vineyards in the Demir Kapiya region (large-scale tastings of fine wines are held there), as well as taking a walk along the Ohrid Lake, protected by UNESCO.
8
Toast for a great trip at Izlet Bar, Skopje
If you are in Skopje for just a few hours, relax in Izlet during a cup of coffee or a glass of beer. The institution is located on a quiet street near the city center, and is a real oasis with shady trees. Here you can gather in a circle of friends to share your impressions of a trip to Macedonia.
Of course, saying goodbye to this wonderful country will be a little sad, but the impressions of visiting this bar will slightly brighten up the bitterness of parting. The editors of most-beauty.ru asks you to write in the comments which of the amazing adventures of Macedonia you would like to survive.