If you have the slightest interest in history, North Macedonia is the place to visit. See the Adam of Govrlevo – one of the 10 oldest sculptures in the world. Visit the Bronze Age observatory Kokino – it is the 4th oldest observatory in the world, after Stonehenge, Abu Simbel and Angkor Wat! Walk by the mosaics of Heraclea – the ancient city built by Philip the 2nd of Macedon. See the remains of the oldest Christian basilica in the Balkans in Stobi. Or, go shopping in the old town in Skopje – it is the biggest Ottoman time bazaar in Europe. Leave few days for Ohrid – it is much more than just a beautiful resort by the lake. The city of 365 Orthodox churches, is also the center of Slavic literacy – it was the place where the Cyrillic script was born!

When you explore this small country of many religions and cultures, you discover new vibrations and cultures on every step. In general, all Macedonians are very proud of their history, culture and music, and they are very, very friendly. They like to socialize, so don’t be surprised if you are offered a shot of rakiya and meze at their table. Family is very important here, so are the family gatherings for all occasions - birthdays, religious holidays, family patron’s saint day…

It is called the land of mountains and nature: around 80% of North Macedonia is covered with mountains. The Sharr mountains in the Northwest are part of the Dinaric range – these are young mountains with alpine peaks and meadows, glacial lakes and some 23 peaks above 2.500m. The Eastern mountains are part of the Rhodope range, with lower, round peaks and rolling hills, ancient woods and lakes. The central mountain range is Jakupica, with its highest peak Solunska Glava (2.540m). It is named after Thessaloniki, because they say that on a clear day you can see Thessaloniki from there. Anyway, the views from here are fantastic. In the South, on the border with Greece is the most unexplored and wild part of Macedonia: the Kozuf and Nidze mountains, and the rocky Mariovo region. It is one of the least populated parts of North Macedonia, and the cleanest: you can often find freshwater crabs in the rivers here.

There are three national parks in North Macedonia. Pelister is the oldest one, known for the endemic Molika pine. With its peak Pelister (2.601m) and the two glacial lakes on the top it is one of the hikers’ favorite. Mavrovo national park is known for the lush woods and wild horses running on the waste plains above 1.500m. Traditional mountain villages with excellent sharp, sheep cheese. Galicica national park extends from Ohrid Lake to Prespa Lake over Galicica Mountain, raising like a huge whale between the lakes. Extraordinary views on both sides of the mountain.

The three biggest lakes in North Macedonia are Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran Lakes. Ohrid Lake is the oldest lake in Europe with more than 200 endemic species. It is on the UNESCO World heritage list. Prespa Lake is considered to be the paradise for migratory birds: the Dalmatian Pelican and Pygmy Cormorant still breed here and benefit from the extraordinary wealth of fish in the lake. Dojran Lake is the smallest and warmest lake – a real drop of the Mediterranean in the Macedonian land. Local fishermen here still use traditional wooden fences called “Mandri” to catch the fishes swimming away from the birds.

One of North Macedonia’s top attractions is the cuisine. A combination of Mediterranean and Oriental mouthwatering dishes, with plenty vegetables, both fresh and cooked in every possible way. A heaven for vegetarians! Try burek (layered pie) for breakfast, or scrambled eggs with peppers & tomatoes, or with leek, spring onions, and a piece of homemade bread. Typical Macedonian dips are ayvar or pindjur pepper dips, or garlic dip “makalo” – best in Ohrid area – goes perfectly with fish. The variety of pies is endless – different in every corner of the country. Cheese is essential for every solid starter “meze” and goes together with big fresh salad and “rakiya” (Macedonian brandy). Than, Gravche-tavche (baked beans in clay pot), “Turli tava” baked vegetables with 3 kinds of meat, roasted lamb in spring, or pork and bbq mix in winter…

A typical Macedonian never starts a meal without a shot of rakiya and salad. Even more, this brandy is considered here to be cure for everything: from stomachache to flu, from muscle pain to insomnia… And, to cheer, of course.

The 300 sunny days per year, the mix of Mediterranean and Continental climate, and the breeze coming from the mountains give perfect conditions for breading and creating premium world-awarded wines with intensive flavors and fragrance. If you are in Skopje, don’t miss Kamnik winery. Or, in the wine region: Bovin, Stobi, Tikvesh, Popova Kula.