Discover Ohrid
One of Europe’s oldest towns on the shore of one of its oldest lakes — a rare UNESCO site for both its culture and its nature.
Ohrid feels like a secret that the rest of Europe hasn’t fully caught on to yet. Cobbled lanes climb from the water past terracotta roofs and centuries-old churches; below, the lake stretches deep and clear towards the Albanian mountains.
Lake Ohrid is around three million years old and up to 288 metres deep — one of the oldest and deepest lakes on the continent, home to species found nowhere else on earth. Together with the town, it forms one of the few places recognised by UNESCO for both its cultural and natural heritage.
From Apartments Joana you are perfectly placed: a five-minute walk brings you to the shore and the edge of the pedestrian old town, where almost everything worth seeing is within an easy stroll.
Highlights around the lake
St. John at Kaneo
The postcard church of Macedonia, perched on a cliff above the turquoise lake — a 20-minute lakeside walk from town.
Ancient Theatre
A Hellenistic open-air theatre from ~200 BC, still used for summer concerts and festivals in the old town.
Samuel’s Fortress
Climb the medieval ramparts for a sweeping panorama over the rooftops, the lake and the mountains beyond.
Boat to St. Naum
A relaxed boat trip along the shore to the monastery of St. Naum, with its springs and peacocks near the Albanian border.
Beaches & swimming
Clean pebble beaches like Gradište and Lagadin line the eastern shore — crystal-clear, gently warm water in summer.
Lakeside tavernas
Grilled lake fish, ajvar and Macedonian wine at waterfront tavernas — plus Ohrid’s famous handmade pearls.
See our insider map
We’ve marked our favourite beaches, viewpoints, restaurants and sights on an interactive map — the spots we’d send our own friends to.