North Macedonia travel tips
North Macedonia travel tips: Southeastern European country, rich history, diverse culture, scenic landscapes, capital Skopje, Lake Ohrid, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Municipalities 🌎
North Macedonia travel tips. Here is a list of all the municipalities of the North Macedonia.
Aračinovo
Berovo
Bitola
Bogdanci
Bogovinje
Bosilovo
Brvenica
Valandovo
Vasilevo
Vevčani
Veles
Vinica
Vraneštica
Vrapčište
Gevgelija
Gostivar
Gradsko
Debar
Debarca
Delčevo
Demir Hisar
Demir Kapija
Dojran
Dolneni
Želino
Zajas
Zelenikovo
Zrnovci
Ilinden
Jegunovce
Kavadarci
Karbinci
Kičevo
Konče
Kočani
Kratovo
Kriva Palanka
Kruševo
Kumanovo
Lipkovo
Lozovo
Mavrovo and Rostuša
Makedonska Kamenica
Makedonski Brod
Mogila
Negotino
Novaci
Novo Selo
Ohrid
Petrovec
Pehčevo
Plasnica
Prilep
Probištip
Radoviš
Rankovce
Resen
Rosoman
Sveti Nikole
Sopište
Staro Nagoričane
Struga
Strumica
Studeničani
Tearce
Tetovo
Centar Župa
Čaška
Češinovo-Obleševo
Čučer-Sandevo
Butel
Gazi Baba
Drugovo
Gjorče Petrov
Karpoš
Kisela Voda
Oslomej
Saraj
Centar
Čair
Stip
Skopje
Before you go 🛩
Important information you should know before your trip
Info
Capital | Skopje
Flag Codes:
ISO alpha-2 MK,
ISO alpha-3 MKD
Currency
Badge | Macedonian Dinar
CODE | MKD
NUMBER | 807
SYMBOL | ден
FRACTION | deni
Mobile Coverage
Dialing Code | +389
SIM Card
Coverage | 3G / 4G / 5G |
Mobile Networks | A1 Mobile | T-Mobile |
Location
North Macedonia, officially known as the Republic of North Macedonia, is a country located in the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Kosovo to the northwest, Serbia to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south, and Albania to the west.
The geographical coordinates of North Macedonia are approximately 41.6086 degrees latitude (north) and 21.7453 degrees longitude (east). The country is landlocked and does not have direct access to the sea.
The capital and largest city of North Macedonia is Skopje, which is situated in the northern part of the country. Skopje is not only the political and cultural center of North Macedonia but also an essential transportation hub.
Currency
The currency of North Macedonia is the Macedonian Dinar (MKD).
Languages
The official and most widely spoken language in North Macedonia is Macedonian, which is a Slavic language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet. Macedonian is very similar to Bulgarian and Serbian and, in fact, these languages are mutually intelligible.
In addition to Macedonian, Albanian is also spoken in some parts of the country, especially in regions where Albanians are the majority of the population. Turkish, Romani, and other minority languages are also spoken in some areas.
Importantly, the official name of the country was recently changed to “North Macedonia” to resolve a diplomatic dispute with Greece over the use of the term “Macedonia”. Previously, the country was called “Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”.
Climate 🌡
North Macedonia has a diverse climate due to its varying geography, which includes mountains, valleys, and plains. The country’s climate is classified as a mix of Mediterranean and continental, with four distinct seasons. Here’s a general overview of the climate in North Macedonia:
Summer (June to August): Summers in North Macedonia are hot and dry, particularly in the lowland areas. Average daytime temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures even higher. The nights are generally cooler, offering some relief from the daytime heat. In the mountainous regions, such as Mavrovo and Pelister National Parks, the temperatures are more moderate, making them popular destinations for outdoor activities during the summer.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is a pleasant season in North Macedonia, with gradually cooling temperatures. September and October are particularly lovely, with mild days and cooler nights. It’s a great time to explore the countryside, enjoy outdoor activities, and witness the fall foliage in the mountainous regions.
Winter (December to February): Winters in North Macedonia can be quite cold, especially in the higher elevations. In the lowland areas, daytime temperatures range from 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), while in the mountains, temperatures can drop below freezing. Snowfall is common in the mountainous regions, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Spring (March to May): Spring brings a burst of color to North Macedonia as the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and blossoming trees. The weather is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures gradually increasing from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Spring is an excellent time to explore the national parks, go hiking, and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.
North Macedonia travel tips
If you’re planning a trip to North Macedonia, here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
Historic Skopje:
Explore the capital’s historic sites, including the Old Bazaar, Stone Bridge, and Skopje Fortress.
Hiking Trails:
North Macedonia offers numerous hiking trails, including those in Mavrovo National Park and Pelister National Park.
Blend of Cultures:
Discover the influences of Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations in North Macedonia’s architecture and traditions.
Cultural Heritage:
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, visiting museums, galleries, and attending local events.
Transportation:
Utilize public transportation or rent a car for convenient exploration of the country’s diverse landscapes. View Guide.
Winery Tours:
Explore the flourishing wine scene with tours of local wineries, sampling authentic Macedonian wines.
Traditional Festivals:
Plan your trip around cultural festivals like Ohrid Summer Festival for music, dance, and theater performances.
Enjoy your time in North Macedonia!
The best of the best
North Macedonia offers a rich and delicious culinary tradition influenced by its diverse cultural heritage. Macedonian cuisine combines elements from Balkan, Mediterranean, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines, resulting in a variety of flavorful dishes.
Tavče Gravče
This is one of the most iconic and beloved Macedonian dishes. Tavče Gravče is a traditional baked bean stew made with white beans, onions, red pepper, and sometimes smoked meat.
Ajvar
A popular condiment made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, garlic, and spices. Ajvar is usually eaten as a spread on bread or as a side dish with grilled meats.
Burek
A flaky pastry filled with various ingredients, such as cheese, meat, spinach, or potatoes. Burek is a beloved snack or breakfast option, often enjoyed with yogurt or ayran.
Here are some typical foods of North Macedonia that you should try when visiting:
Kebapi: Macedonian kebapi are small grilled sausages made from a mixture of minced meat (usually a blend of lamb and beef) and spices. They are often served with onions and flatbread.
Sarma: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, and then simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Sarma is a traditional dish often served during special occasions and holidays.
Moussaka: Similar to the Greek version, Macedonian moussaka is a layered casserole made with potatoes, ground meat, and eggplant, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Turli Tava: A hearty vegetable stew made with various seasonal vegetables, meat (usually lamb or beef), and spices. It’s slow-cooked to bring out the rich flavors.
Tavče Na Kajmak: A variation of Tavče Gravče, this dish includes a layer of kajmak (a creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream) on top of the baked beans, adding extra richness to the dish.
Tarator: A refreshing cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It’s a perfect dish for hot summer days.
Rakija: Not a food but an essential part of Macedonian culture, rakija is a strong fruit brandy often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.
Macedonian cuisine is diverse, and each region may have its own specialties. When visiting, be sure to explore local restaurants and markets to experience the full range of flavors that North Macedonian cuisine has to offer.
Transportation 🚥
Choose your destination 📍🗺
Useful Links ✅
