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, from dramatic mountains and rugged canyons to the vast blue expanses of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa. Their rich history at the crossroads of Europe’s great civilizations has left a remarkable scattering of Greek and Roman ruins, Byzantine churches, ornate mosques, and Ottoman towns that echo the intricate tapestry of their storied past. We’ll explore it all with WT Trip Leader Ingrid Cercek, who guides our popular Croatia, Slovenia, and Montenegro journeys. Our fascinating hiker’s journey across Macedonia includes trails that lead to compelling sites like the Bronze Age observatory of Kokino, remote Treskavac Monastery, set in a striking karst landscape, timeless villages that maintain rich traditions, and through the pine-clad forests and stream-laced valleys of national parks that are the crown jewels of the country. Midway through our adventure, we cross the once-forbidden border to experience Albania, with its unique cultural heritage. Here we explore Voskopoja, the center of Byzantine art, and hike in pine-forested mountains for sweeping 360-degree views. All along the way we’ll sample the savory regional cuisine, a blend of Mediterranean, Balkan, and Turkish influences, taste hearty, full-bodied local wines, and experience the good cheer of the local people, whose long tradition of hospitality welcomes us warmly to their homelands.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Skopje, Macedonia / Demir Kapija

We meet in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, and set out to explore this ancient city with its eclectic blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman treasures. The next day we discover Kokino, a late Bronze Age archaeological site and megalithic observatory set dramatically on the volcanic summit of Tativev Kamen. Overnight in Demir Kapija, where we have a chance to sample the local Stanushina, a full-bodied rose, and Vranec, a dry red wine.

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

A morning hike brings us to remote 13th century Treskavac Monastery, where we explore the ancient buildings with their Byzantine frescoes and visit with the resident monk. Later we explore Bitola, with its pedestrian-only walkway lined with colorful, romantic, neo-classical buildings and lively cafes, and the Old Bazaar, whose pleasant small squares with water fountains and Ottoman monuments make it one of the most attractive in Macedonia. We also explore the archaeological site of Heraclea, renowned for the 5th century mosaics in its basilica. In rugged Pelister National Park, peaks rising to 8,500 feet are separated by deep valleys, and springs, streams, rivers, and two glacial lakes known as the “Mountain’s Eyes” lace the well-watered landscape. Our hike brings us through pine forests to a mountain hut where we enjoy a delightful picnic lunch.

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

Our scenic drive brings us across the border to the ruggedly beautiful land of Albania. Our base is the village of Voskopoja, which was once one of the largest cities of the Balkans and an important center of Byzantine art. Nowadays it is a peaceful village, with farmhouses set between a handful of old churches and original cobbled streets remaining as testament to a long-lost city. A hike through pine forests to the summit of Maja e Poshe Tepes (5,400') grants us sweeping views of the countryside.

Days 8-9
Korça / Monastery of St. Naum / Galicica National Park

In Korça, set on a plateau between the mountain ranges of southeast Albania, we explore the busy bazaar, where street stalls are piled high with all manner of goods, and get a feel for how this bustling trade town must have been in Ottoman times. We then head back over the border to Macedonia and the 9th century monastery of St. Naum, set along the shores of glorious Lake Ohrid. The next day we hike in mountainous Galicica National Park, set between Lakes Ohrid and Prespa. A trail through meadows, forest, and steep rocky terrain leads us to Mt. Magaro (7,400'), the highest peak in the park, where we are rewarded with a wonderful panorama of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa right at our feet.

Days 10-11
Ohrid / Mavrovo National Park

Ohrid is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, with archaeological sites from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Hellenistic periods. Our explorations of this World Heritage Site include Samoil’s Fortress, whose crenellated ramparts tower over the city. The next day we hike in Mavrovo National Park, where Macecdonia’s highest mountains are found. With its clear springs, 17 glacial lakes, numerous rivers with wild rapids and tumbling waterfalls, rare species of trees, and hilltops rich in wild herbs and teas, Mavrovo is an exquisite place for hiking and exploring.

Days 12-13
Matka / Skopje

Our explorations of Matka Lake, set in a spectacular steep-sided ravine, include a hike on the Matka history trail and visits to monasteries dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, including the Monastery of St. Nicholas Shishovski, set on top of a cliff above Lake Matka with a spectacular view of the lake and its surroundings. Depart from Skopje on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

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 in the preceding pages. 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