Central Macedonia is a region in northern Greece that offers a variety of attractions for travelers who want to explore its rich history, culture, nature and cuisine. Whether you are looking for ancient ruins, medieval monasteries, scenic lakes, sandy beaches or vibrant cities, Central Macedonia has something for everyone. Here are some of the best ways to travel around Central Macedonia and visit different places.
Explore Skopje
Skopje is the capital of North Macedonia, a neighboring country that shares a border with Central Macedonia. Skopje is a city that combines the old and the new, with a mix of Ottoman, Byzantine, Yugoslav and modern influences. You can visit the impressive fortress of Kale, the colorful old bazaar, the monumental Macedonia Square, the quirky statues and bridges, the Mother Teresa Memorial House and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. Skopje is also a great base for day trips to nearby attractions such as Matka Canyon, Vodno Mountain and Millennium Cross, and Stobi Archaeological Site.
To get to Skopje from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Thessaloniki, the largest city in the region. The journey takes about 3 hours and costs around 10 euros. You can also rent a car and drive across the border, but you will need to have an international driving license and a green card insurance.
Take a Cooking Class
One of the best ways to experience the culture and cuisine of Central Macedonia is to take a cooking class with a local chef. You will learn how to prepare traditional dishes such as moussaka, tzatziki, dolmades, spanakopita and baklava, using fresh ingredients from the local markets. You will also get to taste some of the regional wines and cheeses, and enjoy a delicious meal with your host. A cooking class is not only a fun and educational activity, but also a great way to meet new people and make friends.
To book a cooking class in Central Macedonia, you can use platforms such as Cookly or Airbnb Experiences. You can find classes in various locations such as Thessaloniki, Halkidiki and Sithonia. The prices vary depending on the duration, menu and group size, but they usually range from 40 to 80 euros per person.
Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, and it is famous for its crystal-clear water, stunning scenery and rich biodiversity. You can enjoy various activities on and around the lake, such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking and birdwatching. You can also visit some of the historical and cultural sites that dot the shores of the lake, such as the ancient city of Ohrid, the monastery of St. Naum, the church of St. John at Kaneo and the Bay of Bones Museum.
To get to Lake Ohrid from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Skopje or Thessaloniki. The journey takes about 4 hours from Skopje and 6 hours from Thessaloniki. You can also rent a car and drive along the scenic route that follows the lake’s coastline. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour that includes transportation, accommodation and guided visits.
Peshna Cave
Peshna Cave is one of the most impressive natural wonders in North Macedonia. It is located near the town of Makedonski Brod, about 90 km from Skopje. The cave has a huge entrance that resembles a Gothic cathedral arch, measuring 40 meters high and 15 meters wide. Inside the cave, you can admire stalactites, stalagmites, columns and curtains of various shapes and colors. The cave is also home to bats and other animals. Peshna Cave is often compared to Helm’s Deep from The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
To get to Peshna Cave from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Skopje or Thessaloniki to Makedonski Brod. The journey takes about 2 hours from Skopje and 4 hours from Thessaloniki. From Makedonski Brod, you can take a taxi or hike to the cave entrance. The entrance fee is 100 denars (about 1.5 euros) per person.
Macedonia’s Monasteries
Macedonia has a rich and diverse religious heritage, and one of the best ways to appreciate it is to visit some of the monasteries that are scattered across the region. These monasteries are not only places of worship, but also architectural and artistic masterpieces, with frescoes, icons, mosaics and carvings that date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Some of the most famous and beautiful monasteries in Macedonia are Osios David in Thessaloniki, Agios Panteleimon in Nerezi, St. John the Baptist in Skopje, St. Naum in Ohrid and St. Gorgi Pobedonosec in Krusevo.
To get to these monasteries from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus or a train from Thessaloniki or Skopje to the nearest town or village. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to the monastery. You can also rent a car and drive to the monasteries, but be aware that some of them are located on steep and narrow roads. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour that includes transportation and guided visits.
Smolare Falls
Smolare Falls is the highest waterfall in North Macedonia, with a height of 39.5 meters. It is located near the village of Smolare, in the Belasica Mountain Range, about 30 km from Strumica. The waterfall is surrounded by a lush forest of beech, oak and pine trees, creating a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. You can reach the waterfall by following a wooden trail that crosses a wooden bridge and passes by several smaller waterfalls. The trail is about 2 km long and takes about 40 minutes to complete.
To get to Smolare Falls from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Thessaloniki or Skopje to Strumica. The journey takes about 3 hours from Thessaloniki and 4 hours from Skopje. From Strumica, you can take a taxi or rent a bike to the village of Smolare. The entrance fee to the waterfall is 50 denars (about 0.8 euros) per person.
Matka Canyon
Matka Canyon is one of the most popular natural attractions in North Macedonia. It is located about 15 km from Skopje, along the Treska River. The canyon is home to more than 1,000 plant species, 200 bird species and 77 butterfly species. It also has several caves, some of which contain prehistoric paintings and fossils. You can explore the canyon by boat, kayak or hiking. You can also visit the medieval monasteries of St. Andrew and St. Nicholas that are nestled in the cliffs.
To get to Matka Canyon from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Thessaloniki or Skopje to Skopje’s main bus station. The journey takes about 3 hours from Thessaloniki and 10 minutes from Skopje. From there, you can take another bus (number 60) to Matka Canyon. The journey takes about 40 minutes and costs 35 denars (about 0.6 euros) per person.
Mavroro National Park
Mavroro National Park is the largest national park in North Macedonia, covering an area of 780 square kilometers. It is located in the western part of the country, near the border with Albania and Kosovo. The park is known for its diverse landscape, which includes mountains, valleys, forests, meadows, rivers and lakes. You can enjoy various activities in the park, such as hiking, biking, skiing, fishing and camping. You can also visit some of the cultural and historical sites in the park, such as the monastery of St. Jovan Bigorski, the village of Galicnik and the artificial lake of Mavroro.
To get to Mavroro National Park from Central Macedonia, you can take a bus from Thessaloniki or Skopje to Debar or Gostivar. The journey takes about 4 hours from Thessaloniki and 2 hours from Skopje. From Debar or Gostivar, you can take another bus or taxi to Mavroro National Park.
Try the Local Macedonian Food
No trip to Central Macedonia would be complete without trying some of the local Macedonian food. Macedonian cuisine is influenced by Greek, Turkish, Balkan and Mediterranean flavors, and it is based on fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, cheese, meat and bread. Some of the typical dishes that you should try are shopska salad (a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and cheese), tavce gravce (baked beans with peppers and spices), sarma (st
