This lakeside paradise would be Europe’s top destination if travelers knew about it

Share the article

As more tourism titans become old news, travelers say “yes!” to more adventurous destinations.

We at Travel Off Path have lost count of how many ‘hidden gems’ we’ve reported that have broken all visitor records in recent years.

But what we’re sure of is that if one of our most beloved hideaways were more mainstream, it could very well be Europe’s most popular destination.

Far more enchanting than the Eiffel Tower, incomparably less rugged than Athens, as beautiful as Lake Como, and free of locals demanding that tourists leave their city, little-known North Macedonia beholds a diamond in the rough that is worth the adventure here.

Not to hijack my own article with unwanted opinions, but my impromptu weekend getaway immediately made this serene lakeside paradise one of my all time favorite destinations – not only in Europe, but in all 44 countries that I have (mostly) been able to visit.

It’s the kind of place you mean it when you say, “I could live here.” And what seasoned traveler hasn’t said these words at some point?

Without further ado, let’s dive into Ohrid, North Macedonia, a real gem in the Balkans waiting to be discovered in one of the European least visited countries.

The city on the lake where every day is ‘Sunday Funday’

Full disclosure: When I was young, the only reason I looked forward to communion at church was because I hoped (and probably prayed) that they would mix wine with grape juice.

Needless to say, this never led to results.

But if there was ever one outing that you could turn into a ‘Sunday Funday’, it’s Ohrid.

Every day feels like Sunday here because the atmosphere is so relaxed that I couldn’t believe my taxi driver refused to start the engine until he finished reading his newspaper (yes, newspapers still exist).

Not only does time pass more slowly here, but there is literally a church for every day of the year.

It’s true, historically Ohrid would have had this 365 churches – some are more intact than others, going back many centuries, which is why it is also called the “Slavic Jerusalem”.

Wandering through the legendary cityscape never gets boring, even if you need a break from all the twists, turns and hills, because you never know what timeless wonder lies around the corner, from dizzying fortresses to Byzantine cathedrals and beautiful mosques, as this city is surprisingly diverse.

Lake Como Beauty without crowds or high prices

If there is one European lake that we all have at the top of our travel wish list, it is Lake Como.

But again, that’s only because a majority of travelers who don’t live locally in the Balkans simply don’t know Ohrid exists.

I certainly didn’t when I randomly decided to board a bus from neighboring Albania, but it has been etched in my memory ever since.

“How can people not know this place?” is what I kept asking myself, but the answer is simple.

It’s not as easy to get to as the household names we all know and love, but this region is becoming increasingly trendy. especially among digital nomadsas North Macedonia offers a digital nomad visa.

That said, the sudden spike in popularity for nomads hasn’t changed Ohrid’s identity.

It’s still remarkably affordable across the board, whether boutique hotels, sunset cruiseslocal wine, a range of international dishes or fresh catch from the lake (be sure to order trout!).

Even flights are cheap since budget airline Wizz Air anchors Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD).

Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful destinations I have ever been to, be it the winding cobblestone walkways of the old town or the glassy lake itself, surrounded on one side by rolling mountains and a whitewashed, red-tiled cityscape visible from several boardwalks above open water.

The view just doesn’t get any better, and the reviews from other travelers confirm this.

Ohrid may be off the trail, but it’s also safe

The US Department of State has a ranking for each country: levels 1 – 4.

North Macedonia is in a rare club like ‘Level 1: Practice normal precautions‘, beating out many of Americans’ favorite destinations, such as Punta Cana.

If safety is your biggest hesitation for traveling the world, you don’t have to worry here.

I will tell you that if you visit like I did by bus from Tirana, Albania, the immediate area surrounding the border is run down – not a place you want to linger.

Once you start seeing the lake, you’re on the right track and you should have no trouble exploring Ohrid at any time.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.