When planning a getaway, it's easy to forget that other holidaymakers will likely share the same space. If you've ever visited the Louvre Museum in Paris , you'll know the feeling of being part of a dense crowd, all straining to glimpse the iconic Mona Lisa. Or perhaps you've found yourself hurried through Pile Gate in Dubrovnik by throngs of tourists flocking to this increasingly popular hotspot.
However, North Macedonia could be the answer if you seek a European destination with fewer visitors . The country welcomed 734,139 foreign tourists in 2023 - an uplift of 36.6 percent from 2022, according to data from the State Statistical Office.
This underrated gem, once part of Yugoslavia and nestled in the heart of the Balkans, is a must-visit before it becomes more widely known for its stunning natural beauty. North Macedonia has become known as a cheaper and lesser-known alternative to Greece and is popular in the warmer months. For hiking and biking, spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with “a fest of alpine flora in the former and grape harvest and stunning leaf colour in the likes of Matka Canyon in the latter,” states Responsible Travel.
That said, it’s still a fascinating place to visit in the winter. Smog settles over the capital, Skopje, in November, December, January, and February. Snow settles on the Mavrovo National Park, providing respite for skiers and alpine explorers escaping the capital.
The iconic Lake Ohrid and Prespa benefit from a milder Med.
