You should discover Ohrid. It’s a town surrounded by nearby mountains and national parks, Ohrid exudes an atmosphere of peace, history, and beauty. The medieval old town is filled with mosques, churches, and unique architecture. Known to locals as the Jerusalem of the Balkans, Ohrid was once home to 365 churches – one for every day of the year! With 54,000 permanent residents, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural and natural sites. Come and discover this hidden gem in Europe and find out why it made my list of top destinations for 2024.
Where is Ohrid and How to Get There
Ohrid is a town located in the south of Macedonia, on the eastern shores of the lake sharing its name – Lake Ohrid. The lake is divided by the border of Albania and Macedonia, making it an easy destination to reach from either country. Daily buses run from many locations; however, the easiest places to reach and discover Ohrid from are Skopje and Tirana. There is a small international airport nearby, and the Greek border is just an hour to the south.
What to Do in Ohrid
Wander the Beautiful Cobblestoned Streets
The streets in Ohrid are beautiful, especially during springtime. You’ll follow narrow cobblestoned laneways past stone walls overflowing with bougainvillaeas and roses, interspersed with large pine trees that provide a perfect scent. The topography gives the streets steep stone stairwells offering glimpses of the lake. The buildings have unique architecture, with some dating back to the 7th century and others featuring Byzantine-style structures.
Enjoy a Touch of Luxury
Ohrid is a budget-friendly destination that feels expensive. You can discover Ohrid by enjoying lakefront dining, incredible accommodation with front-facing views of the lake, and other luxuries at a fraction of the price you’d pay in a major European city. We didn’t splurge on accommodation, but for less than usual, we had a huge balcony with unobstructed lake views just two streets from the water’s edge. If you choose to splurge a little, you can find 4 and 5-star accommodations for under $100/night for double occupancy near lake Ohrid.
The same goes for restaurants. Normally expensive-looking places were affordable. Restaurant Kaneo, with its large balcony over the lake, offered perfect service, atmosphere, and food, with meals costing under $10.
Chill Out on Potpesh Beach
Potpesh Beach, although not sandy, has soft pebbles that are easy on the feet. Sunloungers are available for a small fee, and the fresh water is perfect for cooling off. The beach is between the Old Town and the St. John Kaneo monastery. From the town center, follow a charming wooden boardwalk over the lake to reach it. Potpesh has a beach bar and restaurant offering shade and meals throughout the day.
For fewer crowds, head north along the lakefront to lesser-visited beach areas like Beach Labino and the public city beach.
Visit the Churches
A few must-visit churches include the 13th-century Saint Jovan Kaneo Monastery, perfect for sunset photos over the lake. St. Clement’s can be reached via forest trails behind St. John Kaneo. The St. Naum Monastery, at the southernmost point of the lake, is popular for day trips and nearby natural springs. The Orthodox Church of Saint Sophia, the oldest home to middle ages art, is surrounded by a square of restaurants.
Join tours to visit specific attractions, including places of worship, a museum and art gallery walk, or the Ohrid daily life tour.
Walk Along the Lake
The pace in Ohrid is slow and perfect for relaxation. Morning walks along the waterfront, starting at the lower gate (a medieval entrance point) and ending at Dutch Park (1.3 km), are peaceful as the town awakens slowly
Go Kayaking on Lake Ohrid
What better way to experience discover Ohrid than from the water? Kayaking offers a unique and calming perspective of the lake. Whether paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating, being on the water always has a tranquil effect. While I couldn’t find paddleboard rentals in Ohrid, kayaking is a fantastic alternative.
You can rent kayaks from My Way for 20 Euros a day for a single kayak or 30 Euros for a double. You might be able to negotiate a half-day rate since you probably won’t spend the entire day on the water.
My Way also offers full-day kayak tours, perfect for beginners or those wanting to explore more of Ohrid from the water.
Enjoy Scenic Dining Options
Ohrid’s Old Town restaurants and cafes along the main strip extend over the lake, offering good food and stunning views. Service can be slow, so bring a book if you’re traveling alone. Try the local fish – brown trout, plasica, and belvica – which are endemic to Lake Ohrid.
Discover Ohrid’s charm, history, and natural beauty with this guide to make the most of your visit.
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