Tourism in North Macedonia

Most visitors arriving in North Macedonia on short term basis are from the following countries of nationality:[9]

Rank	Country	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
1	Turkey	112,472	111,667	129,708	105,738	90,857
2	Serbia	59,568	57,460	53,121	50,145	43,613
3	Greece	57,578	40,947	44,931	40,504	38,829
4	Bulgaria	55,862	52,659	45,958	36,982	29,314
5	Poland	35,681	34,575	22,281	12,268	17,054
6	Germany	34,342	30,173	23,544	17,067	17,939
7	Netherlands	31,481	27,918	26,889	23,960	32,217
8	Albania	27,311	27,311	21,194	20,862	18,493
9	Croatia	25,533	23,829	15,860	13,918	17,054
10	Kosovo[a]	25,079	24,014	17,494	17,070	13,950
11	Romania	18,984	16,727	15,044	9,256	8,071
12	United States	18,285	17,916	15,163	11,495	10,186
13	Slovenia	17,953	16,890	12,815	9,971	11,463
14	Italy	13,757	13,403	11,124	11,515	12,444
15	China	13,635	13,724	9,435	6,565	7,256
16	Israel	12,436	10,767	7,967	8,983	4,754
17	United Kingdom	12,215	13,296	11,396	8,856	8,465
18	Sweden	11,188	11,530	8,557	6,495	5,617
19	Austria	10,481	9,014	8,367	7,387	8,602
20	Spain	10,184	6,303	6,012	3,659	3,151
21	Bosnia and Herzegovina	9,728	8,508	7,199	6,922	5,686
22	Belgium	9,698	9,966	7,499	5,501	5,509
23	Australia	9,511	9,701	8,228	5,557	6,625
24	France	9,445	9,030	8,008	6,231	7,603
25	Switzerland	8,622	8,098	6,437	4,589	4,815
	Total foreign tourists	757,593	707,345	630,594	510,484	485,530

Tourist arrivals to North Macedonia have increased every year since 2010.[9]

Skopje

Ohrid

Bitola

Kratovo

Kruševo

Prilep

Skopje, the capital and largest city, is situated in the northern part of the country on the Vardar River. Skopje has a long history that is evidenced by its many archaeological sites, such as Scupi and the Skopje Aqueduct, and the large number of Ottoman buildings and monuments, particularly in the Old Bazaar, such as Mustapha Pasha Mosque. Today, Skopje, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is becoming a modern city with museums and many cultural and sporting events.

Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the southwestern part of the country on the eastern shore of Lake Ohrid. The town is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country, which is largely due to the beaches and atmosphere. However, Ohrid also has many historical monuments, such as Samuil's Fortress and the Antique Theatre, Church of St. Panteleimon, Church of St. Sophia, Church of St. John at Kaneo, Monastery of Saint Naum, Robevi family house & Plaošnik. There is also a number of beautiful fishing & mountain villages along the coastline which include Trpejca, Pestani, Elsani & Ljubanista.

Bitola, the country's second largest city with a population of about 100,000, is situated in the southern part of the country. Like many cities in the country, Bitola has also had a rich history. Heraclea Lyncestis, one of North Macedonia's largest archaeological sites, is located in Bitola. The long history of Bitola is also exemplified by the town's many neo-classical buildings, Ottoman buildings and monuments such as the Jeni Mosque, and old churches. The town is also a shopping destination; Širok Sokak, a pedestrian street, is filled with an endless number of stores and restaurants which go through to Magnolia Square. There is a small Ski resort about 12 km from the city centre situated on Baba Mountain which is also a great hiking mecca during the summer months between May & September.

Štip, the largest city east of the Vardar River, is located in the eastern part of the country. Štip has existed for at least 2,000 years which is showcased by its many archaeological sites, such as Astibo, Bargala, and Estipeon. The city is also home to the healing waters of the Kežovica Mineral Spa. Today, Štip is the main cultural and economical centre of eastern North Macedonia.

Kratovo is a small town in the eastern part of the country. It lies on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo at an altitude of 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. Having a mild and pleasant climate, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is famous for its bridges and towers.

Kruševo is the highest town in North Macedonia, situated at an altitude of over 4,429 feet (1350 m) above sea level. It is home to Mečkin Kamen, a historical landmark which marks the spot of the uprising of 1903. On August 2 every year, it is the site of the national Independence Day celebrations, which are attended by the President of North Macedonia and other Macedonian political leaders. Kruševo is also home to Makedonium monument, dedicated to the Ilinden Uprising and the Kruševo Republic and many museums of the Ilinden Uprising. Because of its elevation, Kruševo is one of North Macedonia’s winter sports destinations. The famous Macedonian singer Tose Proeski is also buried here.

Prilep is known as "the city under Marko's Towers" because of its proximity to the towers of Prince Marko Markovi Kuli. The towers of medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević are located on a 120–180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. The Treskavec monastery, built in the 12th century in the mountains about 10 km (6 mi) north of Prilep under Zlatovrv peak, at the edge of a small upland plain 1100 meters above sea level. Prilep has frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and is probably the site of the early Roman town of Kolobaise.

Other popular towns include Strumica, and Struga, which have many attractions of their own.

Mavrovo Lake

North Macedonia has three national parks and 33 natural reserves:

• Mavrovo, located in the northwestern part of the country, is the largest of the three national parks. It is home to several river valleys, gorges, waterfalls, caves, and other morphological formations.
• Pelister, located in the southern part of the country, near Bitola, is the smallest of the three national parks. The park consists of land that surrounds Baba Mountain. On top of the mountain are two glacial lakes, known as Gorski Oči, or mountain eyes.
• Galičica, located between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, is the second largest national park in the country. The park is home to an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and offers terrific views of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid.
• Ezereni Bird Sanctuary, located on the northern shore of Lake Prespa, is a strict natural reserve. It is home to over 120 different bird species.[11]
• Tikveš Strict Natural Reserve, located 30 km southeast of Kavadarci, is a natural reserve that covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. 23 species of predatory birds are present in the reserve and 17 of these nest in the area. Tikveš is said to be one of the most important ornithological sites in Europe.
• Lokvi-Golemo Konjari Strict Natural Reserve, located near Kruševo, is a natural reserve that is the last remnant of a once enormous swamp.

The stone town of Kuklica

• Stobi, situated in Gradsko, in the geographical center of the country, is the largest and considered to be the most famous archaeological site in North Macedonia. Some remains include basilicas, streets, thermae, living complexes, mosaics, and walls.
• Kokino, located 30 km from Kumanovo, is a megalithic observatory similar to Stonehenge. Being over 3,800 years old, it is the fourth oldest ancient observatory in the world.
• Marko's Tower, located just outside Prilep, is a rocky mass composed of several fine sculptures. It is on the list of possible UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Stone town of Kuklica, located outside Kratovo, is an area consisting of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars that are over 10 million years old.