North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid, centuries-old little churches and mountains.
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Introduction
To North Macedonia with the family
North Macedonia is small, and for families, everything revolves around Lake Ohrid: clear water, small beaches and an old town with churches on the hill. Behind it are the mountains of Galičica, overlooking two lakes at once.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 7–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–sep (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,450 km to Skopje (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 4 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette; toll at toll gates (Details and source)
- Paying
- Macedonian denar (MKD)
- EU member
- no
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the Macedonian Denar (MKD). Take off at an ATM and, if the screen offers to settle in euros, select the local currency: Then convert your own bank, which is usually cheaper (our tip). In cities and larger campsites, you can often pay by card; In the countryside, on small campsites and in markets, cash is practical (our experience).
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Zdravo: hello
- Blagodaram: thank you
- Ve molam: please
- Prijatno: goodbye / enjoy your meal
Documents and border
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country.
Health and safety
This country is not an EU member, so the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid here. Ask your health insurer before you leave what your cover is, and take out travel insurance with medical cover. Read the current travel advice of the Dutch government just before you leave; it also lists entry rules and emergency numbers.
Traffic rules that matter
The per mille limit is 0.5, but 0 for everyone with less than two years of driving license. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. From November 15th to March 15th winter tyres are mandatory, unless you have snow chains with you and at least 4 mm profile. Mandatory in the car: safety triangle, safety vest, bandage box and a tow rope or tow bar. Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in front.
Source: ANWB
Best time to travel
July and August are best for swimming in the lake; June and September are calmer and less hot (our assessment).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorway toll (per toll gate) | current price: see source | Toll gates along the motorway | State roads of North Macedonia price checked Oct 2026 |
Buy vignettes only through the official channels: other sites often charge extra. A caravan or camper van may fall into a different class; check this with the source.
Destinations
Most beautiful places in North Macedonia
Ohrid
An old lakeside town with the Church of St John at Kaneo on a rock above the water.
Matka Canyon
A canyon with a reservoir close to Skopje; you can go boating or canoeing there.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Ohrid and Lake Ohrid
A large, clear lake with the old town Ohrid on the shore, common World Heritage. Pebble beaches, boat trips and churches on the rocks. The most important destination for families.
Source: UNESCO: Ohrid
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Galičica and Lake Prespa
Between Ohrid and Prespasee lies the mountain country Galičica, a national park with a view of both lakes.
Source: galicica.org.mk
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Skopje and Matka Canyon
The capital has an old bazaar and many statues. About 15 km southwest of Skopje lies the Matka Canyon with a lake, medieval monasteries and caves; You can go kayaking and take the boat to a cave.
Source: canyonmatka.mk
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Mavrovo
A national park in the west with forests, a reservoir and mountain villages.
Source: npmavrovo.org.mk
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 7 to 10 days, often as part of a larger Balkan trip (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-2: Skopje and Matka Canyon.
- Day 3: via Mavrovo to the south.
- Days 4-8: Ohrid: swimming, old town and a boat trip.
- Days 9-10: Galičica and Lake Prespa.
Camping
Where do you camp?
Campsites on Lake Ohrid
On the east bank, towards Galičica, are campsites on the water. Simple, but with the lake at the door (our experience).
Source: galicica.org.mk
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Rules in Galičica
In the national park you camp only at designated places.
Source: galicica.org.mk
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Boat trip on Lake Ohrid
From the port in Ohrid, boats run along the coast and to the monastery of Sveti Naum in the south.
Source: UNESCO: Ohrid
Bay of Bones
A rebuilt stake-building village on the water, with a small museum. Nice to see how people used to live here.
Source: UNESCO: Ohrid
Canoe in Matka Canyon
paddling on tranquil water between high faces; there are also boats to a cave.
Source: canyonmatka.mk
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
ZOO Skopje
Zoo with Dino Park (41 life-sized dinosaurs with sound) and in the warm months a baby zoo where children are allowed to feed and pet animals.
Skaj Kart
700 meters long outdoor karting track with 12 bends in the northwest of Skopje. There are five double seaters, so a parent can ride together with a child; The lap times come by e-mail.
Boat trip to the Vrelo Cave
By boat across the lake in the Matka Gorge to the Vrelo cave full of dripstones, with two small lakes in the rear part. A real adventure for children; The boat operation operates daily, reserve online and pay on site.
Tickets/tour via Viator → Ad · affiliate link
Galičica National Park
A mountain between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa with viewpoints.
Family Play Park
Indoor play area in a shopping mall with covered mini football field, racing simulators, table tennis, PlayStation 5 and climbing frame with slides. Good for a rainy afternoon in Skopje.
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Tavče gravče
A baked white bean dish with peppers and onion, the national dish.
Šopska salata
A salad of tomato, cucumber and pepper with grated white cheese.
Ajvar
A sauce of roasted peppers; in autumn everyone makes it themselves.
Burek with yoghurt
Puff pastry with cheese or meat, traditionally with a glass of drinking yoghurt.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (3)
Ohrid Summer Festival
In July and August there is a summer festival in Ohrid with concerts and theater, also in the antique theater. Program and dates can be found at the city or at the festival.
Source: ohrid.gov.mk
Matka Caves
In the Matka Canyon there are ten caves; The most beautiful are Vrelo, Krštalna and Ubava. One part is lit and is visited with official guide. You can reach Vrelo by boat or kayak.
Source: canyonmatka.mk
Avoid: the crowds in Ohrid in August
In July and August, Ohrid is fullest; In June and September the water is still warm and it is calmer (our assessment).
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Passport or ID card
North Macedonia is not an EU member. You need a valid passport or ID card, which is valid for at least 3 months at the time of departure. Read the current travel advice before departure. Source: Travel advice North Macedonia (NederlandWereldwijd)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Camping in Galičica
According to the park’s management plan, you are only allowed to camp in designated places and stay in the tent. Source: Management plan NP Galičica 2021–2030
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- Travel advice North Macedonia (NederlandWereldwijd)
- Management plan NP Galičica 2021–2030
- UNESCO: Ohrid
- galicica.org.mk
- npmavrovo.org.mk
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- canyonmatka.mk
- ohrid.gov.mk
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in North Macedonia?
No vignettes; toll at tolling points. Prices, points of sale and the official source are in the block 'Toll and Vignette' on this page. To tolls and vignettes
What is the best time to travel to North Macedonia?
July and August are best for swimming in the lake; June and September are calmer and less hot (our assessment).
How far is North Macedonia from London?
From London to Skopje it is about 2,450 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 4 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in North Macedonia?
Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, warning vest, bandage box and a tow rope or tow bar. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our page Traffic rules & equipment. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for North Macedonia?
At the EU's external border your passport or ID card is checked, and often your vehicle registration and insurance papers too. In summer, expect waiting time at the border (our estimate) and make sure the car's papers are in your name or that you have the owner's authorisation. Ask your car insurer whether your green card (international insurance card) is valid for this country. Read the current travel advice just before you leave.