LOTUS EATERS TRAVEL

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15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN OHRID: A DETAILED GUIDE.

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Whilst many in Europe head to the Mediterranean coast in July, we took the controversial decision to visit a land-locked country instead. It is perhaps trite to say so, but Lake Ohrid, in North Macedonia is a totally underrated holiday destination.

Is Ohrid worth visiting?

There are clear benefits to a lake holiday versus a seaside jaunt – no rip tides, no seagulls, no sand getting stuck between your toes. With a lake holiday, you get calm water and natural beaches. And there’s something about being by a lake that just feels chic too. I imagine 1920s bathing costumes and swimming caps and vintage Italian music in the background.

During the 18th and 19th Century, Lake Como became very popular. This reassures me that a lake holiday is a good decision. This is how people used to holiday. Perhaps this is how people should holiday now. Let’s all eschew the high-rise beach resorts, and replace with lake side villages. There’s a certain je na sais quoi about a lake.

But Lake Ohrid has a few qualities that make it even more distinctive. Firstly, it is in North Macedonia – not in Italy, or Switzerland. It has a Balkan spirit – and I don’t just mean the Rakija. And, perhaps there’s an even more attractive aspect to Lake Ohrid – it is, by Western European standards, extremely inexpensive. A week relaxing by the beautiful blue of Lake Ohrid will set you back probably the same price as one night on the Italian equivalent.

All this to say – Lake Ohrid is very much worth visiting.

What is there to do in Ohrid?

In this guide, you’ll find the 15 best things to do in Ohrid, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this enchanting town. We’ve also created a map pinpointing all our favourite spots, including top attractions, recommended restaurants, and the best places to stay and relax by the beach.

15 best things to do in Ohrid: A map

You can find all of our favourite things to do and restaurants to eat at in Ohrid on this map. You’ll also see our recommendations for where to stay (more detail here) and the best beaches (more detail here.)

15 best things to do in Ohrid

Without further ado, here are our suggestions for the 15 best things to do in Ohrid.

1/ Sample Macedonian Rakija

No trip to Ohrid is complete without sampling the local spirit, Rakija (pronounced “RAH-kee-ya”). This potent fruit brandy is a staple in Macedonian culture and offers a taste of the region’s traditions. Head to a local tavern or a cozy bar in the Old Town and enjoy a glass of Rakija, preferably paired with some delicious Macedonian appetizers.

In North Macedonia when you order Rakija, you’ll be asked whether you want white or yellow – the yellow is aged and has a slightly stronger taste.

2/ Hike to a hidden beach

One of the things that we adore about Lake Ohrid is the amount of beaches you can explore around the water. Each has it’s own distinct characteristics, and I swear even the water takes on different qualities at each beach.

Many people visit Ohrid and stick to the beaches of the Old Town, like Kaneo and Potpesh. But, the little known secret is that there are two hidden beaches a short hike away. If you head up the hill to the Church of St John, you will find maze like footpaths that lead over the hill and down to the other side, away from Ohrid Old Town.

Here you will find a long stretch of sandy beach, frequented by locals but little explored by tourists. Spend a day lazing on the beach here, before walking a little further back towards Ohrid to another area – Labino Vista Point – from where you can watch the best sunsets in Ohrid.

3/ Try stand up paddle boarding

Our day spent paddle boarding in Ohrid was one of our favourites. Being a lake, it is a safe place to try stand up paddle boarding (standing up being totally optional!) For the calmest waters away from the boats, head East from the Old Town.

Paddle board rental is around 8 Euros for an hour, or if you take the board for longer than this then it costs less per hour.

We rented our boards from Kayak & SUP Ohrid (Jovanovic), which is found in the centre of the Old Town. They were super professional and even gave us a dry bag to keep our bits in and a radio for safety.

Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat as you paddle your way across the serene waters.

4/ Visit the enchanting churches

One of Ohrid’s most iconic landmarks, St. John at Kaneo, offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding area. This small, picturesque church perched on a cliff is a favorite spot for photographers and visitors alike. Take your time to explore the grounds, admire the Byzantine architecture, and capture the stunning vistas.

St John is not the only church in Ohrid, in fact there are loads! Be sure to visit Santa Sophia and the Church of Holy Mary Peryvleptos. You can find a few tiny ones hidden in surprising places too.

5/ Go wine tasting at a monastery

Not many people realise this, but North Macedonia is actually quite well known for producing wine. And we are not talking bottles of cheap plonk – the wine is really quite good. Most is produced from a mix of grapes that grow well in the Balkans, like Vranec that you may not have heard of. And grapes that you’ll be more familiar with, like Cabernet Sauvignon.

There are a couple of wineries close to Ohrid that offer tours and tastings, including transport from the town.

Probably the most impressive is Monastery Winery, a delightful winery in a valley of a river around 30 minutes from Ohrid. In this picturesque vineyard you’ll get the chance to sample wines, take a tour of the winery and nibble on a cheese board. Transport is included in the tour.

If you don’t have time, or budget doesn’t stretch to a full wine tasting tour – you can visit the lovely wine bar, Bacchus. This wine bar is found in the Old Town of Ohrid and has a wide range of North Macedonian wines to sample by the glass.

6/ Take a boat tour

One of the best ways to explore Ohrid is to take a boat tour. These tours often include stops at key landmarks like the Bay of Bones and the Monastery of St. Naum. It’s a relaxing way to see the sights and enjoy the lake’s natural beauty.

You can book boat tours in advance online, but they tend to be cheaper if you just go to the port in the morning and arrange a tour. The larger boats cost 15 Euros and leave at 10:00, whilst the smaller boats leave at 10:30 and cost 25 Euros. We took the cheaper boat and whilst it was great, we think you’d get better views and a more interactive experience on the smaller boats.

Circling back to North Macedonian wine – you can also book a private boat tour which includes unlimited wine from local vineyards. It sounds totally bouji, and like an ideal thing to do in Ohrid for the afternoon!

7/ Relax at a beach bar

Spend a lazy afternoon at one of Ohrid’s beach bars. With a refreshing drink in hand, you can soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere. To be completely honest, the beach bars tend to be a little over-priced in Ohrid, but comparative to what you would pay elsewhere in Europe, they are still good value.

We recommend Kaneo or Potpesh if you want to spend a whole day on the beach and hire sun loungers. Or, for a quieter experience, head away from the Old Town to Kadmo, city beach & bar. Details for all three are found on our map.

8/ Visit the ancient theatre

Step back in time with a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Ohrid. This well-preserved Hellenistic theater dates back to 200 BC and is still used today for various performances and events.

Wander through the ruins, imagine the ancient spectacles that once took place, and if you’re lucky, catch a live performance in this historic venue. Throughout the summer, Ohrid festival often includes classical music performances at the theatre.

9/ Eat at a traditional restaurant

Indulge in Macedonian cuisine at a traditional restaurant. Dishes like tavče gravče (baked beans), ajvar (pepper relish), and kebapi (grilled minced meat – which we fondly nick named “meat slabs”) are must-tries.

A local Ohrid dish to try is grilled river trout. Caught fresh from the water and served to you. We also particularly enjoyed the vast array of salads always found on menus, including the Shopska Salad (cucumbers, onion, tomato and grated white cheese.)

There were two tavernas that we really enjoyed going to and we returned multiple times. The first is a small place called Viva Ksantika kaj Tanja with only four or five seats which serves traditional North Macedonian food and a mean homemade Rakija. Find it in the centre of the old town.

We also really enjoyed the more local atmosphere at the family run restaurant in the back streets of Ohrid – Restaurant Orjef. Incidentally, this is one of the least expensive meals we have ever eaten.

10/ Dance at Cuba Libre Beach Bar

If you’re seeking vibrant nightlife, Cuba Libre Beach Bar is the ultimate destination. Renowned for its energetic ambiance and outstanding music, this beach bar evolves into a dancing wild west once the sun sets. Don’t miss their exciting weekly salsa night!

It’s easy to find this beach bar, look for the laser beams after dark and walk towards them. Definitely worth a visit at least once on trip.

11/ Bay of Bones

The quite creepily named Bay of Bones is an archeological site and museum on the water. It showcases how people would have lived during the Bronze and Iron Ages. You can get amongst it and walk through the recreated houses, whilst learning about the history.

The site is accessible by boat or car, located about 15 kilometers south of Ohrid. If you take a boat tour from Ohrid, most will stop to give you time to explore the museum. Just avoid boat tours/ visiting on Mondays as the museum is closed.

12/ Monastery of St Naum

Apart from wine tasting, visiting the many monasteries around Ohrid is a spiritual and cultural journey. Places like the Monastery of Saint Naum are not only religious centers but also architectural marvels set in picturesque locations. Spend some time soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciating the intricate frescoes and carvings.

St Naum itself is also a really cute place to explore. If you take a boat tour from Ohrid, you will normally be given a few hours off the boat to see St Naum. Be sure to check out Restaurant Ostrovo, which sits atop a small island in the river giving the feeling that you are in a floating dining space.

After lunch, walk to St Naum Beach, which is possibly the most breathtaking of all swimming spots in Ohrid.

13/ Explore the quieter villages around the lake

For a more authentic experience, venture out to the quieter villages around Lake Ohrid. Places like Trpejca and Peštani offer a glimpse into traditional Macedonian life, with charming houses, local markets, and friendly residents. These villages provide a serene escape and are perfect for those looking to experience the local culture away from the tourist crowds.

You’ll need to take a water taxi or boat to get to these villages. An alternative that can be reached on foot (about 4km from Ohrid) is Sveti Stefan. It is a village dominated by the beach and hotels/ restaurants that line the shore. You won’t find that much in the way of traditional vibe, but as a day out with a beach Sveti Stefan is quieter and less crowded than Ohrid.

14/ Take in the history of Ohrid

I quickly fell in love with Orhid Old Town. The contrast of the historic buildings against the water, is something to marvel. Even with three weeks in Ohrid, I still kept finding unique things about the Old Town that intrigued me. Such as, the historic paper museum. This is a free museum, and as a writer, I couldn’t say no to visiting.

But this isn’t the only historic place. The Old Town is filled with cobblestone streets, ancient churches and historic buildings. Spend some time exploring Ohrid on foot, you’ll see that many buildings have signs on the wall telling you about the history of the place. You can spend hours reading about the architecture and different families living in properties around Ohrid in the past.

15/ Look out for festivals

Every summer that we have spent in The Balkans has always been peppered with impromptu festivals. When we visited Ohrid, we were delighted that our trip coincided with not one, but two summer festivals.

In June, you can find Wine Fest – an annual celebration of North Macedonian wine. The festival appeared as if by magic on our second day in Ohrid, filling the main promenade with wine stalls. We wandered from one winery to another, sampling small glasses for the equivalent price of 1 Euro or so, then boogied to various Macedonian musical acts.

Ohrid Summer Festival is a better known and larger celebration of all things music. Look out for classical music at venues around the town, including the Old Theatre.

Best restaurants in Ohrid

Ohrid has a whole load of amazing restaurants, whatever it is that you fancy. We spent about three weeks sampling different eateries. I should say that we tend to avoid anything overly pretentious and try not to follow the crowds too much – so we avoided some of the waterfront restaurants (which tend to be a bit pricey) and famous restaurants like Kaneo.

Instead, some of our top picks are:

FOR BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH/ LUNCH

For brunch or lunch, our go-to places in Ohrid are Restaurant Kajche which has a spectacular waterfront terrace. We also enjoyed breakfast at a cafe just behind Beach Saraiste – we don’t actually know the name of it and it’s not on Google Maps – but it is the last restaurant in a line of a few (with the water on your left.)

FOR SUPPER

There were two tavernas that we really enjoyed going to and we returned multiple times. The first is a small place called Viva Ksantika kaj Tanja with only four or five seats which serves traditional North Macedonian food and a mean homemade Rakija. Find it in the centre of the old town.

We also really enjoyed the more local atmosphere at the family run restaurant in the back streets of Ohrid – Restaurant Orjef. Incidentally, this is one of the least expensive meals we have ever eaten.

For a quick bite, Leskovac Grill on the waterfront is great – albeit not the friendliest of places.

Saving the best to last, we loved the Pizza & Pasta restaurant Pizza Via Sacra which is hidden in a lovely spot behind the Church of Santa Sophia.

You can find all restaurants on our map (above.)

How long to stay in Ohrid

Ideally, we recommend at least three days in Ohrid. In all honesty, longer is better as you’ll have more time to relax and unwind, but with three days you can see the main sights. We spent three weeks in Ohrid and didn’t get bored of the lake or trying different restaurants!

Best places to stay in Ohrid

Choosing where to stay in Ohrid will have an impact on how you experience the trip. Whether you want to be in the centre of things in the old town, or taking time to yourself in a quiet village around the lake.

We’ve written a full guide to where to stay in Ohrid here.

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Ohrid Guide Book

Looking for more detailed information on Ohrid that you can download to your phone? Our eBook is currently on sale for only $1.99.

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Written by Emma

Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.

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