Things to do in Ohrid
What we’d tell a friend who is visiting for the first time — in the old town, on the water and on day trips around the lake.
Most of what makes Ohrid special lies within a short walk of the old town. For the rest — monasteries on the shore, a mountain between two lakes, a village built on stilts — it’s worth setting aside a day or two.
Walking times are from Apartments Joana.
In the old town
Cobbled lanes, Byzantine churches and a fortress on top — easily covered in a day, best spread over a few mornings and evenings.
St. John at Kaneo
The small 13th-century church on a cliff above the water is the picture everyone knows. Walk there along the shore and the wooden boardwalk, and stay for sunset.
About 20 minutes on foot from us, along the shore and the wooden boardwalk.
Samuel’s Fortress
The walls of the medieval fortress crown the hill above the old town. From the ramparts you see the whole bay, the rooftops and the mountains on the Albanian side.
About 15 minutes on foot, uphill. A small entrance fee, paid at the gate; shorter opening hours outside summer.
Ancient Theatre
A Hellenistic theatre from around 200 BC, still used for concerts and plays during the Ohrid Summer Festival in July and August.
About 10 minutes on foot — it lies on the way up to the fortress.
Plaošnik & St. Panteleimon
The church of St. Clement and St. Panteleimon stands on the site where St. Clement founded one of the first Slavic schools. Around it lie early-Christian mosaics and basilica remains.
About 15–20 minutes on foot, just below the fortress — easy to visit both in one go.
St. Sophia
One of the most important medieval churches in the country, with frescoes from the 11th century. In summer, concerts are held in its nave and courtyard.
About 10–15 minutes on foot. Entrance is around 150 denars.
Old Bazaar & Čaršija
The main shopping street with cafés, sweet shops and the jewellers selling Ohrid pearls. Busy on summer evenings, calm in the morning.
About 5 minutes from our door. Genuine Ohrid pearls are made by only two families, Filevi and Talevi — both have shops in Ohrid.
On and by the lake
The lake is the reason most people come. Here is how to spend time on it — the beaches and swimming have a page of their own.
A boat trip from the harbour
Small boats wait along the harbour and take you to Kaneo, along the shore or out on the water for sunset. Agree the price before you set off.
The harbour is about 5 minutes on foot. Prices depend on the boat and the length of the trip — ask a few captains before you choose.
Swimming & beaches
Clear water, pebble beaches and swimming from June to September. Small beaches lie right below the old town; the longer ones are a short drive along the shore.
The closest is Saraište, a small pebble beach just past the harbour — about 10 minutes on foot.
Sunset on the boardwalk
The wooden walkway runs along the cliffs below the old town towards Kaneo, past small bars right above the water.
The boardwalk is about 5 minutes from us: from the harbour, follow the shore towards Kaneo.
A lakeside dinner
Grilled lake fish, ajvar, tavče gravče and Macedonian wine, at a table right by the water.
Day trips around the lake
A car makes these much easier — we have free parking at the house. Several can also be reached by boat, bus or taxi.
Monastery of St. Naum
At the southern end of the lake, close to the Albanian border. Springs that are partly fed from Lake Prespa rise here; a rowing boat takes you across them. Peacocks walk the monastery grounds.
About 30 km south of Ohrid. By car it is the easiest; in summer, boats also go there from the harbour.
Bay of Bones
A reconstructed pile-dwelling village on stilts in the water, with a small museum. The original settlement dates from around 1200–700 BC. About 16 km south of Ohrid, near Peštani.
Entrance is around 150 denars; in summer roughly 9:00–19:00, shorter off-season.
Galičica National Park
The mountain between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. A winding road climbs to viewpoints where you see both lakes at once; there are hiking trails and, in summer, paragliding.
Crossing the mountain from Lake Ohrid to Lake Prespa takes about 45 minutes by car without stops — plan for longer.
Struga
The neighbouring town at the northern end of the lake, where the Black Drin river leaves it. A riverside promenade and a quieter atmosphere than Ohrid.
About 15 km north of Ohrid, by car or by the regular bus.
Vevčani
A mountain village above Struga with springs, old stone houses and a famous winter carnival in January.
About 22 km from Ohrid, in the hills above Struga — easy to combine with Struga.
Radožda
A small village on the western shore near the Albanian border, with the cave church of the Archangel Michael set into the cliff above the water.
About 10 km south of Struga — another one to combine with a Struga day.