Going on holiday is a wonderful opportunity to take a break from your day-to-day responsibilities and have some fun. And while you may have locations that you love going to, it's always fascinating to see new places and embrace different cultures. While tourist spots are on many people's bucket lists, sometimes beautiful hidden gems get missed. This "underrated" spot is filled with adventure, history, beaches and it won't cost you a fortune to visit.
This beautiful spot is the city of Ohrid, in North Macedonia, in the Balkans. It's home to an incredible lake that dates back between 3 and 5 million years, which is so big that people often mistake it for the sea. Visitors can rent a kayak to paddle out and explore for themselves or book a boat tour.
On the shore, you'll find cobbled streets full of vine-covered buildings, stone archways ad shops selling traditional jewellery. You can also visit centuries-old fortresses, churches and monasteries before tucking into local specialities at family-run taverns.
Em, who loves sharing her best budget travel trip online and boasts over 103,000 followers on TiKTok, can't rave about the place enough after being pleasantly surprised following a visit recently. The travel lover, who has visited 12 countries this year, said: "This is the number one place you need to visit before it gets busy, if you want a relaxed and chilled out holiday with stunning scenery but you're also on a budget then skip Spain or Greece and come here instead."
She added: "This is one of Europe's least visited countries but I'm not sure why to be honest. It's one of the most underrated places I've ever been. It's set on a stunning lake which has loads of cute, hidden beaches and it's perfect for wild swimming plus it's meant to have healing properties."
She also said there is lots to do in the town but it doesn't feel overly crowded at the same time. She also spotted a fortress with amazing views.
Another reason that Em loved Ohrid so much is the affordability of the spot. She noted: "Accomodation is really affordable. I stayed in a lovely hostel for around £10 or you can easily find nice Airbnbs for around £20 a night. The food and drink is also delicious and super cheap. I got a cappuccino from this cafe with an outside terrace on the lake for £1.80 and the whole place to myself."
"Been coming here for years, it's my favourite place," one commented on Em's post. "This looks/sounds incredible," added another.
One other said: "Was in Macedonia in July, loved it, fabulous food, drink etc. The people are so so friendly, and very safe to visit." Another added: "Ohrid it's a beautiful place to visit. St. Naum also, near Ohrid, a place with gorgeous views, old churches."
Another commented: "Just spent a fortnight in Macedonia, stayed in Sveti Stefan just outside of Ohrid. Loved Macedonia and the people. Really want to go back when I can, Skopje looks great."
Currently, TUI is the only airline that flies direct to Ohrid and the cheapest month to fly to Ohrid is usually September.
Skyscanner reports: "£84 is currently the cheapest price for a round-trip flight to Ohrid Airport. For a one-way plane ticket to OHD, the lowest fare is £46."
From Ohrid Airport you can easily get to the city centre by taking a taxi ride or arranging a private transfer and it typically takes around 15 minutes. There is no public bus service between the two.
