Things to do in Ohrid — a guide to lakeside activities

Ohrid is one of the most beautiful destinations in North Macedonia — a town with over two thousand years of history, set on the shore of the crystal-clear Lake Ohrid. It is one of the rarest places in the world: together with the lake, Ohrid is inscribed on the UNESCO list for both natural and cultural heritage — a status shared by only a handful of destinations on the planet. Here the ancient world, Byzantine churches, and an ancient aquatic ecosystem overlap in one place.

If you’re wondering what to do in Ohrid, the good news is there’s something for everyone — from history and culture lovers, to hikers and food enthusiasts, to those seeking adventure on and under the surface of the lake. This guide gathers the best experiences, with practical tips on how to make the most of your stay.

The old town and the UNESCO monuments

The heart of Ohrid is its old town — a labyrinth of cobbled streets, traditional houses with overhanging upper floors, and churches on every corner. It’s no accident that Ohrid is known as “the town of 365 churches,” one for each day of the year.

Begin with the climb to Samuel’s Fortress, a medieval fortress from the late 10th century whose walls rise above the town. From the top opens one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the country — the whole lake, the rooftops of the old town, and the mountains on the Albanian side. On the way you’ll pass the ancient theatre, the only Hellenistic theatre in the country, built before our era and still used for summer performances and concerts.

A little further on is Plaošnik — an archaeological site and the spiritual heart of the town, with the restored Church of St. Panteleimon, linked to Saints Clement and Naum and to one of the oldest Slavic schools. At the foot of the old town stands the cathedral of St. Sophia, with preserved 11th-century frescoes that rank among the most important examples of Byzantine art in the Balkans.

Still, the most recognisable image of Ohrid is the Church of St. John at Kaneo, set on a cliff right above the water. It is the most photographed spot in town and a perfect place for sunset. The walk from Kaneo back toward the centre, along the wooden path that runs right by the shore, is one of those small experiences visitors remember for a long time.

Nature and day trips around the lake

Ohrid is not just a town — it is the gateway to a wonderful natural region.

Galičica National Parkrises as a mountain ridge between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa. Here you’ll find hiking and cycling trails, endemic plants, and viewpoints from which both lakes are visible in a single glance. Driving to the top by car or on an organised tour is an easy way to experience the mountain even without a long hike.

At the southern end of the lake are the springs of St. Naum — a 10th-century monastery surrounded by dozens of crystal-clear underwater springs that feed the lake. Here you can take a boat over the clear water, walk through the park with its peacocks, and enjoy one of the most peaceful settings in the region.

Between Ohrid and St. Naum lies the Bay of Bones — a reconstructed prehistoric stilt settlement built on a platform over the water, today a museum that tells how people lived here more than three thousand years ago. For those who dive, the same bay is also a protected archaeological site beneath the surface.

A boat ride across the lake, meanwhile, is one of the finest experiences of all — the town looks different seen from the water, and the trip to St. Naum by lake is a favourite half-day excursion.

On and under the water

Here is the part few visitors expect: Lake Ohrid is a great and unusual diving destination. Not because of coral or warm tropical water, but because of something far rarer — this is a living ancient lake with an underwater world that exists nowhere else on Earth.

The clear water, the endemic underwater world, and the archaeological Bay of Bones together create an experience you can’t have anywhere else. Independent diving requires at least an Open Water certification, but even if you’ve never dived, you can experience the lake through a try-dive with an instructor in a shallow, controlled zone. Because the lake sits at 695 metres above sea level and has cold deep water, altitude-diving rules apply and diving with a club or certified operator is recommended. More details — sites, depths, and conditions — are on our Lake Ohrid diving page.

If diving isn’t for you, the lake also offers swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and exploring the shoreline beaches. Beaches like Ljubaništa and St. Naum in the south offer clear water and a calmer atmosphere than the central town beaches, while the central promenade is livelier and more convenient for families.

Culture, cuisine, and local life

No trip is complete without the flavours of a place. Try the local Ohrid trout and traditional meze at one of the lakeside taverns — best with a view of the lake at sunset. The region is also known for its wine, ajvar, and homemade specialties.

An authentic Ohrid experience is a visit to a workshop making the famous “Ohrid pearls” — ornaments made by a secret family process using an emulsion from fish scales, a tradition over a century old. They are a favourite and unique souvenir of the town.

In the evenings, a stroll along the waterfront promenadeis a favourite ritual for locals and guests alike. And if you come in summer, don’t miss the Ohrid Summer Festival — a festival of music, drama, and folklore held in historic settings, including the ancient theatre and the churches.

How many days you need — a suggested plan

Two to three daysare enough to see the old town and the main UNESCO sites: Samuel’s Fortress, the ancient theatre, Plaošnik, St. Sophia, and St. John at Kaneo, with time for a walk along the promenade and dinner by the water.

To experience the lake more fully, plan for four to five days. That gives you time for a half-day trip to St. Naum by lake, a tour or hike in Galičica, a visit to the Bay of Bones, and — of course — a day on or under the water, diving or doing water sports. At that pace you see both the town and the nature without rushing.

When to come

The best period is late May to early October. June and September offer the best balance — warm weather, fewer visitors, and great conditions for both sightseeing and water activities, with underwater visibility at its peak. July and August are the liveliest, with full festival and nightlife, but also the busiest with tourists and the most expensive. Late spring and early autumn are ideal if you want a calmer and cheaper experience.

How to get to Ohrid

Ohrid has its own airport — St. Paul the Apostle — with seasonal flights from several European cities. By land, the town is connected by highway and bus lines from Skopje (about a 3-hour drive), as well as from neighbouring countries. There is regular transport from Skopje airport to Ohrid, and renting a car is practical if you plan trips to Galičica, St. Naum, or Prespa.

Experience the lake with respect

Whatever you choose to do, Lake Ohrid is at the heart of it. It is an ecosystem millions of years old, and its beauty depends on how we treat it. A few simple habits make a big difference: don’t leave waste on the beaches or in the water, use sunscreen that doesn’t pollute the water, respect the protected sites, and support local producers and guides.

As a diving club dedicated to nature, we regularly organize ecological actions and underwater cleanups to keep the lake clean. If you’d like to take part in one of our activities and actions, or simply dive with us and see Ohrid from a completely new perspective, get in touch.

Ohrid is at its best when you experience it beneath the surface too.