No, Macedonia isn’t just about Ohrid.
There are so many more great places to visit in Macedonia. Today, I will uncover some secret gems in Skopje that most tourists aren’t even aware of.
But I will admit—Ohrid is the best city in Macedonia.
Whether you’re visiting with your family or alone, in the following gems, you’ll take amazing pictures of our culture & nature, and you’re going to learn new things about Skopje…
Let’s dig in…
Greeks say that Alexander the Great is Greek. They are wrong. Anyways…
In the heart of Skopje, there is a 12-meter-high statue. It’s horrendous.
This is not a “secret, secret gem.” Maybe you’ve seen it on the internet, but now you know—that’s Alexander the Great on the horse.
📍 Where to find it? Center of Skopje. Just walk. You won’t miss it.
The Millennium Cross is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Skopje, and it offers one of the best sunset views in the city.
To get there, you’ve got options:
Once you reach Middle Vodno, you’ll see a few kiosks where you can buy snacks and drinks before starting your journey to the top of the mountain.
Anyway… If you decide to take the cable car, be mindful of their operating times…
🚠 Cable car option:
So, if you’re visiting in October and want to see the sunset… plan ahead.
The Kale Fortress stands as a historical monument in the heart of Skopje, and it offers a breathtaking sunset view of the city.
It’s centrally located and easily accessible by foot from the Alexander statue we just talked about—it takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes to get there on foot.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which costs around $2–3, and you’ll arrive in about 5 minutes.
Near the entrance to the fortress, you’ll find several vendors selling snacks and drinks—perfect for grabbing a quick bite before exploring.
⏰ Opening hours: 9 AM – 7 PM
💺 Bonus: There are plenty of benches inside the fortress where you can sit and enjoy the panoramic views of the city.
Matka is not in Skopje, but it’s a must-visit outdoor destination in North Macedonia.
A short ride from Skopje, you’ll find one of the most beautiful places in Macedonia.
In 1938, a dam was built on the Treska River, creating an artificial lake surrounded by towering mountains—the oldest of its kind in North Macedonia.
You’ll see a lot of unique species here—ones you won’t find anywhere else in the world…
There are also ten caves in Matka Canyon, but if you visit only one, make it Vrelo Cave. You’ll take amazing pictures here.
And if you’re up for some adventure, try:
Viktor Strahilov
P.S. I wrote a guide on 6 secret gems you must see in Ohrid. I reveal all the secrets that tour guides hide, and you’ll get a map of places you must visit in Ohrid—for free!
💡 Bonus: I even listed the best restaurants, so you can enjoy amazing local food while exploring.
Grab the FREE guide here 👉 <LINK>
Also… I answered EVERY question a tourist might have in this guide. So, make sure you read it till the end.
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