Ohrid, Macedonia: your perspective?
 

My husband may be presenting a paper at a conference in Ohrid next June. I am torn between accompanying him, seeing something different (never been in this part of Europe) and remaining behind in beautiful, but familiar, Italy with friends/family.

I note that the lake itself is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The art and architecture, antiquities and religious heritage sound intriguing. But I don't drive and would likely be left out of the conference socializing.

Is there enough going on in Ohrid and easily accessible environs to hold the interest for 4 days? Any personal experience of Macedonia?

I visited Lake Ohrid in August 2006, on a trip around the Balkans, but I only spent one day there. There are some nice churches and its a pleasant place to wander, but I'm not sure there's four-days worth of interest. Still, I would not skip the chance. You can also make it by public transport across the border into Albania, and I'm sure you could use public transport to get around the country.

Thank you for the insights, thit_cho, reassuring to know that public transport will allow me to wander: I am picturing a bus service similar to that in rural Italy-not without its challenges but not impossible...

Any others posters familiar enough to comment?

What about hotel suggestions? I have been on Trip Advisor and see notes about recommended hotel rooms for 24 Euro per day...is that possible? (DH and I usually avoid 'the' conference hotel as you just keep bumping into the same folks all the time, so we are open-minded-maybe renting an apt? it appears this is a resort community.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34947812

That should be the link to my short report and photos of my August 2006 trip to the Balkans, including very short (one-day visit) to Ohrid from Tirana, Albania. I should have a very few photos from Ohrid, near the end of the photos. You can certainly visit Tirana, but its much easier if you overnight in Albania.

The public transport is generally provided by minibus, not stretch bus, and its very easy and cheap.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePh...vfolderid=2006

On a tour through Albania to Bulgaria, we spent at least 2 full days in Ohrid. The above are photos from Macedonia, most in Ohrid. Our tour included a boat ride along the lake coast to the Naum Monastery, a visit to a local folk dance group, a home visit, and guided tours of the various churches and Roman ruins in the area (somewhat curtailed by rain). I can't speak to how much of this would be available to you if traveling alone, and I can't help with public transportation outside the town. There is a large pedestrian street/shopping area with many jewelry stores, some craft shops, and a large market. The people were extremely welcoming. The lakeside hotels have great views and gambling if that's your thing.

Thank you both so much! This is helping with the decision.

Here's a link to the various hotels in the area. Our tour hotel (Metropol) was outside Ohrid, and a hotel in Ohrid would be preferable for wandering the town.

http://www.ohrid.org.mk/eng/ugost/ugost.htm
This is a good site with lists of the various churches, etc.

Ohrid has a lot to offer and you will stay in Ohrid wayyy longer than 4 days.:)

http://www.ohrid-tourism.com/

Here's what so see when traveling to Ohrid.

http://travel2macedonia.com.mk/trave...ights-to-visit

We stayed in Ohrid for just a bit longer than 1 week. The lake is very clean and refreshing to swim. There are public beaches near Old Town, but in my view, far better are hotel beaches (we hired a car, paid small amount for parking/beach entrance). Our family's favourite were Granite beach (near Hotel Granite), and a few others around there. They are pebble beaches. We also hiked up to the old monastries for a day-trip, there's a mini kiddie rides/funfairs near central town square. Instead of staying at a hotel, we rented an apartment via a local friend.

Thanks so much for ongoing info...the conference was postponed and DH will not present paper this year...but we are keeping this thread for future reference and it may be of assistance to others!