In Macedonia you can find anything from Turkish bazaars to Greek Orthodox churches - quite apart from ample natural wonders. The Macedonians are a very hospitable people who make you feel truly welcome in their beautiful country.
Republika Makedonija
Skopje (600.000)
25.713 square km
Macedonian
Macedonian orthodox
2.041.467 (2000)
Republic
Most of Macedonia is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 600 to 900 meters above sea level. The River Vardar crosses the country and passes through Skopje. In the southwestern part of the country you can find the lakes Ohrid and Prespa, which are among the biggest in the Balkans.
Macedonia can be visited all year. However, the summer months are from June to August.
Europe on a shoestring
Eastern Europe
Macedonian Denar (Den).
Generally, there are a few Internet cafés in all of the major cities.
If the tip is not included in the price, it is common to give 10%.
When it is 12:00 in the UK it is 13:00 in Macedonia.
Length: metre
Weight: kilograms
There are no particular rules, although if you wish to take a picture of a person, you should ask for permission.
The tap-water usually contains chlorine so can be used, though you could get a bad stomach. Bottled water can be purchased all over the country.
The following voltage is used in Macedonia:
220 volts AC, 50Hz.
You should show great respect for the religious rituals and sites. Otherwise there are no particular rules.
Offices are open from 7 AM to 3 PM (Monday to Friday)
Banks are open from 8 AM to 6 PM (Monday to Friday) and 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
Shops are open from 8 AM to 8 PM (Monday to Friday) and 8 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays.
The Macedonian kitchen is very similar to Turkish, and they have a wide variety of kebabs. One of the national specialities are beans and trout from Ohrid
Very few buildings possess facilities for disabled people.
New Years day, January 1st
Orthodox Christmas eve, January 6th
Orthodox Christmas day, January 7th
Old New Year, January 14th (it is an unofficial holiday, but celebrated anyhow)
The International Day of Women, March 8th
May day, May 1st
St. Cyrilus and Methodius day, May 24th
Ilinden day, August 2nd
Independence day, September 8th
Camping grounds are found in Ohrid and Skopje with fine facilities
There are a few luxury hotels in Skopje and Ohrid. Hotels in the rest of the country are cheaper and less comfortable, but are primarily situated around the bigger cities.
There are very few guesthouses in Macedonia. They are all situated in the major cities, but are rather expensive.
There are hostels in Skopje and Ohrid, although the hostel in Ohrid only opens in the summer period.
In the summer period you may sleep in student sleeping halls.
There are some airports in Macedonia, but domestic flights are not common. Therefore, you must ask at a local travel agency.
There are buses between the bigger towns, in particular between Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola. It is a good idea to buy a ticket beforehand.
The railroad system in Macedonia covers most of the country, and is a good way to get around.
There are taxis in all the major towns - it is easiest to hail them in the street.
There are car rental firms in Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola.
