Table of Contents
Share the article
Do you want to go further than the norm this summer? National Geographic Hugging Europe’s ‘last boundary’.
Instead of setting up as a different face in a row of Parisian Trottoir cafés or water guns avoiding the constant protests of Spain, why not go to the Balkans, to offer a vast region of lesser -known destinations without beauty, dishes and experiences?
Albania has demonstrably become the most triggered Balkans, but next door is North Macedonia and is holding on to the status “hidden gem”, except for digital nomads in the knowledge that their best life leads.
Largely unexplored by regular travelers, who scrape the bottom of the ranks in terms of the least visited countries of Europe, North Macedonia is the home of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and happens to be one of my favorite discovery in all my travels.
Let’s dive into why Nat Geo this underestimated Lake Town finally gives the recognition it deserves.
Unveiling Europe’s most dreamy Lake Town
Can you think of a dreamy Lake Town than Lake Como?
I can because I have been and was blown away by how this undiscovered paradise fell through the cracks of the authors of guide for far too long.
At first glance, crossing the border of Albania-North Macedonia is nothing to shake a stick, and I have shaken many sticks in my day in the Texas countryside.
But once you pass the rugged roads of stray dogs and beaten cars, you realize quickly Ohrid Is really a diamond in the rough.
This Macedonian gem is not only as amazing as places like Lake Como, but it is much cheaper. It doesn’t even come close. I remember that I had a party of moussaka, grilled vegetables and a round beers without touching double digits.
Of course the service was interrupted by constant smoke breaks, but Hey, Europe is going to Europe, you know?
Nat Geo emphasizes Ohrid mainly because of the phenomenal food, and they are not wrong. But the attraction of Ohrid goes much further than a destination for gourmets; The architecture is amazing, the locals welcome, wandering around at all hours is safe, and yes, it is impossible to dent your bank account here.
Hotels? Don’t sweat that either. Find easily charming boutique enclosures and cheap luxury below $ 60.
But the real trek is Lake Ohrid himself. Europe’s deepest multi -rays of crystal clear water like a warm drawn bath and a serene setting with epic sunsets, where the locals gather in the timeless district Old Town to witness
Every day is Sunday in Ohrid
If you have not noticed it, the world is currently full of chaos. Wherever you are in the world, a usual way to illuminate the fear of constant negative headlines, went to church.
Well, Ohrid is known for having 365 churches, one for each day of the year. Although there is no word about what the locals did on Leap Day – Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Many of these age -old churches still remain and have been well preserved. You don’t even have to go on an official tour to find them; Swank just through the winding maze of paved streets and you will come across them in no time, as well as a beautiful mosque that anchores the old city, because there is a strong diversity of traditions and culture shown here in religion, lifestyle and kitchen hence the ‘moussaka’ reference earlier.
Although the religious institutions of Ohrid are in themselves wonders, you do a bad service if you do not pack your hiking shoes and go uphill Samuel’s FortWhere you can reward yourself with a picturesque patio chair in Fort Cafe.
A tour of the fort is recommended.
Nat geo hyped food, so let’s talk about food!
Wandering Ohrid, you will find typical Trotting cafés that we have all become of, but you will also find a range of kitchen from neighboring countries.
When I visited, I felt that I was in Athens or Istanbul in searching restaurant menus, although my favorite meal was at Damar With an airy patio with an air summit with an unparalleled view of the city.
I ordered brown trout directly, you guessed it, Lake Ohrid. It could not have been better prepared.
While I chose cheap local beer above the hard stuff, hypt wet geo too mastikaA Macedonian drink made from tree resin and local wines from the lesser -known wine region of the country outside the capital, Skopje.
Can you swim in Lake Ohrid?
There is nothing more inviting than unspoiled waters of sunbathing coasts, especially with beautiful temperatures in the mid -80s during the summer.
North Macedonia is perhaps a country surrounded, but you don’t want you to be in Santorini or the neighboring Paradisal Coast of Albania when you see how Pristine Lake Ohrid’s waters really are.
There are small beaches over the lake on both the sides of Macedonia and Albania, but if you want a secret, make sure you take the hidden promenade along the lake to avoid the treacherous hills.
Eventually you will reach a quieter side of the city with remote beaches such as Beach Labino And Beach Potpesh.
There are also frequent boat trips, but the most popular are Sunset Cruises, so make sure Book early!
Register to receive our twice weekly newsletter With free travel hacks: The upgrade!
✈️Become a member of our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like -minded travel buddies!
Subscribe to our latest messages
Enter your e -mail address to subscribe to the latest Breeknieuws from Path, directly to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
Opinions here are only the author, not those of a bank, credit card emitting, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been assessed, approved or otherwise approved by one of the entities that are included in the post.