Going on holiday to new places is always exciting, and this location with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery and plenty to do is said to be ‘underrated’ and totally worth it
A woman who recently travelled to this ‘hidden gem’ insists people visit (file)(Image: Paul Biris via Getty Images)
Taking a holiday presents a marvellous chance to escape your everyday duties and enjoy yourself. While you might have beloved destinations you return to time and again, discovering fresh locations and experiencing diverse cultures proves endlessly captivating. Although tourist hotspots feature on countless bucket lists, stunning hidden treasures often go unnoticed.
This “underrated” destination brims with adventure, heritage, coastline and won’t break the bank to explore. The enchanting location is Ohrid city in North Macedonia, nestled within the Balkans.
It boasts a remarkable lake dating back three to five million years, so vast that visitors frequently confuse it for the ocean. Tourists can hire kayaks to paddle out and discover the waters themselves or arrange guided boat excursions.
Along the shoreline, cobbled pathways wind between ivy-clad structures, stone archways and boutiques offering traditional jewellery.
Travellers can explore ancient fortresses, churches and monasteries before sampling regional delicacies at family-operated tavernas.
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Em, who delights in sharing her finest budget travel advice online and commands over 103,000 TikTok followers, cannot praise the destination highly enough after her recent pleasantly surprising visit.
The globetrotter, who has explored 12 nations this year, declared: “This is the number one place you need to visit before it gets busy, if you want a relaxed and chilled out holiday with stunning scenery but you’re also on a budget then skip Spain or Greece and come here instead.”
She enthused: “This is one of Europe’s least visited countries but I’m not sure why to be honest. It’s one of the most underrated places I’ve ever been. It’s set on a stunning lake which has loads of cute, hidden beaches and it’s perfect for wild swimming plus it’s meant to have healing properties.”
Saint John Church at Kaneo is a Macedonian Orthodox church situated on the cliff over Kaneo Beach overlooking Lake Ohrid(Image: Paul Biris via Getty Images)
She also praised the town’s balance of activities and tranquillity, as well as its historical sites such as a fortress with breathtaking views.
Em was particularly impressed by the affordability of Ohrid. She shared: “Accommodation is really affordable. I stayed in a lovely hostel for around £10 or you can easily find nice Airbnbs for around £20 a night. The food and drink is also delicious and super cheap.
“I got a cappuccino from this cafe with an outside terrace on the lake for £1.80 and had the whole place to myself.”
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Her post garnered positive responses from other travellers. “Been coming here for years, it’s my favourite place,” one follower commented.
“This looks/sounds incredible,” another added.
One user shared their own experience: “Was in Macedonia in July, loved it, fabulous food, drink etc. The people are so so friendly, and very safe to visit.”
Another chimed in: “Ohrid it’s a beautiful place to visit. St. Naum also, near Ohrid, a place with gorgeous views, old churches.”
Another follower reminisced: “Just spent a fortnight in Macedonia, stayed in Sveti Stefan just outside of Ohrid. Loved Macedonia and the people. Really want to go back when I can, Skopje looks great.”
How to get there
At present, TUI is the sole airline offering direct flights to Ohrid, with September typically being the most affordable month for travel.
According to Skyscanner: “£84 is currently the cheapest price for a round-trip flight to Ohrid Airport. For a one-way plane ticket to OHD, the lowest fare is £46.”
Upon arrival at Ohrid Airport, you can reach the city centre in approximately 15 minutes by taxi or private transfer, as there’s no public bus service available between the two locations.