10 Best Day Trips From Skopje

Whether you are looking for day trips from Skopje to escape the heat of the summer months, or just to explore more of North Macedonia. You’re in luck! We’ve put together our curated list of the best 10 day trips from Skopje.

Whether your interests lie in history, nature, or immersing yourself in local culture, there’s something on our list for everyone. Strap on your day pack, lace up those walking shoes, and get ready for unforgettable adventures waiting just around the corner from Skopje.

Matka Canyon

(45 MINUTE DRIVE)

If visiting Skopje during the summer months, a day trip to Matka Canyon can be an excellent way to escape the heat of the city. With the option to take a boat trip, rent a kayak, explore caves and a number of different hiking trails, there is something to suit everyone.

If you think this might be your perfect day trip from Skopje, then check our post with everything you need to know about Matka Canyon.

Prefer to book an organised trip from Skopje that includes a hotel pickup? Check out the Matka sightseeing tour and Matka and Vodno Mountain tour.

Ohrid

(2hr 45 MINUTE DRIVE)

If you haven’t visited Ohrid before, then trying to fit it in as one of your day trips from Skopje is a must! It might be one of the furthest from Skopje on our list, but it provides the opportunity to discover a different side of North Macedonia.

Ohrid is recognized as both a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. The city’s medieval old town, with its cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture, is a treasure trove of historic sites, including the iconic Ohrid Cathedral and the ancient Saint Naum Monastery provides something for the history buffs. While the lake itself offers opportunities for those looking to relax, or those interested in kayaking or boat trips on the lake.

Check out our Ohrid Travel Guide for more information, or for those wanting to book the trip in advance check out the Full Day Ohrid Tour from Skopje or Two Day Private Tour of Lake Ohrid and Mavrovo National Park.

Prizren, Kosovo

(2hr 5 MINUTE DRIVE)

Want to visit the youngest country in Europe? Then Prizren in Kosovo could be the answer. Take in the mix of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture as you trek to the Kalaja Fortress at the summit of the hill. Visitors can learn all about the history or Prizren at the Albanian League of Prizren Museum or go on to explore the spectacular Sharr Mountains National Park. It is also possible to travel to Prizren from Skopje by bus, but this takes slightly longer at around 2.5 hours.

A visit to Prizren is included in the Prizren and Pristina sightseeing tour from Skopje.

Kokino Megalithic Observatory

(1HR 5 MINUTE DRIVE)

The Kokino Megalithic Observatory is a Bronze age archeological site, with the oldest finds on the site being dated to the 19th Century BC. Discovered in 2001, it comprises of two platforms with giant stones arranged to track the movement of the sun and moon, acting as an Observatory dating back nearly 3,800 years.

Kokino Megalithic Observatory, The Stone Dolls and the town of Kratovo can easily be combined in to a single day trip from Skopje. Check out this private tour of both Kokino and Kuklica (The Stone Dolls) with pickup from Skopje.

The Stone Dolls (Near Kuklica)

(1HR 15 MINUTE DRIVE)

The Stone Town of Kuklica, caused by thousands of years of erosion leaving behind the volcanic rock formations giving the appearance of people, or dolls. There are numerous legends surrounding the pillars , including that of a spurned lover turning cursing the wedding party and an army heading into battle being turned to stone. According to locals, new stone continue to appear.

The Stone Dolls, Kokino Megalithic Observatory and the town of Kratovo can easily be combined in to a single day trip from Skopje. Check out this private tour of both The Stone Dolls and the Kokino Megalithic Observatory with pickup from Skopje.

Stobi Winery

(1HR 5 MINUTE DRIVE)

Those looking to learn more about North Macedonian wine, should definitely consider a visit to Stobi Winery as one of your day trips from Skopje. For those interested in learning more about the history of the region, this can be combined with a trip to the ancient city of Stobi.

There are a number of different options available, which include tours of the winery, a number of wine tastings and a variety of local delicacies. Check out this half day tour of Stobi Winery with pickup from Skopje for more information.

If you want to learn more about North Macedonian wine before your visit, be sure to check out our post.

Tetovo

(45 MINUTE DRIVE)

Tetovo may be off the beaten path for many visitors to North Macedonia, but with the majority of the city’s inhabitants ethnically Albanian, it has a distinctly different feel to many other cities in North Macedonia. The most popular place to visit in the city is the Šarena Džamija, or painted mosque, with its exquisitely decorated interior and unique design you will certainly understand why.

The city is at the foot of the Šar mountains, so is an ideal stop off point for those planning to hike to the highest peak, Titov Vrv (2,747m), or those looking for something a little more relaxing.

A visit to Tetovo is included in the Full Day Tour of Matka Canyon and Tetovo, with pickup from Skopje.

Mavrovo National Park

(1HR 35 MINUTE DRIVE)

One of the North Macedonia’s three National Parks, Mavrovo offers visitors an opportunity to explore the country’s great outdoors. From exploring the sunken church of St Nicholas, Skiing during the winter months,its numerous hiking routes or visiting the Bigorski Monastery, Mavrovo offers something for everyone.

If you are looking to challenge yourself while in Mavrovo, why not try conquering North Macedonia’s highest peak, Mount Korab.

There are a number of different tour options from Skopje, including this 6 Hour Private Mavrovo Tour and Two Day Private Tour of Mavrovo & Lake Ohrid.

Krushevo

(2HR 30 MINUTE DRIVE)

Krushevo is the highest town in North Macedonia and with its the numerous well preserved 18th and 18th century houses, it could be argued was one of its most beautiful too. The town also plays an important part in North Macedonian’s history, as it was the location of the Ilinden uprising against Ottoman rule, so is a great destination for those wanting to find out more about the history of the region. Pictured is Makedonium or Ilinden Monument, an architectural legacy from the Yugoslavian era, dedicated to all those who took part in the Ilinden uprising

It is possible to visit Krushevo with pickup from Skopje on the Full Day Tour of Bitola & Krushevo Tour.

Prilep

(1HR 55 MINUTE DRIVE)

Just under a 2 hour drive from Skopje is Prilep, North Macedonia’s fourth largest city. In addition to visiting the city’s bustling market, walking around the Old Bazaar and drinking coffee in the main square, a hike up to Marko’s Tower’s is a must. Especially at sunset, where you will incredible views over the city and the wider Prilep basin.

A 25 minute drive from the city is Treskavec Monastery, originally built in the 12th Century it still houses large collection of byzantine frescoes and is definitely worth visiting should you have the time.

Want more ideas for day trips from Skopje?

If none of these ideas for day trips from Skopje are quite what you are looking for, then why not check out out Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola travel guides for more inspiration?