Must See

Bitola

Located 18 km (11 miles) from the Greek border in the southwest of Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic), Bitola was an important centre of Ottoman rule. Nearby, visitors will find the ruins of the ancient city of Heraclea. Baba Mountain overlooks Bitola from the east; its magnificent Pelister Mountain (2601 m) is a national park with exquisite flora and fauna, and a well-known ski resort.

Ohrid

Lake Ohrid is one of the country's most beautiful attractions, a mirror of water at its most enchanting at dusk when swans glide on its surface. The town of Ohrid is arguably the most beautiful in Macedonia, characterised by small cobbled streets, seven gorgeous churches and picturesque pebbly beaches. Here, St Clement of Ohrid laid the foundations of the first Slav university.

The former seat of the Macedonian Tsar Samuil, the walls of his fortress survive to this day, and are used as a venue for outdoor concerts during the summer months. Near the old fortress are the remains of a classical theatre. Of the churches, the Cathedral of St Sophia is particularly impressive and, like the others, contains some superb 11th-century frescoes.

Skopje

Skopje, Macedonia's capital, is where urban vibe meets colourful traditional Turkish bazaar. Much of the city is modern in design, rebuilt following an earthquake in 1963 - something that gives the place a contemporary air. This is reflected by the city's up-and-coming music scene.

However, the earthquake didn't cause everything to be reconstructed, and the Old Town remains Skopje's most agreeable quarter, a charming district of shops, restaurants, historic caravanserais and Ottoman-period mosques. Other highlights include the Daut Pasha Baths with its two large and 11 small domes Now home to the Art gallery); the Church of the Holy Saviour with its intricately carved iconostasis; and the 15th-century Mustafa Pasha Mosque. There's also a wonderful riverside promenade and the imposing 10th-century Kale fortress is also worth a look.

Nearby, is the Nerezi Monastery with its 12th-century Church of St Pantelejmon, which is home to some magnificent Byzantine frescoes.

Treskavec Monastery

Hike up to this mystical mountain retreat, dramatically positioned atop Mount Zlato, 10 kilometres above the town of Prilep in the south of the country. It houses ancient icons and affords spectacular views of the valleys below.