Explore in the depths of the hidden beauty
 The flat areas around Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa offer a wide network of paths and roads that are readily available for use as walking and cycling trails by all levels of ability and age groups. The local mountains rise to over 2000 meters. Climb to the summit and enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes and numerous quaint villages. Take a deep breath of fresh air and smell wild flowers with the wind whispering in your ears. See a variety of unusual birds, and let their haunting song transport your senses into an aura of tranquillity. The Heritage Trails will take you to many villages where you can experience rural life in Macedonia. Local guides and maps are available from our travel agent. Among the most enjoyable trails are those going through Galicica National Park between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa, in the mountains west of Struga around Vevcani, and in the traditional village of Brajcino above Lake Prespa. Whatever your level of fitness, whatever terrain you enjoy walking or bicycling on, you will have the opportunity to observe a rural way of life that has been relatively unchanged for more than a hundred years. You can always take a boat trip and visit some of the localities around the lakes or drift on the lake and take in the stunning scenery.
Choose a trail and embark on a personal discovery of the natural and cultural heritage of the Macedonian Lakeland. Discover the source of Slav literacy and culture and the richness of Byzantine art among the world's most highly prized religious frescos and icons. Dive into the clear waters of the lakes. Enjoy the unique taste of the Ohrid trout or Lake Prespa carp. Walk amid the peaceful and ancient hills. Savour the breathtaking scenery. Breathe in the fresh air. And, drink from the cool mountain springs.
Observing Lake Ohrid, illuminated by the sun at any time of the year, one gets the impression that it has just been born, no matter that it came into being million of years ago. In its blue waters there is a plant and animal kingdom known today only through fossils.
The nature of Lake Ohrid’s formation is also of interest. It came about as a result of the vertical sinking of the land. Only a relatively small number of lakes have been formed in this fashion. Lake Baikal in Siberia in Russia, the deepest lake, which is several hundred times larger than Lake Ohrid, came about in this way. The waters of the two lakes are inhabited by similar flora and fauna.
The National park "Galicica" is located between the two ancient Lakes of Ohrid and Prespa. In 1958 it was designated as a National park because of its very high biodiversity, extremely rich flora and fauna and exceptional natural beauty. Take a walk through the grounds of the Park, and at every step you can find rare herbs rich with ethereal oils, colourful carpets of mountain flowers, wild fruits, or you can simply enjoy the serenity and the breathtaking views.
Galichica National Park
If, like so many others before you, you find yourself on the road traveling to Ohrid, attracted by the beauty of this cosmopolitan city of civilization, complete your journey by visiting Galichica, the lovely mountain that keeps secrets for at least the next million years, as it was said by certain explorers. Galichica is the reality which you must have seen, as an example of beauty, at least once in your dreams.Galichica, like so many other places and buildings in Ohrid, cannot be retold, but the feeling you have when you experience its beauty is unrepeatable. In Macedonia – the biblical country, there are several places which explain its uniqueness, and one of those, beauty of the nature, or as the citizens of Ohrid use to say – a gift from God, is Galichica.
Rural map
Pestani - Once a fishermen's village, located at the foot of Mt. Galicica, in a small bay, 12 km from Ohrid on route to St. Naum, Pestani has developed into a modern tourist centre, with good restaurants, cafes, shops and a good hotel. It accommodates families, individuals and groups. Positioned directly beside the lakeshore it is a wonderful place for holiday makers who wish to stay near the lake and enjoy water sports. In Pestani you can taste the traditional cuisine of the region, delicious ohrid fish, and to meet old citizens of Ohrid, some of who still treasure the traditional way of life in this area.
Velestovo - The village is located high on the hillside of Galicica mountain. Wandering along the grass and stone paths of this almost deserted village one can find all kinds of treasures. Spend some time in the little 15th century church with stunning frescoes and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view over the lake and the old city of Ohrid.
In the urbanized part of Ohrid and in certain private hotels at any moment you can get information about the special tours to the rural villages in the Ohrid area leading to the mountain Galicica, among which this village is enlisted. What you simply mustn’t miss here is the eco-food with exceptional taste, as well as walking on the slopes of Galicica, whose beauties are protected by UNESCO.
Fish ohrid trout and belvica and lamb are among the favourite main dishes. Countryside speciality "djomleze" and "tavce gravce" are truly pleasure of quiet village kind of tourist offer.The beauty of the Lake, altitude, fresh air and insolation of approximately of 2300h per year, guaranty hilling not only the body, but as well as the soul. Favorable sunlight, climate, and soil provide a beautiful harvest. Local orchards and farms provide a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables all round year. Ohrid's wines, whether dark and smooth or crisp and fruity, are among the best in the world. Almost every family makes there own wine (and "rakija") each autumn.
Bees make delicious honey from a multitude of wild flowers, and sheep grazing in high pastures from the National Park "Galicica" (the top point "Magaro 2288m") make delicious homemade cheeses.
Maps from the city and the surroundings.
Photos from the nature in Ohrid
Visit the photo - gallery and view the beautiful nature in Ohrid.
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