

St John at Kaneo church in Ohrid, North Macedonia. Photo: BIRN.



One of the most popular travel guides, Lonely Planet, has included North Macedonia as its third best travel destination for 2020, citing its rich history, the clear waters of Lake Ohrid and the country’s picturesque mountain peaks.

“Part Balkan, part Mediterranean and rich in Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritage, North Macedonia has a fascinating past and a complex national identity,” Lonely Planet said on its website.

While pinpointing Lake Ohrid and the ancient coastal town of the same name as the top tourist destination in the country, Lonely Planet said this is far from all that North Macedonia has to offer.

The travel guide also advises visiting the Mavrovo, Galicica and Pelister national parks for their mixture of wild nature, breathtaking mountain views and culinary experiences.

“Dramatic mountains have blissfully quiet walking trails, lakes and riding opportunities,” it said.

“These gorgeous regions are as yet little explored, so if you want to get off the beaten track in Europe – this is the place,” it added.

Touching on the subject of North Macedonia’s capital Skopje, Lonely Planet remarked that last government’s grand revamp project which sprinkled “grotesque faux-neoclassical monuments, buildings and fountains” around the city centre have fortunately failed to ruin its unique charm.

“Luckily, its Ottoman old town and buzzing modern areas are untouched and remain charming and authentic,” it said.

The latest Lonely Planet list of top destinations ranks Bhutan in the Himalayas as the number one for 2020, and England, with its unique seaside and historic buildings, as the runner-up.