For many years I have been knowing about Northern Macedonia and actively avoiding it's visit. For no good reason at all. Maybe this landlocked country has some bad rep that kept me away, or it just wasn't the time yet. That probably made my visit even more enjoyable as I was really happy for this country to beat my expectations.
Weather in Skopje was getting hotter and hotter by the day and my time spent there was nearing it's end. Where shall I go next. Well, Lake Ohrid was an easy direction. I was thinking to make some stopovers on my way, but than decided to go all the way on one go as Macedonia is really small place. After all it took just three and half hours to get there. Plus the cheapest of accomodation was eater Skopje or Ohrid. Anything between looked like overpriced shitholes, sorry. Maybe with an exemption of the maintain resort Mavrovo, which at least provides something for a higher price.
After my check-in, I headed directly to the lake. The old town is directly next to it and it boosts some awesome views, secret cafe corners and narrow streets that provide some shadow during the hot summer days. Than I was on my way following the coast, which is partly cyclopath, partly sidewalk and partly third grade road. Getting around on my skateboard made my day easy. I have quickly covered area for which otherwise two days might have been needed. Passing by the river delta slash harbor in my way to discover yet even more.
Even though it is a lake, one has a feeling it is Mediterranean sea. The atmosphere sure is. Pine tree odor is ever-present and the overall relaxed vibes are stunning.
The path led me through some small cliffs where I had the opportunity to have one tiny little beach just for myself. For about twenty minutes. Than some local people arrived, but were friendly and polite. We exchanged few Serbian words but my ability didn't lasted for decent conversation. My furthest destination I reached that day was a very busy beach full of tourist. Hold on, it was supposed to be off-season still... Yes, but with all the travel restrictions and Macedonia being one at that time still very open country, the season might have started a little earlier I suppose.
In the evening I was even more shocked, when walking through the city center, how busy it was compared to Skopje. Also I have started hearing Polish, Russian and English more. A clear sign of mass tourism. I realised I will not spend too much time in Ohrid due to the fact that the season starts so soon. I don't like hanging around tourists too much. I like nice places, but I try hard to enjoy them when the hordes of "useless eaters" are not around. The next day I tried to see the city beach, which is super central but due to it's bad access it is also fairly empty.
Ohrid lake is really a juel of Macedonia. If you are like me and would prefer to have the place for yourself do visit this fabulous place somewhere in late spring or early autumn as with any other summer holidays destinations.
All the best,
Global Local