Ohrid Lake
The stunning beauty of the Balkans that invites you to lose yourself in its timeless charm.
Ohrid is one of those hidden Balkan gems no one really talks about, maybe simply because not many people know it exists. A stunning lake that looks more like an ocean, calm yet powerful, surrounded by history and nature in perfect harmony.
When I first told my husband I wanted to visit Macedonia, he was surprised. He asked, “Why? What’s so special there? No one talks about it, so I don’t think it’s interesting.”
My answer was simple: “That’s exactly why we need to go.” I wanted to discover it for myself. I was searching for a place that hadn’t been overrun by tourists and influencers. These days, everyone seems to chase the same destinations, turning beautiful places into crowded, overpriced hotspots that lose their soul.
I had a good feeling about Macedonia, but honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a small Balkan country. Lake Ohrid completely blew me away. The scenery is breathtaking, the atmosphere peaceful, the history incredibly rich, the food is delicious and the hospitality is very warm. Ohrid become the perfect holiday destination. This hidden gem didn’t just meet my expectations, it exceeded them in every possible way.
Ohrid Lake is immense in size and depth, stretching from Macedonia to Albania. You can even go on a day trip, traveling from Macedonia to Albania, driving around the lake while taking in its breathtaking beauty.
The sheer vastness and striking clarity of the lake make it easy to forget you’re looking at a lake and not the sea.
The towns situated at the lakeside are Ohrid and Struga in North Macedonia along with Pogradec in Albania.
Ohrid
Ohrid is the largest city on Ohrid lake and is known for once having 365 churches, one for each day of the year, and has been referred to as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans”.
Ohrid Old Town
It was never enough for me to walk by Ohrid Lake, especially in the early morning and late afternoon until after sunset. Every time of the day is incredibly beautiful. Walking through the narrow streets of the old town allows you to visit some of the most attractive places that tourists come to see, like the open-air theatre, St. Sofia Church, St. John Church, the Church of St. Clement and Panteleimon, the castle, the mosque, the old tree, and more. For me, there’s no need to follow a map, just take your time wandering around and enjoy the adventure
St. John Church
St. John Church is the most famous church in Ohrid and often appears in photos of Ohrid Lake. When searching for it, you might get confused with St. Clement Church, as both have similar colors, look alike, and face the lake. In fact, they are on the same side of town. You take the same road, but there’s a path that leads down to St. Clement Church. If you go up, you’ll see a pine forest, this is the way to the castle and St. John Church.
Both churches are beautiful and worth visiting, but St. Clement Church is larger and includes a museum, archaeological ruins, a jewelry store, and a coffee shop. It’s a site rich in history and culture, providing a more extensive experience beyond just the church itself.
I highly recommend the walking trail near St. John Church, the one that leads to the castle. The trail is exquisite in the early morning, allowing you to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the view of the lake, the church, and the forest. Alternatively, you can walk in the afternoon, take a seat at the back of the church, and enjoy the magnificent sunset.
I love walking by the lake early in the morning when it is so quiet, the air is fresh, and it feels as though you own that beauty. I also enjoy walking at sunset by the lake and through the narrow streets of the old town, where the lights are soft, the music is low, and people are everywhere, either walking or sitting at a restaurant. The ambiance and atmosphere are amazing. The old town is touristy, but it feels authentic and not overly polished for tourists.
Ohrid Pearls
While walking in the old town, you’ll notice pearl jewelry stores everywhere. Ohrid pearls are famous and unique, crafted using a special traditional technique that gives them their distinctive luster and texture. This makes them the best souvenir you can get from the region.
Bay of the bones
When you hear the name “Bay of Bones,” it might sound intimidating, but it was actually named after the large number of animal bones found during archaeological excavations.
In reality, the place is the exact opposite of what the name suggests, it’s exquisite, with ancient houses made of sticks and clay, and the water is crystal clear with an emerald blue color, making you feel like you’re in traditional resort.
Each house is furnished with items that depict daily life at that time like traditional tools, stoves, sitting areas, beds, ancient rug-making machines, etc… that help you understand how this ancient community adapted to its environment and lived in harmony with nature.
Monastery Of St. Naum
The Monastery of St. Naum is one of Macedonia’s most beautiful monasteries, located on a high rock at the southern point of Lake Ohrid next to the Albanian borders. The road leading to it, lined with trees was so beautiful, and as you pass through the gate, the beauty only intensifies. The monastery complex includes a church, a chapel, and the tomb of St. Naum, alongside a restaurant, hotel, and a garden. The area is more than just a spiritual retreat; it’s a destination where you can spend an entire day. On one side, small shops and booths invite exploration, while on the other, the lake offers a beach for swimming and sunbathing. You can enjoy boat tours through the surreal landscape of the springs, with shimmering waters and lush vegetation, or take a short hike to discover more churches, forests, and hidden springs. Whether you’re there to pray, explore, or simply relax, St. Naum is a place that invites you to soak in its many wonders.
Galicica National Park
Whenever you’re in Ohrid, a visit to Galicica National Park is a must. This vast park, nestled between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, is known for its rich biodiversity and extensive hiking trails. It offers breathtaking views of both lakes, with numerous viewpoints perfect for photos or simply soaking in the stunning scenery. Within the park’s boundaries lie the historic Monastery of St. Naum and the Bay of Bones. After exploring these sites, we visited the park on our way back to Ohrid, making it the perfect spot to end our day surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Struga
Struga is a beautiful town located on the shores of Lake Ohrid, characterized by a river that crosses through its center, lined by buildings and restaurants which creates a charming spot to relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere. One of the most striking sights in Struga is the fearless locals, including children, free-jumping into the river, even with the fast-flowing water. The town also boasts numerous beaches where you can spend your day chilling under the hot summer sun, with plenty of coffee bars along the shoreline. The presence of boats adds to the vibrant beach vibe. Struga has a pedestrian road filled with stores, restaurants, and casinos, making it a great spot for evening leisure.
Vevchani Springs
In the surroundings of Struga, there’s a small paradise you should discover: Vevčani Springs. Nestled in a charming mountain village near Lake Ohrid, Vevčani offers a serene escape with its natural springs and lush forests. The area features several paths and boardwalks, making it a popular spot for locals to enjoy picnics and cool off on hot days. However, its beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a wonderful place to visit year round.
Tips for you trip to Ohrid Lake
- Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days at Lake Ohrid to fully explore the region and all it has to offer.
- I highly recommend the walking trail near St. John’s Church, especially in the early morning when the atmosphere is particularly serene.
- If the weather is hot, you can cool off by swimming at one of the many beaches along the lake. A beach I particularly enjoyed is at the Inex Olgica Hotel and Spa, but there are many other options.
- If you notice cars parked in the middle of nowhere, it usually indicates access to a hidden beach. We discovered a beautiful beach after the Bay of Bones getting down to it was tough, but the hike was absolutely worth it.
- If you prefer not to swim in the lake, there’s a great swimming pool in the Aquapark in Struga. It costs 15 euros per person, but we really enjoyed it, especially the infinity pool. https://hotelizgrev.com/en/aquapark
- Consider a trip to Vevčani Springs and take along food for a picnic, or if you prefer, you can dine at the restaurant located right at the exit gate of the springs.
- Take a day trip to Albania to visit Tirana or Berat, as the borders are just a short distance away. You can even cross through one border and return via another, especially if you’re planning to continue your journey to another destination in Macedonia.
- If you’re looking for a place to stay in Ohrid, there are plenty of hotels right by the lake, as well as many accommodations in the old town. However, if you prefer a quiet spot with a scenic view, I highly recommend Villa Pupa. Our stay there was incredibly comfortable, the view was stunning, and the owners went above and beyond to ensure we were happy. Just sharing my own experience, I’m not an affiliate. You can book Villa Pupa or any other accommodation through your favorite platform, whether it’s Booking.com, Hotels.com, or any other you prefer.https://vila-pupa-eleec.macedonia-hotels.com/en/
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