What to do while in Ohrid?

Favored by local Macedonians and other holidaymakers, either they are from the region or from other European countries, Ohrid has certainly become a popular holiday destination. This small city is the gem of Macedonia.

Not only does this fascinating destination provide tourists a place to stay, have a drink, or a nice dinner by the water, Ohrid offers an unforgettable experience overall.

So, here are some activities and places you should visit while in Ohrid, to make the most of your time in the so-called Jewel of Macedonia.

Have a walk along the  Lake Ohrid
The magnificent Lake Ohrid is the oldest and deepest lake in the Balkans. With an age of almost five million years, it is considered to be one of the most biodiverse lakes of its size in the world. In 1979 UNESCO honored both its natural and historical importance and designated Ohrid a World Heritage Site along with the small and charming town of the same name.

If you’re visiting in summer, the most obvious of activities are swimming and basking by the shore. Ohrid has several public stone beaches where you can enjoy the sun and have a blast near the refreshing water. Public beaches tend to have a lot of visitors, so keep in mind that the further you get from the city center, the quieter and less crowded the beaches will be.

 

Stroll down the Old Bazaar and visit the Old Town

The busiest part is the bazaar. It runs up from the waterfront and ends at a small city market. At the very end of the bazaar, there is a small square. A lot of tourists visit the square because of the water fountain and the historic tree called Chinar. This tree is believed to be over 1000 years old.

Same as the capital of Macedonia, Ohrid has rich layers of history reflected in the city’s blend of not only Orthodox churches but also and Muslim mosques.

The Old Town is a story by itself. Wonderful, unique, and old Ottoman houses lined down the narrow streets is another thing that gives Ohrid its charm. Filled with friendly locals, small stores, and people selling groceries, this part of the city is very unique and overall, a nice place to be at.

 

Samuel’s Fortress

The most dominant landmark in Ohrid is the fortress that sits for centuries on the hilltops over the old town. Named after Tsar Samuel, Samuel’s Fortress is a must-see while you are in Ohrid.

If you are a fan of outdoor activities, you can visit the fortress and climb up the steep stairs.  At the top the view is unbelievable. You can see the old town and see the lake in both directions.

 

Visit the most important churches

For hundreds of years, Ohrid has been and forever will be an important religious site. It is known for its 356 churches, each for every day of the year.

The most popular and of course, scenic is the magnificent Church of St Jovan Kaneo which is right below the Samuel’s Fortress. You can also visit Saint Panteleimon Monastery which is a must-see.

Visit Galicica

The most important tourist region in Macedonia is the National Park Galicica. The park encompasses areas of the shores of both Ohrid and Prespa lakes. It includes a large number of impressive caves, incredible flora, and fauna.

It is really an experience that you should not miss. We highly recommend taking a bike tour so you can really feel and experience the breathtaking landscapes.

Our Ohrid Two Day Tour not only includes a visit to Galicica, but it also covers everything you need so you can taste the beauty of Ohrid and its surroundings.