Prilep

Located in the heart of Macedonia, Prilep will amaze you with its rugged scenery and surrounding mountains.

This is a really good opportunity to go hiking, as the tourists are very scarce and you can really feel like a local.

The Old Clock Tower is a true gem, as some say it is the most beautiful clock tower in Macedonia.

Another beautiful attraction is the Carshi Mosque. The most striking thing about it is that it has two balconies on its minaret.

For those of you not familiar, this is a rarity. Prilep really is the place to go if you want to know more about the cultural heritage of Macedonia, away from the big cities.

Strumica

This is yet another charming example of how you can explore the Macedonian lifestyle and culture, away from the crowded cities.

Strumica is located near the Bulgarian border and is the largest city in Eastern Macedonia.

The Belasica Mountain has many hiking trails and is amazing to explore. The two waterfalls, Koleshino and Smolare are simply dazzling and there are many picnic areas nearby.

The Byzantine monasteries located nearby are still home to monks and nuns so it might be a good idea to see the impressive fresco paintings and mosaics while interacting with the locals and hear authentic stories of the place.

Ohrid

The ruins of the Macedonian kingdom surround the small town of Ohrid, located by the lakeside.

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Lake Ohrid offers a wonderful view over its deep waters and you might even mistake it for a small sea.

The eastern shore of the lake will take you to the National Park of Galicica, where you can relax in the middle of nature and explore the wildlife.

If you feel like going on an adventure, then you can climb the Galicica Mountain and admire the view over the 2 surrounding lakes: Ohrid and Prespa.

Canyon Matka

This is a great opportunity for nature lovers to ravel in the beautiful scenery. The lake is surrounded by high walls of rock formations and you can rent a boat or go kayaking to explore as much as you like.

Renting a boat also enables you to visit the caves, which might turn out into a glorious adventure.

Vrelo Cave is one of the most notorious around, as it takes pride in being the deepest European underwater cave.

There are remarkable flora and fauna as well and you can encounter more than 60 species of dazzling butterflies.

Interrail and Eurail Macedonia Map and Planner

Your Eurail or Interrail Pack will come with your ticket and, amongst other important items, a map. Before you get your pack, you can have a look below to check out the vast rain network in Macedonia and not only.

Deciding on a route in a country you have not visited before might seem a bit hard, which is why interrailplanner.com might come in handy. This is an online tool which generates you an itinerary based on what your preferences and where you wish to get.

Interrail Macedonia – best places to stay

You’ll need to have somewhere to stay when you’re on your Interrail or Eurail Macedonia trip. Here’s some places where you can do just that, brought to you by our readers, as well as our partners at Booking.com.

Reader Recommendations

We want to hear about the best places you stayed while you were on your Interrail Macedonia trip – bonus points if they’re a little off the beaten track! Share the love and give us a recommendation – get in touch or add yours in the comments section (coming soon)!

[your recommendations here!]

Recommended Interrail Macedonia Route

We know it might be hard to choose just a few places to visit in Macedonia, which is why we thought we can give you a hand. Feel free to adjust the itinerary as you wish and need.

Route: Skopje > Ohrid > Prilep > Strumica

Skopje: Visit the capital city of Skopje and wander around neoclassical buildings which will take you back in time with a touch of novelty as well. The statues are pretty hard to miss as well, especially the one of Alexander the Great. Book your hotel or hostel.

Ohrid: Ravel in the glittering beauty of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes. The town is simply charming, with cobbled streets inviting you for a stroll. Book your hotel or hostel.

Prilep: Explore the rugged landscape and the mountains surrounding Prilep. Make sure to visit the Carshi Mosque and the spectacular two balconies on its minaret, which is a rarity. Book your hotel or hostel.

Strumica: Go hiking in the Mount Belasica and watch two amazing waterfalls – Smolare and Koleshino. While you are there, you might even enjoy an old-school picnic. Book your hotel or hostel.

Remember that the Interrail passes are only available to European citizen or residents.

• Recommended: Interrail Macedonia Pass
• Travel days needed: 4 days within 1 month
• Price: from €64

If you are a non-European citizen or resident and wish to see as much as you can in Europe, then you can purchase the Eurail Global Pass. This way you can visit all participating countries with only one ticket. How amazing would it be to wander around medieval structures in Macedonia one day and head to the place where the sun never sets for days on end?

Travelling from Skopje in Macedonia to Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden can easily be done with your Eurail Global Pass. Furthermore, you would be visiting other astonishing countries along the way too.

Route: Skopje (Macedonia) > Belgrade (Serbia) Budapest (Hungary) > Berlin (Germany) > Stockholm (Sweden)

Interrail / Eurail Macedonia Photo Gallery

Here are some of the best photographs people have been kind enough to share from their previous Interrail Macedonia trips.

If you have photos to share, we’re open to considering them for display on this page – just email us to start a conversation!

Conversely, if you see your photo here and want it taken down, just let us know.

Interrail Macedonia FAQ

Whichever Interrail or Eurail Macedonia guide you read, there will always be unanswered questions. If you feel that there is anything missing from this guide or the FAQ below, let us know in the comments or send an email!

Interrail and Eurail Macedonia – get your Pass today!

Starting your Eurail or Interrail journey in Macedonia will offer you the opportunity to visit beautiful small villages and experience a relaxed lifestyle even if just for a few days.

The lakes, the mountains and vast forests will help you clear your mind and come back home with a laidback vibe. Don’t forget to taste their famous wines as well!

Or you can try the local fruit brandy, called ‘rakija’. Either way, you will not regret it!