Never Enough Statues

  A trip to Macedonia is not complete without heading to Ohrid Lake. Straddling Albania, the lake is huge enough to seem like a sea. It’s one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main town is bustling. Much better to head around it to places like the small, beautiful town of Radozhda, on the western shore (about 30km from Ohrid Town) and very close to Albania. Or drive in the opposite direction to Saint Naum. And then you’re really touching the border with Albania. You’ll navigate the usual small, winding roads, for long stretches run parallel to the lake itself, see amazing scenery and then suddenly, you’re at St Naum. Don’t be fooled by first impressions. From the outside, it looks like you’re about to head into a holiday camp. And it is very touristy. Need the toilet? Pay. (Or head into the lake). Want to buy a plastic Spiderman laying prone on the ground firing a gun? (Yep, really.) The front end is full of little shops selling...

  Skopje Old Town (or Old Bazaar), in the heart of Skopje itself and just off the main square, is a warren of paved, walking streets. The Muslim quarter of Skopje, the streets are lined with shops - jewellery, antiques, clothes, etc - bars and restaurants, and it’s always busy during the day. It’s a great area to wander, full of colour, and you’ll never be short of opportunities to take great photos. It’s on a hill, so you’ll also get some great vantage points. The best approach is to walk through the main city square, and over the old stone bridge. You’ll walk past a lot of imposing statues, including over the bridge and at the foot of the Old Town. Alternatively, enter at the top of the hill, near Kale, and walk down. All photos: Skopje Old Town, Macedonia; 2021, 2010, 2013 and 2008

  If you’re heading to Matka Canyon and don’t fancy hiking up one of the mountain trails , follow the paved footpath up past the dam instead. It mostly runs alongside the water and is a great area to take photos. The dam itself, about halfway along the walk, is the oldest in Macedonia, opening in 1938. Lake Treska is at the top, with the artificial lake running out if it on the other side of the dam. A the ed of the main footpath, overlooking Lake Treska, is a hotel and restaurant, and St Andrews monastery. It’s also a popular location for rock climbers. You can walk on past the restaurant, with the path winding round the canyon and overlooking the lake.  Lake Treska in Matka Canyon  Lake Treska in Matka Canyon, looking towards the dam There are plenty of opportunities to take interesting photos in Matka. This is close to the restaurant and hotel St Andrews monastery is located close to where you take boat trips from It’s a tourist trap in the summer, especially bei...

Sitting at the base of Vodno mountain and about 30 minutes from Skopje is the 32km-long  Kozjak Lake, the largest in Macedonia.  Created for the nearby hydroelectric dam and power plant, it connects with Lake Treska and was finished in 2004. Since the areas was flooded, locals think Skopje’s climate has changed, with the city getting more rain. The lake may be artificial, but the views are anything but.  Driving up Vodno offers stunning scenery, both of the lake and surrounding mountains.  Head to the car park next to Aurora restaurant, get out of the car and walk to the edge.  If you want great pictures, arrive in the morning. By afternoon, you’ll have to point your camera towards the sun to capture the lakes. There are hiking paths. Some are restaurant side and lead towards the lake. Others are across the road, leading away. These paths really are as long as you want to make them across Vodno’s different peaks.  Our trail was short but gets incredibly ste...