Ohrid
Visited in April 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Macedonia
- Region
- Ohrid Municipality
- Population
- 38,818
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle (OHD)
- Coordinates
- 41.05°N, 20.70°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Ohrid climbs a hillside above one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes, its old town a jumble of white Ottoman-era houses, Byzantine churches and a hilltop fortress. The town and lake are UNESCO listed for both their culture and their nature.
In summer it becomes the country's favourite holiday spot, with swimming, boat trips and lakeside cafés. Out of season it is calm and lovely, and the churches and frescoes are just as rewarding.
Things to see
-
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Church of St John at Kaneo
A small thirteenth-century church on a cliff above the water, the most photographed view in the country.
-
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Samuel's Fortress
Restored medieval walls crowning the old town, with views over the rooftops and lake.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: This illustration was made by Rašo . An email to Rašo would , CC BY-SA 3.0 Plaošnik
The rebuilt church of St Panteleimon on the site where St Clement founded an early Slavic school.
-
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 Church of St Sophia
A former cathedral with some of the finest medieval frescoes in the Balkans.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: kallerna, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ancient Theatre
A Hellenistic theatre tucked into the old town, still used for summer performances.
Things to do
-
Photo: Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0 Boat to Saint Naum
Cruise along the shore to the monastery near the Albanian border, where springs feed the lake.
-
Photo: Виолетова, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bay of Bones
A reconstructed prehistoric village on stilts above the water, with a small museum.
Find tours -
Photo: Apcbg, Public domain Hike in Galičica National Park
Drive or walk up into the mountains between Ohrid and Prespa lakes for views over both.
-
Photo: NASA/METI/AIST/Japan Space Systems, and U.S./Japan ASTER Sci, Public domain Swim in the lake
Find a quiet pebble beach or jetty south of town for clear, cool water.
Where to stay
Old Town
Guesthouses on steep lanes near the churches, atmospheric but with plenty of steps.
Hotels in Old TownLakeside promenade
Flat, central and close to restaurants and boats.
Hotels in Lakeside promenadeSouth shore villages
Quieter resorts and beaches along the road towards Saint Naum.
Hotels in South shore villages
Getting around
The town is walkable. Local buses and taxis run along the lake shore, and boats connect the main sights in summer.
The airport is around 10 kilometres north of town, about 15 minutes by taxi. Buses run from Skopje in roughly three hours.
When to go
Summer is warm and lively, with swimming and the Ohrid Summer Festival. May, June and September are quieter and still pleasant. Winters are cold and many places close.
Plan your trip to Ohrid
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.