I’ve just come back from a few weeks travel in the Balkans. First stop was Montenegro for 9 nights to celebrate the big 4-0 followed by a week home and then 11 nights in North Macedonia.
Montenegro, located in West-Central Balkans is bordered by Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo. Its name means ‘Black Mountain’ in reference to Mount Lovćen, which stands at 1,749 metres.
Montenegro, a beautiful country with mixed terrain ranging from mountains, forests, rivers, coastal areas to underground caves was a great spot for my birthday celebrations. There were about 16 of us (friends and family) who stayed mostly at the Palmon Bay Hotel and Spa in Herceg Novi. Days consisted of lounging around the pool, eating food, day trips to the Bay of Kotor, Lady of the Rock, Prcanj, Perast and walking around Durmitor National Park. For my birthday, we hired a speed boat for about €60 each and headed to Budva for the day, which I would highly recommend. It took about two hours to get there but I love the sea and with the beautiful Old Town, variety of bars and good music, once we got there – it was definitely worth the visit!
The following week I was back in the Balkans visiting North Macedonia with a friend. North Macedonia is bordered by Kosovo, Albania, Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria. We stayed in Ohrid approximately 3 hours from the capital Skopje and I must say I fell in love. Being a landlocked country, there is no sea, but Ohrid is home to the most beautiful and serene lake – Lake Ohrid. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Ohrid is thought to be the oldest continually existing lake in Europe, a whopping three to five million years old! It is also one of the deepest lakes on the continent with a maximum depth of 288 metres. You will find a blend of beaches (the lake’s shores), villages and towns plus plenty of things to do on and around the lake from walking, hiking, biking, kayaking, scuba diving the lake and paragliding to name but a few.
North Macedonia at a glance:
Walk around the cobbled streets of Ohrid Old Town visiting the shops, bars, and restaurants. There are lots of beautiful clothes shops in the town so travel light and buy your wardrobe out there if you want to treat yourself.
Rent a kayak in Peshtani (€15 for the day) with My Way and kayak to Trpejca (The Macedonian St. Tropez) and beyond to find some lovely, secluded bays.
Do a bike tour or hire your own bike with Bike Station Ohrid (€15 to hire for the day) and cycle around the lake.
Hike the Galicia National Park – just make sure you have organised transport when you come back down from the mountain as well, as it is several hours walk to the nearest village!
Eat at Sv. Sofija – nice food and friendly staff. They have live string bands in the evenings which set the tone perfectly.
Feel as free as a bird by paragliding with Leonardo Paragliding off Jablanica Mountain in Struga (other options available).
Stay at Villa Kale – it’s in the Old Town and offers clean and cheap rooms. The staff are amazing too and go over and above to help with everything!
For an alternative self-catering apartment in the Old Town with more amenities but a little pricier – check out Villa Lollobridgida.
N/B – both recommendations are up a hill and not the best for those who have health problems.
Visit Jungle Beach for a lively atmosphere and spot to sunbath whilst listening to an array of DJ sets playing tech house, trance, and alternative.
Ohrid has definitely been one of my top destinations in the Balkans and with Pristina in Kosovo and Sarajevo in Bosnia in September and October – I’m looking forward to exploring more. In fact, as a birthday present to myself – I will be visiting a new country every month right up to my next birthday in July! Any recommendations?
Egyptna Travels 