16 Wonderful Things to Do in Ohrid

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Plan a visit to Ohrid, one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Discover the best things to do, must-see sights and where to stay.

Ohrid is a significantly historic and beautiful ancient lakefront town in Europe. However, depending on which part of the world you’re reading this from, there is a chance you’ve never heard of it.

For decades, Ohrid has been an important tourism hub and has entertained Europeans on their annual holidays. But the absence of international travellers makes it an intriguing hidden gem.

The city of Ohrid is steeped in historic landmarks, religious sites, and one of the most breathtaking lakes in the world. Before Ohrid really takes off with visitors from the rest of the world, it’s a magical place that any “off the tourist track” traveler will genuinely appreciate.

From the best things to see, how to get there and where to stay, this is our complete Ohrid travel guide.

STOP HERE if you’re not interested in a self-guided trip to Ohrid. Instead, consider a convenient day trip to Ohrid from Skopje that includes transportation and a guide. Easy peasy and done!

Quick List: Things to Do in Ohrid, North Macedonia

  • Church of Saint John the Theologian
  • Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid
  • Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon
  • Church of Saint Sophia
  • Potpesh Boardwalk
  • Beach Labino
  • Galičica National Park
  • Samuel’s Fortress
  • National Workshop of Handmade Paper
  • Ohrid City Park
  • Old Bazaar Street
  • Boat/Sailing Tour
  • Ohrid Promenade
  • The Bay of Bones Museum
  • Trpejca Beachfront
  • Saint Naum Monastery

Essentials for Visiting Ohrid

Where Is Ohrid?

Ohrid is the 6th-largest city in North Macedonia and is located in the southwest corner of the country. North Macedonia is a country in the Balkans, a group of countries in Southeast Europe.

It is bordered by a handful of other countries, including Kosovo and Greece. Although North Macedonia is landlocked, the city of Ohrid is a frequented lakefront town on Lake Ohrid.

Lake Ohrid is partially divided between two countries, and approximately 1/3 of it belongs to Albania. This means that Ohrid is less than 30 km (18 miles) away from the Albanian border, and, in fact, it’s only a 2.5-hour drive to Tirana.

Domestically, Ohrid is situated 180 km (111 miles) south of the nation’s capital, Skopje.

A second lake named Lake Prespa is situated just to the right of Lake Ohrid. This lake is also shared, but with Greece instead of Albania. From the Greek border, the city of Ohrid is just under 90 km (56 miles) to the north.

man fishing in lake ohrid

Is Lake Ohrid Worth Visiting?

There are certain places we visit that leave us with the impression: “More people should know about this place.” Ohrid and its lake are unquestionably one of the most underrated destinations we’ve had the pleasure of discovering.

However, this is not to say that it’s a hidden gem by any means. It’s long been a well-deserved holiday hotspot for many Europeans; it just has not made a splash with Americans and other international travellers.

Honestly, we wouldn’t necessarily mind if it stayed this way so we can continue to come back and enjoy Ohrid’s beauty without mass tourism.

The most obvious reason why Lake Ohrid is worth visiting is its unparalleled beauty and distinctly clear water. Most photos you’ll see of Lake Ohrid beaches can easily be mistaken for the sea.

For anyone even slightly keen on having the ultimate holiday by a lake, it’s hard to find a better option than Lake Ohrid.

Lake Ohrid has everything one would require for an idyllic European summer. Stunning beaches, waterfront dining, and an ancient town to wander through. As if these aren’t enough reasons, its overall affordability in comparison to other hotspots on the continent will certainly win anyone over.

Lake Ohrid is a natural wonder and holds significant historical importance. It was even deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

A majority of the lake’s water originates from underground springs, some of which are at the surface level. Along with its impressive deepest point of 290 meters, Lake Ohrid is believed to be over one million years old. Its many unique characteristics have led researchers to identify Lake Ohrid as one of the most special lakes in the world.

As if being so geographically blessed is not enough, history has uncovered that Ohrid is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe.

Furthermore, as recently as 2023, discoveries unearthed clues to finding remnants of villages from 8,500 years ago that were built on stilts in the middle of the lake.

ferry boats on lake ohrid

Tourist Map of Ohrid

panoramic view of lake ohrid

16 Best Things to Do in Ohrid

1. Church of Saint John the Theologian

One of the most famous symbols of Ohrid (and the most photogenic) is the Church of Saint John the Theologian. Originally built on a stone foundation, the astounding church is also a combination of architectural styles, including Byzantine and Armenian.

Most notably, it is blessed with one of the most picture-perfect settings in Ohrid. Perched on a cliff over a historic fishing village, you won’t find a more idyllic atmosphere.

Whether you plan a visit to sit in peace with an unobstructed view of the lake or simply want the best photo opportunity in Ohrid, this site is a must-see.

To reach the church from the Old Town, you can do so along the lower lakefront path or from the upper road by Samuel’s Fortress. The best panoramic view of the church and lake can be found here.

ohrid itinerary

2. Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid

In modern times, it’s easy for visitors to gaze upon an ancient landmark and overlook the thought and purpose put into constructing it. When building the ancient theatre of Ohrid, it has been discovered how carefully each decision was made.

The theatre sits in the upper part of the Old Town and between two hills, therefore protecting the performance acoustics from winds.

Furthermore, it advantageously faces the lake and boasts scenic views of Galičica mountain. Details have also been uncovered that imply the gladiator fights that took place during Roman times.

Ohrid’s ancient theatre is the only Hellenistic-style theatre in the entire country and dates back to 200 BC. Visitors can now admire it anytime for free.

3. Church of Saints Clement and Panteleimon

The ancient monastery originally dates back to when Saint Clement first arrived in Ohrid. At some point, it was used as a place to spread the teachings of what is now the Cyrillic alphabet.

It was found that the number of students hosted reached a number of 3,500. Therefore, it created the reputation of being the first Slavic University in the world.

After the saint’s death, he was buried in a crypt built for himself underneath the monastery, which is still possible to visit today. As with all monasteries and historical landmarks in Ohrid, the religious site passed through a variety of empires.

This has made it a rich archaeological site as research has uncovered remnants of a Roman basilica and different mosques. A small entrance fee of around €2 is needed to go inside the outdoor complex.

4. Church of Saint Sophia

With Ohrid’s more famous church on the waterfront stealing the spotlight, the Church of Saint Sophia is vastly underrated. The church’s marvellous architecture, peaceful surrounding garden, and its grand presence are a highlight of Ohrid’s Old Town.

If you’re passing by without knowing it, the church’s beautiful arches and columns will catch your eye.

Originally from the 11th century, the church has undergone many changes, including being converted to a mosque at one point. Inside the church, medieval frescoes have stood the test of time and bring the interior of the ancient church to life.

To enter the church, there is a small fee of less than €2, but the exterior is free to enjoy at any time. For those particularly focused on learning more about the church, you can pay extra (about €10) for a guided tour.

5. Potpesh Boardwalk

From the old city, it’s possible to reach the Church of Saint John the Theologian from the top or bottom. Walking along the waterfront route is much more scenic and overall a beautiful experience.

The Ohrid Boardwalk, which leads to Beach Potpesh and beyond, is a charming yet functional feature most likely put into place because of tourists. As a boardwalk should, it is built into the water and hugs the cliffside, allowing pedestrians to maneuver along the shore without having to endure the old town’s hills.

After Beach Potpesh, you’ll run into a section of a few restaurants which also rent umbrellas and sunbeds for the beach. Kaneo Restaurant was specifically recommended to us more than once and has a dreamy location and view.

ohrid travel

6. Beach Labino

For a tranquil setting to enjoy the beach, plan a brief hike to Beach Labino. It is an untouched and “wild” beach with zero bars or sunbeds to spoil the serene atmosphere.

Since it is slightly off the beaten track, you won’t encounter many other visitors, which makes this beach that much more magical.

The water is characteristically immaculate, and the beach is comprised of pebble rocks. To reach Beach Labino, you must walk through the forest surrounding Samuel’s Fortress and down the hillside.

If you’re already on a trek to visit the Church of Saint John the Theologian, you can reach Beach Labino by walking on the path directly above the shoreline.

ohrid lake swimming

7. Galičica National Park

Aside from the lake, Ohrid’s other prominent natural landmark is the Galičica National Park. Towering above the valley and city is the mountain of Galičica with the highest summit reaching 2,255 meters above sea level.

Hiking and mountain biking are some of the national park’s most enjoyable activities, as the park is well-marked with trailheads.

Founded in the 1950s, the national park is home to an extensive range of vegetation and flora. Whether you take a 4×4 vehicle or trek your way on foot to the top, the panoramic view of Lake Ohrid at Galičica’s peak is guaranteed to blow you away.

From both sides of the park, there are also dedicated paragliding starting points where you can watch people fly off into the distance.

Tips for Driving: You’ll want to enter the national park from the P501 road that runs along the lake’s shoreline. P504 is the road which leads all the way to Lake Prespa. To reach the top of Galičica Mountain, you need to turn left here.

Keep in mind that from this point, the road is only paved for about 2 km until you reach the abandonded ski center. After these 2 km, it’s recommended you continue with a 4×4 car. Entrance to Galičica National Park is around €3.

galicica national park north macedonia
galicica national park ohrid

8. Samuel’s Fortress

Upon one glimpse of Ohrid’s cityscape, you’ll notice the outstanding fortress perched on the hill. Derived from the oldest historical data on Ohrid, it is said that the fortress was erected around 209 BC.

Although it’s been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the course of history, it still stands proudly as one of the largest medieval fortifications in the entire country.

Emperor Samuel, who reigned from 976 to 1014, ended up getting the credit for the fortress from his succession, and during the period when Ohrid was the capital for Macedonian Slavs.

Today, it serves as a leading landmark of Ohrid city and a spectacular place to visit for sweeping views. Entrance to the fortress costs around €2 per person and takes about 15 minutes to walk through.

9. National Workshop For Handmade Paper

One of the most quirky and unexpected attractions you’ll come across in Ohrid is this paper-making workshop. Even for us, it wasn’t on our radar while walking through the old town, but we saw a sign for it and decided to stop in.

Entrance is completely free, and the gracious family who runs the studio puts on demonstrations whenever a visitor is interested. From beginning to finish, the staff does great job explaining the process (in English too!). 

The workshop features a Gutenberg-style machine, which is what was used to make handmade paper the old-fashioned way. Throughout the shop, you’ll also see works of art on the handmade paper for sale.

For anyone seeking an unconventional souvenir or gift, this is the perfect place to find one.

national paper museum in ohrid
paper making museum in ohrid

10. Ohrid City Park

A lakefront town wouldn’t be complete without an attractive city park to people-watch from. The park is well-maintained with small flower gardens, shaded benches, and peaceful views of the boats funnelling in and out.

I will admit, we only came across the Ohrid City Park because it includes a great children’s playground. A playground so entertaining that our walking tour of Ohrid was delayed by our daughter refusing to leave.

In addition to the traditional play sets, there are vendors who rent motorized toy cars for children to use by the minute. In short, the city park is an excellent pit stop for families visiting Ohrid with children.

things to do in ohrid old town

11. Old Bazaar Street

Running in parallel with the main avenue that leads to the lake is the street once used as a bazaar. In present-day, it’s still used as a shopping street but in a different sense and without typical ancient trade items.

You’ll see many different kinds of shops ranging from tattoo studios, currency exchange offices to jewelry stores.

During the summer, it certainly gets packed with tourists searching for the perfect souvenirs to bring home. Without a doubt, it’s Ohrid’s most lively street and a petite version of something you’d stumble upon on Istanbul or a busy NYC street.

If you’re headed into the old town of Ohrid, enter by the Chinar Tree and walk down the bazaar street to take advantage of the full experience.

ohrid old bazaar
ohrid tourist attractions

12. Boat or Sailing Tour

What better way to enjoy a ravishing lake than by taking a boat trip? Touring Lake Ohrid by boat is possible in a few different ways, and there are many to choose from that depart from the Port of Ohrid.

First, there are large ferries which act as water taxis along the eastern shoreline. These are typically large boats and carry many people in the direction of popular attractions like Saint Naum or the Bay of Bones Museum.

If you are not travelling by car or simply don’t feel like driving, this is the best way to visit nearby attractions with minimal effort.

For a more private or exclusive experience, you can rent a small motorized boat for just your family or group. If you rent a boat with a skipper, they’ll be able to give you a tour from their local perspective and take you wherever you’d like to go.

Sailing tours are also common on Lake Ohrid and one of the most scenic ways to discover the area.

While browsing boat tour options, you’ll also notice that nearly every boat operator’s price is the same. Or at least, it’s advertised at the same rate and gives you the option to negotiate if you prefer.

tourist boats in saint naum
ohrid things to do

13. Promenade and Drinks

One of Ohrid’s most delightfully surprising features was its pedestrian promenade. It is in great shape, stretches far along the lakefront, and is lined with bars and restaurants.

Beginning at the Port of Ohrid, you can start walking south, where you’ll cross the channel over a small bridge and continue past Despina Lounge Bar.

Throughout the promenade, you’ll also find multiple playgrounds for kids, green lawns to lay on, and quiet beach areas.

After a day of swimming, stop into one of the waterfront bars for a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. The evening light hits Lake Ohrid in a stunning golden filter.

ohrid lake viewpoint
sunset on lake ohrid

14. The Bay of Bones Museum

As possibly the most mentioned tourist attraction on Lake Ohrid, this museum is certainly one of a kind. The Bay of Bones Museum is a constructed replica of an ancient dwelling in the style it is believed to have existed during its actual time.

Based on scientific findings and centuries of research, this authentic reproduction is an example of what a settlement looked like on Lake Ohrid between 1200 – 700 B.C.

For a glimpse into a prehistoric time, stepping back into the past at the Bay of Bones Museum is a must while visiting Ohrid. Admission to the Bay of Bones costs around €3 per person and includes access to the settlement model, an artefact museum and Roman military fortress.

bay of bones

15. Trpejca Beachfront

While many visitors will remain near Ohrid’s town centre for beaches, the eastern shoreline of the lake is where the best beaches are. Particularly as you head further south, a stunning landscape begins to present itself.

The small village of Trpejca is home to arguably the most beautiful beach on Lake Ohrid. With clear water and blue hues, Trpejca Beach could be disguised as something you’d find on an island in the Adriatic Sea.

To reach Trpejca, it is best to drive. Parking is quite tricky in the small village, especially during the summer. It’s recommended to park near the mini market above the village and walk down to the beach.

If you feel like exploring, take a quick detour to Bluebay, which is hidden below Trpejca. There is nearly no public area as most of the shoreline belongs to the private waterfront homes, but it’s still worth catching a glimpse of.

The scenery is exceptionally mesmerizing and reminds us of something from Southeast Asia.

old wooden boat on lake ohrid
bluebay ohrid north macedonia

16. Saint Naum Monastery

After visiting many monasteries, we made assumptions about what it was going to be like to see Saint Naum (Sveti Naum). Boy, were we wrong. Not to say it was better or worse than what we expected, it was just a unique experience.

In the most respectful way possible, visiting St. Naum Monastery felt like going to a theme park. The drive down the tree-lined and landscaped driveway to reach the entrance feels as if you’re about to meet a queen.

Since it’s technically a monastery, entrance is free but parking is not. You don’t have an option to park anywhere else and must pay the insignificant parking fee.

The actual monastery is just one aspect of the entire area. A large section at the front of the complex is comprised of vendors selling souvenirs, ice cream, and beach equipment.

The fact is, most people don’t come to visit Saint Naum Monastery, they come to visit the beaches and swim. Within the monastery grounds, you’ll also find a couple of restaurants and bars for lunch as well as large public restroom facilities.

The Springs of St. Naum was our favourite feature as it was fascinating to experience the cold water springs feeding directly into the lake. The monastery itself is gorgeous, boasts a beautiful view, and is still frequented by people who visit for religious purposes.

Visitors interested in seeing this monastery from 900 A.D. can also get there by a one-hour long boat ride from Ohrid. 

st naum monastery lake ohrid
saint naum ohrid north macedonia
saint naum monastery

How to Get to Lake Ohrid

Flying to Ohrid

Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport is the nearest international airport to the city of Ohrid and is less than 30 minutes away. It may sound convenient, but in reality, flight options tend to be limited since it is a smaller airport in comparison to the nation’s capital.

Finding indirect flights to Ohrid is the most common, so it really depends on whether you value price, time, or convenience more. Nonstop flights to Ohrid are very restricted, so counting on flying directly to Ohrid shouldn’t be your first plan of attack.

Flying to Skopje

To reach North Macedonia by plane, most people would fly into the international airport in Skopje, the country’s capital. It is the largest airport in the country and therefore, services the most flights.

For visitors traveling from within Europe, direct flights to Skopje are widely available, especially in the summer. Well-known airlines that fly into Skopje include Austrian Airlines, easyJet, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian, SWISS, and the budget airline of Wizz Air.

Flights departing from Rome, Vienna, Zurich, Warsaw and Frankfurt are just some of the possible nonstop flights to Skopje within Europe.

How Far Is Skopje From Ohrid?

After flying into Skopje, it takes about 3 hours to drive to Ohrid. By public transportation, expect a journey of nearly 4 hours from Skopje to Ohrid.

Flying to Tirana

Alternatively, it is an option to fly into Tirana, Albania and cross the border into North Macedonia from the western side.

The driving distance from Tirana to Ohrid (3 hours) is the same as if you were to drive from Skopje. However, you’ll need to keep in mind the border crossing, which can take up to one hour on a busy day.

If flights happen to be cheaper or work better for your schedule, browse flights to Tirana instead. 

best things to do in ohrid

Road Trip

One of the most common ways that travelers are visiting the Balkan countries is by road tripping. With a handful of borders within close proximity of each other, driving to and throughout the Balkans is efficient, convenient, and the best way to explore on your own schedule.

Personally, we’ve completed a few border crossings from and to North Macedonia, none of which were problematic.

If you are driving from Albania, there are two options to access Lake Ohrid by land. The border by the Albanian town of Lin is called Kafasan and will take you along the west coast of Lake Ohrid.

Secondly and from the bottom of the lake, it’s possible to drive through the St. Naum border crossing. From both Albanian borders, it takes one hour or less to reach Ohrid. From the north end of Greece, the closest border crossing to reach Ohrid is near Medzhitlija and is 1.5 hours away.

Stretching further away from Lake Ohrid, there are land borders with entry to North Macedonia from every direction (Kosovo, Serbia, and Bulgaria).

Important Tips for Crossing Borders in the Balkans

  1. Understand that although you’re driving from one Balkan state to another, the countries are completely independent of each other. Avoid making generalizations, but for the most part, entry and exit requirements are similar. If you’re unsure or hesitant about anything, quickly research land border guidelines ahead of time. Furthermore, be mindful when you are driving from/to the EU and into a non-EU country. These border crossings tend to be much more thorough and lengthy processes.
  2. Do not always take navigation directions literally or trust them fully. We use Google Maps, and although it’s reliable in foreign countries 90% of the time, we always make it a habit to study the route before we commit. There was an instance where Google provided a route from North Macedonia to Albania through Kosovo. After examining the route, I noticed it had us crossing country lines through a forest with no official border in sight. If we were to have blindly started this navigation route, we would have wasted 2-4 hours by having to turn back around.
driving through galicica national park

Tour Bus

For a particular type of crowd, taking a tour bus to Lake Ohrid is very popular and was a common sight during our time there. These are not public buses, so tours are typically all-inclusive, which means they include guides and perhaps accommodation or activities.

If you’re not one to self-plan, opting for this type of approach to explore Ohrid is an excellent choice. Full-day (or more) tours from Tirana and Skopje are abundantly available for tourists who aren’t renting a car or driving themselves.

The Best Time to Visit Ohrid

On average, Ohrid has a mild climate, and temperatures don’t usually reach extreme heights or lows. However, you can never be too sure nowadays, and it’s not uncommon for the weather to drastically change in a matter of days.

In general, if you’re interested in taking full advantage of Ohrid’s lake, plan to visit between June and August. Temperatures can reach a high of 30°C (86°F) in the peak of summer, but the nice thing is that the lake’s temperature remains comfortably refreshing.

Additionally, a couple of days filled with heavy rainfall are also not completely rare during the summer. Just in case, it’s not a bad idea to pack a raincoat.

For those who don’t plan on prioritizing beach days during a trip to Ohrid and perhaps are more keen on sightseeing, check out Ohrid in the fall.

The months of September and October have a lesser chance of rainy days and are still warmer than spring months. Enjoying the national park and its many trails for hiking or biking is also best done during the shoulder season.

Compared to Western Europe, accommodation in Ohrid is inexpensive year-round. Nonetheless, if you’re looking to obtain the best deal possible or want a luxury experience that you wouldn’t normally be able to afford, you can save nearly 50% during the low season.

places to visit in ohrid
ohrid fishing village

Where to Stay In Ohrid

There is a wide range of different types of accommodation in Ohrid. Ranging from beachfront hotels, town center apartments, mountain retreats to no-frills cabins, there are options for every budget.

For people who will have a car during their trip, choosing a centrally located place to stay isn’t much of a factor.

The nearby towns and points of interest in Ohrid are all fairly close to the center, so getting around doesn’t eat up much of your day. If you’re the type of traveler that books accommodation based on price, you can easily find more affordable hotels and apartments the further from Ohrid you are.

If you are not traveling with a car, choose to stay in the center of Ohrid. This way, you will still be close to the action, and there are many beaches, restaurants, and bars within walking distance.

Whenever you do feel like exploring, you can catch a boat from Ohrid’s port and head south along the lake’s coast. Regular ferry stops are made in multiple areas, stretching from Ohrid and all the way down to the Albanian border.

The best towns to stay in along the east shore of the lake include Sveti Stefan, Lagadin, Peshtani and Trpejca.

Villa Velestovo (Best Value) – CHECK PRICES

Bache Apartments (Old Town Location) – CHECK PRICES

Vila Bisera (Lakeside Location) – CHECK PRICES

north macedonia travel

Final Tips for Visiting Ohrid

  1. Unlike neighboring countries, North Macedonia does widely accept cards at other establishments like restaurants, bars, and attractions. Bigger hotels may accept cards, but for nearly all other accommodation, have cash on hand just in case.
  2. English is spoken very commonly, especially with the younger generation. Still, it’s recommended to learn a few phrases in Macedonian to show respect as a visitor.
  3. Ohrid is incredibly safe. However, you may come across people begging who aren’t shy to come up to you. In general, be mindful of your items. If you’re not already covered, consider purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Ohrid.
  4. As a tourist, it’s easy to overlook the fact that you’re touring many religious sites. Try to be respectful in terms of clothing and your actions while visiting churches and monasteries.
  5. The beaches found along the Ohrid Boardwalk are scenic but they are not the best beaches on the lake. Alternatively, you’ll find the best beaches between Lagadin and St. Naum.
  6. Restaurants near Old Town can be overpriced and average tasting in comparison to other towns on Lake Ohrid. We always found the best meals near Ohrid at restaurants situated in the hills. When dining at beachfront eateries, you’re paying for the location and not necessarily the quality of food.
ohrid places to visit
ohrid old town

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Lake Ohrid Travel Resources