Western North Macedonia

[[file:caption=Lake Ohrid as seen from Kaneo, a suburb of Ohrid}}

A land of scenic mountains, lakes, forests, and fields sandwiched between the Povardarie region and Albania, Western North Macedonia is where a casual traveller will likely spend most of his/her time in North Macedonia as it houses most of the attractions that North Macedonia is known for.

Regions of Western North Macedonia

Polog

Prespa (Macedonia)

Polog Prespa (Macedonia)|Prespa }}

Cities

41.47|21.11|zoom=8

• Bitola GPS 41.033,21.331 (Битола) — one of the most European-flavoured cities in the nation, Bitola is known for its colourful neo-classical architecture and the Ancient Macedon ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis nearby
• Debar GPS 41.516667,20.533333 (Дебaр)
• Demir Hisar GPS 41.2197,21.2032 (Демир Хисар)
• Gostivar GPS 41.8,20.916667 (Гостивар)
• Kičevo GPS 41.5124,20.9575 (Кичево, Kichevo)
• Kruševo GPS 41.369,21.251 (Крушево, Krushevo) — a museum-city nestled high up in the mountains of southwestern North Macedonia; it is one the most historically significant destinations in the nation as it was the site of a revolt against the Islamic Ottoman Empire; also home to great skiing
• Makedonski Brod GPS 41.5,21.216667 (Македонски Брод)
• Ohrid GPS 41.1175,20.8026 (Охрид) — with ancient churches and flower-filled balconies in the hillside old city, and beach life down below on the lake coast, this is no doubt the "Macedonian Riviera"
• Resen GPS 41.090,21.011 (Ресен) — home to Saraj Castle built in the beginning of XX century
• Prilep GPS 41.346,21.553 (Прилеп) — tobacco fields, medieval monasteries, and strange rocks
• Struga GPS 41.1787,20.6770 (Струга) — on the northern shore of the lake, Struga is a smaller, quiter, cheaper, but less fun alternative to Ohrid
• Tetovo GPS 42.007,20.967 (Тетово) — unofficial capital of the Albanians of North Macedonia, Tetovo is the site of the one of the most unique masjids in the world and the Painted Mosque
• Vevčani GPS 41.240278,20.593056 (Вевчани, Vevchani)

More Destinations in Western North Macedonia

• Galičica National Park GPS 40.967271,20.84007
• Mavrovo National Park GPS 41.699567,20.665278
• Pelister National Park GPS 40.981,21.191
• Brajčino GPS 40.9,21.166667 (Брајчино) — picturesque village in the mountains of Western North Macedonia, just off the eastern shore of Lake Prespa.

  Western North Macedonia Halal Travel Guide

File:Црква „Св. Јован Канео“ - Охрид - Street John Church on the Lake Ohrid

Escape Skopje past the mountains towards west, and one of the first thing you notice in the landscape are the red Albanian flags of the double-headed eagle, small and huge, flying everywhere: houses, utility posts, gas stations. If it's summer, you can also see long queues of cars celebrating a wedding, again flying the eagle banners. Don't worry—you have not crossed unknowingly into Albania, this region is where the Albanians of North Macedonia mainly live. They seem to be a pretty nationalistic community, and the ethnic identities play an important role in daily lives in this country.

Then move towards the mountains to south, where the ancients named "the land of the lynx", and south of Kičevo and the minarets give way for the belfries and huge hilltop crosses, and the Albanian banners for the flag of the Macedonian sun. With a small chapel clinging to the mountainsides now and then and the lush scenery on the other side of the window keeps going like this, until you reach the territory of multiculturalism back in Ohrid.

Travel as a Muslim to Western North Macedonia

Buses from Skopje depart for most, if not all, of the towns in Western North Macedonia. Some of them have a train service, too, with one particular exception being Ohrid.

• Eurobus - international coach operator that has almost daily buses from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Slovenia. Stops in the major cities Skopje, Tetovo, Ohrid. Prices from €70.

How to get around in Western North Macedonia

Again, buses will be your most likely mode of transportation in the region. Those preferring to self-drive have little to worry about in the flatlands of the north, where a motorway/toll-road forms the backbone of the local traffic between Skopje, Tetovo, and Gostivar. However, in the mountainous realm south of Gostivar, you are back into the narrow Yugoslav-era roads full of sharp turns, yet no signs warning the drivers against them—late night driving is best left to the local residents.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Western North Macedonia

• Skopje and the national capital, and the rest of the Povardarie|Vardar Region lies to east
• Albania is easily accessible with five border crossings
• Greece in the south has no public transport connection with the region but you can haggle with a taxi driver in Bitola to take you to the border post
• Kosovo is also within reach, thanks to buses from Tetovo

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.

{{geo