Tourism in the Republic of Macedonia

Statistics

The Republic of Macedonia experiences a constant increase of visitors. The number of domestic tourists in the period from January to March 2008 compared to the same period of the previous year, increased 23.5%. While the number of foreign tourists in March 2008 compared to March 2007 increased 44.7%. In 2007, Lake Ohrid had received about 250,000 domestic and foreign tourists.

In February 2009, nearly 28,000 tourists, or 3.2% more than the same month last year, visited Macedonia. There was also an 8% increase in the number of foreign visitors to the country.

The summer of 2009 was the city of Dojran's best tourist season with 135,000 overnight visitors, an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year.

The number of tourists in Macedonia in May 2010 increased by 0.8% from the same month in the previous year.

The number of foreign tourists visiting Macedonia between the months of January and July increased by 25% in 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The average amount of nights spent in the country by these tourists also rose, by 33.2%.

In the first four months of 2012, the number of tourists in Macedonia was 130,083, an increase of 4.6% from the previous year.

The Macedonian region receiving the most tourist arrivals in 2012 was the Southwest with 251,462, followed by the Skopje (164,077) and the Southeastern (106,978) regions. The Pelagonia region received 72,054 arrivals, while the remaining regions each received under 30,000.

Among foreign tourists in 2012, the most common country of origin was Turkey with 50,406 arrivals, followed by Greece with 43,976 and Serbia with 36,530. The most common non-Balkan country of origin was the Netherlands with over 27,000 tourist arrivals.

Arrivals by country

Most visitors arriving to the Republic of Macedonia on short term basis in 2015 were from the following countries of nationality:

Cities

Skopje, the capital and largest city, is situated in the northern part of the country on the Vardar River. Skopje has a long history that is evidenced by its many archaeological sites, such as Scupi and the Skopje Aqueduct, and the large number of Ottoman buildings and monuments, particularly in the Old Bazaar, such as Mustapha Pasha Mosque. Today, Skopje, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is becoming a modern city with museums and many cultural and sporting events.

Ohrid, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the southwestern part of the country on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. The town is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country, which is largely due to the beaches and atmosphere. However, Ohrid also has many historical monuments, such as Samuil's Fortress and the Antique Theatre, Church of St. Panteleimon, Church of St. Sophia, Church of St. John at Kaneo, Monastery of Saint Naum, Robevi family house & Plaošnik. There is also a number of beautiful fishing & mountain villages along the coastline which include Trpejca, Pestani, Elsani & Ljubanista.

Bitola, the country's second largest city with a population of about 100,000, is situated in the southern part of the country. Like many cities in the country, Bitola has also had a rich history. Heraclea Lyncestis, one of the Republic of Macedonia's largest archaeological sites, is located in Bitola. The long history of Bitola is also exemplified by the town's many neo-classical buildings, Ottoman buildings and monuments such as the Jeni Mosque, and old churches. The town is also a shopping destination; Širok Sokak, a pedestrian street, is filled with an endless amount of stores and restaurants which go through to Magnolia Square. There is a small Ski resort about 12km from the city centre situated on Baba Mountain which is also a great hiking mecca during the summer months between May & September.

Štip, the largest city east of the Vardar River, is located in the eastern part of the country. Štip has existed for at least 2,000 years which is showcased by its many archaeological sites, such as Astibo, Bargala, and Estipeon. The city is also home to the healing waters of the Kežovica Mineral Spa. Today, Štip is the main cultural and economical centre of eastern Macedonia.

Kratovo, A small town in the eastern part of the country, It lies on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo at an altitude of 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. Having a mild and pleasant climate, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is famous for its bridges and towers.

Kruševo, The highest town in Macedonia, situated at an altitude of over 4,429 feet (1350 m) above sea level. It is home to Mečkin Kamen, a historical landmark which marks the spot of the uprising of 1903. On August 2 every year, it is the site of the traditional Macedonian Independence Day celebrations, which are attended by the President of Macedonia and other Macedonian political leaders. Kruševo is also home to Makedonium monument, dedicated to the Ilinden Uprising and the Kruševo Republic and many museums of the Ilinden Uprising. Because of its elevation, Kruševo is one of Macedonia’s winter sports destinations. The famous Macedonian singer Tose Proeski is also berried here.

Prilep, Known as "the city under Marko's Towers" because of its proximity to the towers of Prince Marko Markovi Kuli. The towers of medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević are located on a 120-180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. The Treskavec monastery, built in the 12th century in the mountains about 10 km (6 mi) north of Prilep under Zlatovrv peak, at the edge of a small upland plain 1100 meters above sea level. Prilep has frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and is probably the site of the early Roman town of Kolobaise.

Other towns include, Strumica, and Struga, have many attractions of their own.

National parks and natural reserves

The Republic of Macedonia has three national parks and 33 natural reserves:

Other places

Festivals