Macedonia del Nord: cosa fare e vedere

Skopje, the capital, straddles the Vardar River, linked by an Ottoman stone bridge between its old bazaar and the modern centre. The Čaršija bazaar has mosques, hammams, workshops and tea houses, and the Kale fortress looks over the city. Mother Teresa was born here, and a memorial house recalls her.

Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe, is shared with Albania and is listed by UNESCO along with the town of Ohrid, where the church of Saint John at Kaneo stands on a cliff above the water and Samuel's Fortress crowns the hill. Saint Naum monastery lies at the southern end. The mountains hold national parks at Mavrovo and Pelister, and Matka Canyon is a short drive from Skopje.

Tavče gravče, baked beans in a clay dish, is the national dish, and ajvar, a roasted red pepper spread, shopska salad and burek are everyday food. Rakija is the traditional spirit and the Tikveš valley produces wine. Summer brings swimming on Lake Ohrid and festivals, and winter brings snow to the ski slopes.