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Brief information about the country

Independence Date

Official language

Macedonian

Form of government

Parliamentary republic

Territory

25,333 km² (145th in the world)

Population

2,057,284 people (146th in the world)

Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Timezone

Largest cities

Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid

$21.35 billion (120th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

Macedonia- a country located in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The independence of Macedonia was proclaimed in September 1991, before which it was one of the republics of Yugoslavia. The capital of Macedonia is the city of Skopje. Macedonia's neighbors are Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania. The country's area is 25,713 km², population - 2,083,869 people (2017). In addition to Macedonians, Albanians, Turks, Serbs, and Montenegrins also live in the country. Official language- Macedonian (quite close to the Bulgarian language).

Video: Macedonia

Basic moments

Macedonia is a unitary republic. The head of state is the president, who is elected by popular vote for a 5-year term. The legislative body is the unicameral Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia. Executive power is exercised by the government headed by the chairman. According to the administrative-territorial principle, the country is divided into 34 opstins (communities).

The modern state is part of historical Macedonia. The Slavs settled here in the 7th-8th centuries. In the 9th century the local Slavic population was christened Cyril and Methodius. In 1918, Vardar Macedonia, as part of Serbia, became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (from 1929 Yugoslavia). In 1941, as a result of the German occupation of Yugoslavia, b. Part of Vardar Macedonia was captured by fascist Bulgaria, the remaining areas - by Italy. From 1945 to 1991, Macedonia was part of Yugoslavia as a republic. In 1991, the republic declared independence and did not participate in armed conflicts after the collapse of Yugoslavia. The name displeased Greece, which declared a trade blockade on the republic and demanded that it be called the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in international documents. Macedonia fully supported NATO in the conflict with Yugoslavia. But in 2001, Macedonian Albanians began armed uprisings for national autonomy. Under pressure from the West, Macedonia made forced concessions, introduced Albanian as the state language, and deployed NATO troops. Tensions between communities remain. National holiday - September 8 (Republic Day).

Most of Macedonia's territory is occupied by medium-high mountains (up to 2764 m on the border with Albania) with flat peaks and steep slopes. The mountains are cut through by deep river valleys. The most big river Macedonia - Vardar. The country experiences frequent earthquakes. A catastrophic earthquake occurred in 1963, when the city of Skopje was destroyed.

The lakes of Macedonia are very beautiful, located on the border with Albania and Greece and filling vast intermountain basins. The real pearl of this region is Lake Ohrid. The city of Ohrid, located on the shore of the lake, is famous for its architectural monuments: the Basilica of St. Sophia from the 11th century. and the 13th-century Church of St. Clement, which preserves Byzantine frescoes. Other big cities Macedonia - Bitola, Prilep, Kumanovo.

Cities of Macedonia

All cities of Macedonia

Climate and weather

Macedonia has a temperate continental mountain climate. The southern part of the country boasts climatic conditions, similar to the Mediterranean. The summer period is characterized by hot and dry weather. The average daily air temperature is about +22 °C. In mountainous areas it is slightly colder - +15 °C.

Winter in Macedonia is incredibly mild and very humid. At night the temperature drops to –7 °C, and during the day the air warms up to +5 °C. Atmospheric precipitation falls almost exclusively in winter period. Their number varies depending on the region of the country. In the northern part of Macedonia, up to 500 mm falls, and on the western slopes of the mountains - more than 1,700 mm per year. In mountainous areas, snow lasts from late November to early March.

The country's tourist season lasts from May to September, when air temperatures rarely reach sub-zero temperatures and precipitation is minimal.

Nature

The nature of Macedonia is extremely diverse. Here you can observe the silent high mountains, picturesque valleys, beautiful deep lakes. That is why many people call Macedonia “the country of mountains and lakes.” The territory of the state is divided by two mountain systems - the Pindus in the west of Macedonia and the Rhodope Mountains in the east and center of the country. The average height of the local mountains is about 2500 m.

The natural landscapes of the eastern part of the country are replete with dense deciduous and coniferous forests. These types of forests are also present in western Macedonia, but for the most part these mountain slopes are covered with dense shrubs.

The mountain ranges are separated from each other by the valleys of the Strumica and Vardar rivers, which flow through the entire country and are the largest in the state. The country's largest lakes, Prespa and Orchid, are located in southwestern Macedonia. The unique landscapes surrounding them captivate the imagination. Several national parks have been organized near them, which are designed to preserve the numerous species of animals and plants living on their territory.

It is worth noting that the region of Macedonia is seismically active. Sometimes earthquakes reach quite destructive force. The last of these, which occurred in 1963, was the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, which was greatly destroyed.

Attractions

Macedonia is a whole complex of beautiful ancient attractions. The most famous of them is the Slavic monastery in the city of Ohrid, built on the shores of a picturesque lake, which is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. The monastery owns more than 800 icons, painted in the Byzantine style in the 11th-14th centuries. Experts consider this collection to be second in importance after the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery.

The capital of Macedonia, Skopje, is one continuous attraction. There are unique architectural monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages here. Of particular interest are the famous Turkish baths, built in 1466, a small Orthodox church of the 17th century, and the Muslim mosques of Mustafa Pasha and Sultan Murat built in 1492.

Foreign tourists show particular interest in the ruins of ancient cities. The most famous of them are Skupi, located near the modern capital of Macedonia, and Heraclea Lyncestis, which is located in Bitola. They say that this city was founded by Philip II of Macedon himself in the 4th century. BC e.

Notable for ecotourists are the picturesque natural places, which amaze with their splendor. One of the favorite places for this category of travelers is the famous Dojran Lake, the Radika Gorge, which is recognized as the most beautiful canyon in Western Europe. And the waterfall of the same name is considered the highest in Balkan Peninsula.

The real pearl of Macedonia is Lake Ohrid, which is located at an altitude of about 700 m above sea level. This place is one of the most beautiful and cleanest on earth. That is why the lake is the most popular resort Europe. The entire coast of Lake Ohrid is built up with hotels and sanatoriums offering their clients a different range of services.

The city of Ohrid is famous for its masterpieces ancient architecture: Samuel's fortress, Sveti Sofia basilica, Gorna Porta gate, ruins of a Christian basilica with ancient mosaics, Sveti Giovan Kaneo church and others.

All sights of Macedonia

Kitchen

The national cuisine of Macedonia is a mixture of culinary traditions neighboring countries, there is also a significant influence of Turkish cuisine here.

The cuisine of Macedonia differs from others in its abundance of vegetables and fruits. They are added to almost all dishes. The use of meat, mainly lamb and beef, as well as seafood, is widespread.

Ohrid trout is considered the pride of Macedonian cuisine. Cheese cheese is very popular among local chefs; it is added to almost all dishes, both vegetable, meat and fish.

The most popular dish among foreigners is “pastramka” - trout baked in a pot with prunes, served in a sauce with beaten eggs, garlic and herbs. The most favorite dish among the local population is considered to be “ajvar” - a salad of stewed peppers with beans and eggplants. In any Macedonian restaurant or cafe you can see another popular local treat - “tavce gravce”. Traditionally, this masterpiece is prepared from beans (gravche) baked in a special frying pan (tavche). This dish has also become widespread in neighboring Greece.

Of the desserts, the most favorite among Macedonians is “pulumba”, which is made from unleavened dough, fried in vegetable oil and served with sweet syrup. In small restaurants in Skopje you can try famous Turkish kebabs.

Every Macedonian always has fresh bread, cheese and herbs on his table. They consume these products in unlimited quantities. Sometimes the famous “kaymak” - fermented milk - is served as a cold snack.

The male half of the country's population, and the tourists who come here, love to treat themselves to traditional Macedonian vodka - “rakia”. This moonshine tastes very much like Georgian “chacha” or Italian “grappa”. Macedonia is widely known as a wonderful wine-producing country. Its magnificent red wines have a special taste and amazing aroma.

For all its sophistication, food in Macedonia is considered one of the cheapest in all of Europe. A good dinner for two people in an expensive restaurant will cost 20 €. And in small cafes the average bill is approximately 3 € per person.

Accommodation

Throughout Macedonia there are many hotels of various levels. Here you can find luxury apartments and small but very cozy hostel rooms.

It is worth noting that before arriving in Macedonia, you should take care of booking a room in advance, since every year the resort areas of this country are becoming more and more popular. If you have not booked your accommodation in advance, only private apartments are open to you, the choice of which is not so huge.

Tourist accommodation in Macedonia is represented by hotels, guest houses and luxury apartments. At the same time, there are not very many hotels themselves in the country. And there are no representatives of world-famous companies at all. Only in 2013 is it planned to open the first Marriott hotel in Macedonia.

Most of these institutions are located in resort areas. Family mini-hotels, sanatoriums and apart-hotels that are popular in this area are available to foreigners. At ski resorts you can spend the night in small but quite comfortable guesthouses.

Most newlyweds who come to Macedonia to spend their Honeymoon, prefer to stay in small hotels that are part of the Hostelling International network. In such establishments, the practice of issuing good discounts on accommodation around the world is widespread.

Camping sites are an excellent alternative to hotels. This type of housing is especially suitable for those who like to travel by car. The most popular not only among tourists, but also among local youth is the Autocamp Gradište camping site, located near Lake Ohrid. Small cozy houses will add a special zest to your holiday. In such campsites you can use many of the services provided in regular hotels - a sauna with a swimming pool, small modern shops, telephone service, and even free wireless Internet.

Almost all hotels and inns in Macedonia are classified according to the international system. However, in most cases, prices for accommodation in such institutions are excessively high. So, on average, one person pays from 20 € to 40 € for accommodation.

Entertainment and relaxation

As a rule, travel agencies offer their clients numerous excursions to the famous sights of Skopje, Ohrid and other famous cities.

Ancient Macedonia is of interest for its unique, miraculously preserved monuments of ancient culture. Many tourists prefer to come to this amazing country only to gain impressions from contemplating with your own eyes the numerous traces of ancient civilization. Meanwhile, beautiful Macedonia arouses genuine interest among true connoisseurs of magnificent, unique nature.

Many large travel companies Macedonia is called the most the best center in Europe for lovers active species recreation. Beautiful geographical position and unique relief fascinate numerous connoisseurs of mountain and hiking, rafting and speleology. And the local lakes have long attracted the attention of avid fishermen with their incredible catch. Macedonia will delight lovers of skiing and snowboarding with its beautiful ski resorts, which also provide Additional services to your visitors. For example, in the famous Krusevo you can take exciting walking and cycling tours around the city. Horseback riding is also very popular.

Another famous resort Macedonia's Mavrovo is famous not only for its excellent skiing and mountaineering slopes, but also for its charming hotels built in the country's traditional style. Due to increasing interest from foreign tourists to similar resort areas, the Macedonian authorities decided to create several more similar recreational and ski centers in the country.

In the capital of Macedonia, in the evening and at night, you can visit various night clubs, where mostly young people prefer to relax.

Purchases

The European statistical agency Eurostat has recognized Macedonia as the most profitable country for purchases. The most recorded here low prices for goods throughout the European Union. Moreover, some goods cost 50% less than in neighboring countries.

In the major cities of Macedonia you can everywhere find small shops and shops selling souvenirs. The most popular item for purchases among foreigners is the national leather shoes - “opants”. These shoes are notable for their incredibly long and pointed toe, which is turned up. The production of these shoes is carried out strictly by hand. Usually, foreigners order tiny-sized “opants” as a souvenir.

Also notable gifts brought from Macedonia are products made from freshwater Ohrid pearls. When purchasing such products, you should be wary of counterfeits, which have recently flooded the jewelry market.

Many tourists prefer to purchase unique wooden paintings made exclusively by hand by local residents. True, the cost of such a work of art is quite high, approximately 60 € for one painting.

Most shops in Macedonia are open from 8:00 to 20:00 on weekdays, and on Saturday local merchants do not stay longer than 15:00. Sunday is considered a day off in Macedonia.

Transport

Macedonia has two large international airport- this is in Skopje and Ohrid. International flights are served by two Macedonian airlines - Avioimpex and Macedonian Airlines. Domestic flights are not organized in the country due to small size territory of the state.

Small Macedonia boasts well-developed bus services, especially those that connect the country's major cities. This type of transport is considered the most convenient and inexpensive when moving around the state. It is worth considering that bus transportation are very popular both among the local population and among visiting tourists, so when planning a trip you need to make reservations in advance.

Public transport in big cities is also represented by buses, however, in contrast to intercity and international transport, the fleet of urban Vehicle, judging by their appearance, they have not been modernized for a very long time. Payment for travel on such transport is carried out through coupons, which are sold at every newsstand or from the driver. The cost of travel on a city bus is 0.4 €. For intercity transportation, you may pay a little more depending on the distance of the trip.

You can also use car rental services, which provide several large companies. In this case, a day's rental will cost you 35 €.

Most tourists prefer to travel around the country by bus, because railways take place at a considerable distance from the main attractions. In general, Macedonia's railways are relatively poorly developed. There are only two main branches here: Skopje - Gevgelija (a city on the border with Greece) and Skopje - Bitola. Due to the outdated railway track, train speeds are often indecently low. The train covers the distance of 200 km from the capital to Bitola in just over four hours. Many Europeans, accustomed to high speeds, feel uneasy on such trains. It is worth noting that the quality of the rolling stock leaves much to be desired. Typically, local residents and tourists use rail transport only when it is necessary to travel to Greek border. It is this method of transportation to Gevgelija that is considered the most popular here. The cost of one train ticket to the Greek border is approximately 4 €.

Connection

Communications in Macedonia are well developed. The telephone network is widespread in every city. On the streets of large settlements You can find pay phones from which you can make calls not only within the city, but even abroad. Such devices operate using special plastic cards, which can be purchased at any postal kiosk. The cost of a call from a machine is approximately 0.2 €. To call abroad, you can also use a hotel phone or inn, but such a call will cost much more (approximately 0.6 €), and the quality of the connection will be worse than from a street telephone.

Almost the entire territory of Macedonia, with the exception of certain mountainous areas, has cellular coverage of the GSM-900 standard. For communication within the country, you can purchase local SIM cards. Their prices range from 10 € to 20 €. By the way, the local mobile operator Makedonski Telekomunikacii supports roaming services of all major European cellular companies.

The World Wide Web can only be found in large cities and resort areas. When approaching rural and mountainous areas such luxury will gradually disappear. Internet with regular access can be found in any cafe, hotel and inn. The connection speed is high, and the price for one hour of Internet use is less than 1 €.

Safety

Macedonia is considered relatively safe European country. In Christian areas there is absolutely no need to worry about your personal safety. Here the police strictly monitor possible situations of deception of tourists. But in areas where Albanians live, no one can guarantee you such security. This is where cases of petty fraud and robbery most often occur.

At a high level road safety in Macedonia there is no doubt. The quality of local roads delights foreign guests. True, on some mountain roads There are areas that are not fenced off from rockfalls and have rather poor lighting. Therefore, it is better to travel in such areas only with a personal driver. The driving habits of locals are not as aggressive as in neighboring countries.

Macedonia boasts of its safe products and excellent hygiene conditions. Here you can taste fresh milk and fresh fish without fear. Many tourists admire the quality of local tap water.

Business

Recently, Macedonia has become increasingly attractive for foreign investment. Winemaking and viticulture are recognized as the most successful for this. It is in this industry that foreign businessmen prefer to invest their funds.

Some investors prefer the development of mineral deposits in Macedonia, but most opt for the tourism business, which is becoming more profitable and profitable here every year. Given the growing interest in the country and its resorts from foreign tourists, investors are investing their funds in this sector of the Macedonian economy without much risk. In addition, the state authorities are doing everything possible to reduce taxes and duties in order to attract large quantity foreign businessmen.

Real estate

Thanks to its excellent location, comfortable weather conditions and magnificent natural scenery, Macedonia becomes an excellent option for buying property. The country provides good economic prospects for business development. It is worth noting that property prices here are relatively low.

Thus, the cost of housing in the capital of the country, Skopje, reaches up to 350 € per square meter. For this money you can buy not only standard apartments, but also good private houses. But in elite areas of the capital, the cost of living space immediately increases by 2, or even 2.5 times. And when purchasing real estate in the Vodno district, where representatives of the country’s ruling elite lived for many years, you will need to shell out up to 2,800 € per square meter. Plots for construction on the outskirts of Skopje can be purchased at a price of 460 € per hundred square meters. However, it is worth considering that foreign citizens Macedonian land is not sold.

In other large cities, the cost of housing is much lower than in the capital, but when buying real estate in ancient areas filled with magnificent historical and architectural monuments, you need to pay an amount almost equal to the capital’s price tags.

When visiting Macedonia for the most comfortable rest Without unpleasant incidents, you need to know several rules of conduct in public places. Firstly, you should not talk about politics in public places; local residents do not really like to discuss this topic. Secondly, be careful when visiting Albanian areas. Some of them have a bad reputation for their negative attitude towards foreigners. Thirdly, when traveling around the country, it is advisable to avoid areas bordering Serbia and Kosovo. Typically, travel to these areas requires special permission from the authorities.

In Macedonia there is a ban on smoking in all public places. Even in local bars, cafes and restaurants smoking is prohibited.

If you want to use the services of a rented car, it is worth remembering that registration is carried out only if you have paid insurance, an international driver's license and a deposit. In this case, you must additionally pay local tax, which is approximately 15% of the rental amount, and an insurance fee. When traveling around the country, it is worth knowing that some roads are toll roads; travel is paid for with special coupons that can be purchased at the state border.

Visa information

A visa is required to enter Macedonia. To obtain it, you need a foreign passport valid for at least 3 months from the end of the trip, one photograph, a questionnaire, a travel voucher or confirmation of a hotel reservation, round-trip tickets and medical insurance. The consular fee is 10 €, for urgent processing - 25 €. Children under 6 years old receive a visa free of charge.

For registration necessary documents You can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Moscow at the address: 117292, Moscow, st. Dm. Ulyanova 16, bldg. 2, p. 8, office 509-510.

Story

The territory of the modern Republic of Macedonia in various historical periods belonged to different states and empires - Paionia, Ancient Macedonia (whose name was inherited by the entire geographical region), the Roman and Byzantine empires, the medieval Bulgarian kingdom, the Serbian kingdom, the Ottoman Empire. In 864, when the territory was part of the Bulgarian kingdom, Christianity was adopted as the state religion. Modern Macedonians are ethnically close to the Bulgarians. In the 14th century, these lands were conquered by the Ottoman Empire.

In 1878, Russia liberated Bulgaria and concluded the San Stefano Treaty with Turkey, according to which the state of Bulgaria appeared, and parts of Macedonia inhabited by the southern Slavs were included within Bulgaria. However, this was unfavorable to the great powers in Europe and the Treaty of San Stefano was followed by the Treaty of Berlin, which cut Bulgaria into two parts - the Principality of Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia. Macedonia with its South Slavic population again fell to the Turks.

The first Balkan War began in 1912. Bulgarian and allied Balkan Christian troops defeated Turkey and Macedonia again became Bulgarian. However, almost immediately a war broke out between the allies - Bulgaria and the rest of the Balkan Christian peoples, as a result of which Bulgaria lost Macedonia.

As a result of the Balkan Wars of 1912 and 1913 and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Macedonia was divided between Serbia under the name Južna Srbija ("Southern Serbia"), Greece (Aegean Macedonia) and Bulgaria (Pirin region). After World War I, Serbia joined the newly created Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. In 1929, the kingdom received a new name - Yugoslavia and was divided into provinces - banovina. The territory of the modern Republic of Macedonia became the Vardar Province (Vardarska banovina).

In 1943, it was decided that after the war Macedonia would have the status of a full-fledged republic within Yugoslavia. The first textbook on Macedonian grammar was published in 1952 and the formation of an independent Macedonian Orthodox Church began. By recognizing the Macedonians as a separate ethnic group, distinct from the Serbs and Bulgarians, the authorities in Belgrade attempted to weaken Bulgarian claims to Macedonia.

When a referendum on independence was held in Macedonia on September 8, 1991, 74% of the population voted in favor, and in 1992 Macedonia became an independent state, separating from Yugoslavia. This time, Belgrade did not send troops, and therefore the secession of Macedonia took place peacefully, and road and rail communications did not stop. But in mid-1993, thousands of UN peacekeepers were sent to Macedonia to monitor the situation on the Yugoslav border and the Kosovo region.

Greece refused to recognize an independent Macedonia until the country took a different name. It seemed to Greece that if the Macedonians used the name Macedonia, they would lay claim to the possessions of ancient Macedonia, which then included most of Greece. Under pressure from the Greek authorities, Macedonia adopted a temporary name - the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, under which it was admitted to the UN in April 1993.

After some hesitation, six European Union countries established diplomatic relations with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in December 1993. And in February 1994, despite strong opposition from Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was recognized by the United States. After this, Greece announced an embargo against Macedonia and closed the port of Thessaloniki to trade with this country. The embargo was lifted in 1995 when Macedonia changed its flag and agreed to discuss the country's name with Greece. Shortly after these discussions, President Kiro Gligorov was assassinated during terrorist attack. Therefore, an end to these negotiations was not reached.

Despite the relative stability of the situation in Macedonia after secession from Yugoslavia, in 2001 Albanian rebels from the National Liberation Army (NLA) started a military conflict with the Macedonian military forces. ELN activists claimed that they were fighting for the rights of the 400,000 Albanians living in the country. But the Macedonian government believes that extremists are coming from Kosovo and starting a conflict in support of “Greater Albania.” While most of the fighting occurs near the Macedonian border with Kosovo in the north, there are fears it could move closer to the capital Skopje, sparking ethnic violence. Others believe that the situation will improve, but one way or another, a great human tragedy is still unfolding in the country.

Economy

Economic development is weak. Chromites, copper, lead-zinc and iron ores, and manganese are mined here. There are enterprises in ferrous and non-ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, light and food industries.

Population

68% of the population speaks Macedonian, a South Slavic group of languages. 25% of the population speaks Albanian, 3% Turkish, 2% Serbo-Croatian. The majority of the population (70%) professes Orthodoxy, 29% are Muslims.

A peculiarity of the demographic situation in Macedonia is the excess of the birth rate of the Albanian part of the population over the Slavic part, which is generally typical for Muslim minorities in many countries of the world. However, in last years The birth rate of Albanians is falling at a faster rate: in 2005, the number of Albanian women giving birth amounted to 30.8% of the total number of women who gave birth to children, while in 2001 this figure reached almost 40%.

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Macedonia is located in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula. From the south it borders with Greece, its northern neighbor is Yugoslavia, in the west and east the country neighbors Albania and Bulgaria, respectively. Macedonia is the only country in the Balkans that does not have access to the sea.

This small state was glorified throughout the world by the famous Alexander III (the Great) back in the 5th century BC, who wanted to make it the center of his huge state.

The official name of the country, as followed by the UN, is the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is often simply called Macedonia. Just do not confuse the state with the historical region of Macedonia and the territorial regions of neighboring countries (in Greece there is Aegean Macedonia, and in Bulgaria there is Pirin Macedonia).

Several peoples live on the territory of the state, most of them are Macedonians (64%) and Albanians (26%), there are also Serbs, Turks and Gypsies, but their percentage in the total population is very small. At the same time, the official language of the country is Macedonian, which belongs to the South Slavic group of languages. It is spoken by more than 70% of the population.

About 68% of residents consider themselves to be members of the Macedonian Orthodox Church. But there are also adherents of other religions. Approximately 30% are Muslims, the rest of the population adheres to other beliefs. Islam is mainly practiced by Albanians living in Macedonia.

Thanks to Macedonia's favorable geographical location, industrial sectors such as wine, tobacco and textiles are successfully developing here. The country has reserves of minerals and precious metals, although their quantity is so small that the development of their deposits is considered unprofitable.

Recently, Macedonia has become one of the most attractive countries on the Balkan Peninsula for tourism development. Magnificent natural conditions, a large number of attractions, excellent opportunities for active rest- all this brings Macedonia to a leading place among tourist countries region.

Capital	Skopje
Population	2,057,284 people (as of 2010)

Population density	81 people/km²
	Macedonian
Religion	Orthodoxy
Form of government	parliamentary republic
	Macedonian denar
Timezone	UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer
International dialing code
Internet domain zone
Electricity

Climate and weather

Macedonia has a temperate continental mountain climate. The southern part of the country boasts climatic conditions similar to the Mediterranean. The summer period is characterized by hot and dry weather. The average daily air temperature is approx. +22 °C. In mountainous areas it is somewhat colder - +15 °C.

Winter in Macedonia is incredibly mild and very humid. At night the temperature drops to -7 °C, and during the day the air warms up to +5 °C. Atmospheric precipitation occurs almost only in winter. Their number varies depending on the region of the country. In the northern part of Macedonia, up to 500 mm falls, and on the western slopes of the mountains - more than 1,700 mm per year. In mountainous areas, snow lasts from late November to early March.

The country's tourist season lasts from May to September, when air temperatures rarely reach sub-zero temperatures and precipitation is minimal.

Nature

The nature of Macedonia is extremely diverse. Here you can observe silent high mountains, picturesque valleys, beautiful deep lakes. That is why many people call Macedonia “the country of mountains and lakes.” The territory of the state is divided by two mountain systems - the Pindus in the west of Macedonia and the Rhodope Mountains in the east and center of the country. The average height of the local mountains is about 2500 m.

It is worth noting that the region of Macedonia is seismically active. Sometimes earthquakes reach quite destructive force. The last of them, which occurred in 1963, greatly destroyed the capital of Macedonia Skopje.

Attractions

Macedonia is a whole complex of beautiful ancient attractions. The most famous of them is the Slavic Monastery in the city of Ohrid, built on the shores of a picturesque lake, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The monastery owns more than 800 icons, painted in the Byzantine style in the 11th-14th centuries. Experts consider this collection to be second in importance after the Moscow Tretyakov Gallery.

The capital of Macedonia itself Skopje is one continuous attraction. There are unique architectural monuments of antiquity and the Middle Ages here. Of particular interest are the famous Turkish baths, built in 1466, a small Orthodox church of the 17th century, Muslim Mustafa Pasha Mosque And Sultan-Murat Built in 1492.

Foreign tourists show particular interest in the ruins of ancient cities. The most famous of them are Buy it up, located near the modern capital of Macedonia, and Heraclea Lyncestis, which is located in Bitola. They say that this city was founded by Philip II of Macedon himself in the 4th century. BC e.

For ecotourists, the picturesque natural places that amaze with their splendor are noteworthy. One of the favorite places for this category of travelers is the famous Dojran Lake, Radika Gorge, which is recognized as the most beautiful canyon in Western Europe. And the waterfall of the same name is considered the highest on the Balkan Peninsula.

The real pearl of Macedonia is Ohrid Lake, which is located at an altitude of about 700 m above sea level. This place is one of the most beautiful and cleanest on earth. That is why the lake is the most popular resort in Europe. The entire coast of Lake Ohrid is built up with hotels and sanatoriums offering their clients a different range of services.

The city of Ohrid is famous for its masterpieces of ancient architecture: Samuil's Fortress, St. Sophia Basilica, Gorna Porta Gate, ruins of a Christian basilica with ancient mosaics, church Sveti Jovan Caneo and others.

Nutrition

The national cuisine of Macedonia is a mixture of culinary traditions from neighboring countries, and there is also a significant influence of Turkish cuisine.

The cuisine of Macedonia differs from others in its abundance of vegetables and fruits. They are added to almost all dishes. The use of meat, mainly lamb and beef, as well as seafood, is widespread.

Ohrid trout is considered the pride of Macedonian cuisine. Cheese cheese is very popular among local chefs; it is added to almost all dishes, both vegetable, meat and fish.

Among the desserts, the most favorite among Macedonians is "pulumba", which is prepared from unleavened dough, fried in vegetable oil and served with sweet syrup. In small restaurants in Skopje you can try famous Turkish kebabs.

Every Macedonian always has fresh bread, cheese and herbs on his table. They consume these products in unlimited quantities. Sometimes the famous "kaymak"- fermented milk.

The male half of the country’s population, and the tourists who come here, love to treat themselves to traditional Macedonian vodka - "rakija". This moonshine tastes very much like Georgian "chachu" or Italian "grappa". Macedonia is widely known as a wonderful wine-producing country. Its magnificent red wines have a special taste and amazing aroma.

Accommodation

Throughout Macedonia there are many hotels of various levels. Here you can find luxury apartments and small but very cozy hostel rooms.

Tourist accommodation in Macedonia is represented by hotels, guest houses and luxury apartments. At the same time, there are not very many hotels themselves in the country. And there are no representatives of world-famous companies at all. Only in 2013 it is planned to open the first hotel in Macedonia Marriott.

Most newlyweds who come to Macedonia for their honeymoon prefer to stay in small hotels that are part of the network Hostelling International. In such establishments, the practice of issuing good discounts on accommodation around the world is widespread.

Camping sites are an excellent alternative to hotels. This type of housing is especially suitable for those who like to travel by car. The most popular not only among tourists, but also among local youth is camping "Autokamp Gradiste", located near Lake Ohrid. Small cozy houses will add a special zest to your holiday. In such campsites you can use many of the services provided in regular hotels - a sauna with a swimming pool, small modern shops, telephone service, and even free wireless Internet.

Entertainment and relaxation

Typically, travel agencies offer their clients numerous excursions to famous attractions Skopje, Ohrid and other famous cities.

Ancient Macedonia is of interest for its unique, miraculously preserved monuments of ancient culture. Many tourists prefer to come to this amazing country just to get the impression of seeing with their own eyes the numerous traces of ancient civilization. Meanwhile, beautiful Macedonia arouses genuine interest among true connoisseurs of magnificent, unique nature.

Many major travel companies call Macedonia the best destination in Europe for lovers of active recreation. The excellent geographical location and unique relief fascinate many lovers of mountain and hiking tourism, rafting and speleology. And the local lakes have long attracted the attention of avid fishermen with their incredible catch. Macedonia will delight lovers of skiing and snowboarding with its beautiful ski resorts, which also provide additional services to their visitors. For example, in the famous Krusevo you can take exciting walking and cycling tours around the city. Horseback riding is also very popular.

Another famous resort in Macedonia, Mavrovo, is famous not only for its excellent skiing and mountaineering slopes, but also for its charming hotels built in the country's traditional style. Due to the increasing interest from foreign tourists in such resort areas, the Macedonian authorities decided to create several more similar recreational and ski centers in the country.

In the capital of Macedonia, in the evening and at night, you can visit various night clubs, where mostly young people prefer to relax.

Purchases

The European statistical agency Eurostat has recognized Macedonia as the most profitable country for purchases. The lowest prices for goods throughout the European Union are recorded here. Moreover, some goods cost 50% less than in neighboring countries.

Many tourists prefer to purchase unique wooden paintings made exclusively by hand by local residents. True, the cost of such a work of art is quite high, approximately 60 € for one painting.

Most shops in Macedonia are open from 8:00 to 20:00 on weekdays, and on Saturday local merchants do not stay longer than 15:00. Sunday is considered a day off in Macedonia.

Transport

There are two large international airports in Macedonia - in Skopje and Ohrid. International flights are served by two Macedonian airlines - Avioimpex and Macedonian Airlines. Domestic flights are not organized in the country due to the small size of the state.

Small Macedonia boasts well-developed bus services, especially those that connect the country's major cities. This type of transport is considered the most convenient and inexpensive when moving around the state. It is worth considering that bus transportation is very popular both among the local population and among visiting tourists, so when planning a trip you need to book your seats in advance.

Public transport in large cities is also represented by buses, however, unlike intercity and international transport, the fleet of city vehicles, judging by their appearance, has not been modernized for a very long time. Payment for travel on such transport is carried out through coupons, which are sold at every newsstand or from the driver. The cost of travel on a city bus is 0.4 €. For intercity transportation, you may pay a little more depending on the distance of the trip.

You can also use car rental services provided by several large companies. In this case, a day's rental will cost you 35 €.

Most tourists prefer to travel around the country by bus, since the railways pass at a considerable distance from the main attractions. In general, Macedonia's railways are relatively poorly developed. There are only two main branches here: Skopje - Gevgelija(a city on the border with Greece) and Skopje - Bitola. Due to the outdated railway track, train speeds are often indecently low. The train covers the distance of 200 km from the capital to Bitola in just over four hours. Many Europeans, accustomed to high speeds, feel uneasy on such trains. It is worth noting that the quality of the rolling stock leaves much to be desired. Typically, locals and tourists use rail transport only when traveling to the Greek border. It is this method of transportation to Gevgelija that is considered the most popular here. The cost of one train ticket to the Greek border is approximately 4 €.

Connection

Communications in Macedonia are well developed. The telephone network is widespread in every city. On the streets of large settlements you can find pay phones from which you can make calls not only within the city, but even abroad. Such devices operate using special plastic cards, which can be purchased at any postal kiosk. The cost of a call from a machine is approximately 0.2 €. To call abroad, you can also use a hotel phone or inn, but such a call will cost much more (approximately 0.6 €), and the quality of the connection will be worse than from a street telephone.

Almost the entire territory of Macedonia, with the exception of certain mountainous areas, has standard cellular coverage GSM-900. For communication within the country, you can purchase local SIM cards. Their prices range from 10 € to 20 €. By the way, the local mobile operator Makedonski Telekomunikacii supports roaming services of all major European cellular companies.

The World Wide Web can only be found in large cities and resort areas. As you approach rural and mountainous areas, such luxury will gradually disappear. Internet with regular access can be found in any cafe, hotel and inn. The connection speed is high, and the price for one hour of Internet use is less than 1 €.

Safety

Macedonia is considered a relatively safe European country. In Christian areas there is absolutely no need to worry about your personal safety. Here the police strictly monitor possible situations of deception of tourists. But in areas where Albanians live, no one can guarantee you such security. This is where cases of petty fraud and robbery most often occur.

There is no doubt about the high level of road safety in Macedonia. The quality of local roads delights foreign guests. True, on some mountain roads there are areas that are not fenced off from rockfalls and have rather poor lighting. Therefore, it is better to travel in such areas only with a personal driver. The driving habits of locals are not as aggressive as in neighboring countries.

Macedonia boasts of its safe products and excellent hygiene conditions. Here you can taste fresh milk and fresh fish without fear. Many tourists admire the quality of local tap water.

Business climate

Real estate

Its excellent location, comfortable weather conditions and stunning natural scenery make Macedonia an excellent option for purchasing property. The country provides good economic prospects for business development. It is worth noting that property prices here are relatively low.

When visiting Macedonia, for the most comfortable holiday without unpleasant incidents, you need to know several rules of behavior in public places. Firstly, you should not talk about politics in public places; local residents do not really like to discuss this topic. Secondly, be careful when visiting Albanian areas. Some of them have a bad reputation for their negative attitude towards foreigners. Thirdly, when traveling around the country, it is advisable to avoid areas bordering Serbia and Kosovo. Typically, travel to these areas requires special permission from the authorities.

In Macedonia there is a ban on smoking in all public places. Even in local bars, cafes and restaurants smoking is prohibited.

Visa information

To obtain the necessary documents, you can contact the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia in Moscow at the address: 117292, Moscow, st. Dm. Ulyanova 16, bldg. 2, p. 8, office 509-510.

Skopje 22:56 2°C
Mainly cloudy

Hotels

In Macedonia, the choice of hotels is limited. Even in the capital of the country, Skopje, there are no more than 10-15 of them. There is more choice on Lake Ohrid; after all, it is a resort place where both city residents and residents of neighboring countries come to relax.

Tourism in the country is not very developed, so you have to be content with what you have. In cities, hotels are mainly a standard bed and breakfast system. There are no hotels of international chains in the country, the local service is a bit sluggish and works at a comfortable “Balkan” rhythm, which can cause some inconvenience.

There is more choice on Lake Ohrid: there are many private boarding houses, affordable hostels, apart-hotels and classic hotels for family holidays.

Sights of Macedonia

Macedonia is the most beautiful, clean and interesting country Balkan Peninsula. The country has an ancient and interesting story, many architectural monuments have survived to this day.

The amphitheater of Ohrid is the only surviving monument from Greek times. It has survived well to this day and still serves as an arena for holidays and festivals. The audience's seat is facing away famous lake, so watching the performance while enjoying the natural beauty is doubly pleasant. Every summer the famous Ohrid Music Festival takes place here; if you want to attend, you need to purchase tickets well in advance.

The old part of Skopje, the capital, deserves special influence. This is a unique, eclectic place where ancient mosques, 12th-century houses, Orthodox churches, Turkish hammams, and ancient paving slabs have been preserved. This is the main thing tourist place cities: everywhere there are street cafes with laconic tables, stalls with souvenirs and hotels for tourists.

The Church of St. John the Evangelist near the city of Ohrid is unusual in its architecture. It combines Armenian and Byzantine heritage. Presumably the church was built in the 15th century, but in the century before last it was slightly rebuilt, so you can see both ancient and modern frescoes on the walls. The Matka Canyon is located 13 kilometers from the capital of the country. The base of the canyon is the Treska River, passing through mountain range. On the rocks of the canyon there are medieval monasteries and several caves.

Museums

The City Museum in Skopje is located in a former train station building that was seriously damaged in the earthquake. The city authorities decided not to restore the station, but to place a museum in the preserved part of the building. Stored here archaeological artifacts, found in the capital and its environs.

The Museum of Macedonia is the main one in the country. The exhibits are dedicated to its culture, history and way of life of the people. The exhibition of icons is interesting; clay icons of the 6th century were found only in Macedonia and Tunisia.

Climate of Macedonia: Warm, dry summer and autumn. Relatively cold winters with heavy snowfalls.

Resorts of Macedonia

Macedonia is landlocked, but the country has many lakes. The most famous is Lake Ohrid, the largest and deepest in the Balkans. Its age is five million years. average temperature water +21, along the shore +25. Swimming season lasts from late May to September. The country has ski resorts. The most popular is Popova Shapka near the city of Tetovo.

Leisure

Travelers come to Macedonia for its natural beauty, rich culture and majestic mountains. The fact that the country is not so popular among tourists is a plus for travelers: it’s inexpensive, the locals love tourists from Russia, they surround you with attention and care.

Ecotourism is a new direction of travel around the country. A lot of walking routes in the mountains, organized cycling trips, sport fishing, skiing or snowboarding.

Excursion tourism has been developed, which is closely related to pilgrimage. Many Orthodox monasteries and churches of Byzantine heritage have been preserved.

Terrain Macedonia:: The mountainous area is covered with deep basins and valleys. Three large lakes, each of which is divided by boundary lines. The country is divided in half by the Vardar River.

Transport

Direct flights to Macedonia from Russia are rare. Only possible charter flights in the midst tourist season(from late May to September). The most convenient way to get to the country is from neighboring Serbia (by train if you fly from Belgrade), and cheaper from Greek city Thessaloniki, if you have a Schengen visa.

You can travel between cities by bus or train. There are several international car rental companies. You must have an international driver's license and provide a deposit or credit card number.

The roads between the cities are quite good, but there are routes that have not been repaired for a long time. Locals Drive carefully, fines for speeding are high and merciless.

Standard of living

Macedonia is one of the poorest countries in Europe, with a low standard of living. There is a good climate and fertile lands, therefore it is developed Agriculture and livestock farming. There is a large percentage of unemployment; it is almost impossible to find a job without the help of friends or relatives.

There are few shops in the country that accept card payments, so it is better to stock up on paper dinars. The security situation is ambiguous: in tourist areas It’s calm and you can walk even after dark, but it’s better not to go to the Albanian areas, not everything is in order there.

Macedonia has resources like: Low grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land.

Cities of Macedonia

The capital of Macedonia is Skopje. small town with well-preserved historical architecture and Soviet heritage in the form of five-story panel buildings. There is an incredible amount in the city modern monuments and sculptures: all huge, unprepossessing and squat. In the center of Skopje there is a monument to Alexander the Great, although it has nothing to do with modern Macedonia. A quarter of the population of the entire country lives in the capital.

Population

Coordinates

Obštine Karpos

Kumanovo

Obshtina Kumanovo

42.13222 x 21.71444

Municipality of Bitola

41.03111 x 21.34028

Obštine Prilep

41.34639 x 21.55444

Obstina Tetovo

42.01056 x 20.97139

41.71556 x 21.77556

Obshtine Ohrid

41.11722 x 20.80194

Gostivar

Obštine Gostivar

41.79722 x 20.90833

Obštine Stip

41.74583 x 22.19583

Strumica

Municipality Strumica

41.4375 x 22.64333

Kavadarci

41.43306 x 22.01194

Obštine Struga

41.17806 x 20.67611

Municipality of Kotsani

Over the past 20-30 years, the world has changed a lot, people have become more literate and are more actively fighting for their interests, rights and freedoms. And in this regard, the borders of various states are increasingly being adjusted or completely new countries appear, such as the Republic of Macedonia.

A little about the country

The state has become known to the world since September 1991, when the former republic of Yugoslavia declared its independence and became the parliamentary Republic of Macedonia. total area new country– 25,713 km², this is approximately 36% of the area of historical Macedonia. And the capital of the modern country is the city. Official language Macedonian is considered the language of the Republic; it is spoken by more than 70% of the total population, but thanks to trade and tourism, English is also actively spreading in Macedonia.

Over the past decade, Macedonia has invested great effort in development tourism business, it is believed that this country is very comfortable and attractive for tourists. And it will become truly unforgettable, because there is beautiful nature here, there are a lot and enough offers for active recreation.

Where is Macedonia?

The state of Macedonia is located in the northern part of the Balkan Peninsula, has a common southern border with Greece, a northern border with Yugoslavia, a common western border with, and an eastern border with Bulgaria. The only Balkan country without access to the sea is the Republic of Macedonia, although it has a very favorable location: in the depths of the country there are accessible mineral resources, even precious metals have been discovered, but their extraction has so far been postponed due to the small reserves of the deposit. In Macedonia, winemaking, textile and tobacco industries have been actively developing for more than a century.

What's in a name?

The word “Macedonia” has very ancient roots, and the territory of the state has repeatedly changed its borders. In this regard, at the insistence of the Greek government, the UN and official international documents consider the correct name to be the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, but it is often called simply: the Republic of Macedonia or Macedonia.

It should be taken into account that historical region Macedonia, the region in Greece Aegean Macedonia or part of Bulgaria, Pirin Macedonia are completely different territories.

Climate and weather in Macedonia

The northern part of the Balkan Peninsula belongs to the temperate continental mountain climate, but the southern part of the country boasts warmer climatic conditions: the proximity of the Mediterranean has an effect.

In summer, as a rule, it is hot and dry, average daily temperatures fluctuate around +22 degrees, closer to the northern border it is always cooler - up to +15 degrees. In Macedonia, the winter weather is very comfortable. At night the thermometer drops to an average of -7, but during the day it becomes much warmer - +5 degrees. As a rule, precipitation in winter ranges from 500 mm on average across the country and up to 1700-2000 mm in the mountains; here snow can lie from November to March.

The tourist season is considered to be the period from May to September, when there is practically no precipitation and air temperatures are guaranteed to stay above zero degrees.

Population of Macedonia and religion

Today, the country is home to more than 2.1 million citizens of different nationalities, mostly Slavic. Most of the country's population are Macedonians, according to the census they are about 64%, Albanians live about 26%. The remaining 10% includes Serbs, Turks, Roma and other nationalities.

Slavic roots also make themselves felt in religious matters: about 67-68% of Macedonians consider themselves Orthodox Christians; we can say that this is the state religion of the Republic of Macedonia. A little less than 30% of the inhabitants are Muslims, mostly Albanians who live in this country.

History of Macedonia

Territory small state Macedonia first appeared in the distant 5th century BC, and in different time was part of or belonged to various empires and states: the Roman and Byzantine Empires, the Serbian Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, Ancient Macedonia and Paionia.

In the 14th century, all the lands of modern Eastern Europe were enslaved Ottoman Empire. In the 19th century, Bulgarians began to fight for their national rights. During the Balkan Wars, the borders of many states constantly changed, merged into one and were divided again, until, finally, the territory of ancient Macedonia was divided between Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia, the latter in 1929 becoming part of the newly formed Kingdom of Yugoslavia. In 1991, the Republic of Macedonia acquired sovereignty and independence.

Natural beauties of Macedonia

The nature of Macedonia includes high and smooth lakes and plains. For a long time this country has been called “the country of mountains and lakes.” The territory of the Republic is crossed by two mountain systems: from the western side of Mount Pindus, and from the east to the center of the Rhodope Mountains. Height local mountains on average 2500 meters. Macedonia is an area of seismic activity, with significant strong earthquakes sometimes occurring. The most famous happened in 1963, as a result of which the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, was badly damaged.

Two mountain ranges are separated by the large rivers Strumica and Vardar; they cross the whole of Macedonia and are considered the largest and deepest. But the legendary lakes are located mainly in the southwest of the Republic, the largest of them are lakes and. The local landscapes are charming and incomparable. Near the lakes are open National parks to preserve the flora and fauna of the country. The vegetation is represented by true forests, consisting of deciduous and coniferous species, but in the western part of Macedonia the mountain slopes are more often covered with dense shrubs than trees.

Sights of Macedonia

The historically rich territory of ancient Macedonia could not help but leave sights of different eras and directions. The most famous and cherished place is considered to be in the city, which since 1980, together with the city and the lake, has been one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

About the capital Skopje, we can say that it is the largest and most diverse attraction in the country. It contains unique architectural monuments from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Particularly popular among historians and tourists are the modest 18th-century Orthodox Church of the Holy Savior, leading directly to it, and two Muslim mosques created in 1492: the Sultan Murat Mosque and a mosque near one of the oldest - and many others memorable places and buildings.

Partially preserved near the capital antique city Skupi, and near the city there is another ancient heritage - the city of Heraclea Lyncestis, it is believed that its founder in the 4th century BC. was Philip II of Macedon himself. Archaeological excavations and scientists work periodically around both sites.

In the city, as if by order, many architectural masterpieces have been preserved: the Gorna Porta gate, the ruins of a Christian basilica with ancient mosaics and others. Lake Ohrid is a real treasure of Macedonia, it is located at an altitude of about 700 meters above sea level and is considered one of cleanest lakes planets. Ohrid is wonderful resort Macedonia: many beautiful medical sanatoriums and hotels have been built here, offering a full range of services for a good holiday.

Recreation and entertainment in Macedonia

In addition to visiting unique ancient monuments and walking through museums and parks, Macedonia has developed many tourist routes for hiking and mountain tourism, lovers of active recreation will be offered rafting, and the most fearless will be offered to walk along the cave trails of speleologists.

Local lakes are especially attractive to avid fishermen, and mountain slopes always ready to receive a tourist landing of skiers and snowboarders. , for example, Krushevo and Popova Shapka, in addition to basic services, often offer horse riding or a sightseeing bike ride in the surrounding area. Another famous snow resort in Macedonia, Mavrovo, is famous not only for the largest one located on its territory, but also for its hotels, which are built in the traditional style of the country. The authorities of the Republic actively support the development of such recreational areas; moreover, not all people who love snow are ready to ski.

In the capital and large cities, nightclubs are open from late evening until morning. And besides the usual New Year and Christmas, from the unusual popular with tourists Particularly loved are May 24 (Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius) and October 11 (Partisan Day).

Where to eat in Macedonia?

There is a modern mix of the culinary masterpieces of all neighbors on the Balkan Peninsula, but most of all the influence of Turkish motifs is felt. A distinctive feature of the classic menu is a large number of fruits and vegetables, which are added to almost every dish, as well as feta cheese. When it comes to meat, Macedonians prefer lamb and beef; their neighbors from Greece have also instilled a love of seafood.

A local delicacy is Ohrid trout; it is enjoyed baked, fried, and salted. Perhaps one of the most delicious dishes is trout baked in a pot with prunes in a sauce of beaten eggs, garlic and various herbs - “pastramka”. All abundance local cuisine can be enjoyed at the excellent restaurant Kaj Kanevche in Ohrid.

We recommend tasting all the traditions of delicious Mediterranean cuisine in the capital’s Vodenica Mulino restaurant. This cubby, where you will always be offered fresh meat, fish, classic Macedonian dishes and snacks.

Macedonia Hotels

They are becoming increasingly popular every year, so we recommend taking care of pressing housing issues in advance. Throughout the country there are various star ratings, from simple hostels where you can rent a bed to executive apartments.

For example, popular with family tourists The Villa Mesokastro 4* hotel has only 14 cozy, comfortable rooms with balconies and views of Lake Orchid, guests are provided with bicycle and boat rental services, and the Internet. Always high quality service and an excellent restaurant. And in the capital Skopje, not far from the center, it is famous Hotel Hotel Monaco Skopje 3*, designed for 11 rooms. There is a good bar for guests, breakfast is served in the room, discreet service, and car rental is available.

For independent travelers Macedonia has a well-developed camping service. The most popular temporary camp is the Autocamp Gradište camping site in the Ohrid Lake area. You can live in your own tent or rent a small tourist house. In addition, modern campsites provide telephone services, Internet and even a sauna.

Shopping

Macedonia is one of the most profitable EU countries for shopping; prices are quite low here compared to neighboring countries (often 40-50% lower). In big cities there are many different souvenir shops and craft shops, so you are unlikely to be faced with the question. Perhaps the most popular purchase among foreigners is considered to be “opantsi” - national leather shoes with a toe turned up.

Macedonians handcraft amazing wooden paintings: although this expensive purchase, but very durable and practical. Freshwater Ohrid pearls and products made from them are a rare gift, but, alas, you will never be able to accurately determine that they are not fake. As a rule, shops in the Republic of Macedonia are open to customers from 8:00 in the morning until 8 in the evening, on Saturdays usually until 15:00. Sunday is widely considered a day off.

On the territory of little Macedonia there are two international ones - in the capital Skopje and the tourist center Ohrid, all flights are served by two airlines. In view of small area states domestic flights There is no bus service in the country, but there is a well-developed bus service.

Bus services are relatively inexpensive and connect all major cities. If you are used to planning your vacation and all your movements in advance, we recommend that you also take care of bus tickets. This is very popular view transport both among the local population and among most visitors.

Urban transport of large cities – shuttle buses, but the vehicle fleet is quite outdated compared to intercity routes. In addition, taxi services are well developed in cities, and several large companies provide cars for rent.

Do you need a visa to Macedonia?

Until March 15, 2016, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are lightweight. Those. for the purpose of visiting relatives or traveling as a tourist, registration is not required, provided that the visit does not exceed 90 days in a six-month period. In this case, you do not need to provide invitations, hotel reservation certificates and other mandatory documents, only your international passport and health insurance. For residents of Ukraine visa-free regime valid until 2018.

If you are going for a total period of more than 90 days, you must apply for a visa at the Macedonian Embassy. A valid Schengen visa also allows you to enter the country without issuing a separate Macedonian visa, but in this case, a single stay should not exceed 15 days, and the total period of visiting the country should not exceed 90 days over six months.

How to get to Macedonia?

It is more convenient to get to Macedonia from most European countries, Russia, Ukraine and the CIS countries by plane by direct flight or with a transfer in Belgrade and then to the airport in Skopje or Ohrid. There are no direct flights from Moscow, but besides Belgrade there are connecting flights via Rome, Vienna, Dubai, previously via Istanbul.

A train trip can only be planned if you are not limited in time. This pleasure is not cheap, and every year part international destinations is gradually being cancelled. Today there are two main routes: Moscow – Budapest – Belgrade – Skopje or Kyiv – Sofia – Nis – Skopje. There are direct routes from Greece and Serbia to Macedonia; train schedules must be checked with the operator.

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