Berovo, Kruševo and More See More Tourists as Hidden Gems of North Macedonia Rise in Travel Demand

Written By: Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya

Sarannya Acharya is a content writer with a strong academic and professional background in media and communication. She holds an M.Sc in Media Science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Swami Vivekananda University, Barrackpore, with a specialization in Advertising. With over three years of experience in content writing, she brings a blend of research-driven insight and creative storytelling to her work. Alongside her professional role, she is actively engaged in academics, contributing to the field through teaching and scholarly involvement. Her expertise lies in crafting well-structured, engaging, and informative content, supported by a solid foundation in media theory and practical industry knowledge.

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September 12, 2026 00:03 GMT+5:30

Berovo, Kruševo and more hidden gems of North Macedonia are seeing more tourists as travel demand rises across the country. Berovo and Kruševo are gaining fresh attention, while more hidden gems of North Macedonia are attracting travellers seeking authentic experiences. As travel demand grows, these lesser-known destinations offer mountains, heritage, local food and peaceful escapes beyond the usual routes. Moreover, North Macedonia is seeing more tourists explore destinations beyond its famous highlights. Travel And Tour World urges global travellers to read the entire story to discover why Berovo, Kruševo and more hidden gems are emerging as exciting choices as travel demand continues to rise across North Macedonia.

North Macedonia Beyond Ohrid: Six Underrated Destinations to Discover as Tourism Numbers Keep Rising

North Macedonia is entering a stronger phase of tourism recovery and international growth, creating an opportunity for travellers to look beyond the familiar routes of Skopje and Ohrid.

The country recorded 1,336,597 tourists in 2025, compared with 1,260,425 in 2024. Foreign arrivals reached 916,001, representing 68.5% of all tourists. Foreign tourist numbers increased by 10.3% from 2024. Foreign overnight stays also rose 6.4%, reaching 1,631,178.

The latest annual figures show how quickly international demand has strengthened since the pandemic disruption.

Official State Statistical Office publications confirm the 2023–2025 figures, while the historical series confirms the post-pandemic recovery beginning in 2021.

The five-year comparison shows a substantial transformation. Total tourist arrivals increased from 702,463 in 2021 to 1,336,597 in 2025, an increase of approximately 90.3%. Foreign arrivals increased by approximately 211.6% over the same period.

The growth is particularly significant for international travel. Foreign tourists represented about 41.9% of all arrivals in 2021, compared with 68.5% in 2025. This indicates that the country’s recovery has increasingly been driven by international visitors.

Berovo: A Mountain and Wellness Escape in Eastern North Macedonia

Berovo is one of the strongest choices for travellers wanting a quieter alternative to Ohrid. The town lies near the Maleševo Mountains and is associated with forests, mountain air, outdoor recreation and traditional food. Official tourism promotion identifies Berovo and Pehčevo among the destinations being developed around active tourism, rural experiences and gastronomy.

The area is particularly attractive for visitors interested in hiking, cycling and nature-based holidays. Berovo Lake provides a scenic setting for relaxation, while the surrounding forests create opportunities for walking and outdoor exploration. Travellers can also combine Berovo with nearby Pehčevo for a broader eastern itinerary.

Food is an important part of the experience. Visitors should look for regional dairy products, traditional meat dishes, homemade breads and locally produced foods. Berovo is also associated with potato-based local cuisine and traditional dairy products, making small restaurants and rural establishments useful stops for authentic meals.

For accommodation, travellers can choose small hotels, guesthouses and rural stays rather than large international properties. This suits visitors seeking a slower experience and closer contact with local communities.

A practical plan is to spend two nights in Berovo, using the first day for the town and lake and the second for mountain excursions and Pehčevo. Berovo is best included as a two- or three-day eastern extension after Skopje.

Official national tourism material gives Berovo and Pehčevo a specific role in active, rural and gastronomic tourism development.

Kruševo: High-Altitude Heritage, History and Outdoor Adventure

Kruševo is a mountain destination with a very different personality from the lakeside resorts. The municipality officially promotes tourism through its local-government platform and identifies tourism as an important part of its development agenda.

The destination is particularly attractive for visitors interested in mountain landscapes, history, cultural heritage and outdoor activities. Its elevated position makes it suitable for travellers escaping hotter lowland destinations during summer.

Kruševo also has strong historical importance. Visitors can explore museums, memorial sites, traditional architecture and cultural landmarks connected with the town’s history. The surrounding mountains add opportunities for hiking, cycling and scenic drives.

The town is also known for Kruševo lokum, a traditional sweet that has become one of its best-known food products. Travellers should also try local cheeses, pastries, grilled dishes and regional Macedonian specialities.

Accommodation is concentrated around smaller hotels, guesthouses and family-run properties. This makes Kruševo particularly suitable for independent travellers and small groups.

A good itinerary would allow two nights. Day one can cover the historic centre, museums and viewpoints. Day two can focus on outdoor activities and nearby cultural attractions.

Kruševo can easily be combined with Prilep because both destinations sit within the wider Pelagonia travel zone. Official tourism promotion itself groups Kruševo and Prilep within a destination concept combining active tourism, culture, rural experiences and gastronomy.

Vevčani: Springs, Mountains and Traditional Village Culture

Vevčani offers a particularly different experience for travellers exploring western North Macedonia. The small settlement is known for its natural springs, mountain setting, traditional character and proximity to the Ohrid-Struga area.

The national tourism agency specifically includes Vevčani, Struga and Ohrid within a tourism-development route, demonstrating that the destination can be incorporated into a wider western itinerary.

The biggest attraction is the Vevčani Springs, where water emerges from the foothills of Mount Jablanica. The surrounding landscape creates opportunities for walking, photography and nature-based exploration.

Visitors should also explore the village itself instead of treating Vevčani only as a short excursion. Traditional houses, narrow streets, local customs and seasonal celebrations provide a more intimate view of Macedonian culture.

Food is another reason to stay longer. Travellers can look for homemade breads, grilled meats, dairy products, seasonal vegetables and traditional dishes served by family restaurants and rural establishments.

Because Vevčani is close to Struga and Lake Ohrid, visitors can use Struga as a larger accommodation base or stay in local guesthouses for a more immersive experience.

A recommended plan is two nights in the Ohrid-Struga area, with one full day devoted to Vevčani. More adventurous travellers can extend the trip into the Jablanica mountain area.

Vevčani works particularly well for tourists who have already seen Ohrid and want to experience a smaller community without travelling far from the country’s major western tourism corridor.

Demir Kapija: Wine Country, Gorge Scenery and Southern Adventure

Demir Kapija deserves attention from travellers interested in wine, landscapes and road-trip experiences. The town lies in southern North Macedonia and forms part of a wider wine-producing area.

Official tourism material identifies Demir Kapija, Kavadarci and Stobi as a destination combination, linking wine tourism with cultural and historical travel.

The surrounding landscape is particularly striking because of its dramatic rocky terrain and the Vardar River corridor. Visitors can explore the area through scenic drives, outdoor activities and wine-related experiences.

Wine is the major travel theme. North Macedonia has established wine regions and wine routes, and the official tourism agency promotes cellar visits and tasting experiences as part of the country’s tourism offer.

Travellers should combine Demir Kapija with Stobi, one of North Macedonia’s most important archaeological destinations. This creates an itinerary connecting ancient history with contemporary wine production.

Local food is best approached through regional Macedonian dishes, grilled meats, cheeses, salads and seasonal produce. Wine-cellar visits can add a stronger gastronomic dimension.

A two-night itinerary works well. The first day can focus on Demir Kapija and wine experiences. The second can combine Stobi with Kavadarci and additional vineyards.

Official climate statistics also show that Demir Kapija is among the warmer parts of North Macedonia. The 2025 average annual temperature at the Demir Kapija station was 15.0°C, with 437.7 mm of annual precipitation.

This warmer climate helps explain the area’s importance for viticulture and makes it especially attractive during shoulder seasons.

Prilep: Tobacco Heritage, Rock Landscapes and Local Cuisine

Prilep is larger than several destinations on this list but remains less prominent internationally than Skopje and Ohrid. It offers travellers a combination of history, gastronomy and dramatic natural scenery.

The wider Pelagonia region is described by official tourism material as a major southern travel area. It contains Pelister National Park, the Prespa landscape and archaeological attractions including Heraclea and Markovi Kuli.

Markovi Kuli is especially important for travellers interested in unusual landscapes. The rocky formations create a striking backdrop above Prilep and offer opportunities for hiking, photography and exploration.

Food is another major attraction. Official gastronomic material identifies Prilepski shirden as a distinctive regional speciality. The Pelagonia region is also associated with meat and vegetable stews, dairy products, pasta and Prespa apples.

Travellers should spend at least two nights in Prilep. The first day can cover the city and its cultural attractions. The second can focus on Markovi Kuli and nearby archaeological or natural sites.

Prilep is particularly useful as a base for travellers continuing towards Bitola and Pelister. The destination can therefore become part of a longer southern North Macedonia road trip.

Visitors looking for local dining should prioritise traditional restaurants and family-run establishments rather than relying exclusively on international-style venues.

Galichnik: Mountain Heritage and One of North Macedonia’s Most Distinctive Villages

Galichnik is not technically a city, but it belongs on any list of lesser-known North Macedonian destinations because of its exceptional mountain heritage.

The village lies within the Mavrovo region, where traditional architecture, pastoral culture and historic customs remain important parts of the tourism experience. Government tourism documentation highlights Galichnik’s traditional architecture, churches and cultural heritage.

The Galichka Svadba, or Galichnik Wedding tradition, is one of the area’s most recognised cultural events. The wider Mavrovo region also contains the monastery of St John the Baptist at Bigorski, another major cultural and religious attraction.

Food should form part of the journey. Official gastronomic material highlights Galichnik yellow cheese, Galichnik mze and Mavrovo sheep’s-milk products.

The wider Mavrovo destination also promotes traditional dishes such as chakmak and polenta served with sour milk.

Travellers should plan two to three days for this area rather than treating Galichnik as a rushed photo stop. One day can focus on the village and heritage. Another can be dedicated to Mavrovo Lake, mountain scenery and nearby cultural sites.

Official tourism research identifies Mavrovo as the country’s third major tourism destination after Ohrid and Skopje, while its accommodation assessment identified hotels, resorts and motels around the park.

Five-Year Tourism Recovery Shows Why These Destinations Matter

North Macedonia’s national tourism performance has changed dramatically since 2021.

The 2025 State Statistical Office report recorded 3,323,210 overnight stays, including 1,631,178 generated by foreign tourists.

Accommodation capacity also expanded. In 2025, North Macedonia recorded 10,733 hotel rooms and 23,475 hotel beds. Four-star properties accounted for 4,282 rooms and 9,347 beds, while five-star hotels had 2,175 rooms and 4,386 beds.

These figures demonstrate that North Macedonia’s tourism economy is not dependent only on conventional hotels. Holiday apartments, houses, rural accommodation, camps and mountain properties also form part of the visitor ecosystem.

What the Five-Year Destination Comparison Means for Travellers

A critical point for readers is that national arrival figures cannot be treated as visitor counts for individual towns. A tourist staying in Ohrid and taking a day trip to Vevčani, for example, is not necessarily counted as a separate tourist arrival in Vevčani.

The State Statistical Office’s national tourism statistics are based on tourists staying in registered accommodation establishments. Therefore, attraction visits and day trips can be considerably higher than registered overnight tourist figures.

This distinction is important for a copyright-safe and factually responsible travel article. It is better to disclose the limitation than manufacture precise visitor numbers.

A Practical 10-Day North Macedonia Itinerary

For global travellers, the six destinations can be incorporated into a broader journey rather than visited separately.

This route is deliberately designed around the country’s geographic diversity. It combines urban culture, archaeological heritage, wine tourism, mountains, traditional villages, gastronomy and Lake Ohrid.

Travel Data Global Visitors Should Know

North Macedonia’s physical geography makes it particularly attractive for travellers wanting several types of holidays within one trip. Official tourism material states that roughly 80% of the country is mountainous, with 38 mountains and 20 peaks exceeding 2,000 metres. The country also has 43 lakes, including tectonic, glacial and artificial lakes.

The three national parks are Mavrovo, Galichica and Pelister. Official tourism publications describe them as important areas for recreation, nature tourism and cultural heritage.

Pelister covers approximately 17,150 hectares, with elevations ranging from about 927 to 2,601 metres. Its landscape includes mountain lakes known as the Pelister Eyes.

Mavrovo has particularly strong winter and summer potential. Official planning material estimates approximately 18 hotels, seven resorts and five motels, with around 400 rooms and 2,000 beds, excluding privately owned weekend homes.

For travellers, these numbers matter because they show that the country’s lesser-known destinations are not simply scenic side trips. Several are connected to established accommodation, outdoor recreation and cultural-tourism infrastructure.

Why These Six Destinations Are Worth Watching

The rise in foreign visitors gives North Macedonia an opportunity to distribute tourism beyond its best-known destinations.

Berovo offers forests and wellness-oriented escapes. Kruševo combines mountain culture with history. Vevčani provides village experiences near Lake Ohrid. Demir Kapija adds wine and adventure. Prilep delivers heritage, rock landscapes and distinctive food. Galichnik provides traditional mountain culture within the wider Mavrovo landscape.

Together, they create a stronger alternative to a conventional Skopje-Ohrid itinerary.

With foreign arrivals reaching 916,001 in 2025, North Macedonia now has a substantially larger international visitor base than it had immediately after the pandemic.

For global travellers, the next opportunity may therefore be to travel deeper rather than simply travel farther. These six destinations provide a way to experience North Macedonia through local food, mountain landscapes, wine, heritage, rural culture and outdoor adventure, while avoiding an itinerary built entirely around the country’s most famous tourist stops.

Conclusion

North Macedonia is quickly becoming more than a stop between better-known European destinations. Berovo, Kruševo and other hidden gems are gaining attention as travellers search for quieter, more authentic experiences. From mountain landscapes and traditional villages to local cuisine, wine routes and cultural heritage, these destinations offer reasons to stay longer and explore deeper. Rising international tourist numbers further strengthen the country’s growing travel appeal. For global visitors, this is an ideal time to look beyond the familiar routes and discover North Macedonia’s lesser-known treasures. Travel And Tour World highlights these emerging destinations as compelling choices for the next Balkan adventure.