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.
6
number of days
629 km
route length
low
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
fair
accident level
START
Skopje
Distance 629 km
Driving time 18.1 h
Pace: slow
144.6 kWh
Airports
SKP
[detailsContainer]
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
[detailsContainer]
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!
Mavrovo N.P. - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
❯
❮
2
Mavrovo N.P.
- Ohrid
Distance 109 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: modest
28.2 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
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!
Ohrid - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
❯
❮
3
Ohrid
- Pelister N.P.
Distance 93 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
24.1 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
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!
Pelister N.P. - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Pelister N.P. - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
4
Pelister N.P.
- Bitola
Distance 52 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
15.5 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
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!
Bitola - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
5
Bitola
- Kavadarci
Distance 184 km
Driving time 10.5 h
Pace: slow
42.4 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
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!
Kavadarci - North Macedonia - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
❯
❮
6
Kavadarci
- Skopje
Distance 73 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
22.0 kWh
↓
View map
↓
Itinerary
[detailsContainer]
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
[detailsContainer]
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
-
Start:
Skopje
-
End:
Skopje
-
Distance:
629 km
-
Stay:
6 days
-
Getting there:
Skopje International Airport (SKP)
-
When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
-
More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on a captivating 629km journey through North Macedonia, starting from the buzzing capital, Skopje, and weaving through the heart of the Balkans to discover hidden gems like Mavrovo National Park, the UNESCO-listed city of Ohrid, Pelister National Park, and the wine region of Kavadarci. This Trip is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and is suitable for drivers of varying experience.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Skopje: Dive into the capital's rich history at the Skopje Fortress, be mesmerized by the grandeur of the Millennium Cross, and engage with the locals in the Old Bazaar.
- Mavrovo National Park: Experience the splendor of the Balkan's diverse ecosystems, hike to the serene Radika River, and, in winter, enjoy the snow-covered slopes at Zare Lazarevski Ski Resort.
- Ohrid: Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with its captivating ancient churches like St. John at Kaneo, the impressive Roman Theater, and the tranquil shores of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes.
- Pelister National Park: Traverse through lush landscapes to find the rare Molika pine trees, endemic to the region, and gaze upon the majestic Pelister Eyes glacial lakes.
- Kavadarci: Delight in the flavors of North Macedonia's renowned Tikveš wine region, and explore the vast vineyards that contribute to the country's reputation as a burgeoning wine destination.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time to venture on this Road Trip is during the summer months when the landscape is in full bloom, and the warm weather provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and exploration.
Potential Risks:
While the majority of North Macedonia's Roads are well-maintained, mountainous areas can experience sudden weather changes, potentially leading to hazardous driving conditions. Travelers should also familiarize themselves with the characteristics of rural Roads and local driving customs to ensure safety.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- North Macedonia is celebrated for its seamless blend of Greek, Roman, Ottoman, and Slavic cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
- The country offers an affordable travel experience, with options for economical accommodations and dining, allowing visitors to indulge in local delights without breaking the bank.
- Facilities such as fuel stations, rest stops, and cafes are conveniently located along the main travel routes, ensuring a comfortable journey.
- Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest lakes in the world, with a unique aquatic ecosystem that is home to more than 200 endemic species.
A good choice for:
A Road Trip through North Macedonia is an invitation to uncover the allure of the Balkans, where cultural heritage and natural splendor converge to create an unforgettable experience for travelers on a budget.
-
