Ohrid, the jewel in the crown of tourism in Macedonia, is located 3.5 hours south of the capital Skopje. The distance between both cities is 105mile, (or 170km). This settlement on the shores of Lake Ohrid is a nice option for both holiday and relaxation with its historical churches, lush green nature, hospitable people and peaceful streets. If you are coming to Macedonia and have not visited here, you have not fully visited Macedonia.
The old town section, whose historical texture is well felt, the city with its medieval fortresses, churches and monasteries is included in the Unesco World Heritage Site.
The first traces of Ohrid's settlement date back to the 4th century BC. In antiquity, the city was an important trading centre and part of the Roman Empire.
During the Middle Ages, it remained under the control of the Byzantine Empire and then the Bulgarian Empire. During this period, the city became a cultural and religious centre. Many churches and monasteries were built during this period.
In the 9th and 10th centuries it came under Slavic influence with the arrival of Slavic settlers. This lasted until the 10th century, after which it became an important trade centre as part of the Bulgarian Empire. Many churches and monasteries were built during this period. Important architectural and artistic monuments in the city belong to this period.
In the 14th century, it came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Until the 20th century, it remained under the influence of Ottoman architecture. In the early 20th century, after the Balkan Wars and World War I, it became part of modern Macedonia.
As a result of all these reasons, Ohrid has reached today with a very rich historical and cultural diversity.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid
Street Ohrid
Ohrid can be reached by flight from St. Paul The Apostle Airport (Аеродромот Св. Апостол Павле Охрид). This airport usually receives flights from various European countries. These countries include Turkey, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Austria, Switzerland and other European countries. However, it is important to note that direct flights at the airport change from time to time and may vary depending on the airlines available. It is recommended to check the airport website or the websites of the respective airlines for up-to-date flight information. If you have found a flight to Ohrid airport, you should know that there is no public transport for this airport. It is already a very small airport and you can reach Ohrid by taxi for about 1000MKD, a journey that takes 15 minutes. The airport is located between Stgura and Ohrid. As an alternative to taxi, you can use the car rental companies at the airport, but if you are coming only for Ohrid, you will not need a rental car.
On the other hand, if you are coming from a country other than the countries mentioned above or if you cannot find a suitable flight at this airport in the date range you will arrive, you need to travel to Skopje Airport. In this case, you need to first land at the airport in Skopje, go to the bus terminal from there and then make a 3,5 hour journey by bus. The bus station is close to the bazaar and can be reached on foot. There are 10 buses from the bus station to Ohrid every day. Different companies have departure times at different times, so it is useful to buy the ticket the day before in order not to wait. The bus from Skopje to Ohrid will cost around 1000 MKD per person. You can enquire bus timetable and price information by clicking on the link. https://www.checkmybus.com/
You should stay for 2 days only for Ohrid centre and get lost in the streets of Ohrid. With a 1-day trip, you can only visit a few of the most popular locations and the busy pace may spoil your enjoyment. If you come in the summer season, maybe you can give an extra 1 day to swim in the lake. If you want to include other locations around Lake Ohrid, you should add an additional 1-2 days according to your transport plans.
If you can organise an extra half day, don't forget to visit the nearby city of Struga. Click the button to browse Struga guide:
Ohrid, Armada Boat Tour
Although this is subject to highly variable situations such as the number of people travelling, age, budget, time interval, rental car options.
If you have a private car in your travel plan, you can choose Sunset Hotel where we stayed. This is a lovely family run hotel located outside Ohrid. Don't try to reach it using Google navigation because it shows the wrong location on the map. Instead, ask for a location from the hotel operators. It is a bit difficult to get here by car but it is worth it. It is very quiet and has an excellent view.
You can also click on the link below to reach the hotels in Ohrid centre area and make a detailed search.
If you are coming only for Ohrid centre, it is not absolutely necessary to rent a car, but if you are going to include Ohrid and other cities we recommend on the way, it would be logical to rent a car from Ohrid Airport.
There are all the brands you can think of such as Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Enterprise, Avis etc. Since we are going to other countries, we preferred Sixt. Sixth is one of the rare companies that allow entry to all Balkan countries with green insurance. Of course, if you will only stay in the same country, you can easily evaluate other companies.
If you plan to visit this place with the car you will rent from Ohrid Airport or Skopje Airport, you can check the "rent a car" details from the link below.
We have compiled a total of 15 points about Ohrid the most popular point and we matched these 15 points with titles and numbers on the map. Please see the map below. Orange color was used for places to visit. Also on the same map, restaurants and cafes where you can eat are marked with purple coloured icons.
1) Ancient Sycamore Tree
2) Ohri Old Bazaar
3) Church of Saint Nicholas Bolnichki
4) Robev Family House
5) National Workshop For Handmade Paper Ljupcho Panevski
6) St. Sofia Church
7) Holy Mother of God Peribleptos Church
8) Varosh - Old Town of Ohrid
9) Castle gate
10) Ohri Antique Theater
11) Samuel's Fortress
12) Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
13) Plaoshnik
14) Kaneo Viewpoint
15) Church of St. John at Kaneo
* Activities (Beach, Boat Tour, Walking)
1) Pizza Via Sacra
2) Dalga Restaurant
3) Belvedere Restaurant
4) NOA Lounge Bar
The magnificent plane tree we saw in Ohrid Bazaar square is considered to be the oldest tree in the country. According to the legend, this plane tree was planted by St Clement of Ohrid and is said to be 11 centuries old. According to experts, the age of the tree is about 6 centuries. The plane tree has an important place in many societies because it represents greatness, continuity and superiority. In the past, executions were carried out in the area where the plane tree was located. Today, it seems that the plane tree, which is resting peacefully in its shade, will continue to embrace generations for many more years. Number 1 on the map
Ohrid has a cute little bazaar. You can buy souvenirs here or you can eat in the restaurants here. However, as a souvenir, if you want to buy pearl jewellery, which is famous for Ohrid, do not buy it here. Because there is a place in the whole city where you can buy it for the best price. It is a seller who opens a stall on the right at the first entrance in the garden of St. Sofia Church. Still, do price research from other sellers until you leave your purchase to the end. You won't believe how cheap you get where I said. Number 2 on the map
A small church built in the 14th century. Since this church is not well known by tourists, it is more secluded. Don't forget to visit this place while you are on your route. Number 3 on the map
One of the richest families in Macedonia, one of the richest families in Macedonia, built in the 19th century, has been converted into a museum and a separate exhibition has been opened on each floor and opened to history-loving tourists. It is said that the family lived here for 35 years. This building was burned down by Husrev Bey, one of the criminals of Ohrid, and then restored and turned into a national museum in 1950. The museum is closed on Mondays. Entrance hours 9:00am-3:30pm. Number 4 on the map
A small workshop where you can have a different experience. In this workshop you can see the processes of paper production and you can buy the drawings here. In the workshop you can watch free of charge how handmade paper has been made since the 16th century and a demo of the old printing technique. This workshop in Ohrid is one of the last seven workshops in the world that make paper with this technique. Number 5 on the map
The church, influenced by different cultural heritage, was built in the 9th century. There are many rumours about who built it. The first form of Byzantine architecture was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman period and became the largest mosque in the city at that time and surprisingly carried many frescoes to the present day. You can wander the narrow streets of Ohri and then visit this cultural heritage. Entrance is free of charge. Visiting hours are between 09.00-05.00pm. Number 6 on the map
Built in 1295, Holy Virgin Mary Peribleptos is one of the oldest churches in the historic city of Ohrid in south-western Macedonia. The square domed church was built by the Byzantine governor Progonos Sgouros, son-in-law of Emperor Andronikos II Palaeologos.
The Holy Virgin Mary Peribleptos suffered from improper roof protection in the past, which allowed an excess of moisture to enter the building. As a result, rising damp and salts seeping through the walls have severely affected the Byzantine frescoes. Changes in pigment are noticeable and in some areas the paintings have begun to fall off the walls. The local community would like to restore the church but needs international help to do so. Number 7 on the map
There are so many beautiful streets here that we could not get enough of walking and getting lost among them. Every street leads to a different, beautiful place. Historical places, monasteries.. Every house, every corner attracts our attention with a different detail. I am sure you will enjoy these streets. Here you will find the ancient amphitheatre, the church of St John, the church of St Sofia and the castle of Tsar Samuel. Avoid entering the old town by car. Instead park outside the city wall and enter. Make sure that you do not leave your backpack or any electronic devices visible in the car. Of course, it is possible to enter the narrow streets by car, but it can be stressful. Number 8 on the map
It is the gate of the castle surrounding the city that has survived from history to the present day. Number 9 on the map
The ancient theatre, which is thought to belong to the Hellenistic period, was used for gladiator fights during the Roman period. its size cannot be estimated due to the destruction of the upper part. It was built between two hills to protect its acoustics. Today, it hosts many festivals and concerts. If there is no event, the entrance is free. Number 10 on the map
It is a medieval castle built on a hill overlooking Ohrid. It is also known as Ohrid Castle. Although the side towers of the castle have succumbed to time, they have survived to the present day. The stairs are very steep, so you should wear comfortable shoes and prefer daylight hours. It is useful to know that it is more crowded in the summer months. The castle is closed to visitors on Mondays. The view from the castle is magnificent. Entrance fee is 60MKD per person. Number 11 on the map
Built in 893, this church is thought to be the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet and this language was first taught here. Therefore, we can say that this place is of great importance for Slavs. The church is attributed to St Kliment, the disciple of St Cyril and St Methodius, who invented the Cyrillic alphabet. Number 12 on the map
Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
Plaoshnik is an archaeological site located about 250 metres from the fortress built by Bulgarian Tsar Samuel. Number 13 on the map
This is the popular location for taking photos from the top of the hill for the Kaneo church, you will avoid climbing the slope again if you go to the church from this location. If you have the opportunity, watch the sunset from this viewing point. Number 14 on the map
The magnificent structure built on the rocks in Ohrid is also an orthodox church located at the end of the cliff overlooking the view of Lake Ohrid. The church, named after St John, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of John, is thought to have been built in 1280. The architect of the church, built in the shape of a cross with a rectangular base, is unknown. It is thought that the architect of the church, which has a single dome and an unusual roof cornice, was influenced by Armenian churches.
According to historical sources, it is thought that it belongs to the 13th century and that this building was restored in the 19th century. With its restoration, frescoes of many saints, especially the Virgin Mary, were discovered in the dome and opened to tourists. The interior of the church has a wooden iconostasis and apse with depictions of the Virgin Mary and Christian saints. In the dome there are frescoes of Christ Pantocrates. If you come to Ohrid, this is one of the places you should definitely see. If you go down the stairs next to this church, you can visit the small chapel built at the bottom of the lake. Number 15 on the map
Another place that must be visited after Ohrid centre is St. Naum Monastery. You can reach it by bus without a hire car or alternatively you can reach it by boat tours.
These tours usually go first to the "Bay of Bones" museum and then to St. Naum Monastery. The cost of this tour is approximately 1000MKD-1200MKD per person. It is normal to have a very small amount of price difference according to the companies.
Apart from this boat tour fee, you will also have to pay the entrance fees for the 2 locations you will visit. For example, for the first visit to the "Bay of Bones" museum, you will have to pay 150MKD to the museum. Visiting the museum is optional, if you don't want to go there, you can wait on the ship. The last point of visit, the Monastery, is free to enter but you have to pay 100MKD per person to enter the church inside.
During the summer season, the boats depart from the small harbour in Ohrid around 10:00am-11:00am and return around 03:00pm-04:00pm. The boat journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes one way.
You can find all the boats on the map where we have marked with the black boat icon.
The wooden bridge running parallel to the shore of lake ohrid. i think it is also called the bridge of love. i marked it as a walking icon on the map. The end of the bridge extends to the small chapel. also if you are going in the summer season and want to swim in the lake, you can take a look at the places I have marked as beaches.
I have marked all these various activities as black coloured icons on the map and I have not given them a number.
While you are in Ohrid, I recommend you to have a look at the link about other settlements around Lake Ohrid.
I wish you good fun in advance.
Macedonian cuisine is an intersection of Balkan, Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisines.
You can try Kashkaval cheese for tasting with the wine.
3. Beer (Skopsko, Krali Marko, Zlaten Dab, Gorsko, Bitolsko, Kenbach, Starogradsko, Nashe Makedonsko
4. Mastika (Mastic liquor or Chewing gum liquor)
Located opposite St Sofia Church, it is a very nice place in terms of its location. I can't remember the name but the pizza made with pork was very tasty. You can order wine or beer with it. I think the pizza is around 600MKD for 1 medium size. Be sure to stop by for a short break. It was empty when we went there but it gets quite crowded during the season and if you can't find a place here, the alternative to this restaurant is Pizza Nemo. If you also want to try the local delicacy "pastrmajlija", the best place in Ohrid is Pizza Via Sacra. Number 1 on the map
In this city, there are many restaurants lined up by the lake. Dalga Restaurant is one of them. Alternatively, Kaj Kanevche, Kaneo, Belvedere Restaurant can be evaluated. You can eat Plashica fish, Belvica fish and trout living only in Lake Ohrid.
Dalga Restaurant is a place where you can have a pleasant time in the old town centre of Ohrid with a beautiful view of Lake Ohrid. Even though we went in October, luckily the weather was good and we had the opportunity to sit by the lake, but if you go in winter, the interior is also quite spacious.
Seafood at Dalga Restaurant starts from 2300 MKD. 1 kg Belvica fish 2300 MKD, 1 kg trout 2500 MKD. Mixed Balkan platter for two people 1150 MKD, chicken skewers 350 MKD. We paid 1100 MKD for two chicken skewers with a bottle of white wine. Number 2 on the map
A restaurant with an authentic design and relatively close to the lakeshore. It can be very crowded in the evenings and on weekends. However, if it is calm, it is a place where you can sit and prefer, if it is busy, the service quality will decrease. If you insist on choosing this place, make a reservation. Fish products, fish soup can be preferred. Prices are reasonable. If you are uncomfortable with smoking, this place has an open area like other places we recommend. Number 3 on the map
This is a lakeside venue. You can choose it for the main course. We preferred it for breakfast, but it is also a place you can choose for dessert and coffee during the day. Prices are close to other places. Number 4 on the map
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