Cities Skopje, the
capital and
largest city, is situated in the northern part of the country on the
Vardar River. Skopje has a long history that is evidenced by its many archaeological sites, such as
Scupi and the
Skopje Aqueduct, and the large number of
Ottoman buildings and monuments, particularly in the
Old Bazaar, such as
Mustapha Pasha Mosque. Today, Skopje, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is becoming a modern city with museums and many cultural and
sporting events.
Ohrid, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the
southwestern part of the country on the eastern shore of
Lake Ohrid. The town is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country, which is largely due to the beaches and atmosphere. However, Ohrid also has many historical monuments, such as
Samuil's Fortress and the
Antique Theatre,
Church of St. Panteleimon,
Church of St. Sophia,
Church of St. John at Kaneo,
Monastery of Saint Naum,
Robevi family house &
Plaošnik. There is also a number of beautiful fishing & mountain villages along the coastline which include
Trpejca,
Pestani,
Elsani &
Ljubanista.
Bitola, the country's second largest city with a population of about 100,000, is situated in the southern part of the country. Like many cities in the country, Bitola has also had a rich history.
Heraclea Lyncestis, one of North Macedonia's largest archaeological sites, is located in Bitola. The long history of Bitola is also exemplified by the town's many
neo-classical buildings, Ottoman buildings and monuments such as the
Jeni Mosque, and old churches. The town is also a shopping destination;
Širok Sokak, a pedestrian street, is filled with an endless number of stores and restaurants which go through to
Magnolia Square. There is a small Ski resort about 12 km from the city centre situated on
Baba Mountain which is also a great hiking mecca during the summer months between May & September.
Štip, the largest city east of the
Vardar River, is located in the
eastern part of the country. Štip has existed for at least 2,000 years which is showcased by its many archaeological sites, such as
Astibo,
Bargala, and
Estipeon. The city is also home to the healing waters of the
Kežovica Mineral Spa. Today, Štip is the main cultural and economical centre of eastern North Macedonia.
Kratovo is a small town in the eastern part of the country. It lies on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo at an altitude of 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. Having a mild and pleasant climate, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is famous for its bridges and towers.
Kruševo is the highest town in North Macedonia, situated at an altitude of over 4,429 feet (1350 m) above sea level. It is home to
Mečkin Kamen, a historical landmark which marks the spot of the uprising of 1903. On August 2 every year, it is the site of national
Independence Day celebrations, which are attended by the President of North Macedonia and other political leaders. Kruševo is also home to
Makedonium monument, dedicated to the
Ilinden Uprising and the Kruševo Republic and many museums of the Ilinden Uprising. Because of its elevation, Kruševo is one of North Macedonia’s winter sports destinations. The famous Macedonian singer
Tose Proeski is also buried here.
Prilep is known as "the city under Marko's Towers" because of its proximity to the towers of Prince Marko
Markovi Kuli. The towers of medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević are located on a 120–180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. The
Treskavec monastery, built in the 12th century in the mountains about north of Prilep under Zlatovrv peak, at the edge of a small upland plain 1100 meters
above sea level. Prilep has frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and is probably the site of the early Roman town of Kolobaise. Other popular towns include
Strumica, and
Struga, which have many attractions of their own.
National parks and natural reserves North Macedonia has three national parks and 33 natural reserves: •
Mavrovo, located in the
northwestern part of the country, is the largest of the three national parks. It is home to several river valleys, gorges, waterfalls, caves, and other morphological formations. •
Pelister, located in the southern part of the country, near
Bitola, is the smallest of the three national parks. The park consists of land that surrounds
Baba Mountain. On top of the mountain are two glacial lakes, known as Gorski Oči, or mountain eyes. •
Galičica, located between
Lake Ohrid and
Lake Prespa, is the second largest national park in the country. The park is home to an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and offers terrific views of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid. •
Ezereni Bird Sanctuary, located on the northern shore of
Lake Prespa, is a strict natural reserve. It is home to over 120 different bird species. •
Tikveš Strict Natural Reserve, located 30 km southeast of
Kavadarci, is a natural reserve that covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. 23 species of predatory birds are present in the reserve and 17 of these nest in the area. Tikveš is said to be one of the most important
ornithological sites in Europe. •
Lokvi-Golemo Konjari Strict Natural Reserve, located near
Kruševo, is a natural reserve that is the last remnant of a once enormous swamp. •
Mavrovo National Park, established in 1949, it is characterized by deep canyons, lakes, and dense forests that abound with diverse wildlife.
Other places •
Stobi, situated in
Gradsko, in the geographical center of the country, is the largest and considered to be the most famous archaeological site in North Macedonia. Some remains include basilicas, streets, thermae, living complexes, mosaics, and walls. •
Kokino, located 30 km from
Kumanovo, is a megalithic observatory similar to
Stonehenge. Being over 3,800 years old, it is the fourth oldest ancient observatory in the world. • '''
Marko's Tower''', located just outside
Prilep, is a rocky mass composed of several fine sculptures. It is on the list of possible
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. •
Stone town of Kuklica, located outside
Kratovo, is an area consisting of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars that are over 10 million years old. ==Festivals==