Tourism in North Macedonia
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Church_of_St._John_at_Kaneo_6.jpg/250px-Church_of_St._John_at_Kaneo_6.jpg)
Tourism inNorth Macedoniais a large factor of thenation's economy.The country's large abundance of natural and cultural attractions make it suitable fortourism.
In 2019, North Macedonia received 1,184,963 tourist arrivals out of which 757,593 were foreign.[1]
Statistics
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/Tourismmk.gif/220px-Tourismmk.gif)
North Macedonia experiences a regular increase of visitors. The number of domestic tourists in the period from January to March 2008 increased by 23.5%, compared to the same period of the previous year. The number of foreign tourists in March 2008 increased by 44.7% compared to March 2007.[2]In 2007,Lake Ohridreceived about 250,000 domestic and foreign tourists.[3]
In February 2009, the country received nearly 28,000 tourists, i.e., 3.2% more tourists than the same month last year, and there was also an 8% increase in the number of foreign visitors.[4]
The summer of 2009 was the best tourist season for the city ofDojranwith 135,000 overnight visitors, an increase of 12.5% compared to the previous year.[5]
The number of tourists in May 2010 increased by 0.8% from the same month in the previous year.[2]
The number of foreign tourists between January and July increased by 25% in 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The average number of nights spent by the tourists increased by 33.2%.[6]
In the first four months of 2012, the number of tourists in the country was 130,083, an increase of 4.6% from the previous year.[7]
Theregionreceiving the most tourist arrivals in 2012 wasSouthwestwith 251,462 tourists, followed bySkopje(164,077) andSoutheastern(106,978). ThePelagoniaregion received 72,054 arrivals, while the remaining regions each received under 30,000.[1]
Among foreign tourists in 2012, most of the tourists came from Turkey (50,406), Greece (43,976), and Serbia (36,530). Outside the Balkans, 27,000 tourists came from the Netherlands.[1]In 2019, most of the tourists came from Turkey (112,472), followed by Serbia (59,568), Greece (57,578), and Bulgaria (55,862). Poland (35,681) was the origin for most of the tourists outside the Balkans.[8]
Arrivals by country
[edit]Most visitors arriving in North Macedonia on short term basis are from the following countries of nationality:[9]
Rank | Country | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
90,857 |
2 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
43,613 |
3 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
38,829 |
4 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
29,314 |
5 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
17,054 |
6 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
17,939 |
7 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
32,217 |
8 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
18,493 |
9 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
17,054 |
10 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
13,950 |
11 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
8,071 |
12 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
10,186 |
13 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
11,463 |
14 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
12,444 |
15 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
7,256 |
16 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
4,754 |
17 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
8,465 |
18 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
5,617 |
19 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
8,602 |
20 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
3,151 |
21 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
5,686 |
22 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
5,509 |
23 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
6,625 |
24 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
7,603 |
25 | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
4,815 |
Total foreign tourists | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
485,530 |
Arrivals by year
[edit]Tourist arrivals to North Macedonia have increased every year since 2010.[8]
Year | Tourist Arrivals | Change (%) |
---|---|---|
2000 | 632,523 | |
2005 | 509,706 | -19.5% |
2010 | 586,241 | +15.0% |
2011 | 647,568 | +10.5% |
2012 | 663,633 | +2.5% |
2013 | 701,794 | +5.8% |
2014 | 735,650 | +4.8% |
2015 | 816,067 | +10.9% |
2016 | 856,843 | +5.0% |
2017 | 998,841 | +16.6% |
2018 | 1,126,935 | +12.8% |
2019[10] | 1,184,963 | +5.1% |
2020[11] | 467,514 | -60.1% |
2021[12] | 702,463 | +50.3% |
2022[13] | 969,277 | +38.0% |
2023[14] | 1,168,730 | +20.6% |
Destinations
[edit]Cities
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Skopje_panorama_5.jpg/220px-Skopje_panorama_5.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Ohrid_from_Samuel%27s_Fortress_2.jpg/220px-Ohrid_from_Samuel%27s_Fortress_2.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/Kratovo-panorama.jpg/220px-Kratovo-panorama.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Krusevo_panorama.jpg/220px-Krusevo_panorama.jpg)
![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BF-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0.jpg/220px-%D0%9F%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B5%D0%BF-%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B0.jpg)
Skopje,thecapitalandlargest city,is situated in the northern part of the country on theVardar River.Skopje has a long history that is evidenced by its many archaeological sites, such asScupiand theSkopje Aqueduct,and the large number ofOttomanbuildings and monuments, particularly in theOld Bazaar,such asMustapha Pasha Mosque.Today, Skopje, with over 500,000 inhabitants, is becoming a modern city with museums and many cultural andsporting events.
Ohrid,aUNESCO World Heritage Site,is located in thesouthwesternpart of the country on the eastern shore ofLake Ohrid.The town is perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the country, which is largely due to the beaches and atmosphere. However, Ohrid also has many historical monuments, such asSamuil's Fortressand theAntique Theatre,Church of St. Panteleimon,Church of St. Sophia,Church of St. John at Kaneo,Monastery of Saint Naum,Robevi family house&Plaošnik.There is also a number of beautiful fishing & mountain villages along the coastline which includeTrpejca,Pestani,Elsani&Ljubanista.
Bitola,the country's second largest city with a population of about 100,000, is situated in the southern part of the country. Like many cities in the country, Bitola has also had a rich history.Heraclea Lyncestis,one of North Macedonia's largest archaeological sites, is located in Bitola. The long history of Bitola is also exemplified by the town's manyneo-classicalbuildings, Ottoman buildings and monuments such as theJeni Mosque,and old churches. The town is also a shopping destination;Širok Sokak,a pedestrian street, is filled with an endless number of stores and restaurants which go through toMagnolia Square.There is a small Ski resort about 12 km from the city centre situated onBaba Mountainwhich is also a great hiking mecca during the summer months between May & September.
Štip,the largest city east of theVardar River,is located in theeasternpart of the country. Štip has existed for at least 2,000 years which is showcased by its many archaeological sites, such asAstibo,Bargala,andEstipeon.The city is also home to the healing waters of theKežovica Mineral Spa.Today, Štip is the main cultural and economical centre of eastern North Macedonia.
Kratovois a small town in the eastern part of the country. It lies on the western slopes of Mount Osogovo at an altitude of 600 metres (2,000 ft) above sea level. Having a mild and pleasant climate, it is located in the crater of an extinct volcano. It is famous for its bridges and towers.
Kruševois the highest town in North Macedonia, situated at an altitude of over 4,429 feet (1350 m) above sea level. It is home toMečkin Kamen,a historical landmark which marks the spot of the uprising of 1903. On August 2 every year, it is the site of nationalIndependence Daycelebrations, which are attended by the President of North Macedonia and other political leaders. Kruševo is also home toMakedoniummonument, dedicated to theIlinden Uprisingand the Kruševo Republic and many museums of the Ilinden Uprising. Because of its elevation, Kruševo is one of North Macedonia’s winter sports destinations. The famous Macedonian singerTose Proeskiis also buried here.
Prilepis known as "the city under Marko's Towers" because of its proximity to the towers of Prince MarkoMarkovi Kuli.The towers of medieval Prince Marko Mrnjavčević are located on a 120–180 m high hill, surrounded by steep slopes covered with minute granite stones. The upper part of the former settlement can be reached from its north and south side. TheTreskavec monastery,built in the 12th century in the mountains about 10 km (6 mi) north of Prilep under Zlatovrv peak, at the edge of a small upland plain 1100 metersabove sea level.Prilep has frescoes from the 14th and 15th centuries and is probably the site of the early Roman town of Kolobaise.
Other popular towns includeStrumica,andStruga,which have many attractions of their own.
National parks and natural reserves
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/55/LakeMavrovo.jpg/250px-LakeMavrovo.jpg)
North Macedonia has three national parks and 33 natural reserves:
- Mavrovo,located in thenorthwesternpart of the country, is the largest of the three national parks. It is home to several river valleys, gorges, waterfalls, caves, and other morphological formations.
- Pelister,located in the southern part of the country, nearBitola,is the smallest of the three national parks. The park consists of land that surroundsBaba Mountain.On top of the mountain are two glacial lakes, known as Gorski Oči, or mountain eyes.
- Galičica,located betweenLake OhridandLake Prespa,is the second largest national park in the country. The park is home to an abundance of diverse flora and fauna, and offers terrific views of Ohrid and Lake Ohrid.
- Ezereni Bird Sanctuary,located on the northern shore ofLake Prespa,is a strict natural reserve. It is home to over 120 different bird species.[15]
- TikvešStrict Natural Reserve,located 30 km southeast ofKavadarci,is a natural reserve that covers an area of approximately 100 square kilometres. 23 species of predatory birds are present in the reserve and 17 of these nest in the area. Tikveš is said to be one of the most importantornithologicalsites in Europe.
- Lokvi-Golemo Konjari Strict Natural Reserve,located nearKruševo,is a natural reserve that is the last remnant of a once enormous swamp.
- Mavrovo National Park,established in 1949, it is characterized by deep canyons, lakes, and dense forests that abound with diverse wildlife.[16]
Other places
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/80/Kuklica_earth_pillars.jpg/220px-Kuklica_earth_pillars.jpg)
- Stobi,situated inGradsko,in the geographical center of the country, is the largest and considered to be the most famous archaeological site in North Macedonia. Some remains include basilicas, streets, thermae, living complexes, mosaics, and walls.
- Kokino,located 30 km fromKumanovo,is a megalithic observatory similar toStonehenge.Being over 3,800 years old, it is the fourth oldest ancient observatory in the world.
- Marko's Tower,located just outsidePrilep,is a rocky mass composed of several fine sculptures. It is on the list of possibleUNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Stone town of Kuklica,located outsideKratovo,is an area consisting of more than 120 naturally formed stone pillars that are over 10 million years old.
Festivals
[edit]- Balkan Festival of Folk Songs and Dances,annual folklore music and dance festival
- Galičnik Wedding Festival,an annual festival held inGaličnikin which a selected couple gets married in the traditional "Galička" style wedding
- "Asterisks",an international children’s music festival
- Ohrid Swimming Marathon,an international open water swimming competition in Lake Ohrid
Gallery
[edit]-
Black DrinRiver
-
Ishak Beg Mosque inSkopje
-
Beach nearOhrid
-
Waterfall in Kolešino nearStrumica
-
Monastery of Saint Naumover Lake Ohrid
-
Mosaic atHeraclea Lyncestis
-
Skopje
See also
[edit]References
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- ^abc"Tourism in December 2019"(PDF)(in Macedonian). State Statistical Office.Retrieved13 February2020.
- ^ab"State Statistical Office of the Republic of Macedonia".Archived fromthe originalon 22 August 2010.
- ^Southeast European Times
- ^"MINA Breaking News - Macedonia records 3.2% more tourists".Retrieved9 June2015.
- ^"MINA Breaking News - City of Dojran has its best Tourist season".Retrieved9 June2015.
- ^"My Info Agent".Retrieved9 June2015.
- ^"Macedonia's 4-mo Tourist Numbers Rise 4.6% Y/Y - Table".Skopje: SeeNews. 13 June 2012.Retrieved19 June2012.
- ^ab"Tourist arrivals, by months".Retrieved30 July2017.
- ^Number of tourists and nights spent by country of origin, by months
- ^"State Statistical Office - News release: Tourism, December 2019".stat.gov.mk.Retrieved12 February2019.
- ^"Tourism, December 2020"(PDF).Tourism Macedonia.
- ^"Tourism, December 2021"(PDF).Tourism Macedonia.
- ^"Tourism, December 2022"(PDF).Tourism Macedonia.
- ^"Tourism, December 2023"(PDF).Tourism Macedonia.
- ^Prespa region tourist siteArchived2008-07-08 at theWayback Machine
- ^"National Park Mavrovo".16 April 2024.Retrieved12 May2024.
External links
[edit]![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg/40px-Wikivoyage-Logo-v3-icon.svg.png)