Macedonia is called one of the pearls of Europe. This state appeared relatively recently, but already has its fans. The Republic of Macedonia, where rest is mainly focused on magnificent nature, landscapes, active tours and skiing, is popular with citizens of Russia and Eastern Europe.
History
The Republic of Macedonia was formed in 1991, after the collapse of Yugoslavia. It is located in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, the country's area is more than 25 thousand square kilometers. The population is about 3 million people, the official language is Macedonian. The republic borders with Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and Serbia and Montenegro. The population of the country is 70% Macedonian, there are also many Albanians, Serbs and Gypsies. In 1993, the country was recognized by the UN under the name "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The name is explained by the fact that Greece opposes the use of the word "Macedonia" to refer to a separate state, because the region of the same name is part of Greece itself. The head of the republic is the president.
Geographically, the country is located in the center of the Macedonian mountains, it has no access to the sea. The climate of the republic is from temperate to subtropical, the average summer temperature is 21-23 degrees. Macedonia is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the main development of tourism and recreation is ski resorts. The capital of Macedonia is the city of Skopje, where almost a quarter of the population of the entire state lives.
Vacation in Macedonia
The main attraction of the country is Lake Ohrid. It has an ancient history, located at an altitude of 695 meters. Located on the border with Albania, its Macedonian part is distinguished by beautiful green landscapes and clear water. Many hotels and sanatoriums have been built along the shores of the lake, offering guests a variety of accommodation and entertainment.
The swimming season starts from May and lasts until October. Macedonian resorts are mostly ski resorts.
Mavrovo
One of the most famous resorts in Macedonia - Mavrovo. It is located 70 km from the capital, famous for its fabulous landscapes and opportunities for all types of winter recreation - here you can ski, skate, climb, and in other seasons - hunting and fishing. The mountain lake attracts with the purest water and the most beautiful views. There are many hotels and inns for every taste.
Ohrid
The city of Ohrid is named after the lake of the same name, it has an ancient history. The modern city is called the Balkan Jerusalem, it has many cultural and architectural attractions. Orthodox churches and monasteries,the ruins of ancient buildings - all this is of great interest to the guests of the city.
Modern Ohrid offers accommodation in hotels and inns, national and European cuisine in numerous restaurants and cafes, visits to entertainment and shopping centers.
Skopje
The capital of Macedonia is Skopje, an ancient city that is over 2 thousand years old. Its history remembers many conquerors, among whom were the Byzantines, the Romans, and the Turks. Many times strong earthquakes occurred here, and each time the city was rebuilt.
Skopje is a large modern city with a population of over one million people. The new part of the city is inhabited by Macedonians, there are many hotels, bars, restaurants, entertainment centers. The old part of the city is known for its oriental bazaar, the best in Europe. Mostly Albanians live in the old town.
Macedonia - vacation at sea
The Republic of Macedonia does not have its own access to the sea. However, the neighboring state, Greece, has a large seaside area with the same name. Holidays in Macedonia by the sea involves a visit to Greece. Greek Macedonia offers many tourists an excellent seaside vacation - clean beaches, excellent hotels, interesting excursions to historical sites and the ruins of ancient architectural monuments. There are many cultural attractions and magnificent natural conditions - the landscapes amaze the imagination with their beauty and unusualness. The nature of Macedonia is included in the UNESCO fund. This regionjust buried in greenery - the mountains are covered with deciduous and coniferous forests, there are many picturesque lakes in the gorges of the mountains.
You will definitely enjoy your holidays in Macedonia. Tourist reviews say that this is the best way to spend a vacation by the sea, as it can be successfully combined with active travel and a rich excursion program. Tourism in Greece is very developed, millions of travelers from all over the world visit the country every year.
Greece, Macedonia
Macedonia is one of the largest Greek regions, it occupies 26% of the entire territory. Its capital is the city of Thessaloniki. It is famous for the fact that the ancient Roman trade road passed here, which connected Constantinople with Italy. Holy Athos is also located here - this is an interesting monastic state. Mount Olympus (exactly the one referred to in the myths, 12 gods lived on it) and the Halkidiki peninsula - the center of the resort. All these sights are the basis of the excursion program. In addition to it, Greece (Macedonia) offers SPA-tourism with various healing marine substances of local origin, shopping tours and active holidays in magnificent places.
Macedonia seaside vacations (prices here can be found very different) offer something for every taste - from chic luxury hotels with a wide variety of services to semi-homemade small hotels and pensions, where the cost of living is relatively low.
Greek Macedonia resorts
Thessaloniki is one of the largest citiescountries. Not only resort life is concentrated here, but also cultural and historical. Every autumn, the famous film festival takes place here, thousands of tourists come to visit local archaeological and historical monuments. The city has an ancient history, here is the famous triumphal arch of Galeria, a palace, a hippodrome and a mausoleum. The modern city of Thessaloniki is called the second capital of Greece.
At the foot of Mount Olympus is the resort of Pieria, famous for its beaches. Picturesque places and a very developed infrastructure with modern hotels and inns, national restaurants with fresh seafood and excellent wine attract tourists in all seasons. Holidays in Macedonia are described by travelers who have visited these places as wonderful.
The peninsula of Halkidiki in the Aegean Sea is called the pearl of Greece. The island is distinguished by the cleanest beaches, warm climate, a developed network of hotels for every taste and the proximity of the international airport. Any traveler will find here everything he dreams of - young people are attracted by resort life full of entertainment, lovers of virgin nature enjoy trips to the surroundings and beautiful places, there are all opportunities for "free recreation" - campsites on the coast are located very conveniently, close to small settlements.
Athos deserves special attention - it is a monastic city-state that has its own laws, visa and customs regime. Athos is a shrine of Orthodox Christians; pilgrims from all over the world come to it. The city consists ofmonasteries, they are located on an area of over 50 square kilometers. The city was founded in the 4th century, earlier there were about 40 monasteries in it - the number of monks permanently residing on its territory exceeded 4,000 people. At present, only half of the monasteries have survived, there are about one and a half thousand monks left. In order to get into this city, a special permit is required. Strict monastic laws allow issuing visas for only 4 days after the petition of the Greek authorities, theologians, historians and philosophers are allowed into the territory. To obtain a visa, you need to provide a certificate of what the guest is doing. Women are not allowed on the territory of the monasteries.
Macedonia, the rest in which is amazing and diverse, has a distinctive culture, rich history, amazing nature, and at the same time a developed tourist infrastructure. Traveling to Macedonia will leave unforgettable impressions for a lifetime.
