Hiking in Macedonia and Albania

Steeped in history and culture and hidden from the rest of Europe for decades, the ancient lands of Macedonia and Albania are intriguing enclaves that few have visited, yet they offer incredible hiking territory along with a cultural legacy that echoes the intricate tapestry of the storied past. We’ve crafted a hiker’s journey that brings us to compelling sites like the Bronze Age observatory of Kokino and remote Treskavac Monastery, and through pine-clad forests and stream-laced valleys of rugged national parks. Along the way we sample the savory regional cuisine, with its Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences, taste hearty, full-bodied local wines, and experience wonderful cultural encounters in timeless villages and monasteries throughout these age-old lands.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Skopje, Macedonia / Demir Kapija

After exploring Skopje’s Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman treasures, we head to Kokino, a Bronze Age observatory set dramatically on the summit of Tativev Kamen.

Days 3-5
Treskavac Monastery / Heraclea / Pelister National Park

After a hike to remote 13th century Treskavac Monastery, with its Byzantine frescoes, we explore Heraclea, renowned for the 5th century mosaics in its basilica. In rugged Pelister National Park, we hike amid a well-watered landscape of springs, streams, rivers, and two glacial lakes known as the “Mountain’s Eyes.”

Days 6-7
Voskopoje, Albania / Maja e Poshe Tepes

Heading across the border to the ruggedly beautiful land of Albania, we explore Voskopoje, once a stop on the trade route between Venice and Constaninople and nowadays a peaceful village with farmhouses set between a handful of old churches. We hike through pine forests to the summit of Maja e Poshe Tepes (5,400'), with its sweeping views of the countryside.

Days 8-9
Korça / Galicica National Park

We explore Korça’s busy bazaar, then head back to Macedonia for a hike in Galicica National Park, with a wonderful panorama of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa right at our feet.

Days 10-11
Ohrid / Mavrovo National Park

After exploring the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Hellenistic archaeological sites of Ohrid, we head to Mavrovo National Park, an exquisite place for hiking and exploring with its clear springs, 17 glacial lakes, and numerous rivers with tumbling waterfalls.

Days 12-13
Matka / Skopje

Our exploration of Matka Lake, set in a spectacular steep-sided ravine, includes a hike on the Matka history trail and visits to monasteries dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. Depart from Skopje on Day 13.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3+, Moderate. On most days, we hike anywhere from two to six hours over moderate to steep mountain terrain. You will carry just a daypack on the hikes, but the trails can be rugged and narrow. The hiking itinerary is planned as we have described it. However, as in any mountain trip, we will remain flexible with regard to weather and other local conditions in choosing our routes. Tourism infrastructure in Macedonia and Albania is still in development and the services, facilities, and quality of hiking trails can be basic.

Explanation of Trip Levels