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Travelling to Nordmazedonien: what to know before you go

North Macedonia is a small, mountainous Balkan country with a deep layer of history: Byzantine monasteries, Ottoman bazaars and one of Europe's oldest lakes. It is uncrowded, good value and easy to explore by road, and it suits travellers who like walking, food and old churches more than beaches.

Where to go

• Lake Ohrid. One of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, shared with Albania and listed by UNESCO for both its nature and its culture.
• Skopje. The capital mixes an Ottoman Old Bazaar, one of the largest in the Balkans, with the Stone Bridge over the Vardar and a centre filled with monumental statues built in the 2010s.
• Matka Canyon. A steep gorge on the Treska river just outside Skopje, with a reservoir you can kayak along, medieval monasteries clinging to the walls and boat trips to the deep Vrelo Cave.
• Bitola. The country's second-largest city, known for Širok Sokak, a pedestrian street lined with nineteenth-century consulate buildings and cafés.

Best time to visit

Late May to September is the season for Lake Ohrid, swimming and mountain walks, with July and August hot in Skopje and the busiest time at the lake. Late spring and early autumn are the best all-round months: warm, green and quieter, and September brings the grape harvest in Tikveš.

Staying online in Nordmazedonien

Mobile coverage is good in Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola and along the main roads, and 4G is widespread, with 5G in the larger towns. Signal can drop in deep valleys, canyons such as Matka and high mountain areas. Wi-Fi is common and usually free in cafés, restaurants and accommodation. North Macedonia is not in the EU, so EU roaming rules do not apply and home plans may charge heavily; install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.