Ohrid, North Macedonia: A Pocket-Sized Paradise You Must Discover!

Fell head over heels for this tiny Balkan gem 💖—from the capital Skopje to lakeside Ohrid, my fairy-tale couchsurfing host Viktor drove me through it all! Fun fact: Crossing this pint-sized nation (north to southwest) takes just 3 hours! En route, we brunched at a rustic manor, sipped soul-warming fish soup 🐟, and I became obsessed with their lemon-honey tea🍯. Evenings meant lakeside wine, beef stew, grilled chicken, and pistachio gelato under starry skies. After dinner? Moonlit strolls by ancient churches and the lapping lake—pure bliss! 🌟 Unforgettable 48 Hours Woke up to goose serenades 🦢 in my affordable lake-view room Hiked Galičica National Park , witnessing twin glacial lakes 💧 Heard local legends: "That island? A king’s fortress—now guarded by snakes in its ruined church!" 🐍 Swam in Bay of Bones’ surreal turquoise waters 🌊 (¥20 museum entry). Pro tip: This warm, swimmable lake beats freezing high-altitude Titicaca! Explored Matka Canyon near Skopje, then devoured BurgerSlut 🍔 (yes, that’s its name!)—the ultimate reward! 🍽️ Foodie Hits 📍 Deva Biser Hotel Restaurant Must-try: Heavenly fish soup! 🐟 📍 Restaurant Kajche Lakeside elegance ✨—beef stew + grilled veggies with church views! 📍 Nocciolino Gelato Best pistachio gelato in town! 🍦 📍 Ethno House Mijaks Charming manor brunch en route to Ohrid 🥐 🍔 BurgerSlut (Skopje) Find them on IG—life-changing burgers! 🚌 Getting There No car? Take a bus from Skopje Central Station to Ohrid—easy and scenic! #AncientTowns #NorthMacedonia #Ohrid #HikingParadise #SlowTravel #HiddenGems #OffbeatDestinations #TravelUnplugged