Move Over Lake Como: This European Lake Town Is Far Cheaper And Just As Stunning!
Want to discover past the norm this summer season? National Geographic is hyping up Europe’s ‘final frontier’.
Rather than settle as one other face in a row of Parisian sidewalk cafes or dodging water weapons in Spain’s fixed protests, why not enterprise off to the Balkans, a sprawling area of lesser-known locations with out sacrificing magnificence, delicacies, and experiences?
Albania has arguably turn into the trendiest Balkan nation, however subsequent door lies North Macedonia, clinging to “hidden gem” standing aside from digital nomads within the know residing their greatest life.
Still largely unexplored by mainstream vacationers, scraping the underside of the ranks by way of Europe’s least visited international locations, North Macedonia is dwelling to one in all Europe’s prettiest cities and simply so occurs to be one in all my favourite discoveries in all my travels.
Let’s dive into why Nat Geo is lastly giving this underrated lake city the popularity it deserves.
Unveiling Europe’s Dreamiest Lake Town
Can you consider a dreamier lake city than Lake Como?
I can as a result of I’ve been, and was blown away by how this undiscovered paradise has fallen by means of the cracks of guidebook authors for much too lengthy.
At first look, crossing the Albania-North Macedonia border is nothing to shake a stick at, and I’ve shaken many sticks in my day rising up within the Texas countryside.
But when you go the rugged roads of stray canine and beat-up automobiles, you rapidly notice Ohrid is really a diamond within the tough.
Not solely is that this Macedonian gem equally gorgeous as locations like Lake Como, but it surely’s far cheaper. In truth, it would not even come shut. I bear in mind having a feast of moussaka, grilled veggies, and a spherical of beers with out hitting double digits.
Of course, service was interrupted by fixed smoke breaks, however hey, Europe gonna Europe, ya know?
Nat Geo highlights Ohrid primarily due to its phenomenal meals, they usually’re not mistaken. But Ohrid’s enchantment goes manner past a foodie vacation spot; the structure is astounding, the locals are welcoming, wandering in any respect hours is protected, and sure, it is unattainable to dent your checking account right here.
Hotels? Don’t sweat that both. Easily discover charming boutique stays and low-cost luxurious beneath $60.
But the true draw is Lake Ohrid itself. Europe’s deepest lake beams of crystal-clear water like a heat drawn bathtub and a serene setting with epic sunsets, the place locals collect within the timeless Old Town district to witness the red-tiled townscape glow orange.
Every Day Is Sunday In Ohrid
In case you have not seen, the world is stuffed with chaos in the meanwhile. No matter the place you might be on this planet, a standard solution to alleviate the anxiousness of fixed unfavourable headlines is go to church.
Well, Ohrid is understood for as soon as having 365 church buildings, one for every day of the yr. Though there isn’t any phrase on what locals did on Leap Day — Rock, Paper, Scissors?
Many of those centuries-old church buildings nonetheless stay and are well-preserved. You do not even have to go on an official tour to search out them; merely wander the winding maze of cobbled streets and you will come across them very quickly in addition to a phenomenal mosque anchoring Old Town, as there’s a robust range of traditions and tradition right here displayed in faith, way of life, and delicacies therefore the ‘moussaka’ reference earlier, a standard Greek staple with Arab roots.
While Ohrid’s spiritual establishments are marvels in their very own proper, you are doing your self a disservice when you do not pack your strolling footwear and hike uphill to Samuel’s Fortress, the place you may reward your self with a scenic patio seat at Fort Cafe.
A tour of the fortress is really useful.
Nat Geo Hyped Food, So Let’s Talk Food!
Wandering Ohrid, you will discover quintessential sidewalk cafes we have all grown to like throughout Europe, however you will additionally discover an array of delicacies from neighboring international locations.
When I visited, I felt like I used to be in Athens or Istanbul when scouring restaurant menus, although my favourite meal was at Damar with a breezy hilltop patio providing unmatched views of town.
I ordered Brown Trout straight from, you guessed it, Lake Ohrid. It could not have been higher ready.
While I opted for affordable native beer over the arduous stuff, Nat Geo additionally hypes up mastika, a Macedonian liquor made from tree resin, and native wines sourced within the nation’s lesser-known wine area outdoors the capital metropolis, Skopje.
Can You Swim In Lake Ohrid?
There’s nothing extra inviting than pristine waters on sun-drenched shores, particularly with splendid temperatures within the mid-80s all through summer season.
North Macedonia could also be a landlocked nation, however you will not be wishing you are in Santorini or neighboring Albania’s paradisal coast once you see how pristine Lake Ohrid’s waters actually are.
There are small seashores dotting the lake on each the Macedonia and Albania sides, however in order for you in on a secret, ensure you take the hidden boardwalk lining the lake to keep away from the treacherous hills.
Ultimately, you’ll attain a quieter aspect of city with secluded seashores like Beach Labino and Beach Potpesh.
There are additionally frequent boat excursions, however the most well-liked are sundown cruises, so be certain to book early!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
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