Pick of the Season: Explore Ohrid and the Balkans by Car

Ohrid is much more than a beautiful lakeside town.

Located in the southwestern part of North Macedonia, Ohrid is the perfect starting point for exploring some of the most fascinating landscapes, historic towns and cultural destinations in the Balkans.

From the shores of Lake Ohrid to ancient monasteries, mountain roads, traditional villages and neighbouring countries, the region offers an incredible variety of experiences — often just a short drive away.

That is why our Pick of the Season for 2026 is Ohrid.

And if you want to experience the region beyond the usual tourist routes, renting a car is one of the best ways to do it.

Discover the Ohrid Region

The best way to experience Ohrid is to take your time.

Start your day with a walk through the Old Town, visit the historic churches and enjoy a coffee overlooking Lake Ohrid. Later, take the road along the lake and discover beaches, viewpoints and small villages.

The Ohrid region combines:

Lake and mountain landscapes
UNESCO cultural heritage
Ancient churches and monasteries
Traditional Macedonian villages
Beautiful beaches
National parks
Local food and wine
Scenic roads
Outdoor adventures
Easy access to neighbouring countries

With a rental car, you can turn a simple Ohrid holiday into a Balkan road trip.

1. Walk Through the Old Town of Ohrid

Begin your journey in the heart of Ohrid.

The Old Town is a fascinating combination of medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, traditional houses and historic monuments.

Walk uphill towards Samuel’s Fortress and enjoy panoramic views over the city and Lake Ohrid.

Continue towards Plaošnik, one of the most important archaeological and religious sites in the region, before walking down towards the famous church of St. John at Kaneo.

The view from Kaneo over the lake is one of the most iconic landscapes in North Macedonia.

2. Drive Along Lake Ohrid

One of the best experiences in the region is simply getting in your car and following the road along the lake.

The landscape changes constantly.

You will pass beaches, small villages, forested mountain slopes and viewpoints overlooking the deep blue waters of Lake Ohrid.

Stop whenever you see a beautiful viewpoint.

Take a swim.

Have lunch beside the lake.

Or simply enjoy the drive.

This is where having your own rental car makes a real difference.

3. Visit Saint Naum Monastery

Approximately 30 kilometres from Ohrid, near the Albanian border, you will find Saint Naum Monastery.

The monastery is surrounded by beautiful nature and is famous for the springs of the Black Drin River.

Visitors can explore the historic complex, take a boat ride around the springs or enjoy a traditional meal overlooking the water.

The road from Ohrid to Saint Naum is one of the most scenic drives in the region.

4. Explore Galičica National Park

Between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa rises Galičica Mountain.

The national park is ideal for travellers who want to combine a relaxing lake holiday with nature and adventure.

Depending on the season, you can enjoy:

Hiking
Photography
Mountain viewpoints
Wildlife watching
Scenic drives
Picnic spots

On clear days, some viewpoints provide spectacular views towards both Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa.

5. Visit Struga

Only a short drive from Ohrid is the town of Struga, situated where the Black Drin River flows out of Lake Ohrid.

Struga has a relaxed atmosphere, a beautiful riverside promenade and numerous cafés and restaurants.

It is an easy destination for a half-day trip and a perfect addition to an Ohrid itinerary.

6. Discover Vevčani

For a more authentic experience, drive towards the mountain village of Vevčani.

Vevčani is known for its natural springs, traditional architecture and unique local character.

The village offers a quieter alternative to the busy summer atmosphere of Ohrid and provides an opportunity to experience another side of North Macedonia.

7. Explore Bitola

If you have more time, take a road trip to Bitola, one of North Macedonia’s most charming cities.

Known as the “City of Consuls”, Bitola combines elegant architecture, cafés, cultural attractions and a lively pedestrian street.

Don’t miss Širok Sokak, the city’s famous main promenade.

Bitola is an excellent destination for a full-day road trip from Ohrid.

8. Continue Towards Prespa Lake

Lake Prespa is another spectacular natural destination in southwestern North Macedonia.

The region is quieter and less developed for mass tourism than Ohrid, making it ideal for travellers looking for peaceful landscapes and authentic experiences.

Combine Prespa Lake with Galičica National Park for an unforgettable day in nature.

9. Cross the Border into Albania

One of the great advantages of staying in Ohrid is its proximity to Albania.

From the southern part of Lake Ohrid, the Albanian border is very close.

A road trip can take you towards Pogradec, an attractive lakeside town on the Albanian side of Lake Ohrid.

Enjoy the waterfront, explore local restaurants and experience how the same lake looks and feels from another country.

Important: If you plan to take a rental car across an international border, always check the rental company’s cross-border policy and required documentation before travelling.

10. Discover More of the Balkans

Ohrid is also a great starting point for travellers who want to explore further.

Depending on your itinerary, you can continue your Balkan adventure towards destinations in:

🇦🇱 Albania

Discover Pogradec, Tirana and other destinations throughout Albania.

🇽🇰 Kosovo

Explore Pristina, Prizren and the surrounding mountain landscapes.

🇬🇷 Greece

Discover Ohrid and the surrounding region by car. Explore Lake Ohrid, Saint Naum, Galičica, Struga, Bitola, Albania and more from Ohrid Airport.

Northern Greece is within reach for travellers planning a longer road trip, with destinations such as Thessaloniki offering a completely different cultural and culinary experience.

🇲🇪 Montenegro

For a longer Balkan adventure, Montenegro offers spectacular mountains, national parks and Adriatic coastlines.

Each country adds a different culture, cuisine, landscape and travel experience to your journey.

Why Ohrid Is Perfect for a Road Trip

Ohrid’s location makes it particularly attractive for travellers who don’t want to spend their entire holiday in one place.

You can combine:

Lake + Mountains + History + Food + Nature + Road Trips

within a single holiday.

Instead of following a fixed tour schedule, you can create your own itinerary.

Stay longer when you find a place you love.

Take a different road.

Stop at a viewpoint.

Discover a village.

Have lunch beside the lake.

This freedom is one of the biggest advantages of travelling by car.

Start Your Journey at Ohrid Airport

For international visitors, the easiest way to begin a road trip is to fly directly to Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport.

Once you land, you can pick up your rental car and continue directly towards Ohrid or your first destination.

With Gogo.mk, airport car rental gives you the convenience of having your vehicle ready when you arrive.

No complicated transfers.

No waiting for public transport.

No need to organize a taxi every time you want to explore somewhere outside the city.

Just pick up your car and start your Balkan adventure.

How Many Days Do You Need in Ohrid?

For a first visit, 3–4 days is enough to experience the highlights of Ohrid.

However, if you want to explore the surrounding region, we recommend staying 5–7 days.

3 Days

Ohrid Old Town, Kaneo, Samuel’s Fortress, lake experience and Saint Naum.

5 Days

Add Galičica, Struga, Vevčani and additional lake beaches.

7 Days

Add Bitola, Prespa Lake and a road trip into Albania or another nearby Balkan destination.

The longer you stay, the more you discover.

The Perfect Balkan Starting Point

Ohrid is not simply a destination.

It is a starting point.

A starting point for exploring North Macedonia, discovering Lake Ohrid from both sides, driving through mountain landscapes and continuing your journey into the wider Balkans.

Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family, with friends or on a solo adventure, Ohrid offers an excellent combination of relaxation and exploration.

And with a rental car, the region becomes your itinerary.

Make Ohrid Your Pick of the Season

If you are looking for your next European adventure, put Ohrid, North Macedonia on your list.

Walk through its historic streets.

Swim in Lake Ohrid.

Watch the sunset from Kaneo.

Drive to Saint Naum.

Explore Galičica.

Discover Struga and Vevčani.

Take a road trip to Bitola.

Cross the border into Albania.

And discover the Balkans one road at a time.

Your adventure starts in Ohrid. The road is waiting.

Rent a Car at Ohrid Airport with Gogo.mk

Arriving at Ohrid Airport?Book your rental car with Gogo.mk and explore Ohrid, North Macedonia and the surrounding Balkan region with the freedom to travel your way.