Travel guide · North Macedonia
Lake Ohrid: what to see and when to go
Lake Ohrid, on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, is one of the oldest lakes in the world and a UNESCO site for both its nature and its culture. The town of Ohrid climbs a hillside of Byzantine churches and Ottoman houses above clear water, and it is still one of the most affordable lake holidays in Europe.
What to see and do at Lake Ohrid
Church of St John at Kaneo
The 13th-century church on a cliff above the lake, best at sunset.
Samuel's Fortress and Plaošnik
The medieval fortress and the rebuilt church of St Clement and St Panteleimon.
Old town
Cobbled lanes, the ancient theatre and the frescoed church of St Sophia.
Monastery of St Naum
At the southern end of the lake, with springs, rowing boats and peacocks.
Galičica National Park
The mountain between lakes Ohrid and Prespa, with views over both.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: Jun – Oct.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 3 hr | ≈ €190 · See flights |
| New York | 10 hr, 15 min | ≈ €540 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 14 hr, 15 min | ≈ €630 · See flights |
| Dubai | 5 hr, 15 min | ≈ €310 · See flights |
| Singapore | 12 hr, 30 min | ≈ €590 · See flights |
| Sydney | 20 hr, 30 min | ≈ €780 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €350 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- North Macedonia
- Currency
- Macedonian Denar
- Good for
- culture · calm · nature
- How long to stay
- 3–5 days
- Where to stay
- Ohrid old town to walk everywhere; beaches and quieter hotels along the shore towards St Naum.Find a place to stay at Lake Ohrid
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Lake Ohrid, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €190 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments at Lake Ohrid (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
- Travel insuranceMedical, luggage and cancellation (opens in a new tab)
- Internet on arrivalData eSIM, no roaming bills (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, Jun 4 – Mon, Jun 7, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like at Lake Ohrid and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: Jun – Oct. Average highs range from 6° in January to 28° in July.
How many days do you need at Lake Ohrid?
3 to 5 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days at Lake Ohrid cost?
Accommodation runs at around €50 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €350 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 3 hr.
Where should you stay at Lake Ohrid?
Ohrid old town to walk everywhere; beaches and quieter hotels along the shore towards St Naum.
