![Places To Visit In Ohrid, Macedonia [UPDATED FOR 2026]](https://theroamingrenegades.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/guide-to-ohrid-macedonia-things-to-do-places-to-visit-accommodation-transport-368x552.jpg)
Ohrid is the picturesque lakeside town in the centre of landlocked Macedonia that has epic old-school seaside vibes and stunning history that will leave you awestruck. This wonderful town is the home to Lake Ohrid, the glass-like lake where locals and tourists alike come to gaze in wonder at one of Europe’s oldest and largest lakes. Straddling the border between Macedonia and Albania in a rugged mountainous region of both countries it is home to both a unique ecosystem as well as historical features. If you’re visiting Macedonia then it’s a must-visit destination on your trip. Here’s our guide to visiting Ohrid.
Places To Visit In Ohrid Wonder at the
Chapters
Places To Visit In Ohrid
Wonder at the church of St John at Kaneo as it clings to a cliff overlooking the lake
An icon of Ohrid this 13th-century church teeters wonderfully on the edge of a cliff overlooking the deep blue waters of the lake. Take a walk down through the woods from the fortress and before long the whole area opens up in front of you to reveal this beautiful and picture-perfect scene. The Macedonian orthodox church is one of the must-see sights of the lake, after staring at its unique style and position make sure to head down to the beach and dock below!
Explore the maze-like streets of the Old Town
Leave behind the tourist-filled streets around the lake and climb the steep and hilly cobbled streets of the old town. Up here you will find everyday local life in this stunning town in full flow, houses and churches dating back centuries and of course, the famous old cars that line the beautiful streets up here! when exploring this maze-like area of the town take the time to really look at the wonderful details of the unique architecture of the region. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing views of the lake the steep walk will reward you with!
Go swimming!
Ohrid isn’t just for looking at, this resort is so because the lake makes a wonderful place to swim in the freshwater. Lining the lake are several beaches where you can sunbathe and take a refreshing dip! You can take a walk along the edges of the lake to find a more secluded spot or if you are really lazy then you can jump in right from the town itself!
There are so many beaches, jetties and landings where you can enjoy the water surrounded by fellow revellers or in peace if you so desire!
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Take in amazing views from Samuels’s fortress
Sitting on the hill above St. John’s church Samuels Fortress dates back to the 4th century and the first Bulgarian Empire of which Ohrid was part. Not only can you step back in time and explore the fascinating history of this magnificent region, but from this vantage point you can take in an unforgettable panorama of the lake and surrounding town. Entry to the fortress costs only a few pence and is well worth the hike up to its wonderful location!
Gaze at the ancient St. Sophia’s cathedral
The church of St. Sophia is one of the most important monuments of Macedonia. Sitting deep within the maze of old town the church was built between 852 and 889. The church is not only a fine example of sheer beautiful and detailed artistry but it is also a timeline of the history of Macedonia.
The church began life as a Bulgarian Orthodox Church and has been converted over the years into a Mosque and back into a Macedonian Orthodox Church, symbolising the different eras of occupation of this country. Today the church appears on the reverse of the Macedonia 1000 denar note!
Sort Your Tours & Tickets Out
Best Place to Organise Your Tour & Much More
A great site to check out if you’re looking to book tickets or organise a tour is Viator.
Viator often offers different tours to other companies, ones that aren’t otherwise available or have tickets still on sale when they have sold out. It’s the company we trust the most when it comes to booking top quality, unique and exciting tours when travelling.
Go back in time to the theatre of Ohrid
The history of Ohrid dates back to ancient times, back before the Bulgarians and the Ottomans there was the Greek era. The theatre of Ohrid is unique in Macedonia as the only relic of its type made during the Hellenistic period of 200 BC, all examples in Macedonia are from the Roman era. The site was used over the years for several different purposes, from gladiator flights to the executions of Christians by the Romans. The site is so well preserved due to being buried by locals after the end of Roman rule, only to be discovered by accident in the 1980s. Today the theatre is again used for performances, plays, concerts and festivals.
Take the ferry over to St. Naum from Ohrid
Over near the Albanian border lies the stunning and historic St. Naum Monastery roughly 18 miles from the town of Ohrid. From there you can take a wonderful day trip which includes a stunning 2.5hr ferry ride over the beautiful lake towards an icon of the country.
Taking this trip you get to travel the most stunning route over to the monastery, across the mirror-like blue waters of Ohrid, past beaches, cliffs and mountains. The monastery itself is set in the most wonderful grounds where peacocks roam free and the views from the balcony over the lake are second to none. Inside the church dating back to 905 you will find some of the most amazing examples of frescos in the region.
Have you ever been to this beautiful place?
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
I have never been, but it’s definitely on my list. I love destinations that are rich in history and culture!
You would love it, there is so much to see in this country!
Macedonia is one of the places I have dreamt of visiting since I was a child. I love places with ancient history and the view is an added bonus.
I had never really thought much about it before we went, but it turned into one of our favourite countries. The history here is wonderful.