Day 14 11 Sep - Road trip south west across North Macedonia to Ohrid on the Albanian border

Photo above - Orchid in south west North Macedonia, on the banks of Lake Orchid, on the border with Albania.

Road trip south across North Macedonia

After breakfast, we set off at 9am to travel a further 110 miles south, through North Macedonia to the 3,000-year-old town of Ohrid (population 38,000), which is on the border with Albania, and not very far from the Greek border in the south.

We were soon out of the city, and on to a dual carriageway toll road. Later the road became single carriageway and a bit slower, although traffic was reasonably light. This is quite mountainous country, with the road tending to follow the river. Although hot and dry, the mountain slopes were thickly forested.

After about an hour, the road started climbing up into the mountains and getting very twisty. We eventually stopped at the top of a pass at 1200m to stretch our legs. Unfortunately there was no viewpoint, but there was a shop selling ice cream!

Once we started off again, it was back downhill into the valley. We started seeing a lot of Albanian flags flying on houses as we enter a region close to the Albanian border. We passed through the large town of Kicevo, and then back on a valley road between mountains. It was not long before we were winding up another pass, but then it was back down to join a newly finished dual carriageway. We arrived in Ohrid at about 12.30, and went straight to the hotel.

Orhid

Located on the border between North Macedonia and Albania, Lake Ohrid is one of Europe's oldest and deepest lakes. Recognised as both a cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage site, its emerald-green waters are home to 212 species of endemic plants and animals.

Soon after checking in, I went for a walk around the small town, which is built up the hill from the lake side. The streets are narrow and cobbled and quite steep, many linked by steps. First I went up to the fortress, which like others we have seen, provides great views over the town. Then I made my way down back to the lakeside, winding down the narrow lanes with houses on each side until you get down to the lake, where houses are replaced by bars, restaurants, and small shops.

There were various boats out on the lake, and people swimming, and you can see the hills of Albania in the distance. We went for a mid afternoon beer and sat looking out over the lake, then chilled back in the air conditioned hotel. Although the town is at 700m above sea level, it is still above 30c today.

Later we went out and saw the National Workshop for Handmade Paper - one of only seven in the world still using the ancient Chinese paper-making technique dating back to the 2nd century BC, along with the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid. Lastly we went on a short boat trip on the lake, offering a unique perspective of the town from the water.

Finally, we went to a local restaurant for some food. Tomorrow, we have a long travel day as we head north and over the border into Kosovo, our 7th and final country.