![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Matka-Canyon-4985195.jpg?r=1695989177368\")
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Whether it\u2019s feeling like a sweaty sardine in Europe\u2019s prettiest village or chaotic scenes at Buckingham Palace, some of the continent\u2019s top destinations have started to feel a little too crowded.<\/p>\n
This summer, I went to one of Europe\u2019s least visited countries. North Macedonia receives around 1.1 million tourists a year, far fewer than many of the continent\u2019s top destinations.<\/p>\n
However, it\u2019s an incredibly beautiful country and it\u2019s also extremely good value. So why does it receive so few visitors?<\/p>\n
As a landlocked country, North Macedonia doesn\u2019t have a coastline to attract sun starved British tourists. But it doesn\u2019t need one when it\u2019s home to gorgeous Lake Ohrid and its beaches.<\/p>\n
Perfect for swimming and boat trips, Ohrid Old Town is a charming spot packed with picturesque churches. I enjoyed a huge lakeside meal with wine for just \u00a314.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> UK\u2019s most walkable seaside destination is \u2018lovely\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n A scoop of gelato in the pretty Old Town cost me just 90p while a cappuccino in a posh lakeside cafe came in at \u00a31.55.<\/p>\n If you want to learn more about Lake Ohrid, check out\u00a0Express.co.uk\u2019s travel guide. Luckily for Britons, TUI has just launched package deals to Ohrid. A seven day trip in July at a luxury hotel with a pool costs just \u00a3676 per person. If you\u2019d prefer to go self-catering, I spent just \u00a320 a night at an Airbnb with incredible balcony views.<\/p>\n I also visited North Macedonia\u2019s capital city, Skopje. The country\u2019s largest city, Skopje is a bit of an odd place.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n It was hit by a disastrous earthquake in the 1960s and around 80 percent of the city was destroyed. The city\u2019s subsequent rebuilding project was a little controversial.<\/p>\n The first thing you\u2019ll notice in Skopje is the number of giant statues. In 2014, the city embarked on a redevelopment project and constructed more than 100 statues. From warriors to pirate ships and lions, there\u2019s barely a street without a monument. While the huge statues might not be to everyone\u2019s taste, they\u2019re certainly something to see.<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t recommend spending more than a couple of days in Skopje but it\u2019s definitely worth visiting the capital if only to explore the nearby Matka Canyon.<\/p>\n The breathtaking canyon is one of North Macedonia\u2019s top destinations for alpine hiking and it\u2019s also a beautiful place to take a boat trip or go on a kayak. There\u2019s no entrance fee and it takes under an hour from the city centre. I went on a 30 minute boat trip around the canyon for under \u00a35.<\/p>\n Wizz Air flies direct to Skopje with prices available for under \u00a370 return on Skyscanner. It can be difficult to get a direct flight to Ohrid but the lake is under three hours drive from the capital. Ohrid is also easily accessible from Albania.<\/p>\n Looking for another underrated destination? Check out this European country which even has a ski resort.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/25\/590x\/secondary\/TRAVEL-Ohrid-4985198.jpg?r=1695989177418\")
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