Hiking adventure in North Macedonia
Exciting hiking adventure along North Macedonia’s mountains, hiking to the most beautiful peaks bordered by Albania, and exploring the three National parks of Macedonia. North Macedonia is still rather unknown to tourists and not as crowded as other regions, you can still discover real, untouched nature and lonely hiking trails. Mountains not only offer beautiful views they are also full of history and culture, interesting flora and fauna, including many endemic species. Five days will be dedicated to the hike among these fantastic mountain ranges. The extra experience will be to learn about Macedonian culture while staying in historic towns and villages, the traditional warm hospitality of your hosts, and the taste of traditional food and wine.
First day-Arrival in Macedonia, meet the guide at Skopje airport, transfer to Mavrovo National Park, 1.30h. Drive to the small hotel in the village of Galicnik at the foot of the Bistra mountain. If time allows we will have a short guided tour to explore Skopje.
Second day- Second day- We are in National Park Mavrovo, and the first peak for this hiking trip is called Medenica, 2.163m, the highest in the Bistra mountain range. We start with hiking from the hotel in the village of Galicnik at 1560m. The duration of the hike is 4 to 5 hours, with a total length of 10km. and an altitude change of 603m. After descending from the peak, we have a 2h.transfer to Ohrid city. As part of our transfer to Ohrid, we will stop for some refreshments and visit the old monastery of St.John the Baptist.
Day Three- Today we go to Jablanica mountain to hike to the highest peak called Crn Kamen or Black Stone, 2257m, the mountain and the peak are on the border with Albania. The trail is 12km. long, with a height difference of 837 meters, and with a 5-6 hour hike. Back to the hotel in Ohrid.
Day Four- Ohrid city. Today we enjoy a fine rest day in the city of Ohrid and its surroundings. There are different activities you can do in Ohrid, like sailing at sunset, a boat trip to Sv. Naum monastery, kayaking. Or enjoy some restaurants by the lake.
Day Five- Today is for hiking to Magaro Peak, 2255m. Galicica National park. We will have 40 minutes. Drive to the starting point of the hike at 1600m. Duration of today's hike is 4 to 5 hours total length of 8.5km. with an altitude change of 700m, and beautiful views of the two biggest lakes in Macedonia, Ohridsko and Pespansko Lake. Back from the peak with the option to swim in the lake.
Day Six- In the morning, we check out from the hotel in Ohrid and drive 1 hour to the village of Maloviste only village in the National Park Pelister. The peak above the village is called Vrteska, 2010m. With beautiful views of the Prespa lake and surrounding mountains in Albania and Greece. We descend from the peak and go to the monastery called Sv. Ana, where we will have some traditional food made by locals from the village. The length of the hike is 12km. with an 870m altitude difference. After the hike, we drive to Bitola City short visit to the ancient city called Heraclea Lyncestis, accommodation in the hotel, and later a short walk on the pedestrian main street called Sirok Sokak to see the city.
Day Seven- On the last hiking day, we are hiking to the big mountain lake at 2218m. in the National Park Pelister. The duration of the hike for today is 6-7 hours. Length 12km. 1048m altitude difference. We enjoy the lake and views. Later descend in the village of Nize Pole and get ready for the transfer to Skopje. Drive for 2 hours to Skopje city, where we will spend the last night of this trip.
Day Eight- Departure day,transfer to Skopje airport.
It's good to know.
This is a short version of the itinerary. The tour can be adapted to your specifications, flight schedules, difficulty, number of hiking days.
Contact us For prices,available booking dates for 2025 To join the group or request a offer for a private group and tailored experience.
Group size: Suited for 1 to 12 People for one guide.
Best time is: From May to November.
Duration: 8 days total / 5 days hiking.
Difficult of the tour: Easy to Moderate. You should be prepared for multiple hours of activity each day. Hikes range from 3 to 5 hours.
Gear: Complete hiking equipment and casual clothing for the evenings in the cities.
Accommodation This is a round trip and you will visit different regions and mountains in Macedonia. We will have transfers from different areas and cities with durations of 20 minutes to 2hours. We stay in three-star hotels with comfortable rooms.
Weather:The weather can be very changeable, meaning fog, rain, and sunshine can alternate on the same day. The program will be adapted to the conditionss.