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Visit Ohrid – The Balkan’s Jerusalem

by Iva
September 27, 2019
in Destinations
Reading Time: 5 mins read
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Please note this post may contain affiliate links. IvaSays may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article, at no extra cost to you.

Hotel and Flight Search

I’ve never been much of a fan of Ohrid, even though this is a UNESCO’s cultural and natural world heritage site. As one of the most popular spots in North Macedonia, I’ve always ended up in Ohrid during the high summer season, which meant crowds and noise. However, several days ago we made a random plan with Milena to visit Ohrid and photograph it, so we could review it.

Czar Samuel's Fortress on top of the hill in Ohrid, Macedonia. Travel to Macedonia | Visit Ohrid | Vacations | Bucket List | Cultural Travel | Romantic Travel |
Ohrid, North Macedonia

Surprisingly, this poorly planned adventure turned out to be a wonderful trip that everyone could easily enjoy. We traveled by car to Ohrid from Skopje. The road wasn’t busy since it’s the winter period, plus we were traveling during business days. The weather was on our side and the sun was following us, creating stunning views on each corner. We were bound to have a great time.

Read next: 10 Breathtaking Photos of Sunsets in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Gulls resting on a boat in Lake Ohrid in Ohrid, Macedonia. Two local women drinking coffee at one of the cafes by Lake Ohrid's shoreline. Travel | Visit Ohrid | Vacation | Visit Macedonia | Explore | Culture travel | Romantic Travel

First Impressions of Ohrid

We arrived in Ohrid around 2:00 PM and went directly to our apartment Cosy Ohrid Apartment (our Airbnb accommodation in Ohrid). We’re always anxious to see the accommodation first and then move on to the exploring part. We were happy with our Airbnb apartment in Ohrid, so we just left the bags and went to the city center.

Honestly, everything was gorgeous; people were relaxing on benches along the Ohrid lake or walking along the path that offered unforgettable views of the sunny horizon. We were a bit tired from the trip, so we just walked around and then had lunch. We were happy, even though it was pretty cold outside, and it was getting dark. On our way towards the car, we were walking along the lake and were mesmerized by the sunset.

Jewelry stores and other shops in the business district. The bazaar or market known as Charshija in Ohrid, Macedonia. Charshija comes from the Turkish language.
Jewelry stores in Charshija
The bazaar or market known as Charshija in Ohrid, Macedonia. Charshija comes from the Turkish language.
“Charshija”

Comments on Ohrid

The place in general – Ohrid is a beautiful city, that’s never been put to question. Here are some reasons to visit Ohrid: it has an incredible charm thanks to its numerous landmarks, cobblestone streets, and authentic houses, and medieval look. Ohrid at one point was considered the Jerusalem of the Balkans because of the 365 churches it had (one church for each day in the calendar). It is also popular for being positioned on the oldest lake in Europe, Lake Ohrid, and Samoil’s (Samuel’s) Fortress that watches over the city.

Parking – as it is a popular tourist spot, Ohrid has organized parking throughout the city. One hour costs 30 Macedonian denar or around 0.5 euros; payments are made by sending an SMS (text message). It’s usually crowded during the summer, so finding a spot can be a real challenge. Those looking for a free option can leave their vehicles at the Marina and then walk towards the city along the lake.

View of the city Ohrid in Macedonia from Lake Ohrid. Old Ottoman architecture on the houses, which were build on a hill in Czar Samuel's Fortress walls. Travel to Macedonia | Visit Ohrid | Vacations | Bucket List | Cultural Travel | Romantic Travel |
View of the Fishermen settlement in Lake Ohrid during a boat ride around the lake.
Travel Destination: Ohrid, Macedonia. Why should one visit Ohrid, Macedonia? For starters Ohrid, Macedonia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural and Natural Site since the 1980s. Ohrid Lake is also the oldest lake in Europe. There are many more historical reasons why Ohrid should be on anyone's bucket list to visit this wonderful place, read them at www.ivasays.com travel | cultural travel | romantic travel | buck list | Europe travel
Lake Ohrid
The Kaneo Fisherman Settlement located below the city Ohrid on Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. Famoush for its fisherman known architecture. Travel | Bucket list | Summer destination | romantic travel | Visit Ohrid | Culture travel | Visit Macedonia
The Fisherman Settlement – Kaneo

Nature – Ohrid is a UNESCO World Heritage site and that says enough regarding its nature. Situated along the Ohrid Lake and under the Galichica National Park, Ohrid offers clean air, greenery and lots of activities for nature lovers. Lake Ohrid has over a 100 beaches, and it’s perfect for a nice swim in the summer to cool off from the hot temperatures in North Macedonia.

Shops – in the city visitors can find lots of souvenirs and authentic shops as well as jewelry shops, boutiques and markets. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can find generally cheap souvenirs or expensive Ohrid pearls jewelry. Nevertheless, you’ll have a lot of options for spending your cash.

During the Stay

We spent three whole days exploring Ohrid and several nearby landmarks. The first day we had only the afternoon and therefore walked around the lake and had lunch in Leonardo, a nice pizza place. The second day we went to the Samoil’s Fortress, Plaoshnik, Kaneo and even took a boat ride. An entire day was reserved for visiting the Bay of Bones and St. Naum, since they’re 15 km and 30 km away from Ohrid, respectively.

Visitors should keep in mind that Ohrid is on a hill and there’s a lot of walking involved when it comes to exploring its landmarks. You’ll need comfortable clothes and shoes as well as sunglasses and hats during sunny days. There are coffee shops and restaurants around, so you’ll won’t be suffering for drinks as long as you have cash. The city due to its uphill position and narrow, cobblestone streets is not wheelchair friendly.

Below you’ll find a list of the things that everyone must visit when in Ohrid; however, more information regarding these sights shall be provided in future posts.

 

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St. John Theologian at Kaneo was built in the 13th century, built in Byzantine style, located in Ohrid, Macedonia.
Early Basilica of SS. Clement and Panteleimon and archaeological site known as Plaoshnik at Kaneo in Ohrid, Macedonia by Lake Ohrid.
The Ancient Theater in Ohrid, Macedonia built in 200 BC, built in Hellenistic style, offers a magnificent view of Lake Ohrid.
Church St. Sophia holds valuable frescoes and icons, the main part of the church was built in the 11th century, one of the most important monuments in Macedonia.
Czar Samuel’s Fortress - build in the 4th century, was the home of Czat Samuel in the 10th century. It served as the capital of the first Bulgarian empire.

Things to see in Ohrid

  • Czar Samuel’s Fortress – 40 Macedonian denars entrance fee, built 4th century B.C.
  • Plaoshnik (SS. Clement and Panteleimon – Early Basilica) – 100 Macedonian denars entrance fee, archeological site.
  • St. John Theologian at Kaneo (and the smaller church of St. Virgin Mary) – built in the 13th century, built in Byzantine style.
  • Fisherman Settlement Kaneo – a small settlement of houses made in recognizable fisherman style.
  • Czar Samuel’s Fortress – Upper Gate – upper gate to the city, near the Fortress.
  • Church Mother of God Perivieptos and the Icon Gallery – built in 1295.
  • Ancient Theatre – built in 200 BC, built in Hellenistic style, offers a magnificent view of the lake.
  • Church St. Sophia – the main part of the church was built in the 11th century, one of the most important monuments in Macedonia.
Swans in Lake Ohrid in Ohrid, Macedonia. Travel | Bucket list destination | Romantic Travel | Culture Travel | Europe | Summer destiantion
Swans in Lake Ohrid

Verdict: Sad to Check Out

All in all, we had an unforgettable adventure in Ohrid, and we were sad to check out. I must point out that the City is far from being this empty during the high summer season and I’m very glad I had the chance to explore it when it’s not crowded and noisy.

Visit Ohrid in the summer to get a whole different experience of the city and the locals. From nightclubs to beach parties, Ohrid in the summer is one of the most popular destinations for young adults, couples traveling together, and even solo travelers that like parties.

Pros of Ohrid

  • Wonderful nature
  • Cheaper than other European travel destinations
  • UNESCO City
  • Numerous historical landmarks
  • Combines swimming with exploring

Cons of Ohrid

  • Gets overly crowded during the summer
  • Many things to see are outside the city 

Concluding Thoughts

All my previous experiences in Ohrid were easily replaced with this wonderful 4-day trip and I recommend visiting Ohrid to everyone interested in exploring historical, architectural and religious monuments, and wonderful UNESCO recognized nature.

Ohrid and Lake Ohrid in Macedonia
  • Visit Ohrid,Macedonia - The Jeruselum of the Balkans.
Tags: BalkansEuropeKnow Before You GoLakeNorth MacedoniaOhridOutdoorsThings to seeTravelTravelingUNESCOVideo
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Iva

Iva

Iva is a former engineer who decided to explore the world before settling down. She is a pragmatist at heart, so she hopes to provide honest and useful guides to all her readers.

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