Ohrid is a Perfect Lake Getaway
A Historic Lake Town Surrounded by Mountains
Ohrid is one of those places that was recommended to me over and over again by other travelers as a gem of the Balkans and a truly exceptional lake town. Months before I visited, I decided I would use Ohrid as a place to stay put for a bit longer than normal, catch up, and recharge. I spent four nights in Ohrid and it exceeded all my expectations. One of 28 places that is both a cultural and natural UNESCO heritage site, Ohrid offers both historical charm and exceptional natural beauty. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Laze Along the Lake
Lake Ohrid is massive and pristine. The water is so clean as to be completely transparent - but it still shines blue during the day. The entire lake is surrounded by mountains and cliffs - so no matter where you are there’s a picturesque backdrop to the water. Plus, throughout the day, the sun shines bright and keeps you feeling warm, even if the recorded temperature is actually lower.
I was delighted by every little beach nook I found for the lake, but my absolute favorite was Beach Labino - a hidden, secluded section along the cliff west of Old Town. One of the best things, for me, was sitting and watching the local birds - which can both dive in and swim underwater as well as fly. They have a distinctive way of taking off in the water that includes shaking themselves dry first - and I could watch them move around for hours.
Stroll Along the Sea
Along the cliff west of Old Town, there’s a long promenade that leads to the Church of Saint John the Theologian (which is known as the city’s most picturesque church). The promenade moves along the cliff for a few miles, looping to and from Old Town, and is just a breathtaking place to stroll. I walked it every day I was in Ohrid.
Take a Boat Trip
I think a trip to Ohrid would feel incomplete without getting on a boat. Luckily, along the downtown promenade, you’ll find a dozen or so local businesses offering six hour tours - all for about $25. I highly recommend doing one; it’s probably the best day trip I’ve purchased on my journey so far.
You’ll spend about three hours moving along the lake in the boat, soaking in all of the different coast views. They usually make three stops along the way - one at the Gulf of Bones (a living museum with a prehistoric piling neighborhood reconstruction above the water), an Orthodox Church, and the Monastery of St. Naum.
I enjoyed all the stops - but I don’t think any would’ve been worth the trip had they not come packaged with so much time on the boat. The highlight is without a doubt spending the best weather part of the day out on the lake, enjoying the breeze, and basking in the gorgeous views.
Explore Historic Ohrid
Ohrid is also a historic town, so there’s a lot to explore outside of the lake. The walled Old Town is full of narrow, cobbled roads and charming architecture. There are several Orthodox churches with historic frescoes and a Roman amphitheater - and Samuil Fortress at the top of the city offers stunning panoramic views. To be honest, though, the historical neighborhoods, for me, were just icing on the cake. They’re fun to explore as you wander around - but they’re not the real reason to go to Ohrid.
