This Lake Paradise Would Be Europe’s Top Destination If Travelers Knew About It

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As more tourism titans become old news, travelers are saying “yes!” to more adventurous destinations.

We at Travel Off Path have lost count of how many ‘hidden gems’ we’ve reported on that broke all-time visitor records in recent years.

But what we’re sure of is that if one of our most beloved hideaways was more mainstream, it could very well be Europe’s most popular destination.

Far more mesmerizing than the Eiffel Tower, incomparably less gritty than Athens, just as gorgeous as Lake Como, and free of locals demanding tourists leave their city, little-known North Macedonia beholds a diamond in the rough worth the adventure here.

Not to hijack my own article with unwanted opinions, but my impromptu weekend getaway instantly made this serene lake paradise one of my all-time favorite destinations — not just in Europe, but all 44 countries I’ve (mostly) had the pleasure of visiting.

It’s the type of place you mean it when you say “I could live here”. And what seasoned traveler hasn’t found themselves uttering those very words?

Without further ado, let’s dive into Ohrid, North Macedonia, a true Balkan gem waiting to be discovered in one of Europe’s least-visited countries.

The Lake Town Where Every Day Is ‘Sunday Funday’

Full disclosure: When I was young, I looked forward to communion at church only because I hoped (and probably prayed) they’d mix up wine for grape juice.

Needless to say, that never came to fruition.

But if there’s ever one getaway you can make a ‘Sunday Funday’, it’s gotta be Ohrid.

Every day feels like Sunday here as the vibe is so relaxed that I couldn’t believe my taxi driver refused to start the engine until he finished his newspaper read (yep, newspapers still exist).

Not only does time tick more slowly here, but there’s literally a church for every day of the year.

It’s true, Ohrid is historically said to have had 365 churches — some more intact than others as many date back centuries, which is why it’s been dubbed the “Slavic Jerusalem”.

Wandering the storied townscape never gets old, even when you need to take a breather with all the twists, turns, and hills, because you just never know what timeless marvel is around the corner, from staggering fortresses to Byzantine cathedrals, and beautiful mosques, since this town is surprisingly diverse.

Lake Como Beauty Without Crowds Or High Prices

If there’s one European lake we all have atop our travel wishlist, it’s typically Lake Como.

But again, that’s only because a majority of travelers not local to the Balkans simply don’t know Ohrid exists.

I sure didn’t when I randomly decided to hop aboard a bus from next-door Albania, but it’s been etched in my mind ever since.

“How do people not know about this place?” is what I kept asking myself, but the answer is easy.

It’s not as convenient to reach as the household names we all know and love, but this region is becoming trendier, especially amongst digital nomads, since North Macedonia offers a digital nomad visa.

That said, the sudden spike in popularity for nomads hasn’t changed Ohrid’s identity.

It’s still remarkably affordable across the board, whether it’s boutique hotels, sunset cruises, local wine, an array of international cuisine, or fresh catch from the lake (definitely order trout!).

Heck, even flights are cheap since the budget airline Wizz Air anchors Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD).

Lake Ohrid is one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve ever been to, whether it’s Old Town’s winding cobbled walkways or the glassy lake itself, backed by rolling mountains on one side and a whitewashed, red-tiled townscape visible from various boardwalks over open water.

Views just don’t get any better, and other travelers’ reviews back it up, too.

Ohrid May Be Off-Path, But It’s Also Safe

The U.S. State Department has a ranking for every country: levels 1 – 4.

North Macedonia is in a rare club as a ‘Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions‘, beating many of Americans favorite destinations, such as Punta Cana.

If safety is your number one hesitation to venture across the globe, there’s no extreme worries here.

I will tell you if you visit like I did on a bus from Tirana, Albania, the immediate area surrounding the border is run down — not a place you want to stick around.

Once you begin to see the lake, you’re on the right path and should have no troubles exploring Ohrid at all hours.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.