Macedonia is still very much uncharted territory for contemporary travellers, but it is rich and exciting land well worth the trip. Most visitors will start their trip in Skopje, the historic capital of Macedonia. Since 2014, Macedonia's ruling party has undertaken a massive urban rejuvenation project in the Skopje. As a result, travellers will encounter soaring Italian-style colonnades and massive neoclassical buildings which tower over the streets. There are also public areas dominated by massive sculptures like the Millenium Cross. This project was controversial and earned Skopje an unwanted association with kitsch. However, that doesn't mean that Skopje isn't a treasure trove of genuine historical and architectural wonder.
Head over to Skopje's Turish bazaar Here, you'll find a 15th century stone bridge and the Kale Fortress which dates back to the 5th century. From here you take in much of Skopje's sights and sounds, such corner cafes where locals play chess and drink coffee, or wander through some of Skopje's outstanding contemporary art exhibits.
However, outside of the city is where Macedonia's real value is to be found. The town of Ohrid, next to Lake Ohrid should be first on the list. Lake Ohrid is mesmersing with glassy, blue waters which stand as a portal to Europe's deepest lake. The lake and its town are a great summer destination for swimming and relaxing, or sauntering through the town's cobbled streets and sampling some truly delicious local cuisine. The summer crowds can be numerous, although mass tourism has not yet taken over. Travellers should ensure that they book accommodation well in advance.
If the water gets too much, the mountains and forests are sure to offer a suitable remedy. Pelister Park has been a national park in Macedonia for since 1948, and is home to myriad wildlife such as wolves, bear, trout and deer. The park covers 66 square miles (171 sq km) and boast enormous mountains, many of which are well over 1,200 miles (2000m) tall. From Pelister Park, travellers should be sure to visit Golem Grad (Big Island), a historic places of peace for victorious rulers to engage in contemplation. Just be careful to avoid the snakes which are the rulers of the island.
Macedonia is great for local flavour and those with a taste for adventure.
Macedonia has a largely continental climate, although the south and east of the country are quite Mediterranean. Generally, summers are long and dry, and winters are mild and rainy, with occasional heavy snowfall in the mountains. It can get surprisingly hot in summer, between May and August, with temperatures on the plains sometimes reaching as high as 104°F (40°C). The warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C). Winters are fairly cold and snowfall is common. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 33°F (0°C). Rainfall is abundant, particularly in the short spring and autumn, with October being the wettest month, and August the driest. Visitors should note that the climate does vary according to region and geographical features.
Macedonia is a year-round destination, but the summer months, between May and August, are the peak tourist season and the optimum time to visit. At this time the popular lake areas and cities like Ohrid and Mavrovo (known for its mountain biking opportunities) can get crowded. November to April is the least popular period for travel to Macedonia, with the exception of the ski season in January and February, which sees visitors flock to the slopes in Mavrovo, Pelister, Krushevo and Popova Sapka. Spring and autumn can also be very pleasant although visitors should expect rain.
Skopje Alexander the Great International Airport
Location: The airport is located 9 miles (14km) and a 30-minute drive from the city centre.
Time: Local time is UTC/GMT +1 hours
Getting to the city:
Taxis are readily available and charge about €20 for the 30-minute drive to the city centre.
Car Rental:
Airport Taxis:
There are a number of taxis available as you exit the terminal building.
Facilities:
Facilities include a post office, bureau de change, auto exchange machine, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, VIP lounge, duty free shop, newsagent/tobacconist, gift shop, car rental, taxi service/rank, first aid facility and a business centre.
Parking
Money:
The unit of currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), divided into 100 deni. Dollars and euros are easy to change. Credit and debit cards are easily used at most hotels and are increasingly widely accepted elsewhere.
Language:
Macedonian is the official language. English, French and German are spoken quite widely.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts (50Hz). European round pin attachment plugs and Schuko plugs are in use.
Entry Requirements:
US nationals: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
CA nationals: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
AU nationals: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
ZA nationals: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. A visa is required.
IR nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
NZ nationals: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of 90 days from their arrival date in Macedonia. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Passport/Visa Note:Visa:
It is recommended that foreign passengers to Macedonia hold return/onward tickets, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. Once in Macedonia, foreign visitors must report to the nearest police station within three days of arriving, unless staying in a hotel. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health:
There are no specific health risks for Macedonia and travel is usually problem free from a health perspective. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended and it is also advised that you be up to date with your vaccinations for MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and tetanus-diphtheria. A typhoid vaccination may be recommended for those travellers who will be eating and drinking outside of major restaurants and hotels. On a related note, avoid drinking tap water unless it has been boiled or filtered. A rabies vaccination may be recommended for those travellers who may have contact with wild animals while in Macedonia.
Medical and health care facilities are good in Skopje and other large cities in Macedonia and pharmacies are generally well supplied. However, comprehensive medical insurance, with provision for emergency repatriation, is still strongly advised. It is also almost always better to take any prescription medication you may need with you when you travel, along with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing what the medication is and why you need it.
Tipping:
Tips of 10 percent of the bill are expected by waiters unless a service charge has already been added to the bill, but restauarants are generally the only service where tips are expected.
Safety Information:
Macedonia is a relatively safe country to visit. Petty crime and pick pocketing can occur; be especially cautious at the large market in Skopje.
Local Customs:
Avoid discussing Macedonian politics: touchy subjects include relations with its neighbours and the Balkan war.
Communications:
The international dialling code for Macedonia is +389. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Internet access is widespread and there are internet cafes all over the country. The central post office in Skopje is open from 7am to 7.30pm Monday to Saturday and 8am to 2pm on Sundays. There is good cell phone coverage and roaming agreements are in place with major international operators.
Duty Free:
Visitors to Macedonia may import one carton of cigarettes, one bottle of hard liquor. There is still no limit on wine and beer.
