Full Description
A once-fractured country, as its complex history proves too well, Macedonia now offers a rich mixture of sightseeing options. Nature lovers and history buffs will be delighted by pristine landscapes and an impressive archaeological heritage. Visit the crumbling Treskavec Monastery, bathe in the hot springs at Katlanovska Banja and wander through the backstreets of Kratovo, a village set entirely within an ancient volcanic crater. The most comprehensive guidebook to Macedonia is now in its fifth edition. Written by Thammy Evans, a political analyst who lived in Macedonia for five years, Bradt's Macedonia makes the ideal travelling companion, whether you're trekking through pristine Pelister National Park, viewing stunning mosques and monasteries or just relaxing with a cocktail on the shores of Lake Ohrid.
Contents
ContentsIntroduction ixPART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION 1Chapter1 Background Information 3Geography 3, Ancient roads in Macedonia 5, Climate 7,Flora and fauna 7, Environmental efforts 12, History 14,Government and politics 37, Economy 39, People 40,Language 50, Religion 51, Education 55, Culture 56Chapter 2 Practical Information 63When to visit 63, Highlights 63, Suggested itineraries 65,Tour operators 66, Red tape 69, Embassies 70, Gettingthere and away 72, Maps and tourist information 78,Health 79, Security and safety 88, Women travellers 90,Gay travellers 91, Travellers with disabilities 91, Travellingwith children 91, What to take 92, Money 94, Budgeting94, Getting around 95, Accommodation 98, Eating anddrinking 101, Public holidays and festivals 104, Shopping106, Arts and entertainment 106, Outdoor pursuits 107,Photography 111, Media and communications 112,Business 115, Buying property 116, Cultural etiquette 117,Interacting with local people 117, Travelling positively 119PART TWO THE GUIDE 121Chapter 3 Skopje 123History 123, Getting there and away 130, Getting around130, Tourist information 134, Where to stay 134, Whereto eat and drink 137, Entertainment and nightlife 140,Shopping 143, Other practicalities 144, What to see 144,Activities 152Chapter 4 Outside Skopje 155Where to eat and drink 155, Horseriding 158, MountVodno 158, Lake Matka and caves 159, Katlanovska Banja163, The old stone aqueduct 165, Pantelejmon Monastery166, Suto Orizari Roma settlement and market 166,Archaeological sites around Skopje 169Chapter 5 Lake Ohrid and Galicica National Park 173Ohrid 173, Outside Ohrid 192, Struga 194, GalicicaNational Park 198, Day trips in the area 199Chapter 6 Pelagonia, Prespa and Pelister 207History of the region 207, Bitola 211, Pelister NationalPark and ecotourism 220, Lake Prespa 225, Prilep 228,Outside Prilep 233, Krusevo 236, Demir Hisar 239Chapter 7 Polog and Mavrovo 241Tetovo 241, Popova Sapka ski resort and mountain range251, Gostivar 253, Mavrovo National Park 256, Debar 258,Outside Debar 263, Kicevo 266Chapter 8 The Northeast and Middle Vardar 269Veles 269, Stip 275, Kocani 279, Delcevo 281, Berovo 282,Kumanovo 283, Outside Kumanovo 286, Kriva Palanka288, Kratovo 291, Outside Kratovo 294, Sveti Nikole 296Chapter 9 The Southern Wine Region 297Strumica 297, Outside Strumica 307, Valandovo 312,Wines from the Tikves plains 312, Kavadarci 313,Negotino 314, Stobi 314, Demir Kapija - the Iron Gate316, Gevgelija 317, Kozuf ski resort and mountain range319, Lake Dojran 320Chapter 10 A Dozen Hikes 325Hiking clubs 326, Mountain hut system 326, 1 VodnoCross to Matka Dam 328, 2 Marko's Tower to TreskavecMonastery 330, 3 Demir Kapija to Iberlija and Koresnica332, 4 Oktisi to Vajtos and Vevcani 334, 5 Two Lakes view336, 6 Rostuse and Duf Waterfall 338, 7 Jance to Galicnik(Wedding Festival) 338, 8 Biljana Waterfalls and DolnaAlilica Cave 340, 9 Titov Vrv 342, 10 Kriva Sija Waterfall342, 11 Mount Kitka 344, 12 Brajcino to Pelister Lakesand Nizepole 345Appendix 1 Language 347Appendix 2 Glossary of Terms and Names 361Appendix 3 Guide to Wines of Macedonia 363Appendix 4 Further Information 365Index 375
