Macedonia Outdoor Adventures: Top 5 Activities

If you are after a vacation that really gives you something extra, then, honestly, outdoor activities should be very much top of your list, and North Macedonia offers experiences aplenty. That could be because it has terrain so interesting, history so rich, and a culture that is seriously buzzing, it combines to give the visitor some seriously unique experiences. From stunning lakes perfect for water sports to rugged mountains made for hiking, North Macedonia, it seems, is seriously underrated when it comes to the outdoors. Are you all set to get inspired?

Hiking in Mavrovo National Park

If you’re wanting seriously incredible natural settings, then Mavrovo National Park could just be the place for you. This stunning reserve, that is actually the country’s biggest, is, like your favorite comfy sweater, perfect for outdoorsy people of every ability, yet it’s also North Macedonia’s only ski resort! When you visit, what you find are trails that take you through valleys dotted with sheep, through shadowy forests of trees that go way up high, and round sharp mountains that look seriously majestic. Basically, the park has walking and hiking trails to fit all abilities from leisurely, kind of easy strolls to pretty much full-on challenging hikes. The views are just beyond what you could expect, with sights looking down over Mavrovo Lake or across the Balkan mountains. The most wanted trail, or so it’s claimed, is up Mount Korab, the highest peak in North Macedonia. It is that seriously rewarding when you finally reach the peak and stand at a seriously dizzying 2,764 meters, because of what you see. Anyway, if you visit at the right season, the wildflowers, well, what can you say, blankets of wildflowers spread like crazy across the meadows. That is just dreamy for your ‘grams! One thing that does stand out here, that can easily be missed, is history; think historic villages tucked away offering that really authentic experience of Macedonian country life. Remember to get yourself to the Old Mavrovo Church, sunk into the lake’s waters, is that the setting really delivers atmosphere in bucket loads, so, basically, make the most of it, you know?

Kayaking on Lake Ohrid

Next up is Lake Ohrid. Now, I would argue that Lake Ohrid has got it all, what with being one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. It also delivers really eye-popping clear waters and settings so calm it’s near spiritual. Kayaking here, or so you will hear, isn’t just paddling around; yet you actually have to explore caves hidden away, pretty beaches that you have all to yourself, and cliffs really standing proud along the shoreline. In fact, as a matter of fact, one of the top, top, top destinations that has to be visited by kayak is the Church of Saint John at Kaneo. It is that perched seriously high on a cliff edge, the photo ops of this building above the really shining water are not to be passed up. If you aren’t so experienced a kayaker, then it may be best to opt for a guided tour; the guides know the lake extremely well, meaning they can get you safely to the places worth a look, which is super. You get close up insights that way, like a history tour almost, of the natural and historical landmarks close to the shore from a unique perspective. When the sun drops slowly towards the horizon, that seriously intensifies the whole trip, with seriously dramatic colors painting the water and cliffs, that is really cool to watch.

Mountain Biking in Pelister National Park

Then, when you are looking to get stuck into the wilds a bit more, Pelister National Park does not mess about. Pelister, which you can find south in North Macedonia, is actually distinguished due to its wild scenery, very lush forests, and super-high peaks. The park, apparently, is home to a network made up of mountain biking trails of pretty much all levels, I’m told, which means it is an ace place for keen riders and those only starting. What really grabs your attention, perhaps, is the rocky, rough terrain – that makes things just so lively, so you can see the appeal, arguably, and so adds some pretty exciting challenge as you spin along on your bike. What’s also a thing, seemingly, that riders appreciate the most, is the views, that kind of open right out as you come out of the tree-shaded trails, showcasing vistas looking way, way out across the peaks and valleys beneath. Then the park has, for real adventurers looking to seriously test themselves, that challenging route climbing up to Pelister Peak itself. Obviously you’ll need to be well ready for that! One very special thing, in fact, is Pelister’s stone rivers – really dramatic geological features produced by loads and loads of granite rocks that kind of spill down the mountain flanks, almost. Stopping off at the so-called ‘Stone River’ viewpoint is a totally necessary photo moment!

Canyoning in Matka Canyon

Now, If you like seriously thrilling activities, I am fairly sure you’ll have loads of excitement getting involved in canyoning around Matka Canyon. The waters cut sharply here through high rock walls creating passages through scenery that would seem surreal. Canyoning gives you just the most insane perspective on this setting, mixing up hiking, climbing and swimming as you edge deeper within. It’s something I could certainly get behind! Anyway, you will find lots of spots you can see deep pools sparkling ahead and waterfalls tumbling from some way up. With this you are really given that rare close-up experience with Macedonia’s incredible landscape. Anyone just a little unsure, should be ok, as guided tours give pretty detailed safety information coupled with proper equipment. Plus they know those less accessible parts. Basically, if it’s possible to visit Vrelo Cave from within Matka Canyon during your excursion, then jump at it. With seriously beautiful stalactites and two lakes found in the cave, this subterranean hideaway leaves an impression.

Birdwatching in Lake Prespa

For folks with a slightly greater interest in observing and taking things at a pace which seems a touch more gentle, consider Lake Prespa; an unbelievably pretty location splitting three nations – North Macedonia, Albania, and Greece. This part is really peaceful so gives seriously precious sanctuaries for a range of bird types. Is that because, you know, loads of diverse species have ended up migrating right across the zone, which, actually, brings twitchers flocking – so to speak. Lake Prespa almost is so lush, so it encourages multiple varied avian species to thrive there. Now what I was particularly touched by was the Dalmatian pelican – that just lives there – yet that zone similarly offers loads of places in which species can breed along Lake Prespa’s shore area. It just felt like watching was made that touch more enchanting considering how really clear the water is. It also helps when it’s possible to engage knowledgeable guides. Basically their information really gets across so much, even identifying birds with the untrained. So, a heads up is just consider what kit is with you; binoculars might sound obvious yet do so much to maximise observations; not simply does Lake Prespa supply birders places of unique scenic splendour but even the opportunities which are out there can boost your understanding regarding the eco systems. That must make it something unique really.