North Macedonia

The Republic of Macedonia has always been prominent territory. Lying at the nexus of great trade routes crisscrossing the Balkan Peninsula, this mountainous nation bursts at the seams with history while weaving together multiple cultural braids.

Historical sites here speak to thousands of years of human occupation. On the crest of Tatik Ev Kamen near the Serbian line sits the Bronze Age megalithic observatory of Kokino, the earliest use of which dates back to the 19th century BCE. There’s an illustrious Classical heritage encompassing the Kingdom of Macedon—the banner of which Alexander the Great carried—and longtime Roman and Byzantine rule. One of the treasures of this Hellenic era is Heraclea Lyncestis, founded in the 4th century BCE by Alexander’s father, Philip II, and host to spectacular Roman baths, a theater, and other relics. And in a country with a Christian tradition dating back millennia and a 500-odd-year marinade under Ottoman rule, there’s an astonishing array of time-tested churches, monasteries, and mosques to behold—from the capital of Skopje to alpine villages. Many of these religious monuments occupy breathtaking settings to match their spiritual character: The church of Kaneo, for instance, sits on a clifftop above Lake Ohrid.

And speaking of Lake Ohrid, the deepest of Balkan lakes, it’s one of Macedonia’s many breathtaking natural landmarks. Ancient and biologically diverse, the lake also edges many strata of human history; it’s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its numerous archaeological sites and rich architectural legacy.

Mountains dominate the Macedonian landscape, culminating in the high peaks of the Sar range along the Albanian border and the massif of Mount Korab—at 9,068 feet, the pinnacle of both countries. Hikers can feast on sweeping mountain scenery in national parks such as Mavrovo and Pelister, which offer some of the most extensive opportunities for outdoor adventure in the Balkans. Rolling through a central valley shouldered by these great ranges is the Vardar River, truly the lifeblood of Macedonia.

Between proudly maintained folkways and the healthy nightlife of Skopje, Macedonian culture is its own world to explore. Given the diverse ethnic makeup of the country—besides Macedonians and Albanians, there are Turks, Roma, Serbs, and other smaller minority groups—you’ll find all sorts of broader regional accents on display in daily life (and on the plate).

After roaming amid Roman ruins, medieval frescoes, or high mountain pastures, there’s nothing like sitting down to a cup of Turkish coffee—or a decanter of Macedonian wine—and digesting all the day’s sights. There'll be a lot to digest.