Where to Stay in Ohrid, North Macedonia
Are you wondering where to stay in Ohrid, North Macedonia?
Ohrid is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Balkans. This town is known for being one of the most historic places in Europe, with mentions of it dating back over 2,350 years. Situated on the shores of Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe, it’s a very popular vacation destination.
However, it’s mainly only popular with local tourists. Ohrid definitely flies under the radar for most international travelers. Most people don’t even know that North Macedonia exists. I think that makes it a wonderfully underrated destination to visit in the Balkans, compared to more popular places like Croatia.
It’s also a very affordable destination. North Macedonia uses the Macedonian denar, and you can get great value for your money on everything from accommodation to food to activities in this town.
How do you get to Ohrid? Ohrid is located in North Macedonia, a small country in the Balkans. It’s located 2.5 to 3 hours from Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, by car or bus. You can also get to Ohrid from Tirana, Albania, which is what I did when I visited. This is also a 2.5- to 3-hour journey by car or bus.
How long should you stay in Ohrid? Two days is a great amount of time to spend in Ohrid. It’s a small town, but there’s plenty to do, from exploring historic sites and ruins to getting out on the lake.
If you’re really short on time, it’s possible to take a day trip to Ohrid from Skopje or a day trip to Ohrid from Tirana, but I don’t recommend it because it’s a long travel day and you won’t have as much time to enjoy the lake. Not to mention, it’s pricier to book a day tour to Ohrid from Skopje or Tirana.
Now let’s get into where to stay in Lake Ohrid…
Best Places to Stay in Ohrid
Where is the best place to stay in Ohrid? As I mentioned, Ohrid itself is a small town, but one that’s very popular with tourists, especially tourists from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. I recommend staying in the town itself or in one of the resorts along the lake (especially if you have your own car to get around.)
Rental cars are affordable in North Macedonia, and so are taxis. So even if you choose to stay outside of town, you shouldn’t have trouble getting around, and you won’t have to spend much money on it.
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Ohrid, North Macedonia:
- Best luxury resort: Vila Bisera
- Best budget hotel: Villa Mesokastro
- Best location: City Palace Hotel
And here’s a full breakdown of the best hotels in Ohrid.
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Vila Bisera
Vila Bisera is one of the top-rated hotels on Lake Ohrid. Located in the village of Lagadin, it’s about a 10-minute drive to the main town. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a tranquil lakeside getaway. All rooms have private balconies with lake views, and some rooms have private outdoor hot tubs.
The hotel has two swimming pools for guests to use, with amazing lakefront views. A complimentary breakfast is included every morning during your stay. Free parking is also available at this hotel, so it’s the ideal Lake Ohrid accommodation if you have your own car and want to be in a peaceful lakefront hotel.
Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan
Hotel & Spa Tino Sveti Stefan is another one of the best luxury hotels on Lake Ohrid. This resort is located just a 5-minute drive from the center of Ohrid and located right on the scenic shores of the lake.
Amenities at this hotel include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a hammam, and a fitness center. Complimentary breakfast is served every morning, and parking is also free of charge.
City Palace Hotel
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the center of Ohrid, City Palace Hotel is a great choice. This hotel is within easy walking distance of many of the historic churches, quaint cobblestone streets, and other tourist attractions in Ohrid. There are also tons of options for dining and nightlife.
The hotel is located along the bustling lakefront promenade of Ohrid, making it the perfect place to base yourself. Breakfast is included, and some rooms offer private balconies with lake views and hot tubs.
Hotel Aleksandrija
Another one of the best hotels to consider is Hotel Aleksandrija. Located within easy walking distance of the center of Ohrid, this hotel is close to all the main attractions in Ohrid and offers great lake views.
You can easily walk to the famous Church of Saint John the Theologian, the Ancient Macedonian Theatre of Ohrid, and much more. A complimentary breakfast is included in your stay at Hotel Aleksandrija.
Villa Mesokastro
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in Ohrid, Villa Mesokastro is a great option. This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of Ohrid in the old town with great views of the lake.
Most rooms offer a private balcony with lakefront views. There is free parking available if you have your own car with you. Many great beaches are within a short drive or a 10-minute walk from this hotel.
Tino Hotel & Spa
Tino Hotel & Spa is a great hotel that is right on the lakefront. Guests staying at this hotel are just a 5-minute walk from the center of town, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Many of the rooms at this hotel feature private balconies and have direct views of the lake and promenade.
Guests staying at this hotel will enjoy the use of the spa center, which has a sauna, hammam, and hot tub. Free parking is also available, and a complimentary breakfast is included with your stay.
Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa
Finally, one of the best places to stay is Inex Olgica Hotel & Spa. This luxury hotel is located just a 10-minute drive from the center of town and offers a great location right on the shores of the lake.
This hotel offers an indoor swimming pool with views of the lake, as well as a sauna. Some rooms have private balconies and lakefront views. Free parking and free breakfast are both included with your stay.
Where to Stay in Ohrid
This guide showed you where to stay in Ohrid, North Macedonia.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Best luxury resort: Vila Bisera
- Best budget hotel: Villa Mesokastro
- Best location: City Palace Hotel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Ohrid!
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