Ohrid: The Jewel In North Macedonia’s Crown

Join us as we visit Ohrid, North Macedonia - one of Europe's best kept secrets!

Lake Ohrid is the Pearl of the Balkans, a region often overlooked by tourists and travelers. The town of Ohrid sits on the edge of the stunning and serene Lake Ohrid, with an atmospheric old quarter that cascades down steep streets, dotted with beautiful churches and topped by the bones of a medieval castle.

A town of vast history and heritage, Ohrid was designated a UNESCO site in 1980. It is not only a place of historic significance but also of outstanding natural beauty.

We first visited Ohrid in 2014 and immediately knew we would return again one day. Memories of delicious food, warm and welcoming people and epic walks along the lake made us fall in love with this beautiful town.

We drove to North Macedonia from Serbia. It was a quick, easy border crossing with no hassle. We arrived in Ohrid and stayed at a cozy place downtown called "City Inn".

The city itself is built around the lake so it's easy to get to. The waterfront is lined with cafes that makes for an amazing place to go out for dinner or just drink and chat all evening long.

We spent an afternoon with one of our colleagues, took a look at their offices and had dinner together. We even had a chance to play Monopoly and have fun with card tricks.

We spent the next day exploring Samuel’s Fortress. Hiking up to the fortress is a moderately intense excursion, but the view from the top was well worth it. On our way to the fortress we passed an amphitheater and saw an amazing church on the way down.

This Balkan paradise is home to a lot of gorgeous churches. We visited St Clement Church, Church of St. John at Kaneo, and the Church of St. Sophia - each one more beautiful than the other.

Some key highlights of our stay include browsing through the outdoor pearls jewelry market, going on scenic nature walks, and connecting with a wonderful family we met back during our first visit in 2014.

Ohrid is a small town and a quiet lake away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. It is perfect for those who seek to relax and unwind.

There’s one thing you need to know about Lake Ohrid – it’s gorgeous, and if you come here, you will be rewarded with one of the best views of your life.

Are you planning to visit Ohrid and enjoy the hidden treasure and the natural beauty? Let us know in the comments below!