Where Did Macedonians Travel in 2025: Ohrid and Mountain Destinations Remain on Top

Summer 2025 once again showed that Macedonians enjoy traveling the most at home. This year, according to data and analysis from kajak.mk, domestic tourism has continued to grow, with the majority of Macedonians spending their summer holidays in Ohrid and its surrounding areas, as well as in several mountain and rural destinations across the country.

No matter how many new destinations emerge, Ohrid remains a timeless classic. In summer 2025, the city was once again the most visited tourist destination in Macedonia. The waterfront was bustling with visitors, the old town streets came alive with music, and the beaches were filled with families, young couples, and groups of friends. Those seeking a quieter retreat chose the areas around Lake Ohrid – Peštani, Trpejca, Ljubanista, and Struga – where small holiday homes and apartments were fully booked from the beginning of July. Here, tourists found the perfect balance of lakeside freshness, local cuisine, and the traditional spirit of Ohrid hospitality.

This summer also saw a noticeable increase in interest in mountain and rural destinations. More and more Macedonians chose to swap the crowds and heat of the cities for fresh air, clean forests, and natural tranquility. The most visited destinations were Mavrovo, with its lake, adventure activities, and nature accommodations; Berovo, ideal for families and those seeking a peaceful, healthy retreat; Ponikva and Krusevo, which were full of weekend travelers and active tourism enthusiasts; and Prespa, for those who wanted a lake experience with more space and quiet.

This trend shows that domestic tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences, a connection with nature, and the opportunity to escape everyday life – something that Macedonia undoubtedly offers. According to the latest data, domestic tourists accounted for over 40% of all visitors in the country, and nearly 70% of all overnight stays in July were made by Macedonians. This clearly shows that citizens are increasingly valuing their own country and prefer to explore it through short getaways and weekend trips.

Summer 2025 can be summed up in a simple sentence: Macedonians once again chose Macedonia. From lakeside beaches to mountain trails, it was another summer when local tourism shone – filled with warm stories, fully booked holiday homes, and authentic experiences offered in every corner of the country.