Skopje → Korab Trnica → Bigorski Monastery → Lazaropole → Korab Trnica → Villa Radožda → National Park Galičica → Ohrid → Pretor → Bitola → Kruševo → Mariovo → Pletvar → Skopje
4 days/ 3 nights; Total: ~648 km
Day -1; Total: 190km; Estimate Time: 3:30h ( 10 with stops)
Skopje → Korab Trnica → Bigorski Monastery → Debar Lake → Vevčani → Struga / Villa Radožda
Breakfast stop: Korab Trnica – enjoy traditional kachamak, sour milk, and the famous Reka-style pie.
Stops & sights:
Bigorski Monastery St. John the Baptist – one of Macedonia’s most sacred spiritual sites, famous for its 19th-century Mijak woodcarving iconostasis. A true sanctuary for soul, faith, and art.
Debar Lake – scenic photo opportunity and a short rest overlooking the lake.
Lunch stop: Vevčani – rich in natural springs, perfect for resting and enjoying a shaded, peaceful atmosphere. Recommended restaurants: Via Ignatia or Restaurant Izvor.
Local specialties: fresh Vevčani trout, tavče gravče, homemade bread, grilled meats, seasonal salads, and local cheeses.
Arriving in Struga near Villa Radožda:
Pause on the Bridge over the Black Drim River, where the lake water flows toward the Adriatic.
Dinner & Overnight Stay: Villa Radožda – unwind lakeside with a glass of the best North Macedonian wine and local specialties. A peaceful, intimate setting ensures a perfect end to the day.
Day – 2; Total: 126km; Estimated time: 2:50h ( 10h with stops)
Villa Radožda → National Park Galičica → Ohrid → Pretor
Breakfast stop: Ohrid, Restaurant Cun – traditional trout soup by the lake.
Stops & sights
Ohrid (3h) – Explore the old town, Ancient Theatre, Church of St. John at Kaneo, Plaosnik archaeological site, and other landmarks.
Lunch – Ramne Village (3h) – GuestHouse Pirustia Nedanoski, offering authentic homemade meals prepared using traditional methods.
Ride across Galicica National Park – Scenic mountain road with panoramic views of Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.
Arrival in Pretor – Quiet lakeside village, perfect for a peaceful overnight stay.
Practical tips: Small entrance fee or park pass may apply in Galicica. Narrow, winding roads with occasional winds or grazing animals. Fuel up in Ohrid; no gas stations along the mountain pass.
Day – 3; Total: 170km; Estimated time: 3:00h ( 10h with stops)
Pretor → Bitola → Krushevo
Morning in Prespa – Start early to enjoy the quiet and fresh atmosphere. Visit Ezerani Nature Reserve for birdwatching and views over the lake. Explore Ljubojno and Brajčino Villages, known for cobblestone alleys and stone houses. Breakfast locally.
Lunch & Midday in Bitola – Stroll along Širok Sokak, admire neoclassical architecture, and visit cafés and shops. Optional: Heraclea Lyncestis, 2 km from the center.
Overnight in Kruševo – Dinner at Etno Gostilnica, enjoying traditional dishes like Selsko maso and Kruševo sausage.
Travel Tips
Drive slowly, as livestock often cross rural roads. Expect weak signal in parts of Prespa. Fuel up in Bitola and keep in mind that food stops in villages are limited.
Day – 4; Total: 162km; Estimated time: 2:15h ( 10h with stops)
Kruševo → Mariovo → Pletvar → Skopje
Morning in Kruševo – Start the day with hotel breakfast, tasting the famous Kruševo lokum with coffee. Visit Kruševo Lake and the Ilinden Memorial.
Scenic Ride through Mariovo – Cross wild landscapes with stone bridges, abandoned villages, and endless horizons. The mountain curves give a true off-grid feeling.
Plevar Pass – Climb the winding road that links Mariovo with the Pelagonija valley. Stop to enjoy the fresh mountain air and panoramic views.
Arrival in Skopje – Descend back to the capital by late afternoon. End the journey with dinner at Restaurant Mulino, known for fine fish and meat dishes.
Travel Tips
Fuel up and bring snacks before entering Mariovo. Expect poor signal and few road signs. Food stops are limited, but the Stone Bridge in Zovik is worth the detour.