Macedonia is one of the 20 smallest European countries by territory, but it has much to offer you when it comes to tourism. From historical sites to natural wonders and mouth-watering cuisine, Macedonia is a fantastic tourist destination. This country has a fantastic array of tourist spots every season, regardless of whether you visit in summer, fall, winter, or spring.

From the historic Lake Ohrid to the stunning Millennium Cross and the Makedonium Monument high in the mountains, there is an endless number of choices. Even so, we made sure to choose the top 3 must-visit tourist spots in Macedonia. Each of them could’ve easily made our top 3 European travel destinations list.

Monastery of St. Naum

The Monastery of St. Naum is a Macedonian Orthodox monastery nestled on the southern tip of Lake Ohrid. In a country of thousands of churches and monasteries, this monastery stands out as one of the most memorable. First built in 905, in honor of the Macedonian writer and enlightener, Saint Naum, this monastery has survived centuries of turmoil.

Not only does this monastery stand as a testament to the deep and often painful history of the Macedonian people, but it is also one of the most gorgeous sights we’ve witnessed. With the ancient Lake Ohrid as its backdrop, the Monastery of St. Naum is always a must-see spot.

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence

If you want to learn more about the local history and experience wax figure artistry, this museum is the right choice. The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle for Independence opened its doors to the public on the 8th of September, 2011. It was the 20th anniversary of Macedonia’s independence.

This museum includes exhibits from the beginning of the resistance against the Ottoman Empire. You can trace Macedonia’s history through artifacts, documents, and wax figure exhibits up to the declaration of independence in 1991. It is one of the most well-built history museums we’ve visited. That is why we included it in our top 3 must-visit tourist spots in Macedonia.

Tumba Madžari

Macedonia’s history dates back to around 8,000 BC. We know this thanks to Tumba Madžari, one of the oldest architecture tourist attractions in the world. This is a Neolithic settlement that you can find in the North-eastern part of Skopje, the capital city. Archeologists first discovered Tumba Madžari in 1961/62, while workers were constructing the nearby highway. It wasn’t until 1978 that archeologists finally began their excavations.

While there is much to learn from this archaeological site, the main discovery is the Pre-Indo-European sculptures of the Great Mother. These sculptures suggest the existence of the Cult of the Great Mother Goddess. In 2024, archeologists discovered an 8,000-year-old Great Mother figurine at the site. The sheer history makes this site one of the top 3 must-visit tourist spots in Macedonia.