The Republic of Macedonia, (Macedonian: Република Македониjа, Republika Makedonija) is a landlocked country in the Balkans. It is ordered by Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Albania to the west, Bulgaria to the east, and Greece to the south.
While easily accessible from all points abroad, and boasting all the amenities of the Western world, the Republic of Macedonia remains one of Europe’s last undiscovered countries: a natural paradise of mountains, lakes and rivers, where life moves to a different rhythm, amidst the sprawling grandeur of rich historical ruins and idyllic villages that have remained practically unchanged for centuries. The majority population is ethnic Macedonian and Orthodox but there is also a significant Albanian Muslim minority. Therefore, one can expect a wonderful mix of architectural and ethnic heritage. The country represents the Balkans in the truest sense, consisting of a fascinating mix of Macedonian, Albanian, Turkish, and Mediterranean influences.
Macedonia is a country with many ethnic minorities. There is still some ethnic tension between Albanians (who form the majority in the northwest) and Macedonians, so this is a subject best avoided. It almost came to civil war a few years ago.
Macedonia is covered by mountainous territory marked by deep basins and valleys filled with fruity goodness. There are three large lakes, Ohrid lake, Prespa lake and Dojran lake, each divided by a frontier line, and the country bisected by the Vardar River.
Cities :
Skopje, the nation's capital. It is home to many historic landmarks and architectural monuments, and a great deal of cultural places of interest.
Ohrid, a lakeside resort and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered the jewel in Macedonia's crown.
Bitola, the second largest city. It is Macedonia's most "European" town. It has it all: an ancient city, Ottoman monuments, a lovely shopping promenade, great nightlife, and more.
Kruševo, a museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern Macedonia. It is one the most historically significant destinations in the country as it was the site of a revolt against the Ottoman Empire. The town is also home to great skiing.
Prilep, tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks.
Struga, small town on Lake Ohrid. It receives a fraction of the amount of tourists that nearby Ohrid gets, making Struga much more calm and peaceful.
Štip, a peaceful city in eastern Macedonia. The town has existed for thousands of years, which is evidenced by its many archaeological sites.
Kumanovo, the third largest city. The area boasts many churches, pre-modern settlements, and more.
Tetovo, majority of the population is ethnic Albanians. Home to the Painted Mosque and Monastery of Lešok.
Radoviš, a small city in southeastern Macedonia, famous for the new Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.
Strumica, a vibrant city in the warm, sunny southeast. Progressive Strumica is home to great shopping, nearby hiking, waterfalls and hot springs, and the legendary Strumica Carnival.
Other destinations :
Galičica National Park
Mavrovo National Park
Pelister National Park
Republic of Macedonia has two international airports, the main airport in the capital Skopje "International Airport Skopje" (SKP) and another in Ohrid "St.Paul the Apostle Airport" (OHD). There are around 150 flights in a week from different European cities to Skopje. Macedonian Government awarded one Turkish Airport Operator Company (TAV) a contract to construct a brand new Terminal building in Skopje Airport. Construction was completed in October 2011.
Macedonia is a small country but there are a lot of things to see in it. Its capital Skopje is the biggest city and upcoming European city, with the Vardar river running right trough it. It has a multitude of sights worth seeing: Kale fortress is kind of a city symbol. Right under it lays the beautiful Old Bazaar with many cafeterias and restaurants. Its main sights are St. Spas Church, Kurshumli An and many more. Over the famous Stone Bridge you can get to the main square "Macedonia" where you can see the 22-meter statue of the ancient Macedonian leader Alexander the Great, as well as the biggest shopping center in the city "ГТЦ". Other interesting sights are the Memorial House of Mother Teresa and the Millennium Cross on the top of mountain Vodno, which is a 66-meter cross and it is the biggest cross ever built. It is reachable by the newly opened cablecar and by foot. It is possible to walk up and take the cablecar back down, paying the fare upon arrival.
