1. It’s not in Greece.
Okay, actually I already knew that Macedonia was also a country, not just an ancient area of Greece, thanks mostly to a mild addiction I had to playing Sporcle’s Countries of the World and Flags of the World geography games while living in Japan.
But it turns out there’s some serious controversy surrounding the country’s name, with many insisting it only be referred to as the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).
Oh, and don’t even get started on Alexander the Great…
2. Lake Ohrid completely deserves the hype.
When people in Serbia and Albania kept raving about Lake Ohrid and telling us not to skip it, I was a little skeptical. I mean hello, I’m from Norway, so it takes a lot for a lake to impress me.
Oh my goodness, Lake Ohrid was so impressive! Not only was the water beautifully clear and perfect for a refreshing dip, but the whole area is surrounded by quaint fishing villages and majestic mountains.
Slightly less impressive, however, was the weather. It rained almost our entire time in Ohrid, so I only managed to get a couple of photos between downpours.
If you want a real treat while on the lake stay at Villa Bisera – it’s super luxurious with beautiful lake views, and actually a lot cheaper than you’d think. Check current rates and availability here
3. Skopje is home to 284 statues.
Okay that might be a rough estimate, but I’m pretty sure it’s close. Seriously, there were enormous statues everywhere. Pretty bizarre. But it’s bizarre in such a charming way too – in fact I think Skopje might just be one of my favorite European capitals.
4. Skopje was totally redesigned in 2014.
Apparently Skopje didn’t always look this bizarre. “Skopje 2014” was a both costly and controversial project launched by the government in 2010 in an effort to transform the capital into a more unified and visually appealing European city.
We asked various locals what they thought about their city’s makeover, and responses ranged from awkward silences to mild acceptance to full on disgust. One man complained that it was just an unnecessarily expensive display of nationalism aimed against Greece and ethnic Albanians living in Macedonia. Ouch!
5. This meal cost us a total of 3 euros, including a 2-liter jug of local red wine.
Restaurant meals in Skopje were similarly cheap and tasty.
6. People in Macedonia speak German!
After struggling in Albania due to my lack of Albanian/Italian/Greek language skills, I was so pleased to be greeted with “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?”
Why yes, I do spreche !
This especially worked with elderly men, as it seemed that all of them had at some point spent time working in Germany, which meant that we were hanging with a pretty cool crowd while in Macedonia.
7. Šuto Orizari, or Shutka, the world’s largest concentrated Roma population, isn’t quite the outrageous gypsy festival one might imagine.
I had been both fascinated and horrified by the plight of the Roma community in Serbia and Albania, so when I heard that Shutka was just I fifteen-minute bus ride from Skopje’s city center I was curious to visit. But while I did eat an extraordinarily tasty pita burger there, I didn’t feel like I was anywhere particularly out of the ordinary.
For the Roma “Gypsies,” however, Shutka is something quite extraordinary.
Having left India more than a thousand years ago, the Roma people can be found spread around the world and they are almost always discriminated against, living on the outskirts of society. Shutka is the only municipality in Europe with Romani as an official language and a Roma mayor.
8. Macedonia is incredibly easy to hitchhike through.
I know hitchhiking is easier for girls, but I can’t imagine anyone having a hard time finding a ride in Macedonia. We hitchhiked everywhere, including from Skopje to Greece, with our longest wait being about eight minutes.
9. We didn’t have to book any rooms in advance.
Sometimes it pays to visit a place during off-season (if even just barely off).
We weren’t in Ohrid for three minutes before someone was pointing us to an apartment we could stay in for 6 euros/night. The owner was the sweetest woman who continuously fed us coffee and cookies.
Of course if you want to stay somewhere nicer you’ll definitely want to book ahead, but if all you’re looking for is a cheap room then you should easily find something on arrival (at least during the off season).
In Skopje we stayed at Backpacker’s Skopje. The location was incredibly convenient and the rooms very comfortable, and we learned that a perk of staying somewhere with perpetually high staff is that they will keep bringing you food.
Click here for current prices and more details about Backpacker’s Skopje.
Agness says
284 statues? Ok, that’s so bizarre and the meal for 3 euros including the wine? Suddenly I’ve added Macedonia to my bucket list!!
Silvia says
I think the wine was just over a euro, and it was really delicious, as were the fresh vegetables. I’d say Macedonia is worth a trip for the wine and vegetables alone 🙂
Pero says
you must to visit Macedonia
alice says
Dont come here im a native, it sucks! And for u it may be cheap, but for us is fucking expencive. The economy is so bad. Best regards.
Dimitar says
Pa zaradi takvi idioti i takva e kako sto e. Koj covek si ja pluka drzavata vaka, malogragjanince
Jas Licno says
Dimitar, Alice doesn’t sound like Macedonian from The Republic of Macedonia i.e. she sounds like someone who is from Greece!, nor her name is typical Macedonian, so let her spread anti- Macedonia propaganda, who ever visited Macedonia knows that Macedonians are warm… and it is the crossroad of many religions, traditions, languages,…
Annie says
I am Greek living in Skopje, Macedonia the last months and I have very good impressions of the Macedonians! They are very warm people and you can enjoy good and cheap food almost everywhere 🙂 There are many nice places to visit in Macedonia. I have been to Matka, it’s wonderful and today I visited Mavrovo national park. It was great!
viktoria says
da! skapanici se samo plukaat
Kashif says
Hi!
Guys I from Pakistan and want to get some information about Macedonia in terms of visit, safety, and so on. If some friend from over there could guide me it will be great favor.
Kirche From Chicago says
Kashif! Where in Macedonia do you want to go?
Pero says
Great post! My friend Nate Reyher (who you may now) forwarded this on to me as I am of Macedonian descent. So glad you enjoyed the country. It’s a beautiful place!
Silvia says
So glad to hear that Nate sent you over here! Macedonia was enchanting, and the people there were soooo nice to us. I definitely want to go back again!
kami says
I’m going to Macedonia in November and suddenly I want to go right now! It sounds so quirky and so affordable I’m sure I will enjoy it big time! (and probably before going I will come to you asking for some advices!)
Silvia says
You’re going to love it! And if you don’t, you’ll at least be able to drown your sorrows in some delicious, cheap wine! ha. And it looks like our travel itineraries have been mirroring each other quite a bit this year – my next post is going to be on Greece!
kami says
oh, I can’t wait to read about your story from Greece! well, great minds think alike 😉 hopefully one day our paths will cross!
TonyJDot says
I’ve been to Macedonia several times and loved visiting Orhid! The food was so delicious 🙂 Viewing your photos has brought back wonderful memories…thank you for that!
Safe travels,
Tony
Silvia says
Thanks so much, Tony, glad you enjoyed revisiting your memories of Macedonia!
Frank says
Hi Silvia,
Beautiful photos and the price is certainly right! I gather there aren’t too many vegetarian options in Macedonia?
Frank (bbqboy)
Silvia says
Actually, Macedonia is famous for its delicious salads! Farmers in Macedonia seem to have high standards for their vegetables, making them some of the tastiest I’ve had.
Andy says
Most farmers in Macedonia cannot afford to buy fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. This makes the fruit and vegetables not only natural and organic, but they actually taste delicious. Of course, if you have natural grapes you will get natural wine. Good and not expensive, but please don’t call it cheap. Macedonian wine, beer and spirits (rakija) are exported to every country in the world, except our good neighbor Greece. I always enjoy the food and drink in Macedonia, my favorite is Shopska Salata, and the people are the friendliest you can imagine.
Ethnic Bulgarians says
The people of “Macedonia” are ultra nationalist extremist that hide their ethnic Bulgarian heritage. They are just friendly to anyone that calls them “Macedonian”. Everyone with even remote knowledge of the Hellenistic period and a brain larger than a peanut know they are not “Macedonian”.
Silvia says
Ha, thanks for the perfect example of how passionate people are about this debate!
jovana says
WE aren’t hellenic..WE are Macedonian and WE live in Macedonia, not greece… Also WE aren’t fyrom!
Nikon Raptis says
Ha ha. This Turk above that calls himself Greek today forgets that virtually any tourist that visits Greece & Turkey will think “wow, they look like Turks”. Why? Think about it, not only you were ruled by the Turks for multiple centuries & you’re next door neighbours, you have the same mannerisms & genes. This is due to your close proximity with the Turks due to migration. Greeks even share the same Turkish surnames!
I’d say most of Europe, especially the Balkans is mixed due to wars etc. But you will find a Greek saying that only Greeks are pure ancestors of somebody from 3000 years ago.
If only they shared their “Ancient Greeks”civilised, superiority & extraordinary skills today, the Modern Greeks wouldn’t rely on hand outs from the EU to get them through the week. Instead, they can only lean on history to talk about the has been. Move on with the times and update your resume!
B says
Hahah love it!! Spot on! Warm greating from Macedonia 🙂
George S. says
He’s not Greek, he’s Bulgarian. Bulgarians and Albanians spend more time claiming Macedonia is their own than does Greece which is a mere name issue that most Greeks like myself do not care about. I’ve been to Macedonia and I’ve met many Macedonian tourists in Greece, and I have many Macedonian’s who are good friends of mine. Just because politicians have their issues doesn’t mean that the common people do. And yes, genetically every one is mixed, and the Ottoman empire (which also controlled Macedonia and the rest of the Balkans) did leave lineage in the Balkans. However Balkan nationalists are obsessed with being ‘pure’. It’s not just Greek nationalists who claim this but Albanian and Macedonian nationalists too….it’s quite delusional.
Jordan says
Both countries have much in common. They work together, many Greeks have business in Macedonia. Many Macedonians spend money in Greece and The Republic of Macedonia is the three top source countries for tourists to Greece, many Мacedonian have apartments in Greece. Many Greeks go to Macedonia on weekends and visit theirs casinos. Both nations today are mixed, the origin is mixed and changed. On these territories were later ruled by Turks, wars and so on. So, were the Macedonians Greeks or only Macedonians? – The only answers is nobоdy knows. Saying either a complete yes or a complete no are purely ideological positions.
Jas Licno says
Ultra-nationalostic are the Greeks who voted for Golden Down.- Zlatna Zora (ultra natinalistic political party with 10% support from the people in Greece). Shame on you Greece for not recognizing who we, the Macedonians really are. You even elected politicians from this nationalistic and nazi political party to be in the Euro parliament. “Congrats!”
Alexander the Great says
Hello Jas, Greeks are similar to you and of different opinions. History is clear I think. Alexander the Great of the Macedonians united all the different “Greek” tribes by force as it was the Greek way of settling things (see Troy), attacking the Persians(major Greek threat) providing the Hellenic era. Hence, the ancient Macedonians were a Greek (Dorian) tribe and until today their living area is at Northern Greece(West-Central-East Macedonian states). 1000 years later than Alexander, at byzantine times Slavs were invited and settled in the Macedonian area of Byzantium. Later, at Ottoman Empire times all whether Greeks or Slavs among other Ottoman citizens were simply called themselves as Macedonians(intermarriages existed among Christians) and on due course the Macedonian local dialect developed in parallel to Greek (that ancient Macedonians spoke, later Greek Macedonians) or Turkish or Bulgarian or Jewish etc that other Ottomans spoke This local dialect became the Macedonian language that includes mainly Bulgarian but also words of all the above. Now at Tito times the part of South-slavia or Yugo-slavia was developed into a Macedonian state where Macedons (of Slavic origin) lived on the north of the Greek Macedonia for various political reasons.
Hence it is fair the FYROM part to be North Macedonia otherwise it is not true and confusing saying that this northern part is the whole of Macedonia while there are other parts mentioned above in Greece but also in Bulgaria and Albania.
As you wish to be called Macedonians speaking Macedonian it is your right and accepted by Greece and Bulgaria and Albania if I am not mistaken. Also the Greeks have the right to be called as they like and they are calling themselves Greek Macedonians since Hellenic times (as all Greeks are different tribes and Greek is mentioned for (language and religion) unity like Greek Spartans , Greek Cretans, Greek Thracians, Greek Cypriots etc)
Most Greeks and not only the extreme-right wing you mentioned may dislike the above and also it seems that most Macedonians of FYROM may also dislike the above. Both chose the easy way of “winner takes all rather than win-win”. Nevertheless today the proposal seem fair to me for both creating an advantage mainly for your country(NATO/EU member) but maybe for Greece too in the future due to ability to live as good friends brought by a solution based upon history rather than both sides turning a blind eye and be egoists. Moreover if all become European Union citizens they integrate I understand. All the best to your country.
Nick the Greek says
FYRoM is a beautiful country but it is not Macedonia. Macedonia is further south inside Hellenic national boundaries. FYRoM is Paeonia and then Dardania north from Skopje.
The South-Slavs of FYRoM must learn Western worlds long established mainstream historical narrative, and then adhere to it, the way the West adheres to it.
Those who see FYRoM like Macedonia are anti-Hellenic at heart and anti-Western by extension.
Those who see Yugoslavians like Macedonians have issues with Greeks, history, demography and philology.
I say again: FYRoM is not Macedonia and the peoples there are Slavic. Macedonians on the other hand have always been a Greek-speaking Hellenic-peoples…a regional-historical people-group of ethnic-Greek stock.
Pero says
im sorry for you my friend
From Ohrid says
Oh c’mon. A Greek nationalist on a tourist site. To all the tourists.
We are Macedonians. “Macedonia” in Northern Greece renamed their region to “Macedonia” around 30 years ago. This is because less than 100 years ago that region in Northern Greece was demographically Macedonian land (where Alexander the Great was born), but stolen due to expulsion & murders by the Greeks. If Greeks were Macedonians they simply would have been Macedonians not Greek!!
Nevertheless, do head over to Northern Greece via the border at Bitola, Macedonia & you will go through Macedonian speaking people in Greece ie; at the border almost all customs officials & duty free shop workers speak Macedonian. There are towns near the border that are populated with Macedonian speaking people & even Greeks themselves speak it. The Greek Govt won’t acknowledge the minority groups there that were once the majority because they are racist.
You will also notice that every vehicle coming from Macedonia into Greece will get a sticker slapped on their screen reading “We do not recognise the word MKD (short for Macedonia)”. Yes, they are racist. No human rights in Greece!
Nevertheless, not all Greeks are like that but if you are not Macedonian then you have no problem. If you’re Turkish, it’s probably worse 🙂
Silvia says
Oh wow, I hitchhiked across the border into Greece, but I hadn’t realized that they were putting stickers saying they don’t recognize MKD. That sounds pretty extreme!
Jas Licno says
Don’t you Fyrom me! Yes, it is not Fyrom, but it is The Republic of Macedonia, and guess what I am Macedonian, I speak Macedonian, so grow up, it is the 21 century, and you are so narrowminded, who are you to tell me what is the name of my country or who I am?! The right of selfdetermination is basic and important right. Better check your country Greece, where 10% of the people voted for Zlatna Zora, nationalostic political party with neo-nazi elements…
Stephan says
Macedonia is on the top of my list “friendliest places to live”. Thanks for the article is really great !
Silvia says
I’m not surprised to hear that. People were so friendly and helpful to me there!
Miki says
I must say your photos are amazing! Nice shots!
I also liked your review, it’s pretty accurate.
btw. I’m from Ohrid 🙂
Silvia says
Wow, what a beautiful place to be from 🙂
rosanne talbot says
HI I am coming to lake Ohrid on the 21st of July. i have two questions to ask. how do I change money from Euros to MC Dinar as that domination does not exist on our island.
Secpond question is what is the best transport available from Skopje Airport to Lake Ohrid.
Thanks for your help and advice
Rosanne Malta
Silvia says
I didn’t exchange money, but instead I just took out money from an ATM when I arrived. I hitchhiked everywhere, but you could also take the bus. You can find the schedule here: http://www.sas.com.mk/en/
Antonija says
You should have stayed more. You should have seen the waterfalls. And other cities. You would have been amazed by them. 🙂
I am glad you loved my country though. It was nice reading this.
Silvia says
I was really sad that my trip had to be so short and rushed. But I enjoyed my time in the country so much that I’m sure I’ll make another trip there soon!
Dragan Tapshanov says
I am glad that u enjoyed exploring Macedonia. But u should come back when u have time, there is so much more to be seen 🙂
Silvia says
Actually, I’m already starting to plan another trip to Macedonia! Maybe even as soon as next spring 🙂
Dragan says
Great! If i am home then will give u a tour in the rural places. Have safe travels!
Dok says
Please next time don’t miss Bitola, the second largest city with a big European feel known for the Sirok Sokak street. Also the ancient Macedonian city Heraclea Lyncestis is next to Bitola. I also recommend Berovo and the Koleshino Waterfall.
Silvia says
I’ve heard such great things about Bitola. Next time I will have to go, and I will have to make sure to plan longer than just one week in the country!
Stefan says
Hey Nick Greek i wanna tell you something becouse abviosly you dont know the histury and you greeks learn from your own books and your history…All historics know that roseta stone that was found in Egypt its from 10 000 years before Crist and on it its WRITEN MACEDONIA.ALL realy educaten historics know that.Macedonia is first country writen in the Bible.Macedonia exists many years before our great leader came Alexander the Macedonian,and his father Philip from Macedon was said at the time.All great educated people knows that all the world knows that its so simple you just have to read REAL BOOKS not your greeks one,see some documentarys from real historics not americans or what ever.Greek and greeks people have bowned before Philip from Macedon,father of Alexander the Macedonian and he starded to build army with you include our macedonians army.The leader always was macedonian man,Philip and then his son Alexander.And many years later all countrys were jelous and still are of our country and people and tryed and still are trying to concure to take parts of our country our people our name cz they wanted for themselfs.Thats the real history for Macedonia and macedonians my friend and all that helens stuffs are from your books and is so sad that you can think you can separete us from our name or country or whatever.That will never happen be sure of that,cz we are proud people and we will take care of our country forever! Ty
Pero says
thaank you Silvia for this beautiful post for my country, you are welcome again…
Silvia says
Thanks, Pero, I definitely want to return some day!
Tourist says
Hey Blondy
I don’t know if you went to Struga but it’s around 15 minutes north of Lake Ohrid. Here too you will find beautiful eateries along the water of the lake, that are actually on the water (unlike in Ohrid) at a decent price.
Everybody should also visit Sv Naum which is on the way to Trpejca (around 30mins drive or you can bus it) & this is where the water is amazing.
Silvia says
I did visit Trpejca, which was beautiful, but next time I will have to see Struga as well!
Stefan says
Great post! Some passionate comments here – as passionate as the people (it’s in my blood too). My family roots are from Florina and we had the pleasure of travelling there from Australia a few years ago. When we go back we’ll definitely head further north into FYROM. Looks amazing! 🙂
Silvia says
It was amazing! And yeah, I feel like I’ve learned so much more by reading the passionate comments here!
ivan says
I will like to say do not listen politics just come to macedonia and u will see everything btw give a coplimeny to silvia for excellent point of view and we r more then ready to welcome u again.
Silvia says
Thank you, Ivan, what a nice comment! Macedonia charmed me the first time, so I imagine I would love it even more when I go again!
Bojan, a Macedonian from San Francisco, CA says
Hi there, I am so glad that you have visited Macedonia. I read the article and nonetheless I would generally agree with your remarks.
284 statues? Wow, even I was not aware that there are so many. I have lived here for almost 2 years in California, and I know for a fact that they placed even more statues while I was gone.
Let me tell you an anecdote, Three days ago, in my office, in downtown SF, I accidentally met 2 wonderful people who have been to Macedonia 3 years ago. I would have not found out that they have been there until I gave them my business card, so when they saw my “unusual” name they asked where I am from. They were so excited to hear that I am from Macedonia, and then they told me everything about their “Yugoslavian tour” that they did 3 years ago — they visited all former Yugoslavian states — including Macedonia!
“Your country is wonderful, we love the statues”, said one of the guys. Then the other guy asked me what do I think about the project “Skopje 2014″. The other guy interrupted me and said: “I know – you have mixed feelings about the project just like everyone else there, correct?” I said: “Yes”, I really deem that the finances could have and should have been spent more wisely and productively, in the interest of the citizens. The statues essentially do not improve the well-being of the citizens, it does help tourism-wise, but the standard is the same. I did agree that Skopje, the capital, needed a change, a more contemporary European and modern style, however we all agreed that some other things should have been done first.
The guys said: “Yes, your road infrastructure is not that great, it can be far better. Someone should have thought about that first before this project. We went to Slovenia, we loved the roads there. Croatia as well. The Macedonian schools also need to be modernized, but also the hospitals. It seems that there are so many things to be done”.
I agreed with them. It is amazing how a foreigner recognizes immediately how some things are not done correctly or in the right time sequence, but overall they had a great experience. They loved the food as well. They also commented about the trains: “Oh, the trains are horrible”. I agreed — the trains have not been replaced for 50-60 years now — they are from Yugoslavian time.
Also, important to note, as Americans, they simply thought that communism and socialism are bad, but could not understand how Tito has not been forgotten in all former 6 Yugoslavian republics. I agreed that communism is bad, however Yugoslavia was not the same country compared to Romania during Chaushesku’s time, Bulgaria during Todor Zivkov’s time or Albania during Enver Hoxha’s time. Not to mention present North Korea. Yugoslavia had the 4th largest army in the world, was a football and basketball superpower and the borders were open!
It was a pleasure talking to these guys and they said they will go back to visit Macedonia again!
I am glad that you are also willing to visit again! Best regards from San Francisco!
HaveFaith says
Must visit!Mother Teresa was born in Macedonia-Skopje.Enough said !!!
Silvia says
Good point!
Robbie says
Thanks for the wonderful article. I was inspired, I visited Macedonia and I LOVED IT!!
Would have to be my number one pick for Europe. Also the people are so so welcoming. Thank you!
Silvia says
That’s so great, Robbie! I think it must be one of my favorite places in Europe as well.
Andrew says
We started in Thessaloniki and filled ourselves in Greece with ancient Macedonia, biblical Greece and mythical though badly organised museums and a few great beaches thrown in. Then we travelled to the Republic of Macedonia in Ohrid which is so cute and a real walking city not yet overdeveloped. We found the pollution in Skopje heavy. If it’s architecture you want then go to Budapest, Vienna even Sofia for the real thing, here it’s like a waist of space and locals are not comfortable with the new ‘old’ buildings. but the old Albanian part of Skopje is great for local colour and taking it easy. Albanian Skopje is great for experiencing Albanians without the hassle of going to Albania (unfriendly country where you always have to be careful). We also visited a few places around Skopje, a great water fall and Tetovo (avoid). Then we went into Bulgaria which has some stunning places but that’s another story. The Republic of Macedonia was a nice place and met some nice people.
Silvia says
Your comment makes me want to see more of Macedonia! I would also love to go back to Bulgaria – I haven’t been since I was 18.
Paul Brodski says
A most impressive site, Silvia!
I do appreciate highly your interest in the historic-geographical Balkan subregion of Macedonia, the land of my Bulgarian ancestors.
In case you do not know, the ethnic Bulgarians are divided into three regional groups: Thracian Bulgarians, Moesian Bulgarians, and Macedonian Bulgarians. In the 1940’s, the Macedonian Bulgarians living within the borders of Yugoslavia were transformed by the communist dictator Tito into “ethnic Macedonians.”
Hopefully, you will also enjoy your trip to Bulgaria proper.
Best wishes from an American descendant of Bulgarians from Macedonia!
Simon says
hey you!!! Just to remember you that the Macedonians have nothing to do with Bulgarians…they are totally different! Bye!
*for bulgarians everything is bulgarian…haha dont make me laugh
Mario Brighenti says
Hi there 🙂
You just had a cool comment on my article about Romania 2 days ago and here I am today reading your well written article about Macedonia. The fact is that I just booked my ticket after many days of doubts . I am going in 3 weeks, mostly to hike, enjoying nature, discovering culture, learning, making photos, eating THAT wine and…ok I stop 🙂 Your article just reassured me and I want to thank you )
sarah says
Now i must visit Macedonia! It’s look like very, very beautiful country
Silvia says
It really is!
Dusica says
I am so glad you like macedonia. I am from there and i also agree that is amazing. If you have not been back there the boat is finished and it’s a restaurant. They are building 3-4 more boats just like that one. Now you can speak english because they make us learn english just if someone comes here. Sure hope we meet of you come. Even if it is by accident 🙂
Silvia says
It sounds like I need to go back to Skopje!
John says
Hej, sjovt skriv. Jeg er skandinav, bor i Skopje og skriver bl.a. om landet. Her er en forklaring – på dansk — på de mange statuer og hvorfor de splitter landet: http://tekstpetersen.dk/skopje-2014-sammenhaengskraft/
Blagoja says
Thank you for visiting Macedonia, there are many wondrous places you have not seen in our beautiful country.
We would be very happy to show you 🙂
http://www.macedonia-tours.com
Peter says
Southern Slavs are NOT Macedonians
Macedonia is GREEK and only heritage
Ilektra says
This is definitely a beautiful country for one to visit, it is not Macedonia though. Αs it is a matter of information, and education on history, the country is called Vardarska https://www.flickr.com/photos/bilwander/14016049895 and its residents simply hijacked the name of Macedonia, for their ethnogenesis, tourism, to usurp the certified name of Macedonian products of Greece, like the wines, etc. It is a pitty such a beautiful country to built its start on a fraud turning it to a disneyland with statues of Alexander everywhere, it will eventually return as a boomerang. Apart from the name fraud it is a nice place to be visited.
Julia says
I don’t know much about Macedonia, but after reading this post I’m intrigued. That’s so interesting that some of the locals speak German. Also, yes please to a delicious, 3 euro meal!
Matt says
284 statues…this is a great fun fact!!
I am heading over to Skopje tomorrow, so your blog post gave me some really good idea what to expect, thanks so much!
Anna says
Great post, love your blog! I just found flights from London to Skopje for only 20 pounds and your post makes me think Macedonia is certainly worth a visit and its looks like a bargain break too which is even better! 🙂
Silvia says
Oooh that’s amazing, you have to go! It will be the cheapest holiday ever, haha.
lili says
hey girl. I have found your blog looking for some tips on Macedonia. Well, after travelling in Norway this summer, my expectations were at the level about “hoping-that-they-have-something-at-least-pretty-there”. Can anything beat Norwegian landscapes really? So good to here, that there is something it can possible do it! 😀 Thanks for rising my motivation about this trip! 🙂
It is a very nice blog and I really like your indimidating way of writing this or some others articles. Although, I rarely feel like adding American travel bloggers to my blog roll on, your site seems to be worth to come back to :)! Congrats 🙂
Katherine says
Great article! We are in Macedonia at the moment, so this was really helpful. We did the walking tour in Skopje today, great to learn about Mother Theresa and the Skopje 2014 project (which still isn’t finished haha). Beautiful place with friendly people.
Silvia says
That sounds so fun!
Kirche From Chicago says
What up to my Macedonian peeps! Looked through the comments… saw a few haters. To the Bulgarian Historian.. get off your computer and go have a few drinks, maybe a little weed. Girlfriend? Whatever! I still love you my fellow human. The FYROM guy… for sure you wouldn’t say it to the face of a Macedonian. LOL A Macedonian might choke slam you to Hell like the mighty Undertaker! SIL!Love this post! But you really messed up. You didn’t go to the Korzo in Bitola! Nightlife is freaking AWESOME! I’m going back in March 2017 and I’m staying for six months. Peace and Love! #BertIsFat
Macedonia-Bitola. says
For all travelers who want to visit Republic of Macedonia i have only one thing to say.
DON’T EVER SAY BAD WORDS FOR OUR COUNTRY, YOU WILL NOT LIKE THE BACK RESULTS.
We are good people we like to have visitors and we are greatfull for that but don’t touch our history.
And for the all of you ANTI-MACEDONIANS come and say it direcly to our face, but make sure first you do health insurance. You all write here everything, but you have no balls to say it direcly and you will never have the balls i’m 100%.
And if you do you will make BIG mistake.
Once again visitors if you want to see good places and eat/drink good foods/drinks visit us we will be happy to give you a great welcome to our paradise.
Rosa says
Hey! Thanks for your lovely post! I’m visiting macedonie next month and I’m curious (sorry if I overlooked it) in what hostels did you stay in Skopje and Ohrid?
Thanks a lot! Liebe Grüße aus Berlin!
Rosa
Silvia says
In Ohrid I stayed in an apartment, but I’ve heard really great things about this hostel: http://go.redirectingat.com?id=72376X1521313&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fmk%2Fvilla-ohrid-ohrid.en-gb.html
And both of the times I visited Skopje I stayed at this hostel: http://go.redirectingat.com?id=72376X1521313&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fmk%2Fbackpackers-hostel.en-gb.html
I hope you have an amazing trip!
Biljana says
The moment when some foreign visitor describes his visit in Macedonia is very interesting to me. Immediately there are “agents on duty” which comment that Macedonia is Greek, Macedonians are Bulgarians, etc. Let me reveal a secret. Do you know how much the foreign visitors care about history, NONE, ZIP, ZERO. They travel to visit the natural beauties, people tradition, food … So this girl had so nice time in Macedonia, and all of you “historians” have destroyed her visit here, with all of your poison words towards our people. Thank you Silvia for the nice words, you are welcome again in our beautiful country.
TAS says
There is ONE palace in Potsdam outside of Berlin that has like 400 statues on it… just to compare to your quantitative noticing. :).
Agness of Etramping says
Such charming countries definitely deserve much more attention, Silvia! It’s really great you left the history and all the controversy aside and showed us a country which is definitely worth exploring. You have given me an amazing hitchhiking destination! 🙂
Silvia says
It really is great for hitchhiking!
Iftikhar. says
Absolutely bowled over after reading through all the lovely experiences of different travellers from all over the globe. I am preparing to travel to Macedonia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, and Romania this coming summer , and would love to find a local who could become my travelling partner (all expenses paid) in Macedonia – anyone interested ?? Please feel free to e mail me back any Macedonian reading this post (balahisar2018@yahoo.com).
Ana says
I fell in love with Macedonia as well. I think Ohrid would be a great honeymoon destination. What a gorgeous and relaxing place. Great pics btw.
michael Bryant says
I went there, I felt something that just wasn’t real, the sites were pretty but when i looked at th statues and museums, something didn’t feel real. If you know what i mean.
Mario says
Acually, there is nothing free or cheap anywhere. The cheap food and accomodation will be paid in health. Air pollution (worse in Europe and up there with Iran, China and India), toxic wastelands blown by air, some close to downtown Skopje. Oldest EU cars end up on the Macedonian market, emmiting vissible black clouds. The food is not local, it is imported as rejected EU shipments from other countries that Macedonia takes. All good Macedonian products end up on foreign markets. If you decide to run in Skopje along the Vardar river in the Summer, you’d be greated with plascic and tire burning, coming from the Roma dumps. The cities reek of sewage, buiding entrances of cat piss, and I dare you to board a city buss. Taxis are cheap but they come with cigarette smoke from the driver. Ohrid lake is a toxic wasteland, and also all untreated sewer goes there. I’d avoid visiting and living for prolonged time in Macedonia, and any third world countries. (Disclaimer: I am not Greek.) Thank you.
David from travelscams.org says
Thanks for sharing Silvia! We liked Macedonia too, especially since it’s not that touristy. Of course, it’s not perfect, but it still does make for an interesting trip and we also found Lake Ohrid one of the highlights of our time there.
Kylee says
I love this post mainly because I spent 8 weeks volunteering in the hospital in Macedonia and feel like it’s super underrated and deserves much more attention! Your point, #4 really gets me because I was told that the money the government used to redesign the city was supposed to be used to re-do the hospitals. Everyone I spoke to was unamused and unimpressed that the government chose to instead redesign the city.
Translation AZ says
Wow, what a beautiful place 🙂