North Macedonia 🇲🇰 in a Day: Lake Ohrid & Capital Skopje

Both places were unknown to me before this trip! The 3-hour bus ride connected these two gems. Pro tip: Use denars locally (though euros 💶 are accepted, change often comes in local currency)—better to pay by card when possible! Ohrid Lake Region Serenely beautiful, with swans gliding across the lake 🦢. Hiked up to the hilltop Samuel’s Fortress 🏰—the panoramic views from the top were worth the climb! 📸 Photo Diary 1️⃣-4️⃣: Lakeside scenery (mostly shot from a wobbly boat tour 🚤). 4️⃣: Spotted a shirtless boy rowing his boat—pure Balkan summer vibes! ☀️ 5️⃣-8️⃣: Samuel’s Fortress—steep steps inside lead to the highest viewpoint (caution for elderly travelers!). 9️⃣: Ancient Theatre of Ohrid (c. 300 BC), still hosting performances today! Saint Sophia Church ⛪️ One of many lakeside sculptures. Skopje Arrived late, so photos turned out dark 😅—but the city’s "sculpture kingdom" vibe was unmistakable! Every corner revealed statues. Alexander the Great Monument on Macedonia Square. Iconic Stone Bridge (15th century) spanning the Vardar River. Statue of Alexander’s mother. Statue of Philip II (Alexander’s father). Mustafa Pasha Mosque 🕌 Skopje Fortress silhouette. Random Jason Momoa ad—Aquaman in the Balkans?! 😂 Key Locations 📍 Ohrid: Southwest North Macedonia. Lake Ohrid—Balkans’ 2nd largest & deepest natural lake, framed by mountains with crystal blue waters. 📍 Skopje: Capital of North Macedonia. #Travel #OffbeatDestinations #HiddenGems #WorldTravel #NorthMacedonia #Ohrid #OhridLake #Skopje #Balkans #SculptureCity