With beaches, churches, historical sites and an Old Town, there's lots to explore on holidays to Ohrid (pronounced Ock-rid).
Cobbles, cafés and culture
Spend the day wandering the cobbled streets of Ohrid's Old Town, down hidden pathways and through stone archways. And don't forget to look up as well as around you – the terracotta roof tiles and brightly coloured flowers on the balconies are a pop of colour against the white and stone buildings. Stop for a coffee and sweet treat at one of the local bakeries near St Clement square, and chat to the friendly locals. Choose one of the family-run restaurants or cafés for lunch, and tuck into regional specialities like fish soup or fresh bread with makalo, a tasty garlic dip.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ohrid was once home to 365 churches, and although you won't find as many churches here today, the ones it does have are historically and culturally important – they even helped it become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. The biggest of Lake Ohrid's cities, it dates right back to the 3rd century BC and is one of Europe's oldest human settlements. Visit the 13th century Church of St John at Kaneo, it's set high on the cliff edge and you'll get the best view over Lake Ohrid from up here, or the ancient Church of St Clement, with rounded turrets and patterned towers it looks like a castle.
Take it to the lake
Whether you swim, sail or wander along the promenade, the lake is front and centre in Ohrid. It's one of Europe's oldest lakes and, thanks to its biodiversity and the huge range of wildlife, it's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the shore near the Old Town with a stroll along the water's edge, then find your favourite beach spot to soak up the sun. There are beaches in both directions – head right from the Old Town along the wooden promenade to find the closest ones, small pebble beaches tucked against the cliff edge. Hop aboard a boat to take a tour of the lake, or set sail on a sunset cruise to watch the evening roll in and the sky turn from blue to pink.
Out and about
- Lakeside promenade
- Boat trips
- Wildlife spotting
- Beaches
- Lake bathing
- National park
- Walking tours
- Hiking
- Paragliding
- Old Town
- Market
- Local history museum
- Churches
- Monastery
- Fortress
- Amphitheatre
- Archaeological site
