🌟 Discover North Macedonia: Europe’s Hidden Gem

A Balkan secret with Swiss-like scenery 🏔️ – ancient towns ⛪, crystal lakes, and Mediterranean vibes minus the crowds! 🌤️ Best Time to Visit 🌸 Spring (Apr-Jun): Mild temps, wildflowers perfect for hiking ☀️ Summer (Jul-Aug): Hot (25-35°C/77-95°F) – ideal for Lake Ohrid 🍂 Autumn (Sep-Oct): Wine harvest season 🍇, crisp air ❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Snowy peaks at Popova Shapka ⛷️ ski paradise 🗺️ 5-Day Itinerary Skopje → Macedonia Sq. → Old Bazaar → Matka Canyon → Mavrovo NP → Ohrid → St. Naum Monastery → St. John Church → Lake Ohrid → Return 🏆 Top Destinations City Highlights Skopje Capital’s grand statues, Ottoman bazaar, Matka Canyon caves 🚣 Ohrid "Balkan Jerusalem" – 365 churches! St. Sophia’s frescoes ✝️ Lake Ohrid UNESCO World Heritage site (Europe’s oldest lake) 🌊 Mavrovo NP Hiking trails + eerie Sunken Church ⛪ Bitola Ottoman architecture, Roman mosaics at Heraclea 🏺 Kruševo Mountain town for paragliding 🪂 & 19th-century history Galičica NP Panoramic views over Ohrid & Prespa Lakes 🏞️ 🍽️ Must-Try Food Dish Description Tavče Gravče Baked bean stew 🇲🇰 – national comfort food! Shopska Salad Tomato/cucumber/pepper with sirene cheese 🥗 Burek Flaky pastry stuffed with meat/cheese/spinach 🥮 Kajmak Creamy dairy spread – pair with bread & grilled meats 🧈 💡 Travel Hacks Visa: Schengen/US/UK visa holders → 90-day visa-free! Cash: Denar (MKD) preferred – ATMs in cities 💶 Water: Tap water drinkable in cities 💧 (carry reusable bottle) Churches: Cover shoulders & knees – no shorts/tank tops 🙏 Connectivity: Buy One or A1 SIM at airports 📶 #HiddenEurope #NorthMacedonia #BalkanRoadTrip #LakeOhrid #BudgetTravel