North Macedonia

Expert opinion: The Balkans

“Eastern Europe is a part of the continent that still maintains a slight hint of mystery, while steadily becoming far more accessible and popular thanks to cheaper flights and improvements in the region’s infrastructure. Travellers are intrigued by what these countries have to offer as for many years they were behind the Iron Curtain, and the modern history of Eastern Europe helped shape much of the 20th century. While the fall of the Berlin Wall might feel some time ago now, it has taken a very long time for countries in the east to be able to properly shine and allow their own unique cultural identities to emerge onto the world stage. In Macedonia there are stunning views. Climb up to the stately Orthodox Church of St John at Kaneo, which sits on a clifftop in the historic town of Ohrid, for stunning views across Albania and the terracotta-tiled Byzantine monastery of St Panteleimon. There’s also wonderful wildlife and walking: visit the forest-covered Mavrovo National Park and look out for lynx, wolves and even the occasional bear. And try its excellent food and drink.”

Exodus Product Manager Kelly Reid – read more from our experts here.