Countries
North Macedonia
No. Stages
7 stages
Length & Elevation
548 km, 8.830 m
Paved
88%
Unpaved:
12%
Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia
One of Europe’s most complete adventure destinations, North Macedonia combines world-class national parks, UNESCO sites, mountains, lakes, and undoubtedly some of the best food in the region. Cyclists who are lucky enough to pedal here will enjoy the full power of the Balkans, where ancient cultures intersect in perched, remote, centuries-old, welcoming villages nestled under peaks.
Underrated as a cycling destination, every kilometer in North Macedonia is like a dream. Cyclists enter near the tri-border spot with Albania and Greece. Then they weave between world famous lakes. After, they roll along the foothills of mountain range after mountain range — drinking and eating as well as anywhere along the entire route. The Trans Dinarica makes stops in Lake Ohrid, Galičica National Park, Bitola, Mavrovo National Park, and the Šar (Sharr) Mountains, but there is much more to see than just the famous destinations. The towns and villages like the remote Galičnik and Kruševo, with its Ilinden monument called Makedonium, will amaze travelers at every turn.
Highlights along the Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia:
- Cycling around Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Take incredible photographs in the foothills around Galičica National Park.
- Eat incredible food and enjoy the old town in Bitola.
- Roll through the incredible culture-filled villages of Galičnik and Kruševo.
- Ride in awe as you pedal beneath the peaks of the Šar (Sharr) Mountains.
Map of Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia
Video about Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia
Trans Dinarica North Macedonia Gallery
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Navigation PackMain Route of Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia
Stage 1: Ohrid - Sveti Naum
Stage 2: Sveti Naum - Bitola
Stage 3: Bitola - Kruševo
Stage 4: Kruševo - Kičevo
Stage 5: Kičevo - Galičnik
Stage 6: Galičnik - Tetovo
Stage 7: Tetovo - Brezovica (Kosovo)
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Support SustainabilityUseful information about logistics in North Macedonia
- Capital: Skopje
- Language: Official language is Macedonian, and second official language is Albanian, other spoken languages are Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Romani etc. English is widely spoken in the main cities and tourist areas.
- Currency: Macedonian Denar, MKD (1 EUR is approx. 61.5 MKD). Cash is commonly used, and credit cards are accepted in most urban places, for rural areas you may need to have enough cash.
- Driving side: Right
- Calling code: +381
- Emergency numbers: Unified emergency number 112, Police 192, Fire Department 193, Ambulance: 194, AMSM – Road Service: 196
- The biggest towns close to Trans Dinarica in North Macedonia: Skopje, Tetovo, Gostivar, Kichevo, Debar, Ohrid, Struga, Bitola, Prilep, Krushevo.
- Airports: Skopje International Airport, Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport, Prishtina International Airport (in Kosovo)
- Buses: Buses are generally reliable, and tickets can be bought online, at bus stations, or directly from the check taker.
- Railways: The railway service is not very frequent and mainly used for local travel. More information can be found here.
- Local tourism organizations: National Association of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies, Association of Tourist Guides of Macedonia, Macedonian Association of Tourist Guides and Companions, Macedonia Timeless
Transportation tips:
Planning to get around North Macedonia is relatively straightforward. International air connections to North Macedonia are primarily through Skopje International Airport, which offers flights to many European destinations. Low-cost carriers operate frequently, making air travel economical.
Buses and cars are common modes of local transport for travelers but also for regional connection to neighboring countries Albania, Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece.
There are limited international train services to North Macedonia, primarily from Serbia and Greece. Train travel can be slower compared to buses and cars but offers a scenic route.
While planning your travel in North Macedonia, it’s good to keep in mind that public transport schedules may vary, and it’s advisable to check in advance or be flexible with your plans.
Taxis are widely available in cities and towns, are not expensive and you can contact them via phone, most of the call center personnel speak English. If you catch a taxi on the street, it’s advisable to agree on the fare before starting the journey or ensure the meter is running. A list of Taxi Companies can be approached here.
In the Trans Dianrica North Macedonia navigation package, we included one connector route: Skopje – Tetovo.
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