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Skopje

North Macedonia Road Trip

Skopje - Mavrovo N.P. - Ohrid - Pelister N.P. - Bitola - Kavadarci

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Security Security
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Wildlife Wildlife
North Macedonia Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km629 h/stage3.0

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a North Macedonia Road Trip in North Macedonia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 216EUR drive & more 88EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 530EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 746EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 113EUR sleep & more 473EUR eat & more 432EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,018EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,396EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 756EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 638EUR eat & more 576EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,364EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,120EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,350EUR drive & more 175EUR sleep & more 330EUR eat & more 288EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 793EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,143EUR
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North Macedonia Road Trip Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable North Macedonia Road Trip, beginning in the capital city of Skopje. This 629km journey will take you through the stunning landscape of North Macedonia, visiting the towns of Mavrovo National Park, Ohrid, Pelister National Park, and Kavadarci. The best time of year to drive this route is during the summer months, when the countryside is at its most vibrant. Along the way, you'll be able to appreciate the stunning views of the mountains and forests, as well as the many lakes and rivers. The roads are in good condition, making it suitable for even the most inexperienced drivers. The route is designed to be completed in six days, allowing you to take your time and enjoy all the sights along the way. Best of all, you can manage this road trip on a tight budget, making it the perfect vacation for those looking to explore North Macedonia without breaking the bank.
number of days 6 number of days
route length 629 km route length
budget low budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Skopje

Distance 629 km Driving time 18.1 h Pace: slow 144.6 kWh Airports SKP
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Skopje, situated in the heart of North Macedonia, is the perfect starting point for the North Macedonia Road Trip. This vibrant city is full of interesting sights, from ancient fortresses to modern art installations. The iconic Stone Bridge connects the old town with the modern city centre, where you can find the famous Skopje City Park. The park is home to many monuments, including the imposing Warrior on a Horse statue, as well as the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. For those travelling by air, Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport (SKP) is located just 15km south of the city centre. Car rental services are available at the airport, allowing you to start your North Macedonia Road Trip with ease. The stunning Matka Canyon is a great place to explore and admire the natural beauty of North Macedonia. The canyon is home to numerous churches, monasteries and a stunning lake. The Millennium Cross is also located nearby, offering spectacular views of Skopje and the surrounding area. The nearby town of Ohrid is another must-see destination, home to the beautiful Lake Ohrid and numerous ancient churches. The town is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Church of St. John at Kaneo. The North Macedonia Road Trip offers an unforgettable experience that will stay with you forever. Skopje is the ideal starting point for this journey and offers a wealth of attractions to explore.

1 Skopje - Mavrovo N.P.

Distance 118 km Driving time 1.4 h Pace: fast 35.4 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Skopje to Mavrovo National Park? This journey of 118 km will take you fewer than 2 hours and will be full of surprises! Start your journey in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia - explore the beautiful architecture of the old city, the Stone Bridge, the Kale Fortress and the many monuments. After that, prepare to be amazed by the stunning landscapes of the Vardar River Valley, the Radika River Canyon, and the Mavrovo Lake. On your way, you will pass through the villages of Gari and Rostusha, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the traditional Macedonian architecture. Keep your eyes open for the beautiful churches, monasteries and other historical sites that you will find along the route. Your journey will end in Mavrovo National Park, where you can explore the stunning nature, go hiking, skiing and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. For more information about the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

2 Mavrovo N.P. - Ohrid

Distance 109 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: modest 28.2 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Embark on an exciting 109km (driving time of fewer than 3 hours) road trip starting in Mavrovo National Park, North Macedonia and ending in Ohrid. Along the way, you will enjoy some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, from the majestic mountains of Mavrovo to the crystal-clear waters of Ohrid. As you drive, you will pass through charming villages and ancient historical sites, so make sure to keep your eyes open! First, you will pass through the Mavrovo National Park, a stunning nature reserve with lush forests and sparkling rivers. Here, you can take a hike to the top of the mountain to get a breathtaking view of the countryside. You can also take a cable car ride to the top for a unique experience. Next, you will drive to the town of Struga, where you can visit the ancient church of Saint George and marvel at the beautiful frescoes inside. As you drive on, you will catch glimpses of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its surrounding villages. Finally, you will arrive in Ohrid, a stunning city with a unique mix of Mediterranean and Balkan cultures. Here, you can explore the old town, take a boat ride on the lake, and visit the ancient churches. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, pack your bags and hit the road!

3 Ohrid - Pelister N.P.

Distance 93 km Driving time 2.3 h Pace: modest 24.1 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Ohrid to Pelister National Park. This stage of the tour is 93km long and it can be completed in less than 3 hours. The first stop is Ohrid, a beautiful city located on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and has plenty of attractions to explore. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Ohrid Fortress or the Church of St. John at Kaneo. The second stop is Struga, a small town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid. It is known for its beautiful scenery and its many churches. Don’t forget to visit the Church of St. Archangel Michael and the Church of St. George. The third stop is Galicica National Park, located between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. This park is home to many species of flora and fauna, and it offers some of the most breathtaking views of the two lakes. The last stop is Pelister National Park, located in the Baba Mountain Range. This park is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and it is a great place to hike, camp, and explore the local wildlife. Don’t forget to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

4 Pelister N.P. - Bitola

Distance 52 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 15.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Pelister National Park to Bitola! This scenic journey of 52km will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can make the most of your time and explore the sights along the way. Pelister National Park is a must-see for its breathtaking views, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. From here, you can admire the majestic Baba Mountain, which is the highest peak in Macedonia. As you drive, keep an eye out for the historical sites, like the 16th century Monastery of St. John the Baptist. Your next stop is the charming town of Bitola. Here, you can marvel at the ancient architecture, including the Ottoman-era Clock Tower and the 18th-century church of St. Demetrius. Don’t forget to explore the old bazaar, where you can find unique souvenirs and local delicacies. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure!

5 Bitola - Kavadarci

Distance 184 km Driving time 10.5 h Pace: slow 42.4 kWh View map Itinerary
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Take a road trip starting in Bitola, North Macedonia and ending in Kavadarci. This 184 km stage of your journey will take you less than 11 hours to complete. First, visit the charming city of Bitola, home to the ancient Heraclea Lyncestis archaeological site. Then, explore the stunning Krushuna Waterfalls and the nearby Devetashka Cave. Continue your road trip to the town of Demir Kapija, where you can admire the spectacular view of the nearby canyon. Once you reach the city of Negotino, take a break and visit the Old Bazaar and the Church of St. Nicholas. The next stop is the city of Veles, home to the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Monument of Goce Delcev. Then, enjoy a short detour to the village of Gorno Nerezi, where you can visit the 11th century St. Panteleimon Church. The final stop of your journey is the city of Kavadarci. Here, you can visit the ancient ruins of the Stobi archaeological site and the Church of St. George. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

6 Kavadarci - Skopje

Distance 73 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 22.0 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start your journey in Kavadarci, North Macedonia, and make your way to the capital, Skopje. This 73 km drive will take you less than an hour, and you'll be able to take in some of the most beautiful sites in the region. Keep your eyes peeled for historical sites and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, you'll be able to visit some of the most interesting places in the area, such as the Marko's Tower in Kavadarci, the 15th century St. George's Church in Gradsko, and the 15th century St. Nicholas Church in Kumanovo. Finally, you'll reach Skopje, where you can explore the 15th century Stone Bridge, the Kale Fortress, and the Old Bazaar. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Skopje

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End your North Macedonia Road Trip in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. This city is a great way to end your exploration of this Balkan nation. With its Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman influences, Skopje is an interesting place to explore. Take a wander around the Old Bazaar and explore the city's Ottoman past. Here you will find shops and stalls selling everything from spices to carpets. Stop off at the Mustafa Pasha Mosque, which was built in the 15th century, and marvel at its intricate architecture. History buffs will be in their element in Skopje. Visit the Museum of the City of Skopje to learn more about the city's past. Or, explore the remains of Scupi, a Roman city that dates back to the 2nd century. No visit to Skopje is complete without a trip to the Stone Bridge. This 15th century bridge spans the Vardar River and is a symbol of the city. From here, you can enjoy views of the city's skyline as well as the surrounding mountains. If you want to experience the city's nightlife, head to the Debar Maalo area. Here you will find a range of bars and restaurants, perfect for a night out. The closest international airport to Skopje is Skopje International Airport (SKP). From here, you can fly to a range of destinations in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and beyond.

North Macedonia Road Trip at a glance

Hopefully, the presented road trip idea gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holidays.
Our itinerary can be used as a foundation that you can recreate in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with original beauty spots of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to remember to make your trip smooth. These tips will also become useful for holidayers who are interested in vehicle rental or camper hire.
Sightseeing around North Macedonia in a vehicle requires you to pay attention to the local traffic regulations. Avoiding alcohol is the best way to ensure full safety of your passengers. Holidayers ought to remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is extremely low and amounts to only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 70km/h, which is the maximum speed when travelling around the the city streets. In undeveloped areas, drivers can travel at the maximum speed of 100km/h. On highways, 130km/h is the allowed speed that you should never exceed. Having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your car and driving with your headlights on at daytime greatly increase your safety.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. The total expenses during the whole tour will vary depending on the budget option of your choice. Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 7 stages across North Macedonia will cost approximately 88 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost tourists around 154 EUR. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option can cost up to roughly 288 EUR. Travellers will have to pay around 216 EUR if they aim for the budget hire car offer as well. Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be roughly 530 EUR without vehicle rental and 746 EUR with car hire.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 88 EUR to cover the planned stages of the trip. Those who are looking for standard accommodation options should be ready to pay approximately 473 EUR. When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost around 432 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of approximately 378 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 1,396 EUR for drivers who would like to try vehicle rental and 1,018 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay approximately 2,120 EUR for the whole North Macedonia Road Trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend more or less 1,364 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of approximately 756 EUR. In the top standard option of the itinerary, the approximate cost of fuel for 7 stages around North Macedonia will be 150 EUR. Holidayers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay about 576 EUR for food and restaurants and more or less 638 EUR for accommodation options.
Our tour will also become interesting for all camper lovers. You have to pay around 1,350 EUR for camper rental service. You will spend more or less 175 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour. Holidaymakers who are considering camper rental should expect to pay roughly 330 EUR for accommodation and around 288 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section presents all the above expenses in detail.
The part of North Macedonia showed in our road trip idea is perfect to be explored between May and October. There are plenty of beautiful scenic drives and road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. The wide spectrum of options will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in North Macedonia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 70 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 100 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 130 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

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