nearing the end
One Last Hurrah in Southern Macedonia
With my month in Macedonia nearing an end, I wanted to visit the southern part of Macedonia. With Skopje’s urban reinvention and the resort like city of Ohrid, Bitola offers a look at the more raw and ordinary side of Macedonian life.
If glimpsing a different side of the country interests you, then you shouldn’t miss the south.
Historic Town
Sleepy City of Bitola
Cafe culture is king in the Balkans and this small town is no exception. To be 100% honest, I often wonder how the heck they stay in business because it seems like there are more cafes and restaurants then there are people. But nonetheless, any given time of day there are people in groups chatting, sharing stories, networking, sipping on a divine cup of Turkish coffee.
Roaming around this enchanting small town soaking up the atmosphere, exploring the souvenir shops in the Old Bazaar and investigating the foods and treats of the Green Market. The Balkans truly are a delight and this little unknown city is tucked away in the South of Macedonia on the Greek border.
Unlike the capital, Bitola isn’t particularly flashy or showy and is very tranquil.
Ancient Ruins
Heraclea Lynceststis
Heraclea Lynceststis was an ancient Greek city in Macedon, ruled later by the Romans. These ruins date back to the 4th century BC.
Today it is part of Bitola in Macedonia. It has some of the best preserved mosaics and it attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. But having said that, Macedonia still is widely unchartered by the massive tourism industry so unlike many ancient ruins you come across throughout Europe, you can often have these all to yourself.
Historic Town
Shirok Sokak, Clock Tower and a Bazaar
The majority of ‘life’ happens on Shirok Sokak Street, this is where locals gather, eat drink and be merry. It is a long long long pedestrian street that runs straight through the city…this is basically the artery of life here. Some world class people watching can happen here, it is where everyone goes to take a seat, sip coffee, eat Burek laugh and relax.
Magnolia Square and the Clock Tower
At one end of the Shirok Sokak street is Magnolia Square…home to the Clock Tower. It’s a very modest square in comparison to the capital’s main center square which is Las Vegas style epic in proportion. But as non descript as it is, it is a gathering ground for older gentlemen to discuss the happenings of the day.
Dragor River to the Old Bazaar
This Bazaar is like a maze and surprisingly huge, especially given the small city of Bitola. But this is a historic bazaar and is centuries old. The Old Bazaar in Skopje is bigger of course, but it has a frenzied feeling to it…this one is calm and not touristy at all which I loooved about it.
The bazaar is also home to a medieval Bezisten, or covered market, that was home to the city’s artisans and craftsmen. It’s one of the best places to visit in Bitola if you wish to get interesting souvenirs to take home. At the edge of the bazaar is the Green Market, typically bursting with produce stalls but I was there late in the day and at the end of November so unfortunately I didn’t get to experience the Green Market.
Another heck of a day with the dream team and my favourite tour guides in Macedonia. Macedonian people are epic! Epic with expression, epic with kindness, epic with generosity.
Tour Company: Plus Travel Skopje for the win!
Insta: @plustravelmk
Facebook: @Plus.Travel.Skopje
Please note that I have not received these products for free or at a discounted price in exchange for my opinion. There may be links that are affiliate links but at the time of posting this review, I have not received any monetary kickbacks.